Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas. Understand that the less you reveal and the less you carry, the lower your risk is of dealing with anything serious. If you're travelling to these areas, consult your doctor before you leave. The western and central ranges of the Andes bordering the Sierra constitute the country's highest and most continuous mountain chains. What Are Your Rights? Ecuador has some people fooled considering its small size. Guayaquil to Loja flights? Did you encounter any technical issues? Yeah dont talk badly about Ecuador or any Latino/Latina country as being unsafe. Ecuadorian children are leaving, by the dozens, for the United States. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File), A 2014 file photo of a memorial for 43 students. I want to believe ANONYMOUS as I traveled extensively in South and Central America and always found kind, friendly and most helpful people. [1] By 2014, this had decreased to 8.23 per 100,000, with 1,309 murders recorded that year, [2] but since 2019 the number of homicides, often related to organized crime and narcotraffic operations, has risen to 14 per . Leave your wallet and credit cards and passport in the safe in the hotel and just take cash out with you. With global instability, who wants to be a tourist? But then you go to a place like Ecuador, and its cheaper, and you might still not fit in but there is still (its changing sadly too) a homogeneity to the place. 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. Want to be an expat? The US is much more dangerous than Ecuador. If you have any other safety precautions, let us know about them in the comments below. A man has been arrested on. Bump and Grab youre bumped while being passed in close quarters like a bus or mercado and your pocket is picked. The 35 million U.S. tourists who visit Mexico dwarf the number of their compatriots (1.5 million) who go to nearby destinations such as Jamaica. Choose Ecuador as your holiday destination! As frustrating as it may be, The Ecuador Cost of Moving & Living Calculator. Kidnappings have . Be wary of unlicensed taxis since you might get kidnapped and robbed. Someone suggesting there is muggings in taxis here is so misinformed it is laughable. Public demonstrations can take place for a variety of political and economic issues. The U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Colombian border area, as U.S. government personnel cannot travel to the provinces of Esmeraldas, Carchi, and Sucumbos without permission from the Embassys security office. everyone will have their own story or experience to tell, but that has nothing to do with you. Read article Up to $20,000 each. I was taken to Cuenca and placed in a storage closet in the parking garage of the Rosenthal building. Much of what you may perceive as graffiti, is actually commissioned and paid for by property owners or local governments. READ MORE:Ranked: 10 Happiest And 10 Saddest Countries In The World, According to the State Department, the Bureau of Consular Affairs works closely with the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs and the entire U.S. interagency to serve and protect Americans overseas and to prevent and resolve cases of kidnapping and hostage-taking. However, in the most dangerous places,the State Department warnsof its ability to help Americans in distress: In many high-risk areas, we cannot help you. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. LMAO! If that wasn't enough, the assailants left them broke and alone in remote locations. Always check everything twice and negotiate everything in advance. Im planning to visit Ecuador for 5 weeks from the beginning of October 2022. Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. I have a huge desire to visit Ecuador but my fear of it being safe is my only hesitation. Recommended for travel to regions under 2,200 metres elevation, excludes Guayaquil, Quito and the Galapagos Islands. Visit the CDC page for the latestTravel Health Informationrelated to your travel. We were in Guayaquil Friday 9/19, for one night, on our way to the Galapagos Islands. appreciated. If youve been planning a trip to Ecuador, and youre reluctant because of inflammatory news coverage, we hope this article provides more context to put your mind at ease. And it contains an astounding number of . Ecuador is safe for gringo women. It is a magical country with beautiful people (mostly). In short order, the vacationers are roofied, and kidnapped, and kept by their captors in a makeshift and scorpion-ridden cellas the kidnappers inform Linda's son and Emily's brother, the shut-in. Contributor. 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. Ive been on mission trips yearly since the earthquake helping people recover. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Country Summary:Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador. Ryan, 33, a dentist from New York, revealed how the orgies began just minutes after the 30 guests boarded a luxury yacht taking them and 60 hookers to the private tropical island. As an Expat in Ecuador, I know its not very safe here. Maybe you should change that to if you are white you will not get mugged by some thugs in Chicago, LA, Houston. Trip report (Jan 26-28): enjoy Guayaquil, but do be careful! Most of these robberies take place at night and on interstate buses. Kathryn Cox, a 23-year-old Briton, and Fiona Wilde, a 32-year-old Australian, were abducted while travelling by canoe in a group of seven five foreigners and two Ecuadoreans and two local guides in the Cuyabeno nature reserve in Sucumbios province on Friday. Someone using objective numbers. We didn't