Americans warned of kidnapping, extortion as violent crime grips parts of tourist spot
The U.S. State Department has released a travel advisory for Ecuador, alerting American citizens to heightened safety risks across the South American nation. The alert, issued this week, assigns a Level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" designation to the country.
Officials cite widespread criminal activity as the primary concern, pointing to a rash of murders, assaults, kidnappings, and armed robberies linked to drug trafficking. Transnational criminal organizations are heavily implicated in the violence. "Areas with transnational criminal organizations have much higher rates of violent crime," State Department officials stated in the advisory. They further warned that "U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents have been victims of kidnapping and extortion."
Beyond street crime, the advisory also references threats from terrorist violence and civil unrest. Authorities noted that political demonstrations have the potential to block roads and disrupt both transportation and essential services. The State Department also highlighted the difficulties of navigating the country's rural geography, noting that "Most of Ecuador's land is empty and remote, especially outside big towns and cities." Consequently, "Help from local authorities [and] the U.S. government may be very limited in remote areas, causing delays."
While several tourist-heavy regions face heightened warnings, the restrictions are not blanket across the country. The advisory specifically flags parts of Guayaquil, as well as the coastal provinces of Manabí and Santa Elena. However, other popular destinations—including the capital Quito, the historic city of Cuenca, and the Galápagos Islands—were not placed under "Do Not Travel" or "Reconsider Travel" directives.
Despite the safety concerns, Ecuador remains a major draw for American tourists. The country is renowned for its dramatic Andean landscapes, historic cities, and the Galápagos Islands. According to Ecuador's National Institute of Statistics and Censuses, Americans represent the largest group of foreign visitors, making up roughly a third of the nation's international arrivals in 2025.
The Ecuador warning is the latest in a string of recent travel alerts issued by U.S. officials. Earlier this summer, a Level 2 advisory was renewed for the Bahamas due to violent crime, burglaries, and sexual assaults. Additionally, an updated Level 2 advisory was issued for Turks and Caicos in July, citing assaults, petty crime, and scams targeting tourists in popular areas.
