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

3.9 /5

Based on 18 experiences from female travelers

3.2 /5

Based on our research and crime data

2.2 /5

Based on 8 experiences from local women

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How safe is Ecuador?

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: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: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: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

4.4 /5

based on 18 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

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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Is Ecuador safe for women?

Safety index

2.2 /5

Based on 8 local experiences

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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Meet locals in Ecuador

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

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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 !

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Stay with locals in Ecuador

Estefanía

Quito

Can host for:

3 days

About me

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Raquel

Quito

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey I'm Raquel I'm from Ecuador - Quito I like to travel and cook. Into meditation and cultural activities. Not a party girl every weekend. I like nature and love to start using the firepit in my backyard

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