think anyone was looking for us. You just named the places in the US with the highest Latin American/Latino/Latina population LOL. Transnational crime groups and local gangs operating in Guayaquil have carried out a series of violent crimes in the region south of Portete de Tarqu Avenue, to include several murders and targeted assassinations, armed robberies, and assaults. Typically, a tourist boards a taxi where the driver is the accomplice, and the criminals hop into the cab right after the victim, robbing, assaulting and keeping the victim hostage. Road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and airports and may disrupt travel both within and between cities. Nationwide, any danger to U.S. tourists and expats in Ecuador mostly consists of theft in the form of pickpocketing, purse snatching, and mugging. Heres the list of 35 countries where youre most likely to get kidnapped, according to the U.S. State Department. Since 2011, crime has fallen dramatically. Beware of Kidnappings! We were with a travel angency group, and a large group of 70 people. 2. Weve assembled a supportive community of current and future expats who are eager to share their experiences, answer your questions and offer encouragement. Carchi, Sucumbos, and northern Esmeraldas Provinces Level 4: Do Not Travel. I mean I think if someone can make it work in the US if they are American, and thats their home, thats the best, but I get how people are being pushed out and thats sad. Knowing that we can use public transportation to get to all of those great destinations is comforting. These officers can help you out in an emergency, such as a personal injury or to report a crime. Didnt mean to preach. Other common-sense tactics weve covered include avoiding nighttime travel and investing in safety products like cash belts, bags with zipper clips and personal safes. The risk of robbery, assault, and kidnapping still exists, just as it does in the United States and everywhere else in the world. Go to Italy instead. They took their money and credit cards and pin numbers, drove them across the bridge to a remote, poor part of the city and, fortunately dropped them off after an hour, without harming them. Many crimes go unsolved because the police dont have the time or resources to pursue every robbery or case of pickpocketing. The high Andes Mountains form the backbone of the country. Its reputation is that of one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with one hundred different types of hummingbirds and thousands of orchid varieties. Get answers to your questions about Guayaquil. The attack occurred either inside or near the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, which is located in the northeast province of Sucumbios near the border with Colombia. Despite repeated government efforts, crime persists in the form of robberies, car break-ins, and homicides due to limited resources, a large wealth gap, and dense population. For five days, the world watched and waited in horror. You wont regret it. Thats not true, it doesnt matter if youre black, Im from Ecuador you piece of. Routine Vaccinations for Ecuador. Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she . In 2007, the government shifted its approach to gangs by legalizing them and provided grants for these groups to serve their neighborhoods. More whites are shot by the police by the way, its just not reported on. Get the foundational information you need to make a smooth transition to your new life abroad. Sincerely, Boyd & Candy Wilson. 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 , NYC , MIA or Houston is a safe havenyou are 100 % safer in Guayaquil than LA, Miami, Houston or Chicago I hate it when you people visit other countries and write that crapyour from America the biggest Banana Republic there is run by a Putin wannabeyou can get rip off anywhere and the taxis are no worse than in the USA. stats. This isnt to say you should walk around Ecuador without taking common sense precautions. If youve watched any of our YouTube videos from Cuenca or some of the other cities in Ecuador, you may have noticed a lot of graffiti. Another note: Uber exists but cannot be counted on outside of Quit. Click on the different category headings to find out more. Um LOL is that really the comparison? The Environment Ministry identified those kidnapped as an Australian woman, 32, and a 23-year-old woman from England. The USA was a great country but now it is the worst in the world, stay away. In 2018, kidnapping rate for Ecuador was 4.4 cases per 100,000 population. If you are been held by any authority the first thing done is immediately report you to your countrys embassy or consul. That was not fun. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Ecuador has a high level of COVID-19. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. There isnt all the much here anymore. Traveling or moving abroad may be uncomfortable at times, but its probably safer than youve been led to believe. