Is Ecuador safe for solo female travelers?
Safety rating
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How safe is Ecuador for female travelers?
Travel safety index
based on 19 experiences from female travelers
Alice
Italy
Ecuador, Solo travel
I fell in love with this country❤️🇪🇨 I visited Quito, the capital, and Mindo, a small town famous for its cloud forest and huge biodiversity. I also volunteered at El Paseo de los Monos and I left a piece of my heart there, in a sanctuary that rescues wildlife from the black market🐒. Some will be released back to their own habitat, others wouldn't survive 'cause they spent too much time with humans, so they'll take care of them for their whole life. As an environmental sciences student who wants to work in conservation, this was my paradise.🌎 I felt safe and respected in all the places I visited, Ecuadorians are amazing people. I didn't go around on my own at night, and didn't feel too safe on public transports, but before my trip I asked for tips on the Quito chat on the app and lots of lovely people helped me. It was a bit hard to find vegetarian meals in restaurants, but everything I had tasted amazing🤤 I had the chance, during my stay, to explore the Amazon rainforest, with all its life, a real paradise for biodiversity stans like me🌳 I miss the sounds of the forest, the monkeys I took care of, all the amazing people I met, I think about this trip every single day, and I can't wait to go back🥺 Viva Ecuador🇪🇨 Ojalá que el pueblo ecuadoriano, incluidas las comunidades indígenas, puedan tener el gobierno que merecen
Posted: October 21, 2025Experienced: August, 2025Puyo, Solo travel
I volunteered in YanaCocha that is a rescue center for animals that are hurted or came from the illegal traffic. When they can, they release the animals in nature which is amazing. When they can't cause the animals were pets and then to use to humains, they stay in yanacocha in enclosure with all they need to have a nicer life that the one they had before coming in the center. Otherwise if you go in Puyo there're a lot of great waterfall there but also a chocolate farm, some caves too. If you're interested to go there just ask me and I'll research the names of the places.
Posted: December 23, 2024Experienced: June, 2024Galápagos, Couple travel
The Galápagos Islands are truly extraordinary. Booking activities on site is much cheaper (don’t be shy to bargain) and offers more flexibility. The diversity of wildlife is exceptional. Island hopping is not the most comfortable (if you get nauseous plan to grab some medicine). Once on an island everything is conveniently close. We often walked everywhere even to an airport on one of the islands. For distant activities, agencies provided pick up services. The food was fresh and delicious. Don’t forget to get a stamp in your passport!
Posted: June 6, 2024Ecuador, Solo travel
I was in Ecuador for 2 weeks and always felt safe. I recommend staying away from the coast because that’s where all the crime/violence happens. I stayed mostly around Quito and Cuenca and had a great time.
Posted: March 30, 2024Baños, Solo travel
Baños was amazing! There was a lot to do and so many adventure activities you could book on arrival. Just walking outside was absolutely beautiful with mountains everywhere. There are also lots of thermal hot springs!
Posted: December 26, 2023Experienced: April, 2023How safe is Ecuador for women?
Local safety index
Based on 8 local experiences
Local crime index
Based on 8 local experiences
Guayaquil
Avoid dangerous places. It is better to spend time in public areas and, of course, with locals. Also, take taxis from companies that you know very well. Avoid using Uber or driving yourself. I prefer using Go Girl, which is a taxi service just for girls.
Posted: January 3, 2025
Alicia
Quito
Quito is safe as Long as you know where to navigate, since it does have parts of the city that are a little bit more unsafe. I would recommend not to go alone in the dark, and to always be sure of the route you need to take.
Posted: December 26, 2024Quito
Quito is safe if you avoid the really dangerous places like in any other city. It’s better not to woke alone anywhere, but Cumbaya is pretty safe. If you stay in the tourists places you are good. Watch out your purse on the bus and don’t drink too much if you are alone.
Posted: December 24, 2024City of Quito
As all LATAM capital cities, Quito is a place were women should be careful and always aware of their belongings and safety in public spaces. Also as all Andes and LATAM cultures, women could face sexism. Me and my community of girlfriends always share locations when we have plans together and and a contact info in case we go out alone or in a date. Is important to know that Quito look’s big but mostly everyone knows everyone, so if you are planning to move outside or in the city is easy to asks around if someone could give you a safe ride.
Posted: November 6, 2024
Andrea
Guayaquil
Guayaquil has been experiencing an unprecedented security crisis for several months. If you travel to Guayaquil be very careful with your belongings, and watch around. Don't take with you great value objects if you don't want to be surprised.
Posted: June 22, 2024Safety in Ecuador
