Providers come prepared with top-of-the-line, easy-to-use equipment, so you’ll feel at ease setting out on your first intrepid activity. Get your personalized travel insurance quote here. Visitors hailing cabs from the street are marking themselves as easy prey. Not all taxis use meters, or if they do, the drivers don’t always adhere to their readings. That being said, solo travelers should avail themselves of private transportation, which allows you to enjoy time to yourself, instead of remaining extra vigilant about your personal belongings. Mothers warn their children not to sit under the burundanga tree, because even inhaling the pollen of its drooping yellow and orange flowers can produce strange dreams. – Jim. Cuenca is a great city with cobblestone streets and historical buildings that have a Spanish influence. Lookout for pickpockets, especially on public transportation and anywhere that tends to get crowded. And every Friday, there is a great farmer’s market on Calle Galavis. It is said to be one of the safest places … I was lucky to get out alive. Yes, you can travel safely in Ecuador, even if you’re alone. Great post! In this post by expat Deborah Hughes, you’ll learn about Ecuador’s mountains and coast. The road systems in major cities, however, are typically well planned and orderly, though riddled with congestion. That being said, it’s important to remember that water isn’t safe to drink, and fruits and vegetables can make you sick if they were washed with contaminated water. Private transportation is recommended for solo female travelers. The crime rate here is low and the city has a great health care system. Ecuador costs $1,254 per month to live and work remotely. Are you trying to decide the best place to live in Ecuador? Thanks, Thnx much…………Alan. You can greatly ease your worries if you book your transportation through Anywhere when you are finalizing your trip to Ecuador. The world is full of wonderful places. If your room doesn’t have one, often you can use the hotel’s – just ask the front desk. In Quito alone, an average of ten people are brought to the emergency room each month after being drugged; often, they’ve temporarily been rendered so docile from the scopolamine that they have already withdrawn all of their cash for a thief, helped a burglar ransack their own home, or worse. It also aims to promote the economic development of Ecuador. For your piece of mind, you can always store your passport, cash, laptops, and other valuables in your room’s safety deposit box. You might be in the habit of keeping your wallet in your back pocket – bad idea. Yes, Ecuador is safe for vacations, especially tours that revolve around nature and outdoor adventure — most of Ecuador’s crime happens in the cities. Expect more from your vacation. Florianopolis, Brazil. There have been cases of people being threatened with knives and guns. In choosing the coastal life, there are the options of living in a small village on the ocean, with its small town advantages and comfortable feel, friendly neighbors and a beach a half a block away or less, or a beach city with all the luxuries city life has to offer. Keep in mind that large cities always have some element of crime, but that’s no different from what you’d expect in London or New York City. Like any country, there are areas that travelers should avoid, but reputable guides would never send you to an area with a questionable reputation. There are many places to hike in Cuenca and the surrounding areas, and we love hiking. But there isn’t anything outside of Galapagos that can’t be done in Colombia, Peru, or even Bolivia. As we are from the mountains, we love the mountains of Ecuador and everything about them. Sunburn is the number one concern to look out for on your outdoor vacation in Ecuador. As you plan, your Anywhere Local Expert can answer any questions you might have about whether an activity is family-friendly. 5) Ecuador. Many drugs that would require a prescription don’t require one in Ecuador, although you should never rely on this while you travel. Due to its impressive police force, Ecuador is home to some of the safest cities in South America. No, generally crime is not such a problem in Ecuador that it is unsafe to visit; most importantly, you’re unlikely to experience any violent crime as a visitor. What helped us decide, and what can help you decide, if this is your dilemma? It is also considered to be one of the safest major cities in South America, and that speaks volumes as well. They have lived there for 5 years and have gone through many wonderful adventures. No, Ecuador’s tap water is not safe to drink. A new concept, a food truck plaza, has opened just down the street. While you’re swimming in the Galapagos, look out for sea urchins and lionfish, and both are poisonous, so make sure not to touch them or disturb their habitat. Very nice place and peaceful. It’s possible