Is Ecuador Safe? An Honest Assessment for Expats (2026)

The short answer: it depends entirely on where you live and how you behave. Ecuador has real security challenges, but tens of thousands of expats live here safely by understanding the landscape and taking basic precautions.

Here's the honest breakdown.

The Big Picture

Ecuador's security situation has deteriorated since 2022, driven primarily by drug trafficking routes running through the coastal provinces. The government declared a state of emergency in early 2024, and military presence increased in several cities. That made international headlines and scared a lot of people.

What the headlines miss: the violence is overwhelmingly concentrated in specific areas — primarily Guayaquil, Esmeraldas, and parts of the northern coast. The sierra (highlands) and most of the country remain relatively safe for everyday life.

Ecuador is not El Salvador. It's not Colombia of the 1990s. But it's also not the sleepy, crime-free country it was in 2015. The reality is somewhere in between.

Safety by City

Cuenca — Safest Major City for Expats

Cuenca remains the safest large city in Ecuador and the primary expat hub for good reason. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. The main risks are petty crime: pickpocketing in crowded areas, phone snatching on the street, and occasional break-ins.

What to watch for:

• Don't walk alone late at night in poorly lit areas (this applies everywhere)
• Keep your phone in your pocket, not in your hand, when walking
• Certain neighborhoods after dark (El Vecino, parts of 9 de Octubre market area) have higher petty crime
• Car break-ins happen — don't leave valuables visible

Reality check: Most expats in Cuenca go months or years without any security incident. The city feels safe during the day, and most neighborhoods feel safe at night. It's comparable to a mid-size US city — you use common sense, you're fine.

Quito — Generally Safe with Known Risk Areas

Quito is a large capital city with predictable urban crime patterns. The historic center, La Mariscal (tourist district), and the Tumbaco/Cumbayá valleys where many expats live are generally safe.

What to watch for:

• La Mariscal at night — tourist-targeted petty crime, especially around bars
• Express kidnappings (secuestro express) — rare but they happen, primarily targeting people hailing taxis off the street at night
• Always use app-based taxis (Uber, InDriver) or radio taxis, never hail on the street
• The south side of Quito has higher crime rates — most expats never go there

Reality check: Quito is a city of 3 million people. Like any large Latin American capital, it requires more awareness than a small highland city. Most expats in the northern valleys live safely and comfortably.

Guayaquil — Highest Risk, Proceed with Caution

Guayaquil has the highest crime rates in Ecuador. Carjackings, armed robberies, and gang violence are significantly more common here than elsewhere in the country. Most of the dramatic security incidents that make international news happen in Guayaquil or its surrounding areas.

What to watch for:

• Armed robbery is a real risk, especially at night
• Certain neighborhoods (Durán, south side, parts of downtown) should be avoided
• Car travel requires awareness — carjackings happen at red lights
• The Malecón 2000 and Samborondón are safer areas

Reality check: Very few expats choose to live in Guayaquil. Those who do for business reasons take significant precautions: gated communities, armored vehicles, avoiding certain routes. This is not a city for casual expat life.

Coastal Towns — Mixed

The coast varies dramatically by location.

• Salinas: Relatively safe, popular with Ecuadorian and foreign retirees. Basic precautions apply.
• Manta: Moderate risk. Growing city with some security concerns but generally manageable.
• Montañita: Party town with petty crime (theft, scams targeting tourists). Not dangerous but requires awareness.
• Esmeraldas province: Avoid. Drug trafficking corridor with serious security issues.

Vilcabamba — Very Safe

Small town in Loja province with a tiny expat community. Crime is minimal — the biggest risk is probably boredom. Petty theft happens occasionally but violent crime is extremely rare.

Common Crimes Affecting Expats

Pickpocketing and Phone Snatching

The most common crime expats experience. Happens in markets, on buses, and while walking with your phone out. Keep valuables secured and stay aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.

Break-ins

Apartment and house break-ins happen, especially in ground-floor units or houses without security. Most rental buildings have porteros (doormen) which significantly reduces risk. If renting a house, invest in security cameras and good locks.

Taxi Scams

Overcharging tourists is common. Always use apps (Uber, InDriver) or agree on the price before getting in. At night, never hail a taxi off the street — use an app or have your restaurant/bar call one.

ATM Skimming

Exists but not epidemic. Use ATMs inside banks, cover your PIN, and monitor your accounts. This is the same advice that applies worldwide.

Express Kidnapping

Rare but it exists, primarily in Quito and Guayaquil. The pattern: someone forces you into a vehicle, drives you to ATMs to withdraw money, and releases you. Prevention: don't hail street taxis at night, be aware of your surroundings, don't flash expensive jewelry or electronics.

Practical Safety Tips

1. Use ride-hailing apps instead of street taxis, especially at night
2. Don't wear flashy jewelry or watches in public
3. Keep your phone in your pocket when walking — phone snatching is the number one petty crime
4. Learn basic Spanish — being able to communicate in an emergency matters
5. Know your neighborhood — ask local expats which streets to avoid after dark
6. Get a local SIM card — have 911 and local emergency numbers saved
7. Keep copies of your passport — carry a photocopy, leave the original at home
8. Join local expat groups — they're the best source for real-time safety updates
9. Trust your instincts — if something feels off, leave
10. Don't resist a robbery — material things can be replaced, you can't

Emergency Numbers

• 911 — National emergency number (police, ambulance, fire)
• 101 — Police
• 102 — Fire department
• 131 — Red Cross ambulance

The Perspective

Americans move to Ecuador and worry about crime. Then they look at the US homicide statistics and realize many American cities are statistically more dangerous than Cuenca. That doesn't mean Ecuador is crime-free — it means that violent crime risk is manageable with basic awareness.

The expats who have problems are usually the ones who ignore common sense: walking alone drunk at 2 AM, flashing expensive electronics in markets, leaving doors unlocked, or getting involved in situations they shouldn't.

Live with awareness, choose your city wisely, and Ecuador is a safe and rewarding place to live. Tens of thousands of foreign residents prove this every day.