new to this forum. So having these could insure against that and then, when traveling via bus, they might draw less attention. If your stuff is beat up, it's probably fine. Ipiales to Quito, Ecuador is a popular bus route from Colombia to Ecuador. Never allow anyone to handle your luggage onboard, even if they look like an employee. The information present in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing, however, the world is a changeable place, now more than ever. The rabies vaccine is a good idea if you plan to get off the beaten path. SafetyWing is the travel insurance of choice for scores of backpackers! If you are traveling to certain areas in the Amazon, a yellow fever vaccination may be needed, so check with your doctor. Jun 27, 2023. Occasionally things will happen, even when out and about in your home town, so always take care, and put life into perspective in the worst case that you do get caught up in anything. So, is Ecuador is safe to visit? Note that you should not attempt any glacier or volcano hiking without an official guide in fact, a guide is required by law. They look much more "local.". The question of Is Ecuador Safe? will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. The only company with a 100% safety record in Ecuador is Ecuador Hop. How safe will our packs be under the bus? You can do the same for your smaller carryons; place them on the overhead rack across the aisle and a few rows up so you can see them. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. You still have to keep valuables with you. Transnational criminal groups and local gangs have sporadically engaged in violent criminal activity in these areas, with violence increasing in recent months. Re: Are Ecuador buses safe for your luggage? This is a good way to get tips on where to go next, what to see, and where to eat. Stash your valuables (cash, ID, etc.) I am a 4x4 driver with over one million kilometers driven in South America and I have seen and experienced a lot of issues regarding busses and bus drivers behaviour in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. Even so, many places in Ecuador can be visited safely, and the US government only recommends against travels to the dangerous areas weve covered. Kidnappers in Ecuador resort to cutting off victims' fingers to get However for me this is only important for the things which have most value, like passport, big money and cameras. 24-hour GPS monitoring: Every bus is monitored from a secure point via GPS. Always ask the taxi driver to turn on the meter! You must absolutely not leave passports/phones/cameras in them; keep those on you. While both countries have their share of problems, there are a few key factors that make Ecuador a safer bet for travelers. Make sure you have it in your direct view at all times. g) Age and safety equipment of the long-distance buses. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). In the case of a seismic event, the Ecuadorian government has strict protocols in place via the Ecuadorian National Geophysical Institute and the National Service for Risk and Emergency Management. However, even when taking these things into account, Ecuador is still absolutely worth visiting, and not all stereotypes are as common as they seem. There are no unsafe taxis or dangerous bus stations to worry about when you ride our buses. Thank you for the answer. Top 10 Unique Animals Of The Galapagos Islands, The One Place on Earth Where 10 Million Species Live in Harmony. Staying Safe on Buses in Ecuador - Go! Girl Guides Homosexuality was illegal in Ecuador until 1997, but the country has made several important changes since that time. These taxis also have cameras inside to help prevent crime. I have read a lot of things regarding safety (by safety I mean thievery - not talking about the safety issues relating to the driving style) in travelling by bus in Ecuador, and I have to admit I'm starting to get lost. What I Wish I Knew Before Backpacking Ecuador Alone Mainly we use them when we put our backpacking packs onto airplanes so that all the million little pockets and straps don't get caught and ripped up when going through airport and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? After visiting Zambia and traversing the mountain towns of Colorado, he moved to Ecuador in search of a new understanding of the world around him. The main thing to remember is that you need to be more careful than you would be in your own country. When I first landed in South America, I hadn't really given Ecuador much thought. Tegan and Alex are travel, hiking, and biking enthusiasts currently based in Boston, USA. Lauren Pozen reports from Venice, where an investigation continues after a bus driver was stabbed Thursday afternoon. The Galapagos Islands are at particularly high risk for tsunamis, and the region has a network of sirens and evacuation routes if one is imminent. The best thing for tourists to do is to avoid high-risk areas, especially the border with Colombia. All areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due tocrime. Operations: 593 2-512-3486 Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest to start planning your next adventure! The government's traffic safety agency said Thursday, June 22, 2023, that it will require heavy trucks and buses to include potentially life-saving automatic emergency braking equipment within . Violence in these areas has steadily increased in frequency and brutality in recent months, posing an increased security risk to U.S. citizens. At a moments notice, a friendly passerby stops to help clean up the mess. Take the Flor del Valle bus line as it goes directly into Mindo. Luckily, there are many Galapagos Tours that offer guided excursions to the unique islands. I personally visited Quito and had no issues, though the city does unfortunately have a notable risk of robbery. 