Yes! While Ecuador has faced some challenges, the country remains an exceptional travel destination. With the right precautions, you can still safely enjoy its enticing culture, breathtaking landscapes, and spectacular Galápagos Islands.
Due to political unrest and concerns about crime, Ecuador's safety situation has been gaining international press as of late (early 2025). While these issues do exist, it's important to keep perspective: for the overwhelming majority of visitors, Ecuador is still a safe and incredibly rewarding place to travel.
The Ecuadorian government has implemented stronger security measures, particularly in major cities and tourist hubs, to ensure visitors feel safe. Police presence has increased, and safety measures for tourists, such as controlled taxi services and designated secure areas, have been expanded.
We have continued to run tours of Ecuador for our clients throughout this period of localised unrest and have encountered zero issues.
Safety in Ecuador - What You Need to Know
Ecuador has had its share of political and economic changes in recent years, but for visitors, the impact has been minimal. The government has focused on additional safety protocols in all major travel destinations, including Quito, Cuenca, Otavalo, and the Amazon. The Galápagos Islands remain as safe and accessible as ever. If you stick to well-travelled routes, use pre-arranged transfers, and follow basic travel precautions, you’ll have a fantastic experience.
Crime is something that exists in any country, but in Ecuador’s key tourist areas, incidents involving visitors are rare. The government has strengthened security in popular spots, and as long as you stay aware of your surroundings—like you would anywhere—you’ll have nothing to worry about. Our clients have not encountered any issues in tourist areas, and Ecuador continues to be a safe, welcoming place to explore.
"We felt extremely safe and well cared for throughout the trip, particularly with the excellent pickup/drop-off services at the airports and hotels for all our excursions. The guides and drivers provided excellent quality of care, including being timely, knowledgeable, caring, and friendly… The use of What's App for on-the-ground contact, communication, and service in each country was excellent and also added to our sense of care/safety so that could relax and really embrace our journey."
- Michelle, Feb 2024
> Discover our favourite Luxury Lodges in Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands: One of the Safest Places on Earth
If your Ecuador travel dream includes the Galápagos Islands, rest assured—it remains one of the world's safest and most protected destinations. Crime on the islands is practically non-existent, and the biggest danger you'll face is sunburn from spending too much time admiring giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies.
The Galápagos National Park authorities maintain strict regulations to protect both the environment and visitors. Entry is controlled, tourism numbers are limited, and local guides ensure that all activities are conducted safely.
"All arrangements went very smoothly during our Quito and Galápagos Islands 7-day trip, and every day was a wondrous delight." - Peter, Aug 2023
> Exploring the Galápagos Islands with Kids
What About Guayaquil?
Guayaquil is primarily a gateway for travellers heading to the Galápagos Islands, with most visitors only staying overnight for flight connections. While it’s Ecuador’s largest city, there isn’t much to see in terms of tourism. We recommend staying in a comfortable, well-located hotel near the airport, where you’ll find everything you need for a hassle-free stopover.
Why Ecuador is Worth Visiting
Ecuador offers incredible landscapes, rich indigenous heritage, colourful markets, and some of the most diverse wildlife on the planet.
Visitors encounter a warm welcome throughout the country, as tourism has played a big role in the economy for decades now. If you travel smart, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience.
> The Galápagos are one of the Best Places to Travel in South America
Where It’s Safe to Visit
Ecuador’s most celebrated highlights are some of South America’s lesser-known but equally rewarding treasures. Real hidden gems!
All the below-mentioned tourist hubs are safe to visit:
Quito: Ecuador's capital has some fantastic historical sites, but like many large cities worldwide, it has areas where petty crime is an issue. Stick to tourist-friendly areas such as the historic centre, La Mariscal, and La Floresta, and avoid wandering alone at night.
Quito was one of the first two cities in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978 (along with Kraków, Poland). Its well-preserved colonial centre is one of the largest and best-kept in Latin America.
Cuenca: Known for its striking colonial architecture and laid-back atmosphere, Cuenca is one of Ecuador's most delightful stopovers and is considered one of the safest cities in the country.
The real birthplace of the Panama hat, Cuenca is a UNESCO-listed colonial splendour, with an original city grid design dating back to the 16th century.
Otavalo: Famous for its indigenous markets and mountainous landscapes, Otavalo is a peaceful town that continues to see thousands of visitors every year.
The famous Otavalo markets attract vendors and artisans from all over the region.