to find a similar variety of restaurants in other mountain cities. I also don’t think that the elevation would bother me (Cuenca 8,200 feet above sea level). Avoid crime in Ecuador the same way you would anywhere else: By paying attention to your surroundings. Have you seen some of Ecuador’s beaches? From the Ecuadorian U.S. Embassy website: Medical facilities in Ecuador’s major cities are clean, modern, and generally top-of-the-line. Women do frequently encounter some minor sexual harassment. Ecuador is safe to visit because travelers can easily avoid crime with a few common sense precautions. Alicia Erickson said 4 years ago. Central and South America struggle with widespread corruption, a problem that’s unlikely to resolve anytime soon. In short, the safest countries in South America tend to be found in the south of the continent. Learn how your comment data is processed. Well, women traveling alone should always take an extra dose of precaution, no matter where they travel. Check out our  Ecuador real estate guide. A note of caution: It’s best not to wander unfamiliar city streets at night, especially in higher-crime cities like Guayaquil and certain parts of Quito. Are there any larger towns/small cities that would have really good internet service? In the provincial areas, traffic laws are rarely enforced, and drivers tend to ignore posted signs and lights. Is Cuenca the Best Place to Live in Ecuador? Make sure you also have your embassy’s contact information with you in the event of more drastic emergencies. Pickpockets are highly adept at slipping their hands into open pockets without disturbing their owner. Somewhere like Yasuni, for instance, one of the towns that offers access to the Amazon, will probably only have the most basic of medical services. This is not one of them !!!! Is it stable and how does that affect daily life? This culture adds to the appeal of Cuenca and many other mountain cities. Check out some of our favorite travel products. We have also taken a couple trips to the area. You will have no problem finding a dog in Ecuador. Make sure to always bring water, a hat, warm clothing, and a map. We had traveled to Ecuador and visited certain locations to spy out the land. (It’s worth noting that the rape rate in Ecuador is lower than it is in the U.S.) Avoid drinking alone, and do not walk around alone at night. Make sure that you bring plenty of any prescription medications you need during your travels; you won’t want to run into a shortage while you’re staying somewhere tucked deep in the jungle or high in the Andes. We would love to connect with you while we at there. When we decided to move to Ecuador we didn’t have a specific location in mind. The Galapagos Islands are heaven for nature lovers thanks to their wildlife’s diversity. Ecuador is a place for the real nature loving tourist, and a paradise for visitors trying to immerse themselves in breathtaking beaches like Salinas, Bahia de Caraquez, Manta, Crucita, San Jacinto, and San Clemente. Susie and I are planning our first trip to Ecuador for February 2018. Rural roads often remain unpaved or are generally in poor condition. Bottom line: don’t let the standard crime that exists all over the world stop you from exploring such a vibrant destination. Please tell me if these cities are a good choice and contact with American citizens to help me in my move. My wife and I have lived in Ecuador for almost five years now. Ecuador has long been lauded as one of the most affordable places to retire in the Americas. The cost of living in Ecuador is quite low for expats and the country continually shows up as one of the cheapest places to retire in the world.As Ecuador resident and author Susan Schenck says, “I knew I could not live in the USA on my pension–not if I wanted to have a roof, or food, or a car!”. I do not think that this type of weather would bother me. If you must hail a cab, taking note of the license plate number — and getting a good look at the driver — is imperative. The districts La Floresta and La Marin are places where tourists are often targeted as well, and ambling around these neighborhoods can be a bad idea. Hi, I’m from Ecuador, actually I living here in Las Vegas NV, I don’t recommend to you, living in Quito or Cuenca, both cities are very nice, but in this moment the rent payment is growing and growing, they have a lot of people (Quito 3M, Cuenca almost 1M), to get a decent apartment or house with furniture maybe you need to give $500 a month, also right now is a lot foreigner people from Venezuela and Colombia living in that cities, that’s mean is more unsafe for everybody (please check numbers about criminality is growing in both cities, I highly recommend to you, go and live at the North of Ecuador, Imbabura (Cotacachi, Atuntaqui, Otavalo), Imbabura (Province) has a lot lakes, mountains, rivers, history and it’s very safe place and the good