Ecuador, is it really that violent?

I'd like to go into the jungle and to the Galapagos next September.
Or should I go to another destination?

I am an American living in Guayaquil, Ecuador. I have been here 18
months and traveled Ecuador extensively. Yes, Ecuador really is
dangerous. Inter-city busses really do get held up. People do get
robbed on the street. Guayaquil is considered a critical crime area.
Carjacking is common. In Quito, you don't want to be on the street
walking after dark--cabs are cheap--use them. Two weeks ago, my wife
and friends were robbed by three men armed with guns on the Mandango
Trail outside of Vllcabamba--an area susposedly noted for how tranquil
it is. Bye bye cameras,watches,and money.

Much of the wealth in Ecuador is concentrated at the top. That means
there are a lot of have-nots at the low end. This economic/social
discrepency is a factor in crime in Ecuador as are enforcement and
judicial concerns. You can decrease your chances of being a victim by
not being alone, by being vigilant, by not carrying or wearing flashy
jewelery, by carrying a copy of your passport and any plastric you
have, by not carrying a lot of cash (ATMs in all major citys--but there
is another spot to be extra careful), by spreading your money around
your person, money belt, neck holder, leg safe, shoes, by heeding the
advice about strangers getting overly friendly, by not acting like a
victem and by staying out of areas suggested by guidebooks and your
hotel.

That said, Ecuador is beautiful. Varied countryside, cultures, climate,
historical influences, bio-zones, elevation changes, geological
conditions, and tons more in a pretty small country, make Ecuador a
very attractive and interesting place.

So the decision, as to go to Ecuador or not, is one of those balance
things. You weigh it out compared with other places you might be
considering and "You takes your chances", as they say.
George

Hi Roy,

The decision to go or not to Ecuador is simple, as in every country you
will always find a bad side and a good side of the city, you should
find a trustful operator or outfitter to go to Ecuador. Guayaquil and
Quito's governments are concern of the violence that has been happened
during last years, and they are implementing security plans to control
this situation. I am from Ecuador, and I don't realize that there is
so much violence. You should know where you walk and what places are
ok for a foreigner, and times too. As I said before, a good operator
or agency will take you to the best places and in a safety way. I just
went last month to the Galapagos and I think you shouldn't miss this
chance to be so close to nature and so magnificient creatures as the
Boobies, Sea lions, tortoises, etc. You can contact
info@adventureswithinreach.com, they offer cruises to the Galapagos,
and if you want they can offer you simple packages to Quito/Guayaquil,
city tours or special places you want to visit.

I hope this help you,
polola

Ecuador isn't so bad. I have been there for 2 seasons during the past
two years, camping and hostaling along the coast, selling clothes and
paintings: I think the cities Quito and Guayaqil were quite decent;
taking the bus, for example, the bus driver doesn't peel off so that
you fall; they actually wait for passengers to take a seat; in the
jungles and coast, it seems quite safe near touristic places. Some
hostals, especially in the cities are no good for sleeping because
couples come there for ***, then leave, and with all the traffic, a
tourist never sleeps. I haven't seen any signs of violence, most
recently there in March. You must go, then you would know for yourself1
Have a great time!