Ecuador Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Ecuador
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated October 14, 2025
Ecuador recorded 45.7 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the highest in the world. That places Ecuador #6 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Americas average of 20.8 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 319% over the past decade (from 10.9 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Ecuador at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
45.7 /100k
Safety Rank
#190 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 319% over the past decade (from 10.9 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Ecuador Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Ecuador, the homicide rate for men is 12.7× higher than the rate for women — 84.5 vs 6.7 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Ecuador has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
2(2019)
Military Spending
2.2% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Ecuador:
There was no change to the advisory level. The "terrorism" risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to risk of crime , terrorism , unrest , and kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to these areas due to terrorism and crime : Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue. The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the province of El Oro. The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios. The canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Ecuador
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated February 18, 2026).
Crime
Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador. U.S. citizens have been victims of kidnapping and extortion. Narcotrafficking fuels violent crime throughout Ecuador, but particularly among the coastal regions. Pick-pocketing, robbery, and hotel room theft are the most common crimes. Tourists have been robbed at gunpoint on beaches and along hiking trails, and even upon arrival at the Quito and Guayaquil airports. Use hotel safes if available, avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or clothing, and carry only the cash or credit cards that you need. Stay alert in crowds and on public transportation. Be aware that thieves might create distractions to target you. Criminals may enter a taxi and force victims to withdraw money from ATMs. Avoid hailing taxis on the street. Order taxis by phone or use a service affiliated with major hotels. Avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash at one time.
Demonstrations
occur occasionally. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on politically significant holidays and during international events. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Protesters may block roads and sometimes burn tires, throw rocks, and damage property. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Past demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
Scams
Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Ecuador. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.
Technology Usage Abroad
: Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS navigation apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app, make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation apps may give you the shortest route without safety consideration. Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Quito or Consulate in Guayaquil for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by calling 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +593-2-398-5000 or the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil at +593-4-371-7000. In Quito, you can visit an Ecuadorian Tourist Security Service Attention Center . Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care. Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorney.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy or Consulate General for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage ..
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Ecuador Population & Demographics
Population of 18,135,478, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ecuador safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Ecuador at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include terrorism. The homicide rate of 45.7 per 100,000 is among the highest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Ecuador?
Ecuador has an intentional homicide rate of 45.7 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #6 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Ecuador?
Ecuador is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Ecuador compare to other countries?
Ecuador's homicide rate of 45.7 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Americas average of 20.8.