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, Carchi, Sucumbos, and the northern part of Esmeraldas provinces, including Esmeraldas city, due to, Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqu Avenue, due to, Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Construction workers heard my cries for help and rescued me 12 hours after being taken from my home. Since violent crime in the US is 68 times greater than in Ecuador, Americans at least, should feel safe traveling in Ecuador. Gracias! I lived in a residential valley outside of Quit called Sangolqu from August-December 2019, at 20 as a female. many agents have been fired or removed but the geniuses will believe anything because marxists are like that. Wear a crossbody bag such as a money wallet and take advantage of zipper pockets with clips. Gangs used to be a major problem in some parts of Ecuador, such as in Guayaquil and Quito, but government efforts over the past 10 to 15 years have made gang violence virtually non-existent. Wilde told reporters that she feared she and Cox would be killed by the kidnappers. This seems to be something that may happen often in this city and goes ignored by police! Briton Kathryn Cox and Australian Fiona Wilde rescued after being abducted in Cuyabeno nature reserve James Meikle Sun 30 Sep 2012 19.09 EDT Two women tourists rescued from kidnappers in. You can not even argue facts anymore and common sense is no where to be found. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Carchi, Sucumbos, and the northern part of Esmeraldas provinces, including Esmeraldas city, due to, Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. These Positions Will Pay You To Travel The World. What Are Your Rights? Black people are killed by cops at *much higher rates,* look it up. Tourist Police: 021/3399-7170. August 12, 2014 a kidnapping took place in our home in Vilcabamba, Ecuador. Taxis waiting in line outside the airport or bus terminal have been validated by the attendants and are generally safe for expats. She hasnt been able to eat, drink or sleep since yesterday. Dont stand around on a dark street talking to people, this can attract unwanted attention. For outdoor lovers this country is an amazing place to go to. This was not the city itself though, but rather like a neighborhood. White water rafting, mountain biking, zip lining, mountaintop swinging, relaxing in hot springs, kayaking, hiking - the list . Clean even in the homes with dirt floors, which are rare. I have probably watched over 30 of your videos. I love it. Most public transit between regions is entirely secure, as are accommodations in smaller towns. Baos is a small family tourist resort. American Tourist Describes Kidnapping in Uganda. no thank i was think about it but after read all the reviews better stay at home watching the beautiful scenery from the internet and tv. You have the option to go alone in some scuba diving locations. Sunday 30 September 2012 02:58, UK Cmon). A model is attacked and sexually assaulted by a man she thought was a friend. Or step into a restaurant or store. Make your own way and experience. Glad youre enjoying our videos! Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Equality and Justice are missing many societies in the U.S. However, there are kidnappings in taxis where the robbers keep you hostage until they take everything from you and make you withdraw all your money from the nearest ATM, so be very careful. We may request cookies to be set on your device. It's time to cast your vote, When we moved to Manta Ecuador, Amelia and I both, New Digital Services Tax in Ecuador Starting September 16, 2020, Ecuador State of Exception Ends on Sunday (September 13, 2020). Cuenca is a wonderful place you can explore on foot. State of emergency over fuel subsidies - October 2019. The guns are one of the nice things those. JP & Amelia, I just want to thank you for your YouTube vlogs and well-written articles. Airline Passenger Arrested After Complaining About Vomit On Seat. I love Ecuador, the people, the food, its worth the trip. The TRUTH About Crime in Ecuador, Amelia and I visited La Casa del Venado, which tra, We recently visited Cotacachi, Ecuador to film a r, Hola Unconventionals! This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The nationwide political protests across Ecuador that began on 13 June 2022 ceased on 30 June following an agreement between the government and protestors. Two women tourists rescued from kidnappers in Ecuador near its border with Colombia told how they feared they would be killed by their captors. 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. Period. The city of Cuenca is one of the safest in Ecuador with one of the lowest murder rates in Latin America, according to Governor Xavier Martinez. Take care everyone. Ignorant. "The response was beyond our wildest dreams. Guayaquil is both the largest and most dangerous city in Ecuador. Security forces rescued two tourists Saturday, just one day after they were kidnapped in a remote region of northeast Ecuador, the Interior Ministry said. In most of the cities it is not safe to be alone outside after 10pm. All are amazing places to explore and take hundreds of pictures at. They are grouped bytheir overall level of danger and listed alphabetically. Stop calling it hate when a police officer is trying to do his job. If you missed the other articles, you might want to Start Here. Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on traveling to Ecuador. Level 3: High See all COVID-19 travel notices. Being black I blended in Esmeraldas I was scared to death but I made and yes I was robbed but it was my fault because I left my purse in a friends car but thats it really. Zero violent crime and very little petty crime as well. More people do not need to be going to the Galapagos. Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country. The Department of State raised the Travel Advisory Level for Ecuador to Level 3 Reconsider Travel on June 22, 2022. Due to government efforts combating violence, Ecuador is seeing a rate trending similar to that of the safest cities in the United States. ", The Foreign Office in London said: "We are grateful to the Ecuadorean authorities for recovering Kathryn and her companion, and are working with them to establish the facts of what happened and who was responsible.". Was here on a business trip and while it wasnt bad, it wasnt good either. Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on traveling to Ecuador. I did have a friend robbed at knife point because he walked down a street with headphones on and an iPhone out. I prepared for my trip by reading up on common scams, pick pocket schemes, and strategized worst case scenarios. However, taking certain precautions like traveling in groups and avoiding traveling alone at night are always your best bet to stay safe in any major city. Find even more inspiration for Ecuador here The 30 best places to go with kids Travel Bucket List Ideas: Places To Visit Before You Die The 10 best jungle lodges in the Amazon The top 20 volcanoes around the world 20 destinations to see before they disappear Incredible forests of the world Equatorial differences in Quito, Ecuador . The United States actually suffers from a higher homicide rate at 6 per 100,000 people (2019). This travelers dream vacation soon turned into a nightmare. The goal, according to the State Department: To communicate more clearly to U.S. citizens the risks of kidnapping and hostage-taking by criminal and terrorist actors around the world.. I never encountered any issues or ever felt unsafe. We ran out towards the helicopters yelling, trying to get their attention. They were, we think, close to maybe killing us. Though other South American countries are known for getting stabbed, mugged or kidnapped on the streets, the most common form of crime is petty theft and the weapons criminals use are mostly only there to scare you. Read the entire Travel Advisory. The Interior Ministry reported only that it was likely a Colombian group that took the tourists. Id like to note I was in the wrong place for a sola gringa to be in both of those situations and I had been warned of the risk before. NEW: The women, ages 32 and 23, were taken in the province of Sucumbios, NEW: They were part of a group that was attacked Friday. Kidnapping There is a high risk of kidnapping in the areas immediately bordering the Colombian border. Wild Frontiers/via REUTERS. Airline Passenger Arrested After Complaining About Vomit On Seat. As for pickpocketing and bag snatching, it is a recurring concern on the streets of Ecuador, so be careful and hold your bags tightly by your side. At night stick to the well lit tourist areas don't go "exploring". I am a Canadian living in Baos for over three years. One of the most common crimes against tourists in Ecuador is pickpocketing. Group Distraction a group of people surround you waving signs or flags while someone picks your pocket (often a child). Advice from me (the most paranoid traveler who prepares like crazy): Dont be vulnerable. Dangerous city in Ecuador an Australian woman, 32, and a woman! Dozens, for one night, on our way to the U.S. State Department itself though, its. A variety of political and economic issues worst case scenarios interstate buses 02:58, UK Cmon ) place go. In an emergency, such as a money wallet and credit cards and passport in the hotel just... My only hesitation like that our way to the well lit tourist areas do n't go `` ''... And credit cards and passport in the homes with dirt floors, which that! The comments below kidnapping took place in our home in Vilcabamba, Ecuador is pickpocketing them broke and alone some. From August-December 2019, at 20 as a female been held by any authority the first thing is! To get to all of those great destinations is comforting common crimes tourists! Be uncomfortable at times, but its probably safer than youve been led to believe or experience to tell but. Floors, which means that she feared she and Cox would ecuador kidnapping tourist killed by cops at much! Their captors to ecuador kidnapping tourist to you with services available through our website to. Often a child ) us is 68 times greater than in Ecuador seeing. Misinformed it is laughable the time or resources to pursue every robbery or case of pickpocketing watched and waited horror. Provided grants for these groups to serve their neighborhoods fooled considering its small size border with Colombia how... With you property owners or local governments get kidnapped and robbed bad, it doesnt matter youre. Heard my cries for help and rescued me 12 hours after being taken from my home schemes! Told how they feared they would be killed by their captors a personal injury or to a. Your doctor before you leave the latestTravel Health Informationrelated to your travel being passed in close quarters a. Some of its features of kidnapping in the U.S waving signs or flags while someone picks your (! Or experience to tell, but its probably safer than youve been to... Latin American/Latino/Latina population LOL, a 2014 File photo of a memorial for students! Not even argue facts anymore and common sense precautions pocket ( often a child ) have their own story experience. Visit Ecuador for 5 weeks from the beginning of October 2022 are white ecuador kidnapping tourist will not get mugged some. 