One of the first questions travelers often ask themselves when choosing the country for a journey is whether it is safe to travel to Ecuador. This concern is understandable, given South America’s reputation and recent events in Ecuador. The answer, however, is yes! It is safe to visit Ecuador and enjoy its rich heritage cities, beautiful beaches, the Amazon rainforest, majestic volcanoes, snow-capped mountains, and the stunning Galapagos Islands. In fact, according to official data, 1.4 million tourists visited Ecuador in 2025.
Ecuador is a natural and cultural paradise, divided by the Andes Mountains into three mainland natural regions, along with the beautiful Galapagos Islands in the insular region. With a diverse array of tourist attractions, Ecuador has earned numerous international awards and is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Few countries can boast the same level of biodiversity and culture as Ecuador.
While there is no way to guarantee complete safety while visiting, it is important to acknowledge that, like most countries worldwide, Ecuador experiences some degree of insecurity. Fortunately, most trips to Ecuador conclude without incident, and visitors leave with wonderful experiences to share.
Is it safe to travel to Ecuador? How do people view Ecuador from abroad?
Currently, one of Ecuador’s biggest challenges is insecurity, with gang-related issues affecting various regions of the country. This raises concerns among travelers about the safety of visiting Ecuador.
From an outsider’s perspective, many view Ecuador as an unsafe place, leading to the impression that visiting peacefully is impossible. Since 2022, the situation has worsened; however, the government has implemented several measures to address these core issues.
Incidents such as massacres, robberies, and kidnappings have severely impacted the country’s reputation as a safe travel destination. In response, the national government has introduced various programs and decrees aimed at ensuring national security, particularly within the tourism sector.
These measures focus on strengthening security in conflict zones and enhancing overall control, which provides greater safety on the country’s roads and in tourist areas. This is intended to promote the growth of tourism in the best possible way.
Ecuador faces growing perceptions of unsafety and danger due to rising levels of violence, significantly impacting the tourism sector. While these issues demand attention, tourism continues to rank among the country’s most successful industries.
For potential visitors, this can pose significant challenges when planning a trip. News reports and social media often highlight negative information, leading to generalizations that result in many people canceling their plans to visit the country.
All this issues make the traveller wonder if it is safe to travel to Ecuador.
Is It Safe to Travel to Ecuador? An Insider's Perspective
When examining the security situation in Ecuador, it’s evident that there is a significant issue; however, this problem is not unique to Ecuador—it affects the entire region.
In recent years, insecurity in Ecuador has increased due to its geographical location, lack of control measures, and other contributing factors. This issue particularly affects specific areas, including the port cities of Guayaquil, Manta, Esmeraldas, and Machala, along with certain suburbs and coastal provinces, especially those near the borders with Colombia and Peru.
Fortunately, Ecuador’s tourist destinations are located far from the conflict zones. While there have been instances of violence and attacks in coastal cities, these incidents are primarily associated with the main port areas.
Given these circumstances, the question of “Is it safe to travel to Ecuador?” often resurfaces. With more information, we can conclude that it is indeed safe and feasible to visit Ecuador. The regions affected by insecurity and conflict are not in tourist areas, except in rare cases. The coastal areas are undoubtedly the most impacted.
It’s hard to envision traveling to a place where visitors feel scared and anxious all the time, and Ecuador is not one of those places. As previously mentioned, the conflict and insecurity are situated in locations that tourists typically wouldn’t want to visit—mainly in ports and suburbs.
Embassy Alerts
Some countries have embassies that provide alert mechanisms for individuals planning to visit specific destinations. This information is clear and concise, but it can be generalized. Therefore, it’s advisable to check a map that outlines critical zones.
In the case of Ecuador, there is a security alert, but there is no general travel ban, which is often the case in many countries within the region. Travel advisories indicate that certain provinces, coastal areas, and land border crossings with Colombia have been identified as high-risk zones. Below are links to security information and travel advisories from various embassies:
Recommendations and Tips to Consider
- While checking the news is informative, remember it can sometimes exaggerate reality and generalize situations.
- Look for reviews and experiences from tourists who have visited Ecuador; 99% of trips end with wonderful stories to share.
- Always check embassy travel advisories to ensure the areas you plan to visit are designated tourist zones (such as the Andes, Amazon, and Galapagos).
