The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Ecuador, urging Americans to exercise increased caution due to rising levels of violent crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. The advisory warns of widespread crime across the South American nation, including murders, assaults, and armed robberies often linked to transnational criminal organizations.
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have been targets of kidnapping and extortion, according to the State Department. While popular tourist destinations like Quito, Cuenca, and the Galápagos Islands are not subject to the highest level of warning, specific areas, including parts of Guayaquil and the coastal provinces of Manabí and Santa Elena, are flagged for increased risk.
The advisory also notes the potential for civil unrest and terrorist violence, which can lead to road blockages and disruptions to transportation and essential services. Officials cautioned that in remote areas, outside of major towns and cities, assistance from local authorities and the U.S. government may be limited, potentially causing delays.
Ecuador, situated between Colombia and Peru on South America's Pacific coast, is a popular destination for its Andean landscapes, historic cities, and the Galápagos Islands. Americans constitute the largest group of foreign visitors to Ecuador, representing approximately one-third of international arrivals in 2025.
This warning follows recent advisories issued by the U.S. for other destinations. Earlier in the summer, a Level 2 advisory was renewed for the Bahamas, citing violent crime and burglaries. In July, Turks and Caicos also received a Level 2 advisory due to assaults, petty crime, and scams targeting tourists.