Ecuador Security Tips for Luxury Travelers

By Christopher Minster

Luxury travelers to Ecuador need not worry too much about security. Ecuador's top hotels are known for honest employees, and guides and tour operators will help protect you from street crime. The only real risks you'll face will come from pickpockets and other opportunistic thieves: follow some basic security precautions as outlined in our safety in Ecuador section and you'll be fine.

Remember, however, that Ecuador is a very poor country, and even the most honest hotel worker, guide or person on the street might not be able to resist an item of obvious great value. Non-essential items such as valuable jewelry, fancy clothes and sunglasses might prove to be too much of a temptation for some of the people you meet. It is best to leave such things somewhere they'll be safe and come to Ecuador with less valuable replacements such as a cheap watch or sunglasses. One obvious exception to this rule is cameras: Ecuador is one of the best places in the world to take photos and you'll want your best camera.