Ecuador Security Tips for Budget Travelers

By Christopher Minster

Ecuador is a poor country, and budget travelers are particularly at risk: many professional criminals in touristy areas specifically target them. Many mid-range and luxury travelers are insulated from street crime because they're traveling with reputable travel agencies which offer perks such as airport transfers and guides who watch out for them.

Budget travelers often travel without these protections, and must take extra care. Ecuadorian thieves are rarely aggressive. Rather, they wait for their mark to make a mistake and then exploit it. If you're robbed in Ecuador, chances are you'll never see it happen. Keep an eye on your luggage at all times, and take care to hide your valuables when staying in cheap hostels.

Internet cafés are particularly perilous: thieves wait and watch, hoping to see a poorly attended backpack or purse they can walk off with. Always remember that if you're a foreigner with luggage, you'll be considered a target, whether you have anything of value or not. Put a small padlock on the zipper of your backpack when you travel.