Ecuador
Safety and security
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and regional risks advice.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Ecuador
Terrorist attacks in Ecuador cannot be ruled out.
Political situation
Exercise caution around large gatherings. Street demonstrations, protests and strikes are common and can occur without warning. While most are peaceful, they can turn violent. You should:
- stay alert and monitor local media
- avoid large gatherings
- follow updates from the ECU 911 emergency services
- be wary of unverified information
- allow extra time to reach your destination
- check road conditions (in Spanish) on the Ecuadorean government website
Even peaceful protests can lead to travel disruption.
Crime
Protecting yourself and your belongings
Mugging and pickpocketing are common, take care in Quito’s old town and at transport hubs. The methods criminals use include:
- distraction techniques (for example, requests for assistance, squirting liquids on to you, staged fights and pushing or shoving)
- bag snatching at knife or gunpoint by a passenger on a motorbike
To reduce your risk:
- stay alert in public places
- avoid walking alone in quiet areas or at night
- do not wear expensive jewellery in public
- carry only the money you need for the day
- take care of your credit cards
- watch your bags on public transport and wear your rucksack on the front of your body
- carry a colour copy of your passport, including the visa entry stamp page – keep the original safe
- consider using a money belt or secure inside pocket to keep your passport, credit cards and money safe
For more information on general travel safety in Ecuador, check the Ministry of Tourism website.
Violent crime and armed robbery
Armed robbery is a risk throughout Ecuador. Crimes with the threat of violence, such as gunpoint robbery and home invasion, can happen throughout Ecuador.
Take particular care in Esmeraldas, Guayas and Manabi provinces and get local advice on where to visit. Armed thieves have stopped vehicles and threatened passengers.
Most violent crime is gang-related, but tourists can be affected. The murder rate in Guayaquil is very high, but is mainly gang-related. Be particularly cautious in Guayaquil city centre, southern parts of the city and port areas.
Since March 2023, organised crime gangs have caused small explosions and made false bomb threats in Quito and Guayaquil. If you’re near an incident, follow the instructions of police and local authorities.
Get local advice about the area you’re visiting and travel in a group when possible.
ATM and bank customer robbery
Take care when withdrawing money from a bank or ATM. Where possible use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres, and avoid withdrawing money after dark. There have been violent robberies outside banks. The Ecuadorean national police offers a free escort service if you are withdrawing or depositing large quantities of cash. To request this service, call 911. Only take out as much money as you need.
Transport robbery
There is a risk of robbery and pickpocketing on interstate transport and at bus stations, including on routes commonly used by tourists. To reduce your risk:
- avoid road travel after dark
- keep valuables safe in a money belt or inside pocket
- do not store bags in overhead luggage spaces or under your seat
Criminals pose as uniformed bus inspectors in some Quito bus stations. They might insist you place your luggage overhead so an accomplice can steal it later. You do not have to place belongings overhead.
If you’re robbed, do not resist attackers or do anything that puts you at greater risk. Report the incident to police as soon as possible.
Sexual assault
Serious sexual assaults and attacks against foreign women have happened in Ecuador, particularly in the tourist beach town of Montañita in Santa Elena Province. Check reviews of your accommodation to make sure it is reputable and secure, even if you’re travelling in a group. Avoid travel after dark and be alert to the use of date rape and other drugs in drinks. If you feel unwell, seek urgent help from the police or nearest health centre. Call 911 for the emergency services.
See information for victims of rape and sexual assault in Ecuador.
You can report gender-based violence to the Prosecutor Office (‘Fiscalía’) online.
Criminal kidnap
Kidnapping rates have risen in Ecuador. Express kidnappings – short term opportunistic abductions, aimed at extracting cash from the victim – are common throughout Ecuador. Victims can be targeted or selected at random. They are held while criminals withdraw money from their bank accounts using their cash cards. Many cases involve victims who have hailed taxis (registered or illegal) from the street. In some cases, victims are subdued with scopolamine (causing amnesia). Be aware of your surroundings and always let someone you trust know your whereabouts, especially after dark.
Business people and visitors perceived to be wealthy may be targeted by kidnappers in search of pay-outs. Be discreet about discussing your financial or business affairs in places where you may be overheard by others, and when arranging meetings use a secure location.
If you are a victim of kidnapping, follow the kidnapper’s instructions.
Drug-assisted robbery
Criminals may drug victims to rob them. Homemade versions of the drug scopolamine subdue victims and cause amnesia. Scopolamine is absorbed through the skin and can be rubbed onto your hand, face or body without you realising. Be wary if a stranger approaches your offering you something (for example, food, drinks, leaflets and perfume samples), even they’re friendly or well-dressed.
