Violent crime
Violent crime and theft are common. This includes:
Travellers have reported serious assaults and theft in Quito at:
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El Panecillo
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La Mariscal
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Guapulo
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the old town
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southern Quito
Outside Quito, thieves target travellers at:
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Guayaquil's downtown, waterfront and market areas
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Cerro Mandango near Vilcabamba Loja
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the Antennas of Pichincha
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Lower Rio Napo's jungle lodges
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Cuyabeno National Reserve areas
Some riverboat tours have been robbed at gunpoint, with passengers left stranded.
Petty crime
Thieves target backpackers and foreigners for bag-snatching and pickpocketing, even in large tour groups. Travellers have been injured when they resist.
Petty crime is common around Quito at:
Theft also occurs:
Thieves working in pairs or groups use distraction methods, such as:
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staged fights
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asking for help
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pushing or shoving
To protect yourself from petty crime:
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don't leave your luggage, food or drinks unattended
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be alert when using ATM and credit cards
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don't let your credit or debit card out of your sight
Spiking assaults
Travellers have been robbed and sexually assaulted after accepting 'spiked' drinks and food, as well as chewing gum and cigarettes.
Spikers use drugs, such as scopolamine, including through aerosol sprays and paper handouts, to incapacitate, rob and assault their victims.
Never accept things from strangers or people you have just met.
More information:
Road-based crime
Risk of violent crime increases when you travel alone or after dark.
Violent crime and theft occur in:
Armed criminals have boarded buses to rob passengers.
North of Quito, high risk security situations can develop quickly. Dangerous areas include Ecuador's norther borders with Colombia and Peru in:
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Sucumbios province
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Esmeraldas province
Armed groups and other criminals engage in kidnapping and other violent criminal activity. Foreigners have been kidnapped in these regions, including in Cuyabeno wildlife reserve.
If you plan to travel there, check warnings issued by local authorities.
The official border crossing town of Tulcán in Carchi province is in a high-risk area, but is usually safer than its surrounds.
To protect yourself from crime:
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pay attention to your safety and security
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keep doors locked and windows up, even when moving
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secure your accommodation against intruders
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avoid going out alone, especially at night
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if camping, only stay at authorised campsites
Kidnapping
Kidnappings for ransom happen, including in:
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major cities, such as Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca
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places frequented by foreigners
'Express kidnappings' have increased in recent years. Victims are forced to withdraw funds from ATMs to secure their release. These often involve unofficial taxis.
Kidnappings occur around:
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Sucumbios
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Esmeraldas, including San Lorenzo
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Cuyabeno wildlife reserve
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areas within 20km of the border with Colombia
If, despite our advice, you decide to travel an area where there's a threat of kidnapping:
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seek professional security advice
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have effective personal security measures in place
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pay close attention to warnings issued by local authorities
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
Scams and fraud
Ayahuasca tourism is a growing industry in Ecuador and Peru. It involves shamans guiding visitors through psychedelic rituals, often referred to as 'spiritual cleansing'.
It's not illegal, but serious assaults and robbery can occur. Victims report a range of experiences, from being alert but unable to maintain control of their surroundings, to total amnesia.
Credit card fraud and debit card scams are increasing.
To reduce your risk of scams:
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research ayahuasca tour operators before you sign up
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avoid participating in ayahuasca rituals without a trusted friend present
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always keep your debit and credit cards in sight