Ecuador🇪🇨
Ecuador, named after the equator that crosses the country, is located in the continent of South America. It is bordered by Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The country is known for its rich biodiversity, diverse landscape with Andean highlands, Amazon rainforest, Galapagos Islands, and coastal region. The Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site and are renowned for their unique wildlife. Quito, the capital city, houses many 16th- and 17th-century palaces and religious sites. Ecuador is famous for its bright handwoven textiles and traditional crafts. Visitors are recommended to visit Quito's beautifully restored Old Town, visit the indigenous market of Otavalo, or explore the Amazon Rainforest on foot or by canoe.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Don't drink tap water without treating it first. Water is not potable throughout the country. Stick to bottled or treated water.
- It's important not to approach the active volcanoes, as these can erupt with little warning.
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially in areas that are not tourist-friendly, to caution against potential crime.
- Avoid swimming in lakes and rivers, as water quality can be poor and lead to illnesses.
- Avoid entering licensed taxis without specific markings, such as the orange plates assigned to legal taxis.
- Avoid displaying valuable items openly in public. Petty theft including pickpocketing or mugging is common.
- Avoid crossing the border into Colombia by land, due to the risk of drug trafficking and violence in border areas.
- Resist wearing expensive jewelry or watches, as robberies can be an issue in larger cities.
- Don't ignore altitude sickness. Some of Ecuador's popular destinations are at high altitudes and not taking necessary precautions can lead to altitude sickness.
- Don't ignore travel advice and warnings about dangerous areas or during times of political unrest.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Crime in Ecuador is a prevalent issue, with common crimes including petty theft, muggings, pickpocketing, scams, and violent crimes such as robbery and assault. Cities such as Guayaquil, Quito, and Cuenca have high crime rates due to urban congestion and socioeconomic disparities. Kidnappings are not widespread but occur in remote areas, particularly in the northern border regions adjacent to Colombia.
Terrorism 💣
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Terrorism is not a significant issue in Ecuador. There haven't been any significant terror incidents in the past years. However, the country is in an area with high drug trafficking activities, especially near the border with Colombia. This situation may put the country at some risk of violence related to drug trafficking.
War ⚔️
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Ecuador is a stable country, and there has not been any war or significant political unrest in recent history. The last significant border conflict was the Cenepa War between Ecuador and Peru in 1995, which has been resolved peacefully since.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Ecuador is subject to various natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and floods. In 2016, a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck near the central coast, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The country is home to several active volcanoes, with the Cotopaxi volcano being one of the most active.
Medical Care 🏥
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While the quality of healthcare in Ecuador's major cities is improving, it is inconsistent. Hospitals in Quito and Guayaquil are well-equipped to handle most medical emergencies, but in rural areas, medical services are limited. Also, there can be an issue with finding English-speaking medical professionals.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water in Ecuador is not considered safe for consumption, especially in rural areas. It is recommended to either buy bottled water or treat tap water before drinking, either by boiling or using purification tablets.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Ecuador's disease burden is highlighted by the prevalence of diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and cholera, particularly in rural areas and during the rainy season. The country also faces a high burden of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption is a significant concern in Ecuador, affecting various sectors such as public procurement, police, registry, and permit services. Several corruption cases have been reported in recent years, including that of former Vice President Jorge Glas, who was sentenced to six years in prison for corruption in 2017.
Safety for Women ♀️
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While Ecuadorian law protects women's rights, the implementation is often lacking. Women travelling alone can face harassment, and there have been reports of gender-based violence. It is advisable for women to take precautions, particularly when traveling alone.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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Ecuador is considered one of the more progressive Latin American countries when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage became legal in 2019, and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is illegal. However, societal attitudes may not always reflect legal protections.
Censorship 📺
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While Ecuador's constitution guarantees freedom of speech, there have been concerns regarding media censorship, mainly during the presidency of Rafael Correa. However, under President Lenin Moreno, there has been a noted improvement in press freedom.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in Ecuador is reasonably developed in major cities but can be inconsistent and unreliable, especially in rural areas. Road conditions can be poor in remote locations, and driving habits often pose a risk. Meanwhile, buses and taxis are generally safe, but incidents of pickpocketing and robbery have been reported.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Ecuador has a varying level of safety, with the crime rate being relatively high in certain cities. It is essential for travelers to remain observant and cautious in public spaces, especially at night, and when using public transportation. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions can pose significant safety threats. However, Ecuador is relatively safe from the threat of terrorism and war.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
There are several foreign embassies and consulates in Ecuador, including those of United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The majority of these are located in Quito, the capital of Ecuador.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and routine vaccines such as MMR, DPT, and Chickenpox are recommended for travel to Ecuador. Depending on specific areas to be visited, malaria prophylaxis may also be necessary.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Ecuador has a number of potentially dangerous animals, particularly in the Amazon Rainforest region. These include various species of snakes such as Fer-de-lance and Bushmaster, and insects that spread diseases like dengue and Zika virus. In the ocean, you need to be aware of marine hazards such as jellyfish and certain types of aggressive fish.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Most nationalities, including U.S., Canadian, UK, and EU citizens, can enter Ecuador for up to 90 days without a visa. It is always advisable to check the latest visa requirements before traveling.
💲 Currency
The official currency of Ecuador is the U.S. Dollar. Cash is widely used, and it's recommended to have small denomination bills handy. Banks and ATMs are easily accessible in urban areas.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in large cities and tourist areas in Ecuador. However, small businesses and remote locations may only accept cash.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Ecuador is a popular destination for work and travel, especially in fields like teaching English, conservation work, and volunteer opportunities. However, it is advisable to secure a work permit or visa before arriving in the country.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Ecuador is among the more affordable South American countries to visit. Costs of accommodation, eating out, and transportation are generally low compared to North American or European standards. However, imported goods and tourist services can be pricier.