We do not know. At night, my host sister and I walked together to restaurants. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. 7.8 magnitude earthquake - 16 April, 2016. Any downtown or inner city in any major US city will be significantly more dangerous than anywhere in Ecuador. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Moderate risk country. State of emergency over fuel subsidies - October 2019. its a lot safer than any big city in America, and if your black you dont have to worry about getting shot by the police.its not like LA or NYC MIA or Houston is a safe havenyou are 100 % safer in Guayaquil than LA or Miami, Houston or Chicago, if your black should be corrected to if youre black. If you plan your trips ahead and take all heed of warnings you will most likely not run into a single problem. The U.S. State Department has released a list of. Transnational criminal organizations and gangs operate in Carchi, Sucumbos, and the northern part of Esmeraldas provinces, as well as in Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqu Avenue. And they get killed for much more trivial reasons (look up Dylann Roof, the Charleston shooter, for example. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Ecuador has a high level of COVID-19. They took everything except her tablet so at least she can stay connected to the rest of the world. Climbing, trekking, wildlife watching or just sitting in the sun on a beach everything can be found here. I can't describe the numerous and dire warnings I received about the coastal city of Guayaquil. Get answers to your questions about Guayaquil. The kidnappers got scared. I want to believe ANONYMOUS as I traveled extensively in South and Central America and always found kind, friendly and most helpful people. A destination you must visit. I love Ecuador, its joyful and safe in some places. The U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Guayaquil south of Portete de Tarqu Avenue. Hi Dorin When did you go and did you stay in Hostils, Stay away. Racism against blacks and indigenous people exist, its sad but true, someday when we all realized how important human beings are to our Heavenly Father, we will love one another. Ecuador is somewhat safe to visit, though it has many dangers. The group [] Country Summary: Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador. Despite being a small town, Banos is one of the most famous tourist destination in Ecuador due to having several hot springs abode. Other factors, such as lack of judicial resources and weak border security, also played a role. Is Ecuador a high risk Covid country? (AP Photo), Work From Home Or Anywhere: Top 25 Companies For Remote Jobs That Allow You To Travel. Even in developed cities like Berlin, graffiti is common. After spending about two weeks . Ecuador's high-altitude capital, Quito, is a popular starting-off point for travelers exploring the volcanoes, beaches, cities and Amazon jungle of Ecuador, or for those who are on their way to. These Positions Will Pay You To Travel The World. Since 2011, crime has fallen dramatically. The people are friendly, the landscapes are varied and stunning, and Ecuador's popular tourist places are in fact safe. FactMan, Alek and who ever is reading thishistorically the black family for generations has been harassed and jailed for frivolous reason, while white folks have been committing heinous crimes for centuries against blacks, whites and other nationalities with impunity. I did have a snafu at the airport but it was due to not reading the spanish signs and I walked into the wrong area. Search on the internet and you will find tales of tourists being express kidnapped from Mexico to the Philippines to Fiji. The key in Ecuador is to travel smart, keep up with local news, and explore in groups or with a tour guide when possible. Short story: its a very safe place for people who are smart, and for those who arent so street smart but have a little luck. It was our only night to go out to have dinner on our own, and we were told the Malachon- the Riverfront- was a safe area. Among the main attractions here are the Old Cathedral of Cuenca (built in 1567), the Church of San Sebastian, Calderon Park or the huge New Cathedral of Cuenca. Avoid walking alone at night, especially along dark streets and trails. One of the tourists died of their injuries while being transported to hospital following the incident on Friday, according to the Quintana Roo state public security secretary, Lucio Hernndez Gutirrez, who confirmed the nationality of the victims. Hi tuaa i love to visit Ecuador next month are there , reply to jr collard what you are telling us is not in anyway correct .the authorities especially at the airport anywhere in Ecuador are very friendly and helpful and upsolutely correct. Like most ecotourism destinations, Cotopaxi is part of a fragile ecosystem. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Ecuador. And then, for some reason, they changed their minds and told us to run. Though Ecuador kidnapping rate fluctuated substantially in recent years, it tended to increase through 2009 - 2018 period ending at 4.4 cases per 100,000 population in 2018. What this means is that you can enjoy the sights of Cuenca, like the Old and New Cathedrals or the Monastery of El Carmen de Asuncion without having to worry too much about staying safe. Despite a recent plateau, the Ecuadorian homicide rate fell from 15.4 per 100,000 in 2011 to 5.7 in 2018. The Interior Ministry reported only that it was likely a Colombian group that took the tourists. In the wake ofthe kidnapping, the State Departmentannounced that it was adding a new indicatorto show which countries have the highest risk of kidnapping. Little children wander the streets here in the late evening. There is a large divide between the rich and poor which does not help the crime rate in the Philippines. Inside they capture their target:. If you do find yourself confronted by someone with a weapon, its always better to part with your belongings rather than risk your health and safety. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. I was advised by my host family to walk the mile and a half to the bus stop every day for fresh air. Ecuador is roughly the size of Colorado and is bordered by Colombia and Peru. Violent crime, such as murder, assault, express kidnapping, and armed robbery, is common. One nice thing about Quito is their tourist police force who wear neon vests. Just like anywhere in the world, its common for car windows to be broken when items of value can be seen through them. I observed that while many Ecuadorians are carefree with their cell phones and devices, never assuming to be mugged or pick pocketed, it still happens. Peaceful protests can turn violent on a dime, so its best to avoid any large demonstrations. Which areas of Guayaquil are worth visiting? All Rights Reserved. I say I never was pickpocketed or mugged but there were 2 definite times I escaped it by having awareness of my surroundings. On the other hand, Ecuador is not a cheap country either, the prices for accommodation/food/transport are very comparable with European countries or US. Keep in mind that taxi robbery is a danger in Quito, Guayaquil, Manta, Machala, Playas, and other coastal towns. This was not the city itself though, but rather like a neighborhood. Briton Kathryn Cox and Australian Fiona Wilde rescued after being abducted in Cuyabeno nature reserve, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. 