Ecuador

Petty crime and violent crime are common in urban areas, especially in busy transportation hubs. Criminals sometimes target stopped cars in traffic for carjackings. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid showing signs of affluence, such as expensive clothes or jewelry. Ensure your travel documents are secured at all times and carry photocopies of your identification documents with you. Avoid carrying large sums of money. Avoid walking on deserted beaches. Only use reputable radio taxi companies, as taxi drivers have been involved in kidnappings.

Be wary when your credit cards are being handled by others during payment, particularly in restaurants and bars, as credit card fraud is increasing in Ecuador. Ensure that the automatic banking machine you use has not been modified by criminals.

Travellers, particularly women, should avoid walking alone and walking at night. Sexual assaults against female tourists have been reported throughout the country. Travel in groups and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Never accept food or drink from strangers or new acquaintances and do not leave your food or drink unattended.

Due to its location, Ecuador is at risk for earthquakes. Ecuador is also at risk of volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. In case of a natural disaster, always follow the evacuation procedures of local authorities.

Always carry a copy of your passport and visa.

The incidence of road accidents is high in Ecuador. Road travel may be dangerous due to poor road conditions, poor vehicle maintenance, debris on roadways, and reckless driving. Exercise extreme caution in rural areas where roads may be unpaved and unlit at night. Avoid travelling after dark; robberies and car-jackings may occur. Heavy rainfall may wash out roads and cause severe travel disruptions.

Exercise extreme caution when participating in outdoor adventure activities as safety standards may not be adequate. Also, exercise caution when swimming as currents may be strong and unpredictable. If hiking in Ecuador, exercise caution due to the rapidly changing climate. Do not stray from hiking trails and always travel with a guide or group. Always wear proper clothing; warm, waterproof clothing is necessary, even on a clear day.

Be aware that the use of traditional hallucinogens (known as Ayahuasca or San Pedro) are marketed to travellers as 'spiritual cleansings' and have lead to serious illness or death. Exercise caution.

Exercise caution in the coastal waters of Ecuador as piracy has been reported.

Although same-sex sexual relations are legal in Ecuador, same-sex marriage is prohibited and local attitudes may not welcome same-sex open displays of affection.

Avoid travel to the regions bordering Colombia - Esmeraldas, Carchi, Sucumbios - due to the risk of violence from organized crime, drug trafficking, demonstrations, kidnapping, armed assaults, and extortion.

Avoid travel to the provinces of Zamora-Chinchipe, Morona-Santiago, and El Oro due to the unpredictable safety and security situation and the presence of landmines.

Do not travel to the El Panecillo hill by foot, do so only by vehicle with a reliable tour group.

Always avoid demonstrations as they can become violent unexpectedly. In Ecuador, foreigners are prohibited from participating in demonstrations and can be arrested for doing so.