Ecuador was the second new country I visited on my solo backpacking trip in 2021. I had just left Costa Rica and was spending some time with a friend in Florida before flying down to Ecuador. The world was still very much recovering from the pandemic and Ecuador had only recently opened its doors. The biggest question on my mind was is Ecuador safe for solo female travellers? Spoiler: it was fine.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified about travelling to Ecuador. I had my dream trip to the Galapagos booked and was planning to spend some time beforehand exploring Ecuador. Truth time – I delayed my trip. I decided I was only going to fly in for the Galapagos and then fly straight out again. I was too scared.
I’m not sure specifically what it was that I was terrified about. It was more than likely a mix of a lot of things – not knowing anyone, the pandemic and Ecuador not having the best reputation. I was also still very early on in my solo travel days. Fast forward three weeks and it’s time to fly to Ecuador’s capital, Quito, ahead of my Galapagos trip. I had three days there before starting the tour. I could do this right? Worst case scenario I stay locked in my room watching TV.
I look back now and laugh at just how scared I was. As soon as I landed at the airport, I was greeted by a friendly driver who drove me to my accommodation. She offered to take me on a tour the next day for a reasonable cost. I would say it took me a total of one hour to fall in love with Ecuador. I decided to extend my trip before I even started the Galapagos tour and changed my exit flight. In total, a 2 week trip to Ecuador for the Galapagos turned into a 6 week tour around the country.
Ecuador is a stunning country. It’s so diverse – it has beaches, it has the Amazon rainforest, it has volcanoes and of course, it has the Galapagos. It’s a fantastic place to solo travel and there is so much to discover. Having said all of that, travelling Ecuador does come with its challenges. It’s not the most stable of countries and not always the safest. But it’s absolutely doable to travel solo there, I did for 6 weeks and I loved every second of it. I met some amazing people exploring this unique country.
I’ve written the below guide to help you plan your solo trip to Ecuador. It’s perfectly okay to be scared, part of the fun of travel is those pre-trip jitters. Travelling solo is not easy, especially to a country like Ecuador. I hope the guide below helps you to plan your solo trip or encourages you to consider visiting.
There’s also a guide here with ideas on how to help you start your solo travel journey.
Is Ecuador safe for solo female travellers?
Ecuador has a bad reputation which puts many people off from travelling there. It isn’t the most stable of countries and there have been travel advisories issued in recent times due to protests. Some areas are unsafe and should be avoided, such as the Colombian border. Always check your governments travel advisories before visiting and avoid any protests.
Having said that, it’s generally very safe for backpackers and tourists providing you stick to the main tourist areas and are on top of keeping your belongings safe. The crime you’re most likely to encounter is theft. When I visited, the country was stable and I never felt unsafe. I had one incident where my phone was pickpocketed. I had put my phone in my coat pocked rather than my cross-body bag. I was walking around the Old Town in Quito at the time which is notorious for pickpocketing.
I don’t want this to put you off, but I also want to be realistic about travelling in Ecuador. It doesn’t come without its challenges and I’d say it’s not as straightforward as some of the popular places such as South East Asia, Australia or New Zealand. Even so, the locals in Ecuador were some of the friendliest I have ever met and once you leave the city, you’ll see a completely different side to the country.
Here are some of the other safest places in Latin America.
How to stay safe in Ecuador as a solo female traveller
The last thing I want to do is scare anyone into not visiting Ecuador – it’s one of my favourite countries. But I think it’s important to outline ways you can keep safe.
Don’t walk alone at night
This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s an important one. Quito especially can be unsafe at night. Even in a small group I would not recommend going outside at night. My hostel (the Secret Garden) were very clear about not going out at night. They also had security guards who would help us to get anywhere if needed.
Quito has Uber so if you need to go somewhere, I’d suggest booking through the app or through your accommodation.
Keep your belongings close
Ecuador has a bad reputation for theft and pickpocketing. Every day in the hostel I heard a story of someone who had something stolen. To be fair, places like London aren’t much better these days, but it’s something you need to be aware of in Ecuador and especially in Quito.
Here are a few tips to keep your belongings safe:
- Don’t carry your passport. Keep it locked up in your room.
- Don’t carry anything of any value if possible. Things like jewellery or fancy cameras – leave them at your accommodation.
