Ecuador

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Ecuador because of the potential for civil unrest.

The security situation in Ecuador has improved following a violent strike and protest by police in early October 2010. Military forces were deployed to provide public security throughout Ecuador.

Protests and demonstrations occur frequently in Ecuador. Protests often involve road blocks and may result in serious disruption to travel and have the potential to turn violent. At short notice, the government may declare a state of emergency – including curfews – in provinces affected by protest action. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Australians in Ecuador are advised to avoid all demonstrations and monitor the media for possible risks to your safety and security.

Local laws expressly prohibit political activity by foreign nationals while they are in Ecuador. This includes participation in protests or demonstrations. Such activity may result in detention or deportation.

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Ecuador because of the risk of violent crime.

Violent crime, including assaults, armed robberies and kidnapping, occurs in Ecuador, including in major cities, such as Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca, and places frequented by foreigners. The risk is heightened when travelling alone or after dark.

Violent crime, including assaults and armed robberies, also occurs on city buses and on long distance and international buses. When travelling on public transport, we recommend that you do not store anything under your seat or in the overhead storage. We recommend you keep your passport and money on your person at all times. Where possible, we advise you to use a direct bus route without stops. The routes between the cities of Guayaquil and Cuenca and between Guayaquil and Riobamba are particularly affected by crime.

Travellers have been robbed and assaulted when using unofficial taxis. You should only use authorised taxis that display their taxi registration sticker. The use of radio-dispatched taxis or those booked through hotels may reduce risks.

Theft and pickpocketing are common in Ecuador, especially on long distance buses and in areas frequented by tourists. Around Quito, the La Mariscal and La Marin districts, and La Carolina and El Ejidoo parks are areas of particular concern. In general, theft and pickpocketing have increased in public markets, airports and bus terminals, and on crowded streets both during daylight and at night. Backpackers are a common target and distraction ploys are often used.

You should not resist a robbery as travellers have been injured resisting in the past. Thieves in Ecuador are often armed.

Travellers have been robbed after using ATMs and when exiting banks. Travellers should exercise a high degree of caution and always be aware of their surroundings. Ensure your valuables, including passport and travel documents, are securely kept on your person at all times.

Luggage theft is common at airports, bus terminals, internet cafes and other transit places. Be aware of attempts to distract your attention away from your luggage, some methods of distraction include staged fights, requests for assistance, and pushing or shoving.

Sexual assaults have increased in Ecuador. Females in particular should avoid going out alone at night or alone to isolated locations. For more information, see our brochure Sexual Assault Overseas.

Travellers have been robbed and assaulted after accepting 'spiked' gifts of food, chewing gum, cigarettes and drinks. The use of aerosol sprays containing incapacitating chemicals has been reported. In neighbouring Colombia, thieves have used similar chemicals on paper handouts, which are especially dangerous if the chemicals touch your face (via your hand). You should not leave your drink unattended.

Incidences of kidnapping for ransom have occurred in Ecuador. “Express kidnappings”, where victims are forced to withdraw funds from ATMs to secure their release, have also occurred, particularly in Guayaquil. For more information about kidnapping, see our see our Kidnapping bulletin.

If camping, you should only stay at authorised campsites because of the risk of violent crime.

There have been reports of river tour boats being commandeered and robbed at gun point, with passengers left stranded.

Armed criminals have robbed travellers staying at jungle lodges in the Lower Rio Napo and Cuyabeno National Reserve areas. Travellers have also been robbed when hiking in Cerro Mandango near Vilcabamba Loja.

Credit card fraud and card skimming take place in Ecuador. Travellers should be vigilant when using credit cards in Ecuador.

North-east border region: We strongly advise you not to travel to Carchi, Orellana, and Sucumbios provinces in north-eastern Ecuador bordering Colombia and Peru. There is a very high level of serious criminal activity, including kidnapping, in these provinces. In September 2012, a tour group was robbed at gunpoint with two tourists, including an Australian citizen, kidnapped in the Cuyabeno reserve in Sucumbios province. A number of other foreigners have been kidnapped in these areas.

Antennas of Pichincha volcano, west of Quito: Following several reports of robbery and rape at gunpoint, we strongly advise you not to hike to the antennas of the Pichincha volcano.

The US dollar is the only legal currency in Ecuador. It is useful to have smaller denominations, especially $1 notes, as many smaller shops and taxi drivers do not change large notes.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work in Ecuador.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Please refer to our air travel page for information on air travel.

Australian/Ecuadorian dual national males are subject to compulsory military service and should seek advice from the nearest embassy or consulate of Ecuador well in advance of travel.

Minors under the age of 18 years who have dual nationality must travel with both passports.

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

The rainy season is from December to May in the coastal region, and from May to November in El Oriente (east of the Andes). Heavy rain often results in landslides and mudslides. Unseasonal rain can cause flooding outside these times.

Ecuador is located in an active seismic area. Several volcanoes in Ecuador are active, including Guagua Pichincha (11km west of Quito), Sangay (40km southeast of Rio Bamba), Tungurahua (overlooking the tourist town of Baños, 135km south of Quito) and El Reventador (95km northeast of Quito). Both Tungurahua and El Reventador have experienced increased seismic activity since 2011. Eruptions could occur at any time and without warning. Ash fall from El Reventadorhas the potential to affect flight operations around Quito. In December 2012, local authorities issued an orange alert for the area surrounding Tungurahua following reports of ash fall in several towns, including in the town of Baños. Before travelling to Baños and the areas surrounding Tungurahua volcano, we advise you to monitor local media and check with local authorities for information on Tungurahua’s activity. Australians in Baños should acquaint themselves with evacuation procedures. Information (in Spanish) on seismic activity can be found at igepn.edu.ec. Even at a considerable distance, a volcanic eruption may endanger your health. See the Health Issues section below for further information.

Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands, is subject to earthquakes.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or child care facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or child care facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select child care providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation.