Is Ecuador Safe for Retirees? An Honest Assessment for 2026

The Question Every Prospective Retiree Asks

Safety is the elephant in the room for anyone considering Ecuador. Media coverage of Ecuador's security challenges — particularly the January 2024 crisis when armed groups attacked a television station in Guayaquil — has understandably raised concerns. Family members back home will Google "Is Ecuador safe?" and find alarming headlines.

This guide provides an honest, nuanced assessment. Not a whitewash. Not fearmongering. Just the reality that thousands of American retirees navigate every day.

The Big Picture: Ecuador's Security Context

What Happened

Ecuador experienced a sharp increase in violence beginning in 2022, primarily driven by drug trafficking organizations using Ecuador as a transit point between cocaine-producing countries (Colombia, Peru) and international markets. Guayaquil and border regions bore the brunt of this violence. The situation peaked in early 2024 with a national state of emergency.

Where Things Stand in 2026

The Ecuadorian government has taken significant steps to address the security situation:

• Increased military and police presence in high-crime areas
• Expanded surveillance and intelligence operations
• Strengthened border security
• Invested in prison system reforms
• Coordinated with international partners on anti-narcotics efforts

Violence has decreased from its 2024 peak, but Ecuador's security situation remains more challenging than it was a decade ago. The country is safer than media headlines suggest, but it's not the tranquil haven it was in 2015.

U.S. State Department Travel Advisory

As of early 2026, Ecuador carries a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory, with certain areas (primarily border regions and parts of Guayaquil) at Level 3: Reconsider Travel or Level 4: Do Not Travel.

Important context: A Level 2 advisory is the same level as France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Level 2 means "be aware, take precautions" — not "don't go."

City-by-City Safety Assessment

Cuenca — Generally Safe

Cuenca remains one of the safest cities in Ecuador and the safest of the major expat destinations.

The reality:

• Violent crime against expats is rare
• Petty crime (pickpocketing, phone snatching) exists but is manageable with basic precautions
• The expat-heavy neighborhoods (El Vergel, Yanuncay, El Centro) have a visible police presence
• The city's compact, walkable layout means you're rarely isolated
• Long-term expats generally report feeling safe walking during the day and early evening

Precautions in Cuenca:

• Avoid walking alone late at night (after 10 PM), especially in El Centro
• Don't flash expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics
• Use a phone case with a wrist strap or keep your phone in a front pocket
• Be aware in crowded markets (Feria Libre) where pickpockets operate
• Take taxis for late-night travel
• Lock your apartment and use building security if available

Expat consensus: "Cuenca feels like a small American city — use common sense and you'll be fine."

Quito — Moderate Caution Required

Quito is a large capital city with the security profile you'd expect of a metropolis of 2.7 million people.

The reality:

• Cumbaya and Tumbaco (the expat valleys) are generally safe
• Central Quito has higher petty crime rates, especially around tourist areas
• The historic center can be sketchy at night
• Express kidnappings (being forced to withdraw ATM cash) have occurred, though they're rare and declining
• North Quito (modern business district) is reasonably safe

Precautions in Quito:

• Be cautious in the historic center, especially after dark
• Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps (inDriver is popular in Ecuador)
• Avoid displaying wealth
• Stay in well-lit, populated areas
• Cumbaya/Tumbaco are significantly safer than central Quito

Guayaquil — Higher Risk

Guayaquil has been the epicenter of Ecuador's security challenges and requires heightened caution.

The reality:

• Guayaquil has Ecuador's highest homicide rate
• Most violence is concentrated in specific neighborhoods and involves organized crime (not random attacks on retirees)
• Tourist and business areas (Samborondon, Urdesa, Malecon 2000) are safer
• Most expat retirees do not choose Guayaquil for permanent residence — it's primarily a transit city (international airport, port)

Precautions in Guayaquil:

• Stay in known safe areas (Samborondon, Puerto Santa Ana, Malecon)
• Use ride-hailing apps exclusively — don't hail taxis on the street
• Don't walk at night outside of well-secured areas
• Keep your visit purposeful and brief if transiting

Vilcabamba — Safe

Vilcabamba is a small town where violent crime against expats is extremely rare.

The reality:

• The biggest safety risk is probably a scooter accident on a dirt road
• The small community means strangers are noticed
• Petty theft (unsecured property) happens occasionally
• Police presence is limited but the low population density reduces risk

Precautions in Vilcabamba:

• Lock your doors (basic home security)
• Don't leave valuables visible in vehicles
• Be cautious on rural roads at night (limited lighting)

Cotacachi — Safe

Similar to Vilcabamba — a small town with low crime rates.

The reality:

• Quiet, small-town safety
• Strong community awareness
• Very rare incidents of expat-targeted crime

Coastal Towns (Salinas, Olon) — Moderate

The reality:

• Salinas is generally safe during high season when police presence is increased
• Off-season, some beach towns become quiet and more vulnerable to petty crime
• Beach safety is important — don't leave belongings unattended
• Isolated beach walks, especially at dusk or dawn, require awareness

Types of Crime Retirees Should Know About

Petty Theft and Pickpocketing

Risk level: Moderate in cities, low in small towns Where: Markets, buses, crowded areas, tourist zones Prevention:

• Front pockets or crossbody bags
• Leave unnecessary valuables at home
• Be especially aware in crowds
• Don't set your phone on restaurant tables near the street

Phone and Bag Snatching

Risk level: Moderate in Quito and Guayaquil, low in Cuenca Where: Sidewalks, bus stops, while using your phone on the street Prevention:

• Use a phone case with a wrist strap
• Don't text while walking on busy streets
• Keep bags closed and held in front of you
• Be especially alert near bus stops

Home Burglary

Risk level: Low to moderate Where: Primarily ground-floor apartments or houses without security Prevention:

• Choose apartments or buildings with security (doorman, cameras, gated entry)
• Use quality locks
• Don't advertise your absence on social media
• Get to know your neighbors — community watch is effective
• Hire a house-sitter if traveling

Taxi Scams

Risk level: Low to moderate Where: Primarily Quito and Guayaquil What: Unregistered taxis, meter manipulation, circuitous routes Prevention:

• Use ride-hailing apps (inDriver, registered taxi apps)
• In Cuenca, most taxis are metered and trustworthy
• Know the approximate fare to your destination
• Have your address written down (in case of language barrier)

Express Kidnapping

Risk level: Rare, primarily Quito and Guayaquil What: Being forced into a taxi and driven to ATMs to withdraw cash Prevention:

• Never hail taxis on the street in Quito or Guayaquil
• Use ride-hailing apps exclusively
• Keep low daily ATM withdrawal limits on your debit cards
• Travel with companions when possible in higher-risk areas

Practical Safety Tips for Retirees

Daily Life

1. Walk with confidence. Criminals target people who look lost or vulnerable. Know where you're going.
2. Dress modestly. You don't need to wear rags, but flashy watches, gold jewelry, and designer clothes attract attention.
3. Learn your neighborhood. Know which streets are well-lit and populated, and which to avoid after dark.
4. Make local friends. Ecuadorian neighbors are your best security system. They notice unusual activity and look out for the community.
5. Carry a photocopy of your passport and cedula — not the originals — on daily outings.
6. Have ICE (In Case of Emergency) information easily accessible on your phone.
7. Trust your instincts. If a situation feels wrong, leave. You can always come back later.

Home Security

1. Choose housing in a secure building — doorman, cameras, gated access
2. Get to know your neighbors — community is the best security
3. Install quality locks — ask your landlord to upgrade if needed
4. Don't leave ground-floor windows open when you're not home
5. Consider a small safe for passports, cash, and important documents

Transportation

1. Use metered taxis or ride-hailing apps
2. Sit in the back seat of taxis
3. Avoid late-night walking in unfamiliar areas
4. If using public buses, keep bags in front of you and be aware of your surroundings
5. For intercity travel, use reputable bus companies (Wanderbus, Cruz del Sur)

Financial Safety

1. Don't carry large amounts of cash
2. Use ATMs inside banks or malls — not street-facing machines
3. Set low daily withdrawal limits on your ATM cards
4. Keep copies of all cards and account numbers in a secure digital location
5. Have backup access to funds (secondary card, secondary bank)

What to Do If Something Happens

Emergency Numbers

• Police/Fire/Ambulance: 911 (same as the U.S.)
• Tourist police (Policia de Turismo): Available in Cuenca and Quito — they handle crimes against tourists and expats
• U.S. Embassy in Quito: +593-2-398-5000
• U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil: +593-4-371-7000

If You're a Victim of Crime

1. Get to a safe location immediately
2. Call 911 if the situation requires emergency response
3. Contact the tourist police to file a report (denuncia) — this is required for insurance claims
4. Contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance — they can help with lost/stolen passports, connect you with English-speaking police, and provide other consular services
5. Contact your insurance company if property was stolen or you were injured
6. Tell other expats — community awareness helps protect everyone

Enrolling in STEP

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service from the U.S. State Department:

• Registers your presence in Ecuador with the embassy
• Provides security alerts and updates
• Facilitates contact in case of emergency
• Enroll at step.state.gov

All American retirees in Ecuador should be enrolled in STEP. It's free, takes 5 minutes, and could be invaluable in a crisis.

Putting It in Perspective

Compared to the U.S.

Several American cities have higher violent crime rates than Cuenca or even Quito. The homicide rate in cities like St. Louis, Baltimore, Memphis, or New Orleans significantly exceeds that of Cuenca. Ecuador's security challenges are real, but they don't exist in a vacuum — American retirees are already navigating crime risk in their daily lives.

The Expat Experience vs. the Headline

The vast majority of American retirees in Ecuador — especially in Cuenca — report feeling safe in their daily lives. They walk to the market, take taxis, eat at restaurants, and enjoy their routines without incident. The statistical reality for expats in established areas is far better than media coverage suggests.

What 12,000+ Retirees in Cuenca Are Telling You

The fact that Cuenca's expat community continues to grow is perhaps the strongest signal. These aren't naive tourists — they're people who've done their research, weighed the risks, and decided that Ecuador offers a quality of life that outweighs the security trade-offs. Many report feeling safer walking in Cuenca at night than they did in their U.S. cities.

The Balanced View

Ecuador is not dangerous for retirees in the way that headlines might suggest. It is also not a crime-free paradise. The truth is familiar to anyone who's lived in any city, anywhere:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Take reasonable precautions
• Choose your location wisely
• Don't make yourself an easy target
• Build community connections

If you follow these principles — the same ones you'd follow in Chicago, Miami, or any major U.S. city — your retirement in Ecuador will be safe, enjoyable, and rewarding.

Next Steps

1. Enroll in STEP at step.state.gov before your trip or move
2. Research your target city's specific security situation — join Facebook groups and ask current residents
3. Choose housing with security in mind — ground-floor apartments on busy streets are riskier than secured buildings with doormen
4. Learn basic Spanish — being able to communicate is a safety asset (see our Spanish learning guide)
5. Download the 911 app and your city's local police app when you arrive
6. Don't let fear make the decision for you. Every country has risks. The question is whether the rewards outweigh them — and for thousands of American retirees in Ecuador, the answer is a clear yes.

Safety concerns are valid and deserve honest answers. We've tried to provide them here. The reality for most retirees in Ecuador's popular destinations is one of routine, community, and a quality of life they couldn't afford back home. The risks are manageable. The rewards are transformative.