thing, you are only to 2 hours to the International Airport of Quito, and in that town’s (Cotacachi, Atuntaqui) many retired people is living there. Taking care with your personal belongings can help with minimizing any impact that these individuals or groups can have on you. Safe places you can walk after dark are La Ronda, República de El Salvador, and Plaza Foch. La Floresta, Quito, Ecuador It would appear that Ecuador, especially Cuenca, is a paradise for retirees or anyone wishing to change their lif… Montanita’s main beach is generally considered safe, and there’s a stretch of the beach that’s preferred by beginner surfers, but there is always the risk of an undertow. They can also be mixed with milk, which may be unpasteurized. Spanish architecture is not found on the coast, for the most part. Soon i will write more about it on my blog. Irene. One may even forget for a moment that they are in South America as they sit in these lovely streets. Mark, Canoa is my personal favorite beach town. Spreading throughout Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombi… Though the Amazon may not be a country in itself the thick rainforest covers about nine countries in total which earn it its very own place on the list. Women should not drive alone in Ecuador: smash-and-grab thieves often target women driving alone. Bryan Haines is co-editor of GringosAbroad - Ecuador's largest blog for expats and travelers. Is Ecuador safe? If you find yourself exploring Ecuador’s portion of the Amazon jungle, they may be more prevalent. Yes, Ecuador is safe to visit right now, especially in the destinations where travelers typically plan their vacations. Thanks Sticking with a guide is your best bet for avoiding areas of potential danger. Larger cities have hospitals and clinics offering complete medical care, but smaller towns may have limited options. Ice cubes are typically made from tap water, so make sure to ask for your drink without ice. The crime rate is somewhat higher in Mexico, and is especially bad in known tourist hotspots, such as Tijuana. There are some really great restaurants in Cuenca, from local cuisine to cuisine from Mexico, Germany, Austria, Italy, Argentina and more. Bribery is a standard part of dealing with government officials – 1 in 3 people in Latin America paid a bribe in 2017, according to a transparency.org report. Cuenca, situated in the south of Ecuador in the Andes, has a lot of the perks of Quito, the capital, without as much risk. For most of 2020, tourists have been persona non-grata in most of the world. Have you seen some of Ecuador’s beaches? Traveling alone can be an incredible, freeing experience, but it doesn’t mean you have to be lonely – keep in mind that you’re also never far from a friendly group tour. Answer 1 of 23: My husband and I are thinking about moving to Ecuador and are planning a trip this fall. Ecuador is currently safer than Mexico. We live in Seattle and would like to find a place to get out of the rain! No matter where they go, travelers should never take food, drinks, or cigarettes from strangers, partially because of a drug called scopolamine. (While convenient, you should keep in mind that the trolebus attracts plenty of petty thieves who may pickpocket or even cut purses open.) You’ll also want to make sure to always have bottled water with you, and avoid anything prepared with untreated water. With it’s Spanish and indigenous elements and more than 6,000km of Pacific Ocean coastline it’s surrounded by the Andes mountains. Global Peace Index ranking: 90. Thank you and your family for this resource. What is the safest country in South America? Rebuilding is going on in Canoa, however Bahia is another story. The coast gets none of the cultural flare that you see in the mountain areas. Storms like these are truly awe inspiring. Here’s our huge guide to Ecuadorian food. Emergency phone numbers vary depending on the region. Thank you. Ecuador is a great place to live not just because it’s one of the least expensive places in the world to live, but because it also offers a wonderful lifestyle. Coordinates, Elevatio... How to Use GoPro as Webcam (3 Steps) Gear, Settings, Mount. He oversaw massive development in cities like Quito and Cuenca. Ecuador living: Learn about life in Ecuador from these actual expats. Here is a city in Brazil that easily makes it onto our list of the 20 best places to live in South America. What is the best city to live in along the coast I am open for suggestions! When you use our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Can you recommend places to stay? The air is fresh and clear in the mountains. During the day, public transportation is a fairly safe option, although these systems are not designed to be easily navigable for visitors. And don’t forget about the food! While there is always some danger to swimming in the ocean, that hasn’t stopped locals and visitors