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?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Unsafe

While Ecuador has many beautiful sights to see, it is advised to be cautious during the night, especially for solo female travelers. Street crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and hotel room theft are quite common. Also, areas with poor street lighting should be avoided. It's always safer to take a taxi or Uber. Always stay vigilant and follow your instinct.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transport in Ecuador is fairly extensive, serving both cities and rural areas. Buses are the most common form of public transportation and are inexpensive. However, they can often be overcrowded. Street crime can be an issue, particularly on city buses in Quito, the shared taxis in rural areas, and on the buses going to and from the northern border of Colombia. It is recommended to keep personal belongings in sight at all times, avoid night buses and use only registered taxis. Some travelers report feeling unsafe, but many have used public transportation with no problems.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

While in Ecuador, you might encounter some level of street harassment such as catcalling or unsolicited comments, especially in busy urban areas. However, these incidents are generally non-aggressive and can often be deterred by confident body language and avoiding eye contact. It is recommended to exercise caution, particularly during the night or when in desolate places.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:High

Ecuador is known to have a higher rate of petty crimes such as bag snatching, pickpocketing, and passport theft, particularly in busy areas like markets, bus stations, and tourist attractions. Care should be taken at all times to secure personal belongings and maintain personal safety. As always, awareness of your surroundings and minimizing displays of wealth can help deter potential thieves.

Is Ecuador worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 17 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5

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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Guayaquil, Solo travel

I didn't have time for extensive sightseeing on the continent, but I spent a few nights in Guayaquil, which everyone says is the most dangerous city in Ecuador. However, I took a private tour with a guide and felt safe the entire time, staying in safer neighborhoods and only going out during the day.

Posted: December 24, 2023
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Ecuador, Solo travel

The only place that seemed a bit uncertain was Quito. I made sure to go out with people from my hostel (never alone) and I never had any problems. Baños de Agua Santa and Cuenca seemed very safe.

Posted: November 5, 2023
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Ecuador, Solo travel

Ecuador is an underrated gem in the west of South America. It beholds giant waterfalls, thrilling hikes, delicious cuisines and the kindest people. It has unfortunately experienced a lot of civil conflict, hence it being a less popular option, but I would have regretted not spending a month here. I can't wait to go back, so much of my heart lies here.

Posted: September 12, 2023Experienced: January, 2023
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Baños, Solo travel

I felt completely safe walking there at night. Besides typical tourist activities like the trip to Amazon Puyo, biking on the Ruti de las Cascadas route and having fun at rooftop bars, I really enjoyed spending time eating at local restaurants and street stalls. I highly recommend the local specialty: choclo mote con cuero.

Posted: August 15, 2023
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Ecuador, Group travel

Ecuador is a charming country, and memories of all the people I met there are very precious to me. I was there with a friend, mainly in Quito and Tena. We never felt unsafe there, although we noticed that local men often looked at us if we were outside at night. We also noticed that almost no women were outside alone, especially at night (they were not accompanied by a man).

Posted: July 31, 2023
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Ecuador, Solo travel

I went on a trip to Ecuador and every minute was fantastic. I was in Quito, the Amazon, Galapagos and Guayaquil. Each place had many unique and interesting things to experience. Galapagos was the biggest highlight.

Posted: July 24, 2023
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Is Ecuador safe for women?

Safety index

1.9 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Crime index

2.2 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

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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Meet locals in Ecuador

Cameron

Cameron

About Me

Hi! My name is Cameron but everyone calls me Cam! I am from South Africa but I have been living in Quito, Ecuador for over 5 years now. I would love to make new friends here in Quito and also when I travel to other countries !

Speaking

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Estefanía

Estefanía

About Me

Hey girls Looove traveling and the idea of supporting each other is fantastic! Passionate about live, nature and deep talk. To me moving the body is necessary for healthy living, I’m a mom of 3 and still manage to travel as much as I can, for mental health you know? Hope we can meet

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Ecuador

Estefanía

Estefanía

Quito

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey girls Looove traveling and the idea of supporting each other is fantastic! Passionate about live, nature and deep talk. To me moving the body is necessary for healthy living, I’m a mom of 3 and still manage to travel as much as I can, for mental health you know? Hope we can meet

Speaking

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Amanda

Amanda

Quito

Can host for:

5 days

About me

Hi am Amanda, am a feminist Pansexual Artist and Gender Resercher, I work on issues related to sexual and reproductive rights and education in the arts. Mom of a teenboy and two lady Cats. I love to travel and meet new cultures, places and magic people by their food, music and art. I speach English and Portuguese fluently.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Ecuador

Samantha

Samantha

About Me

Hi! I’m Samantha and I’m 30 years old, originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada) but I’ve resided on the west coast near the mountains the last 6 years. I love to travel, to get outside, do yoga, go thrifting, read and bake/cook 🌱 I also love a good cup of coffee!

Speaking

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Safety in Ecuador