303., Quito, Ecuador. The body of the bus is built with metal sheets which are very thin, the pillars of the walls of the body are also very thin and most of the thin metal sheets are stapled to the pillars with Chinese staples, cheaper than American or Japanesse ones, making the material very loose when the busses do accidentally flip or crash. In Ecuador some patterns do not agree, the single-vehicle crashes (Bus only) represent 51%. In Ecuador, you can expect a much higher standard of safety in comparison to other countries in Latin America. Choose a place where youre likely to meet other foreigners that has a secure reputation. Tourism is one of the main economic sectors in Ecuador, therefore all the touristic zones are active (despite the strikes) and travelers are seizing the opportunity to enjoy the hidden wonders of the country more than ever. They are considered legal for ceremonial use, but not for recreational use. In the capital city, Quito, there are several places that are best avoided, such as park La Carolina or El Ejido and the districts La Mariscal, and La Marn. Yes it is, but do follow basic safety tips as you would do anywhere else. You can access all of these places and more using Ecuador Hop. The risk for natural disasters has led to a well-organized federal response in Ecuador, and this shouldnt discourage you from visiting. Getting Around in Ecuador | Frommer's Office opening hours: Mon to Fri: 9am 6pm The thing is when you are walking around a city dressed in a pith hat with a camera in one hand and a guidebook in another, people tend to notice. I had some doubts about leaving my backpack, but I did not mention enything unsafe.So I did not bother to place the luggage in the bus. Our passports we had on our lap, but a good advice to store your luggage on your lap. FIRST! Tips for an epic family vacation to the Galpagos, from the best way to get around to swimming with sea lions and sunbathing with iguanas. We are a family of four, backpacking for five weeks this summer and had intended to use buses for some trips, eg, to Otavalo, Mindo, Papallacta. As I mentioned, I'd only travelled alone through Europe before that trip, and I was used to basically everybody speaking English. You might consider getting some of these sacks to stuff your bags into: https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/us-military-surplus-duffel-bag-used?a=426521&pm2d=CSE-SPG-15-PLA&utm_medium=PLA&utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=CI&gclid=Cj0KCQiAkMDiBRDNARIsACKP1FECr7tgAwuc38qefvihhoqMLlnVZeg9Hyl2HsQq-mUxVs_0IRs3SJgaAmajEALw_wcB. Now a frequent returnee to the Latin Americas and a full-time traveller by trade, her blog -. Obviously we will keep daysacks on our laps. Travel in groups and avoid small dark streets. Other incredible, and safe, places to visit in Ecuador are Baos and Cuenca, two cities with impressive tourist attractions and a window into Ecuadorian culture. can you get killed? In this guide, well lead you through the most common issues for travelers in Ecuador, so you can plan your trip with confidence. It has a large expat community. Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas. The routine starts when someone unseen splashes mustard (or worse) onto people carrying bags, cameras, etc around the bus stations and touristy areas of the city. All cities have some risk of pickpocketingeven in broad daylight. Constant contact: The drivers and guide communicate continuously with the Ecuador Hop office by telephone. In general it is safe to store large packs underneath the bus, but keep valuables with you. They are largely clean, spacious, and very affordable. Its a nuisance that, in the grand scheme of things, saves you the risk & hassle of losing valuables and then having to spend time and money replacing them. But thats as true in London or New York as in Quito or Guayaquil. That's why we will never jeopardize the safety of our passengers just to meet a deadline. So, to the reader who is genuinely concerned about safety in Ecuador, read on for our honest opinions and top tips to stay safe in Ecuador. Travel During the Day Thanks to the socialist policies of the current President, the main highways throughout Ecuador are in excellent condition. Remain vigilant around street dogs as they often carry the virus. Enjoy your trip, and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments! We do this by offering a hotel and hostel drop off and pickups in almost all locations. Happy Gringo is an Anglo-Dutch owned travel company run by passionate travelers for like-minded clients. While Ecuador has never been the most dangerous country in Latin America, violent crime is escalating, in part due to gangs as well as the impact of the Covid crisis. See our vaccinations guide to South America here. Ecuador's bus system is notorious for a high level of theft - especially at major bus terminals, such as the Trolbus in Quito. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. The rate of violent crime is significantly higher in areas where transnational criminal organizations are concentrated. Motorists consider safety while visiting memorial near intersection of Historically, Ecuador has had among the toughest drug laws in South America. Act like a Hockey player when necessary. Additionally, hallucinogens like these are very potent and powerful, so exercise caution if you decide to partake. All rights reserved. Thursday's announcement follows a similar . Ecuador is a fun and exciting country to visit and explore, so keep reading for some suggestions and tips about staying safe during your next adventure here. Guide to Buses in Quito Ecuador - Amateur Traveler 6 ways to travel via plane, bus, taxi, and car - Rome2rio They stole a jacket and some cash. Were a hop-on, hop-off bus service connecting the cities of Ecuador. Wanderbus travels the breadth of Ecuador with its flexible guided experiences. Even if these stipends are met, things can go sideways if you arent careful. On another note,natural disasters are a constant threat. Taxi drivers will get you where you need to go in major cities, though be sure they turn the meter on before starting the ride and make sure they have a proper license. Youll also get to see views from the window that youd miss in the dark! Avoid using the overhead racks, as it can be hard to react if someone grabs your things on their way off the bus. That goes foranywhere in the world, includingEcuador. Obviously you can't really put big backpacking bags in your lap for these long distances. Buses are one of the most common ways to get around Ecuador. But solo travel does have its drawbacks, especially in Ecuador. Email: info@happygringo.com Travel safety in general is not a simple black and white issue. Is Quito safe? Due to its geographic location between large-scale cocaine producers Colombia and Peru, drug trafficking is a persistent problem for Ecuador. 