Laws and cultural differences
Personal ID
By law you must carry ID. Always carry a printed copy of your passport, including the pages with your photograph and Ecuadorean entry stamp.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
The penalties for drug trafficking or drug use are harsh, and prison conditions are very basic.
‘Spiritual cleansing’ hallucinogens
In Ecuador people use traditional hallucinogens such as Ayahuasca or San Pedro. These substances are marketed to tourists for ‘spiritual cleansing’ rituals. They often contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a strong hallucinogen that is illegal in the UK.
There are many risks when taking these substances including:
- serious illness and death
- assault and robbery while intoxicated
- lack of nearby medical help as these ceremonies often take place in remote locations
Consumption of traditional hallucinogens is unregulated.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex relations are legal in Ecuador. However, local attitudes towards the LGBT+ community can be conservative and there is still societal discrimination. People may be less tolerant of same-sex couples showing affection in public than they are in the UK. Showing affection may attract negative attention, especially in small towns. Transgender people in particular could face unwanted attention.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Money
US dollars and 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos coins minted in Ecuador are the only legal currencies. Credit cards and travellers cheques are generally accepted in cities but not elsewhere in the country.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
Volunteer and adventure activities
If you join a volunteer or adventure expedition programme, make sure the UK organisation responsible for travel has an official agent in Ecuador able to handle an emergency. Be wary of unauthorised intermediaries (‘enganchadores’) trying to offer you cheap hotels or tour deals.
British nationals have died while rafting, kayaking and on canopy walks and zip-lines. Make sure you’re fit enough for these activities and others like bungee jumping and quad biking. For water adventure sports, make sure the weather conditions and river currents are safe.
You should:
- only use reputable tour operators with a specific licence to provide these services
- be aware equipment may not meet UK safety and insurance standards
- check the company uses the most up-to-date equipment and safety features
- check the company is properly insured
- make sure your insurance covers all your activities
Swimming safety
There is a risk of drowning caused by strong, rapidly changing ocean currents. Beaches do not always have swimming safety warning flags. Seek local advice on tidal activity.
See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
Hiking and mountaineering
If you’re hiking or mountaineering in Ecuador, prepare for high altitude and unpredictable climates. Hire an accredited guide or tour operator for these activities.
You should:
- climb at a moderate rate so your body can adjust
- stay well hydrated
- keep to established paths or use an experienced guide
- make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you plan to return
- avoid walking alone
For more information on climbing or mountaineering, see the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Tourism and Chimborazo Local Government.
For accredited guides, check the Ecuadorean Mountaineering Accredited Guides Association (in Spanish).
Climbing mountains with glaciers
It is illegal to climb a glaciated mountain without an official accredited guide.
Pichincha volcano
Tourists take day trips to Pichincha volcano on the cable car (‘teleférico’) from Quito. There have been accidents on the route to one of the peaks, Rucu Pichincha, including deaths from hypothermia. You should:
- be aware of the risk of altitude sickness
- take warm, waterproof clothing and high-factor sunblock
- go with an accredited specialised guide who knows the route
- start early to reduce risks from unexpected heavy mist or storms
Lightning has killed tourists climbing Pichincha. Watch the weather and reconsider your plans if conditions look bad.
Cayambe Volcano
To visit Cayambe Coca National Reserve, and climb the Cayambe volcano, you must email cayambe.coca@ambiente.gob.ec at least 5 days in advance to register on the Biodiversity Information System (‘Sistema de Información de Biodiversidad’).
Chimborazo Reserve
To visit Chimborazo National Reserve, you must email chimborazo@ambiente.gob.ec at least 5 days in advance to register on the Biodiversity Information System (‘Sistema de Información de Biodiversidad’). The Chimborazo National Reserve is only open for tour operators and accredited mountaineering clubs after an avalanche killed 3 climbers in 2021. Foreign visitors cannot access the reserve until further notice.
Cotopaxi National Park
High mountaineering in Cotopaxi National Park is restricted. Since November 2023, tour operators, mountaineering clubs and individual visitors can go high mountaineering in Cotopaxi National Park. However, they must comply with mandatory national park rules and safety regulations.
On 15 March, the Cotopaxi National Park closed temporarily due to an avalanche which affected 30 climbers. The park is now open as normal, but you should be aware of an increased risk of avalanches during the rainy season.
For information, see the Ecuadorean Ministry of Environment.
If you’re visiting Cotopaxi National Park, carry:
- a mask, sunglasses and hat
- clothing that covers your skin
- enough water and food
- an emergency kit
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Ecuador, see information on driving abroad.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Ecuador for the first 6 months after you arrive. If you still have a paper UK driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. After 6 months, you need to take an Ecuadorean driving test to continue to drive on your UK licence.