Mindo Cloud Forest: A lush paradise of hummingbirds, waterfalls, and adventure, just outside Quito and included in our highland tours to Otavalo. Zip-line, hike, or savour local chocolate in this biodiversity hotspot. A perfect nature escape!
A lush paradise of hummingbirds, waterfalls, and adventure, just outside Quito and included in our highland tours to Otavalo. Zip-line, hike, or savour local chocolate in this biodiversity hotspot. A perfect nature escape!
The Amazon: Lodge-based adventures with guided tours are the best way to explore the Amazon safely. Reputable operators ensure visitors have a secure and immersive experience in the rainforest.
The Galápagos Islands: As mentioned, this is one of Ecuador's safest places to visit!
The Galápagos are home to some of the most distinctive animals on earth, including the Waved Albatross. It is the only albatross species that breeds in the tropics and nests exclusively on Española Island.
> The Best Galápagos Cruise Ships
Where You Should Be Cautious
While most of Ecuador is safe for travellers, some regions require a little more vigilance:
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Guayaquil: Ecuador’s largest city has a reputation for higher crime rates, but as mentioned, this is just an overnight stop on the way to/from the Galápagos. In Guayaquil, we stay in comfortable and safe hotels near the airport.
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Border areas near Colombia: Some regions in the north, especially Esmeraldas, have seen criminal activity and are best avoided. This has been true for many years.
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Some remote areas: While the Ecuadorian countryside is beautiful, it's always best to travel with a guide when heading to lesser-known regions. Many are just fine, but you should explore with local guides who know their area well regardless.
How to Travel Safely in Ecuador
Ecuador is a stunning country with warm and welcoming people. Still, as with any destination, a little common sense goes a long way. Here's how to stay safe:
Use Pre-Arranged Transfers
One of the easiest ways to avoid problems is to use trusted transportation. Avoid hailing random taxis off the street—stick to registered services like Uber, Cabify, or hotel-recommended drivers. At Viva, we use pre-arranged airport pickups and private transfers to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Be Aware of Pickpockets
Keep a close eye on your belongings in crowded places like Quito's Old Town or if taking public transport. Use a crossbody bag with zippers, and don’t carry valuables in your pockets.
Stay in Safe Neighbourhoods
As mentioned, all of Ecuador’s major cities boast plenty of suburbs that are safe to stay in and safe to visit. Usually, these are the most tourist-friendly hoods, and given they host most of the highlights, anyway, there’s little reason to venture further. And we’ll once more mention to avoid walking alone at night lest you stumble into an unsavoury suburb.
On our tours of Quito, we usually stay in a luxurious hotel in the San Marcos or San Roque neighbourhoods. These are two of the city’s safest, upmarket suburbs.
Check Travel Advisories and Local News
Situations can change quickly, so staying informed before and during your trip is essential. Government travel advisories are great, but local news sources are better at helping you stay updated on any potential disruptions.
Use Official ATMs and Payment Methods
Only withdraw cash from ATMs inside banks (during opening hours) or shopping centres, and use credit cards for transactions when possible. Avoid street money changers.
Travel with a Reputable Tour Operator
Booking your trip with a trusted company like Viva Expeditions gives you an added layer of security. You’ll have access to local experts who know where it’s safe to visit and the best ways to experience Ecuador.
Explore Ecuador with Viva Expeditions!
Travelling with Viva Expeditions means partnering with a knowledgeable expert who truly understands Ecuador. Our team is well-connected and experienced, so you can trust that your journey will be safe and enjoyable without the hassles of unreliable transportation or any anxiety you may have about where it's safe to go.
“We are return customers to using Viva Expeditions to arrange a fabulous South America tour to Ecuador and Peru. As before, Emma was magnificent in communication and arranging a well planned trip. High quality guides, and smooth transfers. We had such a nice trip because we had great confidence that arrangements would work. Thank you Viva."
- Ewen R, October 2024
> See all our Tours of Ecuador
Our guides are experts in their fields and are always on hand to help with any questions or needs you might have. We take pride in having an Ecuadorian crew that regularly updates our information, allowing us to adapt your travel plans smoothly if anything unexpected comes up. You'll also have the peace of mind of our 24/7 support; our local team is just a call away if you need assistance.
At Viva Expeditions, we specialise in crafting personalised itineraries. We can show you the best of Ecuador, all while prioritising your safety and comfort every step of the way.
Want to know how we can tailor your safe and unforgettable trip to Ecuador?
Contact our Destination Specialists today to find out!