99% of visitors will base themselves in either the historical area or the new town, better known as La Mariscal. As of late, Ecuador has been touted as a much safer country to travel to than Mexico. Instead, hit the streets in your casual out-and-about clothes, and leave the cameras and phones hidden from sight until you need them. The most common items stolen from tourists are phones, laptops, cameras, cash, and jewelry. When the bill arrives and its time to pay, you reach back for your handbag or backpack to find it is no longer hanging on the back of the chair where you left it, in fact it is nowhere to be seen. Ask for Recommendations from the Staff at your Hotel, from Fellow Travelers, and even the Bartender at the Local Expat Bar. The government's traffic safety agency says it will require that heavy trucks and buses include potentially life-saving automatic emergency braking equipment within five years. While I know people who refuse to take public transportation because of this, Ive found that waiting for a less crowded bus is the way to go. Alternatively, you may use, Hacienda El Porvenir by Tierra del Volcan. When venturing out for a wander, take a copy of your passport and only enough cash to get you through the day. This has led to some visitors participating in shaman ceremonies via a loophole in the recreational ban, but punishments can still be very harsh for breaking the rules. We are a family of four, backpacking for five weeks this summer and had intended to use buses for some trips, eg, to Otavalo, Mindo, Papallacta. Travel within the country is easy and affordable, and you could spend months there and never run out of things to explore. Most of the stories Ive heard about this are from people in Quito, where I live. The safest border to cross is Tulcan (Ecuador) / Ipiales (Colombia). We ensure that our drivers change every five hours, and dont impose unrealistic time limits on them, meaning that you arrive at your destination safely. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Review the. We wish safe Ecuador travels to you all, remember to stay alert on the streets, and above all enjoy your Ecuador trip. Safety First As a travel company in Ecuador, Wanderbus has no interest in scaring visitors off with stories of theft and safety hazards. Use Offline Maps Important Quito Bus Terminals Stations Rio Coca Quitumbe Ofelia Terminal Terrestre Carceln Step 3: A Vertical City - Quito Bus Guide North-South Bus Routes Ecovia Papallacta Timing of Ecovia Buses Trole Bus Quitumbe Thats why we can say with certainty that it is safe to travel to Ecuador with Ecuador Hop. Bus driver stabbing just latest incident of violence on Metro transit Tourism has increased steadily on a year-to-year basis, largely because of its one-of-a-kind natural phenomena and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Like in most big cities there are professional pick-pockets who pray on this. Homosexual relationships have been legally recognized since 2008, with same-sex marriage becoming legal in 2019. Theft from the luggage compartment is very unfrequent. Safety In Ecuador: Is Ecuador Safe For Tourists? - Ecuador Hop Ecuador Transport Guide & Getting Around Ecuador - Anywhere Do you need any vaccinations to visit Ecuador? The disclaimer to this article includes the line that says that it doesnt list all of the things to look out for. Yes, Ecuador may be intimidating at times, but if youre careful and pay attention to your surroundings, you can absolutely have a safe visit. Flights get missed, credit cards are flagged and canceled, luggage gets lost, and sometimes those with ill-will towards travelers get the upper-hand. While it may be uncomfortable, the best place for your bag is on your lap, where you can hold onto it at all times. Violent crimes have included murder, targeted assassinations, armed robberies, bombings, kidnappings, and assaults, among others. Ecuador has so, so much to offer delicious cuisine, sublime outdoor opportunities, and super hip cities, just to name a few. Backpacking Ecuador | EPIC (2023 Travel Guide) - The Broke Backpacker Bus safety 4 years ago Save I have read a lot of articles on the internet about the bus services in Ecuador being unsafe. They are rewarded for their good driving, not for arriving faster at the expense of being reckless in the road. Your little ones are going to be great icebreakers and will probably lead you to have truly local experiences that you wouldnt have had otherwise. Yes it is, but do follow basic safety tips as you would do anywhere else. Your hotel should have earthquake protocols as well so its well worth asking about these when you check-in. Busses in Ecuador are not build following European or American passenger safety standards. The three-night concert generated more than 43,000 additional bus and rail rides, CTA said. However, Ecuador is not a panacea. Ecuador has a fantastic public transport system, with buses departing between its larger cities dozens of times a day. The town itself is full of good vibes, thanks to it being a hot spot for surfing. Armed criminals have been known to board local city buses and rob passengers.
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