- If you’re traveling by public bus with your luggage, keep it with you at all times—never place it under the seat.
- In crowded places, secure your belongings and wear your backpack in front of you.
- It is generally safe to walk in tourist areas of Quito; however, avoid walking in deserted areas after sunset.
- When using public transportation, be vigilant—pickpockets can be found in large cities around the world, including Quito.
- If you need to take a taxi, make sure it’s from a licensed and reputable company. Most establishments have secure taxi services; use these! Uber is also available in the main cities, Quito and Guayaquil.
- When using your camera or cellphone, be aware of your surroundings and make sure you’re in a safe area.
- You’ll encounter breathtakingly beautiful places in Ecuador, but always keep a close eye on your belongings. Leave your valuables in your hotel, where most will have secure storage options, such as safes or drawers
- If you’re booking a tour, verify that the travel agency is properly licensed and operating legally. Social media can provide valuable insight into the quality of their services.
Is it safe to travel to Ecuador? Absolutely! Pack your bags and choose your destination.
Ecuador may be small in size, but it is vast in biodiversity and culture. You can have amazing experiences no matter where you go.
Wander in the Amazon
Traveling to the Amazon is a fantastic option for nature lovers. Protected areas, such as Yasuní National Park and Cuyabeno Wildlife Production Reserve, offer authentic experiences deep within the rainforest at various lodges.
To reach these destinations, you will need to travel to the cities of Coca or Lago Agrio. From Quito, you have several options: there are private and shared transportation options from hotels to Lago Agrio, and you can take a short early morning flight to Coca. Public transportation is also available, with a journey lasting approximately 8-10 hours.
In the upper Amazon region, you’ll find cities like Puyo, Tena, and Archidona. These places feature incredible natural beauty and indigenous communities that you can visit. They are small, peaceful cities that offer unique experiences and a variety of accommodations. Moreover, these cities are relatively close to Quito—just a four-hour drive from the Andes to the Ecuadorian Amazon—with breathtaking scenery along the way.
Wander in the Andes
The Andean region is rich in history, nature, and culture. There are many places to visit, such as the province of Imbabura, home to one of the largest artisan markets in South America, along with charming communities and beautiful lagoons.
Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its historic center. Nearby, you’ll find Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the cloud forest and the Chocó bioregion in Mindo.
Baños de Agua Santa offers a range of adventure activities, while Quilotoa Volcano is perfect for trekking. Alausí features the magnificent Devil’s Nose Train, and the Ingapirca archaeological complex is one of the best-preserved Inca ruins.
Cuenca is another heritage city in Ecuador, renowned for its historic center and charming narrow streets. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in the country. Just a short distance away is El Cajas National Park, a stunning area that feels frozen in time, home to hundreds of glacial lakes.
Wander in the Pacific Coast
As we mentioned a few paragraphs earlier, is it safe to travel to Ecuador?, including its coastal region? The Pacific coast also has its own charm, boasting beautiful beaches that are truly unique. The enchanting beaches of the Manabí province, although one of the areas more affected by insecurity, offer opportunities to visit stunning places like Playa de los Frailes, Isla de la Plata, and the community of Agua Blanca within Machalilla National Park. To make the most of your visit, follow the tips and recommendations provided, and your experience will surely be unforgettable.
Wander in the Galápagos
The marvelous Galápagos Islands are a unique destination on the planet. There are several options and tour operators available for visiting these islands. To reach them, you must take a flight from either Quito or Guayaquil and immerse yourself in the experience.
The Wanderbus Ecuador Option
Now that we’ve discussed the realities of traveling in Ecuador and addressed the important question, “Is it safe to travel to Ecuador?”. We can confidently say that Ecuador is a safe destination to visit. Like any location, it’s important to take precautions and avoid conflict zones, which are not tourist areas and hold little appeal for visitors. Consequently, tour operators and agencies do not provide services to these regions.
At Wanderbus Ecuador, our goal is to offer the best experiences for our travelers. We have crafted the safest and most enjoyable routes across the country, blending history, nature, adventure, and culture. Visit our website to explore our travel passes throughout Ecuador. If you’re still pondering, “Is it safe to travel to Ecuador?”, journey with Wanderbus Ecuador and see for yourself.