Always carry your passport, driving licence and vehicle registration with you in the vehicle.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as 6 months of driving experience, a minimum age of 18 years old and holding an IDP.
Some cities do not allow vehicles with Ecuadorean plates to drive on certain days or at peak times based on the last digits of their car’s registration plate. Check for restrictions before you drive. You could be fined if you do not follow the rules.
Driving conditions
Ecuador has one of the highest rates of road accidents in Latin America due to careless driving, speeding and badly maintained vehicles. There have been many deaths, including British nationals.
In Ecuador:
- road conditions vary
- heavy rains and mudslides often cause roads to be closed or wash away
- driving can be erratic – be prepared to stop unexpectedly
- vehicles may move slowly, change lanes without indicating or jump red lights
- many drivers are uninsured
- drivers usually ignore zebra crossings
Always wear a seat belt. If you’re a passenger in a speeding vehicle, ask the driver to slow down.
Taxis
Book taxis through your hotel or by calling a known radio-dispatched taxi service. Travel in a group if possible. Using unregistered taxis significantly increases your risk of becoming a crime victim.
While taxi service apps do exist and provide the driver’s details, the services themselves are unregulated in Ecuador.
If you’re using a yellow registered taxi in Quito or Guayaquil, make sure it has:
- a municipality registration number sticker on the windscreen and doors
- orange licence plates or the new white plates with an orange strip on the top
- video cameras inside
There are authorised taxi booths at Quito and Guayaquil international airports, and potentially at other domestic airports.
If you’re using a yellow registered taxi in Quito, make sure the driver resets the meter. In Guayaquil and other cities, taxis use fixed prices rather than meters. In these places, or if you or your hotel calls a taxi in Quito, agree a price before you get in.
Sea travel
There has been piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around Ecuador’s waters. Sailors should stay alert and take appropriate precautions.
If you’re travelling by sea, read about the regional risks at sea.
There have been several serious accidents in the Galapagos Islands involving tour company boats and smaller vessels transporting people between islands. Some of the smaller boats do not follow safety measures, such as holding the right licence, respecting maximum capacity for passengers, checking their motor or fuel and providing enough life vests. Use reputable boat operators and ask about safety features before you book, even for short trips. Check they provide life vests and lifeboats (if appropriate) before boarding.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Landslides
Landslides are common in Ecuador and can have a serious impact on travel. Heavy rains can lead to landslides, which frequently lead to road closures. Check the weather forecast if you are travelling by road.
Earthquakes
There is a high risk of earthquakes across Ecuador, particularly in the province of Esmeraldas on the north-western coast. Earthquakes and aftershocks can cause landslides, which block roads.
Familiarise yourself with safety procedures and any instructions in your hotel. If there is an earthquake, follow instructions from the authorities and keep essential belongings, such as your passport and money, with you.
Get information (in Spanish) following an earthquake from the:
- Ecuadorean National Geophysical Institute
- Secretariat for Risk Management (Secretaría Nacional de Gestión de Riesgos) – check current alerts
- ECU 911 emergency services
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
You can also get earthquake alerts with an Android phone.
Tsunamis
There is a high risk of tsunamis along the coast and in the Galapagos Islands. If there is a tsunami alert, sirens will sound in Esmeraldas, El Oro, Guayas, Santa Elena, Manabí and Galapagos. See evacuation route maps and follow the advice of the authorities.
Rainy season
The rainy season usually runs from October to May but can last until June.
During heavy rainy seasons:
- monitor local media
- check your itinerary with your tour operator to avoid disruption
- avoid river crossings due to potential strong currents
- take care in affected areas
The weather can change quickly. Check weather forecasts. Get local advice on tides if you’re near the coast.
If you’re climbing or mountaineering, get official advice from the authorities and tour operators.
Forest fires
Forest fires happen in many areas, especially in Pichincha, Loja, Azuay and Cotopaxi provinces , due to high temperatures, strong winds, dry conditions and arson. Call 911 if you see a fire.
Volcanic eruptions
There are many volcanoes in the highlands of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Some are currently erupting, active or potentially active. Check the current volcano alerts (in Spanish). Follow instructions issued by the local authorities.
Ashfall from volcanoes can disrupt flights and close airports at short notice. Before going to the airport, check with your airline and on the airport website. Ash is also a health hazard, especially for travellers with respiratory problems.
There is a high risk from mixed flows of water, mud, lava and debris (‘lahars’) around glaciated volcanoes, including Cotopaxi. These flows can be very destructive. The towns of Latacunga and Salcedo and low-lying areas in the valley to the east of Quito (Los Chillos and Rumiñahui) are particularly vulnerable.
Access to the Reventador volcano (Napo province) is currently restricted.