Ecuador is the perfect destination for adventure lovers. With the Amazon rainforest, the Galápagos Islands, and the Andes Mountains, not to mention the architectural wonders of the city, you will have endless opportunities to explore the beauty of nature when you come to this South American city. And before you start that exciting journey, you should "memorize" the following 7 things to note for a safer experience.
1. "Mix" with the locals
Pickpocketing, snatching of bags and phones from tourists, is common in Ecuador. The targets are tourists with large backpacks, large cameras and flashy smartphones. The best way to avoid being mugged is to blend in with the locals to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Try not to use your smartphone too conspicuously in public, and keep valuables like jewelry, electronics and cash in the safest place possible.
Remember to keep an eye on your electronic devices and valuables.
Always keep your belongings close to you, and if you’re in a restaurant or on public transport, keep your bag or backpack close to your chest. Thieves may spill something or make a scene to distract you while they rummage through your belongings, so be wary of that. And remember, if you do encounter a mugger, it’s best to give them what they ask for rather than risk your safety. Being a victim of theft can certainly ruin an otherwise great trip, but knowing how to deal with it can make all the difference.
2. Avoid "Shady" areas
Ecuador is a small country, so traveling around the entire country is not too difficult. However, the area around the Colombia-Ecuador border is prohibited due to the dangers posed by organized crime. In major cities like Quito and Guayaquil, try to avoid areas that are notoriously dangerous (such as the hiking trail leading to El Panecillo in Quito). If you want to see the beautiful view of Quito from the top of the hill where the giant statue of the Virgin Mary is located, it is better to skip the walk and take a taxi instead.
3. Stay safe on the streets
When walking on the streets of Ecuador, choose well-lit, busy streets rather than dark, deserted alleys, and as in many places, not just Ecuador, walking alone after dark is completely unacceptable. While traveling alone is generally quite safe, traveling in a group in an unfamiliar area is always much safer. Taxis are the most reasonable way to get around after dark, but choosing a reputable, quality taxi company is equally important. Ask your hotel for information on reliable taxi companies, and only get in registered taxis if you have to hail a cab yourself. Registered taxis are marked by orange plates on the front and back of the vehicle, as well as a large registration number on the side. They are also equipped with security cameras and an emergency stop button in the passenger area.
Always choose a registered taxi
While public transport is a great way to save money and get to know the city you’re exploring, it’s not necessarily the safest or most reliable option due to the risk of pickpockets and unreliable timetables. Ride-sharing apps are also a great option, with apps like Cabify and Uber being extremely popular in major cities.
4. Food and drink
Ecuadorian food is tempting and irresistible, but you should also protect yourself by eating well-cooked food. When eating dishes like fresh ceviche or traditional dishes like cuy (guinea pig), make sure the food is thoroughly cooked, and avoid eating street food that has been left out for too long. Tap water in Ecuador is not really safe to drink, so opt for bottled water. And, when you go out at night, always keep an eye on your drinks to avoid the risk of foreign substances being added to them.
Never accept food, drinks or other substances from strangers as you could be in a dangerous situation if you are intoxicated, or worse yet you could be tricked into holding drugs and once in possession of drugs you could face jail time in Ecuador.
Always keep an eye on your drinks and never accept food, drinks or other substances from strangers.
5. Prepare for the unexpected
Geographically, Ecuador has a precarious position along the Pacific Ring of Fire (an area of intense seismic activity), meaning volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis are more likely to occur here. Ecuador’s weather can also be erratic and unpredictable, so whether you’re planning to visit the Amazon or hike Cotopaxi, it’s a good idea to be prepared for any extreme weather you might encounter.
If you plan to conquer one of the country’s many mountains or volcanoes, bring a map that you can access offline and let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. And if you’re hesitant to explore remote corners of Ecuador on your own, consider joining a group tour with an experienced guide.
Joining a group tour is a great and safe way to explore remote corners of Ecuador
6. Listen to your body
Ecuador’s terrain is incredibly diverse, and for many, the change in altitude is quite an adjustment. You’ll want to exhaust yourself during your vacation, exploring the lush rainforests and active volcanoes, but it’s also important to give your body time to rest. Whether you’re recovering from altitude sickness or adjusting to the food, you can’t rush your body. Days of rest, laziness, and nothing more than soaking in the sights and sounds of life can be just as memorable as the treks up the mountains and down the coast.
After many days of exploring, your body needs rest too.
7. Vaccines and travel insurance
Vaccinations such as hepatitis A/B and tetanus are recommended when traveling to Ecuador; and depending on where you plan to travel, you may also need to get yellow fever or malaria vaccinations. Additionally, travel insurance is essential, as it will cover you in case of flight delays, lost luggage, lost travel documents, or unexpected accidents, with compensation of up to 30,000 euros.