2. Period. Too many people carries a weapon. QUITO (AP) Ecuador reanud el transporte de petrleo de exportacin tras superar la emergencia en los dos mayores oleoductos del pas causada por una erosin de los suelos que provoc . And the people are great too ! Including the two who were kidnapped, the tourist group totaled seven people, according to the Interior Ministry. Transnational criminal groups and local gangs operating in Guayaquil have carried out a series of violent crimes in the city, to include several murders, targeted assassinations, armed robberies, bombings, and assaults. Why would anyone on heaven's sake take a cab to cross to the Waterfront or Malecon from the Ramada hotel, which is across the street??? The Galpagos Islands are one of the most known places in Ecuador. Apart from that volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are to be expected. Cuenca ranks number one as the safest city in South America. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. I have never felt unsafe but then Im never out after dark unless on organised local tours, vetted by the hotel where Im staying at the time. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File), A 2014 file photo of a memorial for 43 students. Its got better food. Others in the group were let go. When youre traveling via bus, keep your valuable belonging on your person. I advise you to have a local trusted advisor accompany you. Alex Zayas-Dorchak thats not true though. https://liveabroadnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Quitoview.jpg, https://liveabroadnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/LAN-Logo-v1-300x180.png, Is Ecuador Safe? The kidnapping also promptedthe U.S. State Department to take action in an attempt to help warn travelers of thethreat of goingto some countries. Level 3: High See all COVID-19 travel notices. Despite knowing . Read up on preventable incidents so you can be prepared before you go. We had a good time and we might even repeat the experience in a few years. This is common throughout Ecuador, Latin America and the rest of the world. Lying at the bottom of an active volcano called as Tungurahua, this places offers the most spectacular Ecuador sightseeing spots in the country with multiple waterfalls flowing down to the river. More white people are killed in raw numbers, but ALSO as a percentage when you divide by interactions with police, or rates of violent crimes. Like any country, there are common sense places to avoid in Ecuador. Kidnapping There is a high risk of kidnapping in the areas immediately bordering the Colombian border. Zero violent crime and very little petty crime as well. Ecuador was cited in the State Department's 2020 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. However, this country isn't the safest in terms of females traveling solo, especially at night and you should exercise precaution measures at all times and avoid dark and empty streets and locations. Tourist sites such as the Christ statue (Sagrado Corazon de Jesus) on Cerro del Carmen, the Malecon 2000, and Las Peas, though well-patrolled by police, are still targeted by criminals hoping to prey on unsuspecting tourists. However, U.S. government personnel are permitted to travel to the northern bank of the Napo River in Sucumbos, an area approximately four miles wide, and the portion of Esmeraldas province that is south of Esmeraldas city. Or step into a restaurant or store. Homes are neat, no American horder sloppiness. Routine Vaccinations for Ecuador. In July 2002, a British oil worker and his driver were kidnapped and later killed. Whatever travelbug is trying to do, I hope it works. White water rafting, mountain biking, zip lining, mountaintop swinging, relaxing in hot springs, kayaking, hiking - the list . Most of these crimes occur in tourist locations, so staying vigilant in these areas and in crowds will help keep you from falling victim to theft. Was here on a business trip and while it wasnt bad, it wasnt good either. This isnt to say you should walk around Ecuador without taking common sense precautions. Global AIDS Coordinator and Global Health Diplomacy, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Special Representative for Syria Engagement, U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Office of the U.S. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri), In this 2012 file photo, a vehicle carries, villagers to Bermo in central Niger after six aid group employees were kidnapped from the guesthouse where they were staying in Dakoro. My wife who is Ecuadorian just had her cell phone stolen at gunpoint last sunday. Been there 4 times and have never had a problem. Also be very careful about the taxies, now when we use taxies we are looking for middle aged drivers, not young guys. Not good at all. The bodies were found on Feb. 14 hanging from a pedestrian bridge over a major road in a neighborhood outside Guayaquil, a port city that is an epicenter of Ecuador's violence. If you like hiking, Ecuador it is a paradise , from Cuenca a city with long history and a beautiful colonial style architecture or modern in the new neighborhoods and very safe you can go to Cajas National Park at over 4000m altitude, having well marked pathways or you can go to Ingapirca , Inca ancient ruins. Let yourself be amazed by its culture expressed majestically in its churches, buildings and heritage cities. Kidnapping in Cuyabeno 6 YEARS AGO in 2012, two foreign tourists were kidnapped in Cuyabeno from their canoe. Transformative Travel: I look at how travel can change lives. Just watch your stuff at all times pack lightly and Keep important stuff at your hotel or in your inside pockets.. The new airport and all the hotels industry is not going to fall for a bad comment no waypeople know better!! Lindhout was working as freelance journalist in Mogadishu when she was kidnapped by a group of young Somali men. Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas. There is that tension as the OP said, but depending where you are, there can be safer and less safer places. The nationwide political protests across Ecuador that began on 13 June 2022 ceased on 30 June following an agreement between the government and protestors. Warnings & Dangers in Ecuador OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM Ecuador is somewhat safe to visit, though it has many dangers. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. This will help make sure you can safely enjoy the sights of Guayaquil, such as shops and restaurants along the Malecn 2000 or the gorgeous Parque Seminario and its iguanas. The full text of the updated Travel Advisory is as follows: Ecuador Level 3: Reconsider Travel C U. And we will mention top travel bloggers to give you their own opinions of each place. Clean even in the homes with dirt floors, which are rare. 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