Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to civil unrest, crime, and kidnapping. Some areas have an increased risk. 

Do not travel to:

• Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue, due to crime.
• The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the province of El Oro, due to crime.
• The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios, due to crime.
• The canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas, due to crime.
• Esmeraldas city and all areas north of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to crime.

Reconsider travel to:

• Guayaquil north of Portete de Tarqui Avenue due to crime.
• El Oro province outside the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas, due to crime.
• Los Rios province outside the cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo, due to crime.
• All areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to crime.
• The provinces of Sucumbios, Manabi, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo due to crime.

Country Summary: Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador. Violent crime, such as murder, assault, kidnapping, and armed robbery, is prevalent and widespread. The rate of violent crime is significantly higher in areas where transnational criminal organizations are concentrated.

• Demonstrations occur frequently throughout the country, usually motivated by political and/or economic factors. Demonstrators routinely block local roads and major highways, often without prior notice which can lead to disruption in access to critical infrastructure.  
• Outside of Ecuador’s major towns and cities, much of the country’s territory is sparsely populated and isolated