This is what the U.S. Embassy says about security of Americans in Ecuador.What is the real story?
What are the real dangers?
Where are the safe places?
How much risk is there for expats?
The U.S. Embassy in Quito advises against travel to the northern border of Ecuador, to include the provinces of Sucumbios, Orellana and Carchi and northern Esmeraldas Province. U.S. Government personnel are restricted from travel to these areas due to the spread of organized crime, drug trafficking, small arms trafficking, and incursions by various Colombian terrorist organizations. Since 1998, at least ten U.S. citizens have been kidnapped near Ecuador's border with Colombia. One U.S. citizen was murdered in January 2001 by kidnappers holding him for ransom.
Political demonstrations occur frequently throughout Ecuador for various reasons. Protesters often block city streets and rural highways, including major arteries such as the Pan American Highway. Public transportation is often disrupted during these events. Protesters may burn tires, throw rocks and Molotov cocktails, engage in destruction of property and detonate small improvised explosive devices during demonstrations. Police response may include water cannons and tear gas. United States citizens and U.S.- affiliated interests are not usually targeted, but U.S. citizens are advised to avoid areas where demonstrations are in progress and to be prepared with backup transportation plans. Please see the following links for the local information in Quito and Guayaquil's Consular Districts, respectively: www.usembassy.org.ec/Espanol/CONSULAR/ConsuSP.htm and guayaquil.usconsulate.gov/wwwhengacswarden.html U.S. citizens may also keep informed of daily happenings by following the local news and police reports. As there are no English language news outlets in Ecuador, English-speaking hotel personnel and tour guides can also provide information if you do not speak Spanish.
