Safest cities in Ecuador
17 cities with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04
US 2/4 Exercise increased cautionUK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of this country
Areas the UK FCDO advises against visiting
- Coastal Region
- Within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border
- Esmeraldas
- Manabí
- Santa Elena
- Guayas
- El Oro
- Los Ríos
- Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas
- El Ángel Ecological Reserve
- Rumichaca border crossing
- the town of Tulcán
- the Pan-American Highway
In full or in part — the official advisory lists exact boundaries and exceptions.
What official travel advice warns about
Terrorism
- Terrorism in EcuadorTerrorist attacks in Ecuador cannot be ruled out.
Political situation
- Due to the current State of Emergency, expect heightened police and military presence nationwide without previous notice, and potential travel disruptions due to extra security checks.
Crime
- Protecting yourself and your belongingsMugging and pickpocketing are common, take care in Quito’s old town and at transport hubs. The methods criminals use include:
- Violent crime and armed robberyOn 14 October 2025, a car bomb exploded near the Mall del Sol shopping centre and the Sheraton Hotel in northern Guayaquil, resulting in multiple injuries and at least one fatality. Secondary explosions were reported on 15 October 2025 on a road connecting the provinces of Guayas and El Oro.
- ATM and bank customer robberyTake care when withdrawing money from a bank or ATM. Where possible use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres, and avoid withdrawing money after dark. There have been violent robberies outside banks. The Ecuadorean national police offers a free escort service if you are withdrawing or depositing large quantities of cash. To request this service,…
- Transport robberyThere is a risk of robbery and pickpocketing on interstate transport and at bus stations, including on routes commonly used by tourists. To reduce your risk:
- Sexual assaultSerious sexual assaults and attacks against foreign women have happened in Ecuador, particularly in the tourist beach town of Montañita in Santa Elena Province. Check reviews of your accommodation to make sure it is reputable and secure, even if you’re travelling in a group. Avoid travel after dark and be alert to the use of date rape and other…
- Criminal kidnapKidnapping rates have risen in Ecuador. Express kidnappings – short term opportunistic abductions, aimed at extracting cash from the victim – are common throughout Ecuador. Victims can be targeted or selected at random. They are held while criminals withdraw money from their bank accounts using their cash cards. Many cases involve victims who have…
- Drug-assisted robberyCriminals may use drugs to incapacitate victims and facilitate robbery. Homemade versions of the drug scopolamine can disorient individuals and impair their ability to resist or remember events. Scopolamine can be absorbed through the skin and may be applied to your hand, face or body without you realising.
- Methanol poisoningThere has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world.
Laws and cultural differences
- Personal IDBy law you must carry ID. Always carry a printed copy of your passport, including the pages with your photograph and Ecuadorean entry stamp.
- Illegal drugs and prison sentencesThe penalties for drug trafficking or drug use are harsh, and prison conditions are very basic.
- ‘Spiritual cleansing’ hallucinogensIn Ecuador people use traditional hallucinogens such as Ayahuasca or San Pedro. These substances are marketed to tourists for ‘spiritual cleansing’ rituals. They often contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a strong hallucinogen that is illegal in the UK.
- LGBT+ travellersSame-sex relations are legal in Ecuador. However, local attitudes towards the LGBT+ community can be conservative and there is still societal discrimination. People may be less tolerant of same-sex couples showing affection in public than they are in the UK. Showing affection may attract negative attention, especially in small towns. Transgender…
- MoneyUS dollars and 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos coins minted in Ecuador are the only legal currencies. Credit cards and travellers cheques are generally accepted in cities but not elsewhere in the country.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
- Volunteer and adventure activitiesIf you join a volunteer or adventure expedition programme, make sure the UK organisation responsible for travel has an official agent in Ecuador able to handle an emergency. Be wary of unauthorised intermediaries (‘enganchadores’) trying to offer you cheap hotels or tour deals.
- Swimming safetyThere is a risk of drowning caused by strong, rapidly changing ocean currents. Beaches do not always have swimming safety warning flags. Seek local advice on tidal activity.
- Hiking and mountaineeringIf you’re hiking or mountaineering in Ecuador, prepare for high altitude and unpredictable climates. Hire an accredited guide or tour operator for these activities.
- Climbing mountains with glaciersIt is illegal to do high mountaineering or climb a glaciated mountain without an official accredited guide.
- Pichincha volcanoTourists take day trips to Pichincha volcano on the cable car (‘teleférico’) from Quito. Cruz Loma arrival station is at 4.050 metres above sea level. There have been accidents on the route to one of the peaks, Rucu Pichincha, including deaths from hypothermia. You should:
- Cayambe VolcanoThere may be access restrictions for Cayambe volcano depending on the weather and glacier conditions. Comply with safety regulations.
- Chimborazo ReserveTo visit Chimborazo National Reserve, you must email chimborazo@ambiente.gob.ec at least 5 days in advance to register on the Biodiversity Information System (‘Sistema de Información de Biodiversidad’). The Chimborazo National Reserve is only open for tour operators and accredited mountaineering clubs after an avalanche killed 3 climbers in 2021.