alike from taking advantage of these inviting waters. Read about itineraries, activities, places to stay and travel essentials and get inspiration from the blog in the best guide to Ecuador. The main plaza of La Floresta fills each evening with food carts offering local specialties and is one of the best places to eat street food in Quito. In Cuenca, Loja, and Guayaquil, dial 112. In Quito and Ibarra, dial 911. Of course anyone can learn those facts by reading a guide book or visiting a tourism web site. Unfortunately, years of civil unrest have created a climate where crime is a part of life in certain areas, especially near the country’s borders with Colombia and Peru; but, if you look at the nation’s crime rate compared to the U.S., Ecuador’s overall crime rate is only slightly higher. Cuenca (8,400 feet or 2,560 meters), Quito (9,250 feet or 2,820 meters), and Otavalo (8,307 ft and 2,532 meters) – to name just a few – are all destinations at very high altitudes. “There is nothing like the feeling of tranquility as one enjoys the beach, a gentle breeze blowing the warm air, the rustle of the palm trees, the waves gently lapping at the sand, as the sun dip into the ocean, painting the sky with the amazing colors of an afternoon sunset.”, Hi Deborah, by any chance might you be up to date on the reconstruction progress in Bahia de Caraquez and Canoa and the surrounding hard hit areas? According to the 2001 census, Manta had a population of 192,322 people and its main activity was tuna fishing. Also, remember that you must agree to a price beforehand. Ecuador has pockets of extreme biodiversity, and there are hundreds of species of snake. Driving in Ecuador can be a frustrating experience for travelers who are accustomed to driving in the U.S. Located 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, the islands are a hot spot for travellers with a love of nature thanks to its untouched beauty and wildlife. You have a wealth of info. For the most part, the Galapagos islands are extremely isolated and unpopulated. Thank you so much for the information about the coastal areas. In addition to that, the people of the coast are warm and kind just like the weather. Ecuador has an amazing variety of fruit, traditional drinks, and typical dishes. Or, Is the Coast the Best Place to Live in Ecuador? There seems to be very little current information available. Best Place to Live in Ecuador? However, how safe your walk is generally depends on where you are. There are plenty of family-friendly resorts, as well as tours that cater to young visitors’ natural curiosity. Of course, you should come totally prepared, especially when visiting the mountains of the Sierras. As far as guided tours go, travelers must never get into the car or van of a “tour guide” who has solicited them. 15 Best Places to Visit in Ecuador Ranging from the misty jungles and roaring waterfalls of the Amazon in the east to the salt-sprayed Pacific seaboard in the west, Ecuador encompasses everything from wondrous cloud forests to brooding volcanos, Andean peaks and Incan ruins between its borders. If you plan on relying heavily on cash, consider getting a money belt, which allows you to keep your money tucked away inside your clothes. Prescription and non-prescription drugs can be purchased at pharmacies (farmacias) throughout Ecuador. Yes, reserves in Ecuador are safe for visitors, although hiking always poses some amount of danger. Even though the sun can be intense, the temperature doesn’t get much past the low 70’s (fahrenheit) in the day, and it dips much lower at night. The statistics say Chile! Now, there are places that are safe, but not cheap. Read more about the beautiful beaches in Ecuador. Travelers shouldn’t touch offered leaflets or phone cards, either: even paper materials such as these can be soaked in the drug, which can be absorbed through the skin. Only tours that have been pre-arranged with a reputable company or related business are safe. Ecuador’s borders with Colombia are also areas of concern — this is where traffickers and smugglers tend to cause unrest. Maracuya: Passion Fruit Guide (Taste, 7 Benefits, How to Eat i... Tagua Nut Guide: South America’s Vegetable Ivory (Vegan,... Where are the Galapagos Islands Located? Make sure to always have sunscreen with you, and wear a hat. My Favorite 16 Foods. No, Ecuador as a whole is not dangerous. Thank you. He is also co-founder of ClickLikeThis (GoPro tutorial blog) and Storyteller Travel. You will encounter mosquitoes in lower elevations, so make sure to bring bug spray with you. More reading: Buyers Guide to the Best Sun Protection Hats – specifically for travelers to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. As long as you plan ahead, your whole family can easily experience the best of what Ecuador has to offer. Ecuador has a family-oriented culture, and you’ll find everywhere you visit is prepared to