Safety in Ecuador: What You Need to Know in 2025

Ecuador, a land of diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and warm hospitality, has long been a magnet for travellers seeking meaningful experiences. In 2024, Ecuador received over 1.26 million international visitors.

If you’re interested in joining El Terreno, you’re seeking an adventure of a lifetime where you can learn from other cultures, make a real impact, as well as develop yourself professionally and personally. Here at the El Terreno Cultural Exchange Centre, we understand that travelling to the other side of the world is a big consideration and you want to feel assured that you will have a safe, enjoyable time.

Unfortunately, Ecuador has been in the news of late, perhaps making you reconsider your trip. The purpose of this blog is to give you a more detailed understanding of what is happening so you can make the most informed choice possible.

“Before I came, everyone I told about my trip was worried for me, warning me about the crime in Ecuador. But since arriving, I haven’t felt unsafe once - it’s amazing! Here in Guaranda every person I have encountered has been really friendly and welcoming. In New York, where I’m from, I can’t even leave the house after 9pm - I feel much safer than back home!”

Olive, 18 (USA), Anthropology, Culture and Development Intern

CURRENT SITUATION IN ECUADOR

While other Latin America still have higher crime rates (including Argentina, Bolivia & Perú), Ecuador's reputation as an "island of peace" within Latin America has been tarnished of late. This is largely due to increased gang competition in coastal regions since the Colombian paramilitary group "FARC" declared peace in 2017. The situation has been widely reported by the international news - especially with the presidential elections in early 2025.

While the country's economic meltdown since COVID has led to increased gang affiliation on the coast, indigenous communities in the central Andes have seen a wave of illegal migration illegal international migration in search of a better life. As this is the area we live and work, El Terreno's mission is to help "co-create more vibrant, prosperous and regenerative communities, where migration is a choice - not a necessity."

With all of these complexities, it's important to understand these nuances when planning a trip. First of all, the majority of crime takes place between rival gangs (tourists are not actively targeted) and is concentrated mainly in large coastal cities where drugs are smuggled out of the country in container ships. Rural Andean communities are rarely involved in the drug trade and remain significantly less affected.

Additionally, indigenous communities also maintain traditional justice systems known as castigo indígena, which include legally recognised methods of local punishment that include public shaming and cleansing rituals. These systems play a crucial role in maintaining order, and are often endorsed by police due to their effectiveness.

LOCAL CONTEXT: GUARANDA & EL TERRENO

The Bolívar Province, where El Terreno is based, experiences one of the lowest crime rates in Ecuador and its homocide rate is less than many US destinations including Washington DC. Especially in the agricultural regions with a significant indigenous population, the Bolívar Province it is not considered a hotspot for criminal activity.

“I have had the chance to travel and live in Ecuador in various cities during my time here, and have felt incredibly safe — much more so than in the past 4 years of living in New York City — especially within the province of Bolívar. After traveling to 8 countries this past year, I have found people here kind and generally reserved!”

Elise (USA), Business Development Intern

El Terreno itself is located in the rural village of Atandahua where there is also a police station. Since we began operations in 2021, there have been no reported incidents of robbery or assault from our visitors - many report feeling even safer here than in their home countries!

We have additional security measures and someone is available for emergencies 24/7. For added peace of mind, we also offer the option to arrange a private transfer with one of our trusted drivers from anywhere in Ecuador to El Terreno.

TRAVELLING AROUND ECUADOR

Concerns about travelling don't seem to hold back or affect our participants. During weekends, interns and volunteers at El Terreno frequently travel together around to make the most of this beautiful country.

If you would also like to explore other parts of Ecuador, you shouldn't feel limited, as most risks can be greatly diminished by following a few basic precautions:

• Avoid coastal regions, especially Guayaquil

• Exercise caution in large cities and low-income neighbourhoods

• Avoid walking alone at night

• Keep valuables, cash, and mobile phones out of sight

• In crowded areas, store valuables in harder-to-reach places like inside jacket pockets or front-worn backpacks

• Be aware of common scams from pickpockets (being squirted with mustard or a fight breaking out in front of you)

• Don’t leave drinks unattended and don’t go beyond what you can comfortably handle

• Avoid travelling in a hurry or during rush hour when possible, if you’re packed together and flustered, you’ll be an easier target

• Only use official yellow taxis or green/white camionetas (pick up trucks)

• On buses, avoid traveling at night and keep your bag on your lap (not overhead or under the seat)

• Put your passport, secondary bank cards and extra cash in a money belt

• Consider carrying a decoy phone or wallet to deter potential thieves

• If needed, call the national emergency number: 911

• Above all - trust your instincts and say a polite, but firm, “no” if you don’t want to accept an invitation

By following these simple, common-sense steps, taking care of yourself and remaining alert, you can drastically reduce your risk of encountering problems.

SUMMARY: ¿ARE YOU SAFE IN ECUADOR?

In conclusion, while Ecuador continues to face uncertainties, it is unlikely to impact the average traveller. Located in indigenous communities in the Andes, El Terreno is located in one of the safest regions of Ecuador and by taking appropriate precautions, you can greatly enhance your chances of having a safe, transformative, and truly meaningful adventure.

We are always here to offer support, advice, and reassurance throughout your journey. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out — we’re happy to help!

“The people both in the project as well as the village are so incredibly nice, and it feels like a very safe place. All in all it's an experience I'll never forget, and I definitely recommend it to anyone who is ready and up for immersing themselves in Ecuadorian culture, learning a ton, working hard, meeting amazing people and creating unforgettable memories! If you're thinking about it, do it! All the best!”

- Elise (Sweden), Architecture & Sustainable Construction Intern

FURTHER RESOURCES

For up to date governmental advice, see the following pages:

• UK Foreign Travel Advice

• US Department of State Travel Advisory

If you still have any questions or doubts, please feel free to reach out to us to discuss further: joshua@elterrenoecuador.com