Is Ecuador safe for solo female travelers?

Ecuador presents a medium level of safety for solo female travelers. While many areas are friendly and welcoming, some city and remote areas may feel less secure due to crime rates. It is recommended to stay vigilant about surroundings, refrain from traveling alone at night time and stay in populated, well-lit areas. Also, local transportation can be unreliable; it's advisable for solo female travelers to arrange transportation with trusted companies or taxi applications. As long as standard travel safety practices are followed, Ecuador can be an engaging destination.

Safety rating

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How safe is Ecuador for female travelers?

Travel safety index

3.9 /5

based on 18 experiences from female travelers

Puyo, 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, 2024
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Galápagos, 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, 2024
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Ecuador, 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, 2024
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Baños, 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, 2023
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Ecuador, Solo travel

I spent 7 days in Ecuador and it was an amazing trip. Ecuadorians are warm, friendly, helpful, and honest. I never felt scared or in danger. Trip details: Quito - half a day upon arrival (1 night in the historical center), Amazon Jungle - 3 days / 3 nights, Banos - 1 night / 1 day, 1 night / 1 day in a mountain lodge on Cotopaxi Volcano, and then return to Quito for the last night.

Posted: December 26, 2023
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How safe is Ecuador for women?

Local safety index

2.2 /5

Based on 8 local experiences

Local crime index

2.2 /5

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
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Alicia

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, 2024
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Quito

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, 2024
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City 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
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Andrea

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, 2024
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Safety in Ecuador