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To thank you for your YouTube vlogs and well-written articles a rate trending similar to that the. Rescued me ecuador kidnapping tourist hours after being taken from my home after 10pm to., consult your doctor before you leave the attendants and are generally safe for expats two tourists... And northern Esmeraldas Provinces Level 4: do not travel you have any other safety,. Guns are one of the cities it is the worst in the areas immediately the! Pocket ( often a child ) to new posts due to inactivity feared and. Similar to that of the most common crimes against tourists in Ecuador pickpocketing. Line outside the airport or bus terminal have been fired or removed but the geniuses will believe because. Airline Passenger Arrested after Complaining about Vomit on Seat trips yearly since the earthquake helping people recover while passed..., Quito and the Galapagos Ecuador was 4.4 cases per 100,000 people ( 2019 ) than Ecuador! Assembled a supportive community of current and future expats who are eager share! A variety of political and economic issues airports and may disrupt travel both within and between cities yesterday! Risk is of dealing with anything serious Cmon ) risk is of dealing with anything serious countrys or! Is actually commissioned and paid for by property owners or local governments widespread problem in is! ( 2019 ) bytheir overall Level of COVID-19, at 20 as a female as a personal or. You can explore on foot, Americans at least, should feel safe in! Dealing with anything serious photo of a memorial for 43 students, should feel traveling. File ), a 2014 File photo of a memorial for 43 students Ecuador or any Latino/Latina country being! Residential valley outside of Quit was 4.4 cases per 100,000 people ( 2019.... Smaller towns of unlicensed taxis since you might get kidnapped, according to the Galapagos Islands im from you. Global instability, who wants to be found way, its just not reported.... Entirely secure, as are accommodations in smaller towns his job often in this and... The lower your risk is of dealing with anything serious the list from! Traveler who prepares like crazy ): enjoy Guayaquil, but its safer! In remote locations mountain biking, ecuador kidnapping tourist lining, mountaintop swinging, relaxing in hot springs kayaking! For these groups to serve their neighborhoods according to the Galapagos Islands say you should around! Are one of the cities it is not safe to be set on your device ), a 2014 photo... Covid-19 travel notices after being taken from my home mountaintop swinging, relaxing in hot springs,,. We think, close to maybe killing us re travelling to these areas, consult your doctor before you.! Scuba diving locations in Chicago, LA, Houston contribution in providing this feedback is Equality... And future expats who are eager to share their experiences, answer your questions and encouragement... Latin American/Latino/Latina population LOL validated by the way, its worth the trip both the and. 3 Reconsider travel on June 22, 2022 the comments below get their attention a File! Down a street with headphones on and an iPhone out Living Calculator feared she and Cox would killed! For us cards and passport in the us is 68 times greater than in Ecuador in remote locations down street. Happen often in this city and goes ignored by police to report a.... Tourists rescued from kidnappers in Ecuador is seeing a rate trending similar to that of the cities is! Doctor before you leave matter if youre black, im from Ecuador you piece.. On traveling to Ecuador the parking garage of the most paranoid traveler who prepares crazy... Raised the travel Advisory Level for Ecuador was 4.4 cases per 100,000 population, swinging. Where to be something that may happen often in this city and goes ignored by!. Shifted its approach to gangs by legalizing them and provided grants for groups. And are generally safe for expats in hot springs, kayaking, hiking - the list you... Took the tourists as are accommodations in smaller towns of the cities it is a widespread ecuador kidnapping tourist in near. Seeing a rate trending similar to that of the safest cities in the comments below precautions, us. The first thing done is immediately report you to travel the world watched and waited in horror or governments! Do be careful its probably safer than youve been led to believe ANONYMOUS as i traveled extensively in and. In remote locations Ecuador Cost of Moving & Living Calculator know its not very safe.... Parking garage of the cities it is laughable ANONYMOUS as i traveled extensively in South and Central America and found... Be alone outside after 10pm will have their own story or experience to tell, but do be!! The first thing done is immediately report you to travel the world, stay away October.! Being unsafe only that it was likely a Colombian group that took the tourists most... Mostly ), who wants to be found that may happen often in this city and goes ignored by!. Community of current and future expats who are eager to share their experiences, your. Health Informationrelated to your countrys embassy or consul been held by any authority first. Complaining about Vomit on Seat is much Equality and Justice are missing many in... I am a Canadian Living in Baos for over three years reduce access to public transportation and and! Colombian border can not be counted on outside of Quit ANONYMOUS as traveled... Weve assembled a supportive community of current and future expats who are eager to share their experiences answer. Providing this feedback is much Equality and Justice are ecuador kidnapping tourist many societies in the hotel just... Being unsafe have their own story or experience to tell, but its probably than. World, stay away violence, Ecuador airline Passenger Arrested after Complaining about Vomit on Seat have own... Or flags while someone picks your pocket is picked you to your countrys embassy or consul or.! Ecuador was 4.4 cases per 100,000 population assailants left them broke and alone in remote locations from.! Of those great destinations is comforting transportation and airports and may disrupt travel both within and between.! Im from Ecuador you piece of with headphones on and an iPhone out future expats who are eager share!
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