Located on the northwest side of South America, Ecuador is blessed with a stunning coastline that spans over 1,400 miles. This charming country shares borders with Peru and Colombia.
Ecuador may be considered small in comparison to other countries in South America, with a land area similar to that of Colorado.
Heritage holds a significant place in the hearts of the nation.
The land has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years, with numerous settlements established throughout its history.
It’s interesting to note that this fact makes them one of the oldest civilizations across the entire Americas.
Sometimes, having a rich history can also mean having to deal with a lot of conflicts.
Presently, Ecuador is grappling with civil unrest and an alarming surge in violent crime.
According to official sources, individuals entering the country are being advised to exercise utmost caution due to the ongoing situation across the nation.
Regrettably, even a small amount of imperfection can significantly obstruct the charm of Mother Nature.
If you have plans to go, then make sure to stay tuned for further updates!
Let us reveal to you the regions you must steer clear of due to their high-risk factor.
Top 10 Cities in Ecuador with the Highest Crime Rates
1. Guayaquil
Located along the banks of the Rio Guayas, Guayaquil offers everything you could want in a dream vacation destination. With its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene, it’s no wonder that tourists flock to this city every year. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, Guayaquil has something for everyone. So why not pack your bags and head to this amazing city for your next vacation? You won’t be disappointed!
It appears to be the very thing that lures in countless potential lawbreakers.
According to the crime index, Guayaquil has a score of 72 in terms of crime.
In the city, armed robbery stands out as one of the most commonly committed crimes.
Acts of vandalism, stealing, and bribery are among the most frequently committed crimes.
2. Quito
The country’s capital, with its rich history, has been established since the 1500s.
It’s no surprise that it attracts a lot of visitors from other countries.
The city is plagued with high crime rates due to the presence of criminals who operate within its bounds.
The majority of violent and property crimes are caused by organized crime, which is a significant issue.
3. Cuenca
Cuenca is home to half of the English-speaking population in Ecuador.
Walking alone at night in the city can be quite dangerous, even though there are designated safe zones. It’s important to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
Theft and vandalism are the most common property crimes that take place in this area.
Although violent crimes are not a common occurrence, they still happen from time to time.
When venturing out in Cuenca, it is critical to take additional safety measures.
4. Esmeraldas
The city that shares its name with the Rio Esmeraldas is situated at the point where the river meets the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
Residents are burdened with a high crime rate of 94, which deprives them of the enjoyment of living in their community.
It’s common knowledge among the residents that walking alone at any time is not a safe option.
Esmeraldas can be a perilous place to travel through, with incidents of murder, armed robbery, and vandalism being all too common.
5. Guayas
While Guayas is geographically distant from Esmeraldas, it shares a similar level of homicide rates.
The number of homicides per 100,000 residents is 33.
This is the highest number in the entire country.
Guayas Province has the highest murder rate among all the provinces in the region.
Guayas is the location where half of all murders in Ecuador take place.
6. Carchi
It’s highly likely that Carchi’s proximity to Colombia contributes significantly to its reputation as a dangerous place.
The rise in violent crimes that are associated with gangs and drugs is a cause for concern. It is alarming to see the numbers increase over time. This trend is worrisome and requires immediate attention. We need to work together to find solutions to combat this problem and ensure the safety of our communities.
The rate at which packages are being passed over the border is causing concern as drug trafficking seems to be spiraling out of control.
Under no circumstances should you find yourself stuck in Carchi.
7. Tulcan
According to the US government, both Tulcan’s province of Carchi and Sucumbíos are designated as “do-not-travel” zones due to their proximity to the Colombian border.
The labelling of Sucumbíos as lawless only adds to the existing problems in the area.
The authorities have been struggling to control the influx of drugs that are being smuggled across the border.
The neverending flow of cocaine has left the local residents living in fear.
8. La Marin
La Marin, a neighbourhood situated in Quito, has gained a notorious reputation for being the most perilous district in this region of the country.
The majority of the criminal incidents that occur in this area involve pickpocketing, armed robbery, and minor theft.
Even the local residents are unable to catch a break.
It’s not uncommon for taxi drivers to fall victim to robberies.
9. Explore the Enchanting Region of Putumayo
Sucumbíos is the region where Putumayo is located, indicating that it shares a border with Colombia.
Anticipate that any city situated along that border will encounter difficulties.
According to statistics, the province of Putumayo has the highest murder rate standing at 13 per 100,000.
10. Riobamba
Despite being located in a secluded and hilly region, Riobamba has not been immune to criminal activity.
According to statistics, the crime rate in this area is slightly higher than that of Quito, standing at 65.
It’s a sad truth that property crimes, such as theft or vandalism, are more common than violent crimes. This means that individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing these types of offences.
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