- Cotopaxi National ParkHigh mountaineering in Cotopaxi National Park is restricted. Since November 2023, tour operators, mountaineering clubs and individual visitors can go high mountaineering in Cotopaxi National Park. However, they must comply with mandatory national park rules and safety regulations.
Transport risks
- Road travelIf you are planning to drive in Ecuador, see information on driving abroad.
- Driving conditionsEcuador has one of the highest rates of road accidents in Latin America due to careless driving, speeding and badly maintained vehicles. There have been many deaths, including British nationals.
- TaxisBook taxis through your hotel or by calling a known radio-dispatched taxi service. Travel in a group if possible. Using unregistered taxis significantly increases your risk of becoming a victim of crime.
- Sea travelThere has been piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around Ecuador’s waters. Sailors should stay alert and take appropriate precautions.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
- LandslidesLandslides are common in Ecuador and can have a serious impact on travel. Heavy rains can lead to landslides, which frequently lead to road closures. Check the weather forecast if you are travelling by road.
- EarthquakesThere is a high risk of earthquakes across Ecuador. Earthquakes and aftershocks can cause landslides, which block roads.
- TsunamisThere is a high risk of tsunamis along the coast and in the Galapagos Islands. If there is a tsunami alert, sirens will sound in Esmeraldas, El Oro, Guayas, Santa Elena, Manabí and Galapagos. See evacuation route maps and follow the advice of the authorities.
- Rainy seasonThe rainy season usually runs from October to May but can last until June.
- Forest firesForest fires happen in many areas, especially in Pichincha, Loja, Azuay and Cotopaxi provinces , due to high temperatures, strong winds, dry conditions and arson. Call 911 if you see a fire.
- Volcanic eruptionsThere are many volcanoes in the highlands of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Some are currently erupting, active or potentially active. Check the current volcano alerts (in Spanish). Follow instructions issued by the local authorities.
Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for Ecuador, updated 2026-07-10 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →
Country figures
- Homicide rate
- 38.94 /100k2024
- Income inequality
- Gini 45.92025
- Human development
- HDI 0.7772023
- Income
- $16,290/yrGNI per capita PPP
- Road deaths
- 20.1 /100kWHO, 2019
- Political stability
- 54/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
- Rule of law
- 40/100WGI, 2024
- Corruption perceptions
- 33/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
- Natural-hazard risk
- 5.8/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Women, Peace & Security
- 0.61GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
- Air quality
- 18.6 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
- Safe drinking water
- 70%of population, 2024 · WHO/UNICEF JMP
- Healthcare capacity
- 2.3 doctors /1k1.3 hospital beds per 1,000
- Malaria
- 0 /1k at riskWHO, 2024 · endemic countries only
Natural hazards
- Earthquake
- 9.5/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Tsunami
- 9.0/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Flood
- 6.5/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Drought
- 3.4/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Ecuador (as of 2025).
How Ecuador compares
| Measure | Ecuador | World median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 39 /100k | 2.4 /100k | +37 /100k — better for World median |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 45.9 | 35.2 | +10.7 — better for World median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.777 | 0.763 | +0.014 — better for Ecuador |
| Road deaths | 20.1 /100k | 15.4 /100k | +4.7 /100k — better for World median |
| Rule of law | 40/100 | 52/100 | −12/100 — better for World median |
| Corruption perceptions | 33/100 | 39/100 | −6/100 — better for World median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 18.6 µg/m³ | 19.7 µg/m³ | −1.1 µg/m³ — better for Ecuador |
| Natural-hazard risk | 5.8/10 | 3.8/10 | +2.0/10 — better for World median |
| Measure | Ecuador | South America median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 39 /100k | 8.6 /100k | +30 /100k — better for South America median |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 45.9 | 43.0 | +2.9 — better for South America median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.777 | 0.786 | −0.009 — better for South America median |
| Road deaths | 20.1 /100k | 15.4 /100k | +4.7 /100k — better for South America median |
| Rule of law | 40/100 | 49/100 | −9/100 — better for South America median |
| Corruption perceptions | 33/100 | 36/100 | −3/100 — better for South America median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 18.6 µg/m³ | 16.9 µg/m³ | +1.7 µg/m³ — better for South America median |
| Natural-hazard risk | 5.8/10 | 4.0/10 | +1.8/10 — better for South America median |
Medians, not means, so one extreme country cannot drag the reference value. Each row compares only the countries that have a published figure for that measure, and differences are plain arithmetic between stored values.
All 17 cities, safest first
- City of Loja60.3 · #4417 worldwide
- Riobamba55.8 · #4790 worldwide
- Cuenca53.8 · #4957 worldwide
- Ambato46.4 · #5445 worldwide
- Quito44.6 · #5570 worldwide
- Cumbaya44.6 · #5571 worldwide
- Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas42.3 · #5707 worldwide
- Esmeraldas38.7 · #5883 worldwide
- Ibarra37.4 · #5921 worldwide
- Salinas [Santa Elena]33.9 · #5987 worldwide
- Quevedo32.9 · #6001 worldwide
- Babahoyo30.5 · #6031 worldwide
- Machala30.3 · #6033 worldwide
- Manta27.7 · #6054 worldwide
- Portoviejo27.7 · #6055 worldwide
- Milagro27.3 · #6066 worldwide
- Guayaquil27.0 · #6070 worldwide