- Keep your phone and wallet in a bag you can completely see. This could be a bum-bag or crossbody bag which can sit on your front. Do not keep any of your belongings in pockets. My phone was in a zipped coat pocket right by my side, but it still went. These thieves are professional and know what they are doing.
- Keep your valuables with you on the busses. If you do find yourself on a public bus, make sure any valuables are on you. I heard stories of travellers being told to put their day bag under their seat, only for it to be cut open and things taken. Don’t believe this scam.
Use tourist transport where possible
Book all your transport between different towns through your accommodation. It might be more expensive than the public busses but they are safer and often managed by the hostels. It’s also a good way to meet people.
If you do use a public bus PLEASE keep your day bag with your valuables on you at all times. Do not put it on the floor. Even if you are told to. Many travellers have their bags slit and belongings taken. Keep it on your lap. Sleep on it. Sit on it. Whatever you have to do.
Use Uber or Licensed Taxis
Taxis and Ubers have to be licenced in Ecuador. There are many fake taxis which could pose a risk to visitors. I’d suggest using Uber or booking taxis through your hostel. They’ll know the genuine operators.
Stick to the backpacking route
Ecuador has a clear backpacking route full of amazing highlights and things to do. Try and stick to this as much as you can. While most places are generally safe and full of friendly locals, there are some unsafe and unpredictable areas where it may be difficult to find help, so stick to the backpacking route.
Choose ATMs wisely
If you need to use an ATM, I’d suggest going to a trusted bank which has ATMs inside. This means they are less likely to be tampered with. Go in the daytime and choose the nearest one to your accommodation so you can quickly put the money somewhere safe.
Ecuador uses US dollars.
Keep your phone away
Don’t walk around holding your phone unless it’s necessary. Take photos quickly and return your phone to a safe place. It’s easy to snatch a phone from someone who is taking a photo or looking at directions. Be mindful of your surroundings.
Talk to your accommodation
Everywhere I stayed in Ecuador went above and beyond to make sure their guests were safe and looked after. They always asked me where I was going next and if I needed transport booking. When my phone was stolen, someone from the hostel walked me to the police station to help me. Don’t be afraid to ask them for tips and advice and help to book onward travel.
Learn some basic Spanish
Make sure you know some basic Spanish before heading to Ecuador. You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing some basic phrases such as please and thank you could come in use. English isn’t widely spoken in Ecuador, so don’t rely on locals knowing English.
Here are some phrases you might find useful:
- Hola: hello
- Please: por favor
- Thank you: gracias
- Yes: Si
- No: no
- Where is: donde es…
- Toilet: baños
- Help: ayuda
- Goodbye: adios
- Pardon: perdón
- I don’t speak Spanish: No hablo español
Where to visit in Ecuador
Phew, now all the scary stuff is out of the way we can move on to the fun stuff. There are a handful of stops to choose from in Ecuador. I’m currently working on an itinerary post, but for now, I’ve listed the top spots to visit in Ecuador.
Quito
Recommend time to spend in Quito: 2-3 days
This is the capital city of Ecuador. It sits at 2,850 metres above sea level making it the second highest city in the world (beaten by La Paz, Bolivia, which is at 3,869m). This city is full of history and is likely where your journey in Ecuador will begin. It’s worth spending a few days here and getting to know the history of this wonderful city.
The Galapagos Islands
Recommend time to spend in Galapagos: At least one week
This is the reason most tourists head to Ecuador. The Galapagos is a remote set of islands off the coast of Ecuador. The islands are known as one of the most natural places in the world and where Charles Darwin discovered evolution.
Visiting the Galapagos Islands is like stepping back in time. The majority of islands are completely untouched and unspoilt and there are strict regulations and laws in place to make sure it stays that way. Some of the wildlife I saw here was like nothing I’ve ever experienced anywhere else. We swam with penguins, sea lions and iguanas and walked on newly formed volcanic islands.
The islands are by no means a budget place to visit, it will set you back A LOT. But it’s entirely worth-it in my opinion and a trip I hold dear to my heart.
Here are 10 reasons to consider a cruise to the Galapagos Islands.
