I am a US student planning an internship in Ecuador this summer (primarily in Quito, Cuenca, and Tena)
How safe is it for Americans to travel in/around Ecuador? I've heard a variety of different opinions...
What was your experience?
gracias,
~AZ
Reply to this From an English point of view I found it very safe and Americans I met whilst travelling felt the same I think. The main thing is just to be sensible - most crimes involve theft so take care on public transport (especially the metro in Quito) and take a friend to the cash machine and only go during the day. Basic stuff like that. Buses were generally fine, if it's a good company bags will go in the storage compartments below and you'll have a ticket that matches your bag to you so no-one else can go off with it. Don't put bags on the overseat racks on buses as they will go! Quito is the same as any other big city so don't going outside alone at night isn't the best idea and always get registered taxis back at night. If you are worried about travelling, get a moneybelt to keep passport/money/documents in. Just act sensibly and you'll have a great time!
Kat xx
Reply to this Hello Tupelohudson 😊
I think how safe it is to travel in a country in S. America depends a lot on how poor the people are there.
I travelled around Ecuador without incident and I did not meet any foreigners who had had a bad experience there. I stayed in the towns where there were plenty of people so I suppose I was not exposed much to the possibility of being robbed. At the time I was there the old part of Quito had a reputation for being dangerous so when I went there I did not stay long.
I would check the dangers and annoyance section of the Lonely Planet guide for Ecuador for reliable safety information.
Mel
Reply to this hi, i am ecuadorian and i can tell you i have never been robbed or have any unconvinient here in quito, cuenca, tena or other city, but it depends a lot in how prudent are you, i mean for example my basic rules are not walking ALONE from 6pm in the streets, when you are in place with full of people take care of your personal things, take official taxis (yellow with numbers and orange license plate)...and things like that..i now you cant have all the time a friend by your side..but try to walk in crowded streets all the time...if you want more help contact
, and i hope you enjoy your trip!!! Reply to this 
