Although violent crime is very low in Ecuador, non-violent crime is a concern in Ecuador, so be aware of your surroundings and watch out for pickpocketers. Keep an eye on your credit card during transactions, to minimize the threat of “skimming” (where fraudsters steal your credit card information when you’re not looking).
We recommend that you leave valuable jewelry – including watches – at home, as well as expensive electronics. Carry a money belt, use the hotel safe to hold your passport and other important documents. Some volcanic activity can be cause for concern as well, so ask your tour guide about which areas to avoid.
All our tours include professional tour guides, and we will arrange all transportation, transfers, hotels, and tours that we know personally and recommend highly.
For US Citizens, the State Department recommends bookmarking the Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts page, following their Twitter and Facebook accounts, and/or downloading their free Smart Traveler App through iTunes to stay up-to-date on travel warnings and news. They also offer useful tips for traveling safely abroad.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has some recommendations on traveling safely in Ecuador.