accommodate travelers of all ages. I have long considered this a possible retirement destination, and would appreciate any current information. As you’ll see stated elsewhere in this article, there are some general rules that apply. Driving the unlit roads outside of urban areas at night is extremely dangerous, and is worsened by potholes in roads, animals dashing in front of cars, heavy fog from the mountains, and torrential rains that can cause mudslides. The Cuyabeno National Park near the Colombian border has a history of kidnappings: in 2012, a group of British tourists were surrounded at gunpoint and held against their will by a gang there, and later in the year, two Canadians — out for a hike on the reserve — were also held hostage and ransomed. In the 5 years that we have lived here, we have only seen three lightning and thunder storms. If that happens just hand over whatever you have and call the police afterwards. As a traveler, you’re by far the most likely to encounter petty theft. There are very few species of poisonous snakes in Ecuador, but it’s rare to see them in the wild. Sherry speaks Spanish fluently so that’s a plus. If you get attacked it is often because robbers want something, like money or phone. Yes. By the way: All the countries and regions are safer than the U.S. according to the Global Peace Index 2020. GringosAbroad helps expats and travelers navigate Ecuador. There is nothing like the feeling of tranquility as one enjoys the beach, a gentle breeze blowing the warm air, the rustle of the palm trees, the waves gently lapping at the sand, as the sun dip into the ocean, painting the sky with the amazing colors of an afternoon sunset. Don’t let pictures of visitors climbing mountains and rappelling down canyons fool you – most adventure activities (aside from certain scuba diving excursions) don’t require any experience. Currently, Guayaquil is Ecuador’s highest-crime city, and an area where you should avoid walking. You can also bring iodine tablets with you to purify your water on the go. Curious about where to move? Many hikers, thrill seekers, and adventure enthusiasts travel across the world to visit The Amazon and to experience raw nature in its pure beauty but while you make your way here, you should know that the Amazon is a very safe place to travel when it comes to the crime rate. There isn’t the same mind-set you will find in America regarding pets. Plus, in general, Ecuador is one of the safest countries to visit in Latin America. Barcelona is now widely accepted as the crime capital of Europe. Yes, fruits and vegetables are safe to eat in Ecuador. We help make every single one count by tailoring experiences that are fun-filled, worry-free, and unforgettable. In Quito, certain parks should be avoided: La Carolina and El Ejido parks are known crime hotspots. Keep in mind that this type of treatment will vary quite a bit by destination. Because getting to the islands requires a flight from the mainland, the population is very small and there is virtually no crime or corruption.On top of that, Ecuador ranks w… 13 Best Travel Umbrellas for Rainy Cities (Compact, Windproof)... 9 Best Luggage Scales for International Travelers (Buyers Guid... 15 Ecuador Landmarks to Visit: Historical, Natural, Artisan, C... Guide to 18 Largest Cities in Ecuador (Population, Elevation, ... 16 Ecuador Desserts You Need to Try! We are out … Crime targeted at tourists in Ecuador usually involves petty theft. Is it coming back to life…….? If you’re planning a vacation that revolves around nature hotspots like Mindo, the Amazon, and the Galapagos, tour groups can help create a safe environment while you explore. Thinking about buying property? What are requirements? I am looking forward to the next installment about coastal areas north of Manta, especially the Bahia area, and progress of recovery and current conditions of the Bahia/San Vicente area, since the earthquake of last year. Anything valuable should be kept in the zipped, innermost pockets of your bags. Five years ago my family and I moved from a mountainous region of California to Ecuador. I am seriously considering writing a post on the topic, so watch my blog. Jane, Insulin is cheap and easy to get here (lots of Hispanics develop diabetes). Pickpockets in Ecuador work in crowded places, as they do in many countries all over the world. Yes, taxis in Ecuador can be safe, but you must choose wisely. Fortunately, most of the crime in Ecuador doesn’t have anything to do with travelers – government corruption is a common complaint, but chances are you won’t have a run-in with the Ecuadorian administration. You can access all of these places and more using Ecuador Hop. You'll have to file a crime report known as a denuncia, and should plan to inform your embassy. Mountains vs Coast. For such a small country, Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse places in the world.