My solo adventure took me here to Ecuador, a beautiful South American country known for its rich culture, diverse landscape, and friendly people. When my family and friends found out I was traveling alone to Ecuador their first question was: “Is it safe there?” And after spending 6 weeks here I can confidently say Ecuador is in fact a safe country. But just like any other foreign country you need to know how to navigate it and try to minimize potential risks. In this post I will tell you all about my experiences and tips I learned along the way during my solo adventure in Ecuador.
Even though Ecuador is a safe country, traveling as a solo female comes with its own set of safety considerations. I always avoid walking alone after dark, even if it is just a short walk to my destination. Instead of walking alone I would recommend taking an Uber. Uber is a reputable form of transportation, and it functions very good and quickly. I prefer Uber over regular taxis, because with Uber the price is arranged before you start the ride. With normal taxis they tell you the price when you arrive at the destination, and sometimes they will try to rip you off and ask for more money.
I make sure to keep my belongings close and be cautions in crowded places. Especially if you are taking a public bus, always keep your belongings on your lap, don’t put them on the ground. Also, I avoid displaying valuable items and showing off money to minimize potential risks such as pickpocketing. As a tourist you already stand out enough, you don’t want to bring even more attention to yourself. I would advise to bring only the necessary amount of money with you and leave the rest in a safe place in your hotel. Also, I think the most important thing is to always be aware of your surroundings and to follow your gut.
During my stay in Quito, Ecuador was going through its election process. The election took place on a Sunday, and I did not really know what to expect from this day. I purposefully didn’t plan anything because I was scared the safety in my area would decrease, and I wouldn’t be able to go outside due to this. But nothing could be further from the truth. At least in the area where I am living, there was nothing dangerous going on, it felt just like any other day. I did not witness any protests or demonstrations here. I was expecting the streets to be filled with people, but it was the opposite. The streets were fairly empty compared to any regular Sunday, and even the parks were a lot quieter than normal.
With all this being said, I want to emphasize the fact that I genuinely have not felt unsafe here while following the tips mentioned above. The people in Ecuador are so friendly, polite, and helpful. They have made me feel very at home in their country.
My solo female adventure in Ecuador, is a transformative experience filled with so much personal growth and independence. By prioritizing safety and being aware of my surroundings, I’m able to explore Ecuador safely and enjoy my time. I really encourage every woman to travel solo and experience the world by themselves.
Written by: Laura Bravo