Baños
Recommended time to spend in Baños: 2 days (depending on what activities you want to do)
The adventure capital of Ecuador! Located just three hours from Quito, Baños is the perfect spot to spend a couple of days indulging in your adventurous side. From white water rafting, to ziplining and giant swings, Baños has plenty to keep you busy. It’s also known for its thermal baths (how it gets its name) and many waterfalls, so be sure to check these out.
There are public busses which run here from Quito or book a transfer through your accommodation.
Cotopaxi and Quilotoa
Both of these spots can be visited as separate day trips from Quito but I’d highly recommend spending a night in each place.
Cotopaxi is a beautiful, symmetric volcano. The Secret Garden Hostel has the most STUNNING hostel here with the option of a dorm room or your own hobbit style room. I stayed here for two nights but could have spent longer exploring this amazing area.
Quilotoa is a gorgeous crater lake a few hours from Quito. I only did a day trip there from Quito but there are a few accommodation options and I wish I had stayed longer.
The Amazon Rainforest
When people think of visiting the Amazon Rainforest, they normally think of heading to Brazil. However, you can visit this magical place from Ecuador too (and Peru, Columbia, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela). Most people stay in the Cuyabeno Reserve which is home to some stunning wildlife. There’s lots of accommodation options from budget lodges through to fancy resorts.
The journey there is an experience in itself and involves an overnight coach journey and a solid few hours on a canoe boat. You can also choose to fly half the way but I’m not sure it achieves much. I’d highly recommend booking a coach transfer through your accommodation in Quito or Baños. The local bus takes you via a town close to the Colombian border which is generally unsafe.
Cuenca
Recommended time to spend in Cuenca: 2 days
Cuenca is a beautiful city in the south of Ecuador (and a great spot to visit before/after crossing the Peru border). It’s a very “pretty” city and full of interesting history. It’s also close to some fantastic hikes and nature spots.
Montañita
Recommended time to spend in Montañita: how much do you want to party?
Montañita is Ecuador’s prime beach destination for backpackers. It’s great for surfing and is also a big party spot. The parties here can get crazy. Some of the stories I heard were something else.
I didn’t make it down this far unfortunately, but theroadsbeyond has written about all the things you can do here.
How long to stay in Ecuador
I’d suggest spending at least a month exploring this country. I spent six weeks here with two of those weeks in the Galapagos. If you want to see it all including the Galapagos, perhaps consider longer than 4 weeks.
How to get around Ecuador
It’s very easy to get around Ecuador. The local busses are cheap and have plenty of options to get you where you need. Having said that, they’re a prime spot for theft and pickpocketing so consider booking transfers and tourist shuttles through your accommodation.
The other option is Ecuador Hop. This fabulous company is a hop-on hop-off bus service which follows the main backpacking route. You can also book day trips through them. If you’re a little nervous about travelling solo, I’d highly suggest researching this company. Unfortunately, they weren’t running when I was there due to the pandemic, otherwise I would have absolutely used them. It’s a great way to meet people and safely get to your destinations.
Altitude sickness in Ecuador
Ecuador’s capital, Quito, sits at 2,850m above sea level. You’ll notice the altitude as soon as you land in the country. Just climbing a simple flight of stairs can take your breath away (and not in a good way). Your body should soon adjust and get used to the high altitude, but I’d suggest reading an official health care provider’s advice (such as the NHS) to find out more information. If you’re planning to take on any of the hikes such at Cotopaxi, it’s important to be aware of altitude sickness and how you can manage it.
How to see Ecuador without travelling solo
Desperate to see Ecuador but don’t want to travel solo? That’s okay. Travelling solo can be scary and a country like Ecuador isn’t the easiest to navigate.
Thankfully, plenty of tour operators offer group tours around this country. I’d suggest looking at G Adventures or Intrepid. Both these companies offer a range of tours beyond just the Galapagos.
I mentioned this above, but Ecuador Hop is a great option to get around Ecuador. Even though you’re technically still travelling solo, you’ll be travelling with other tourists and with knowledgeable guides and drivers.
What clothes to pack for Ecuador
Ecuador is a unique country as despite being on the Equator, it experiences a variety of weather.
For the coast, Galapagos and the Amazon, you’ll need plenty of cool clothes. Quito on the other hand is higher in altitude so make sure to have some longer trousers and a jacket. If you’re heading to the likes of Cotopaxi, wrap up warm. Make sure to pack waterproofs. I got caught in the rain here quite a bit.
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