Recent Violence in Ecuador

[Fred]

Reading all of the recent news and keeping up to date with the goings ons with the dollarization change in Ecuador makes me very wary about my upcoming trip to Quito on Feb. 21, 2001. I have been to the country twice before and loved it, yet I have not been to the country during a revolt such as this one. The country is currently in a state of emergency due to the protests. I understand that vehicle transportation is almost impossible. I plan on flying into Quito and from there, I was supposed to goto either Atacomones or Salinas for Carnival celebration. How dangerous is it currently for an American traveller? Thank you to anyone who will respond.

[Lauraleestone]

Fred,

I had no idea about what was all going on in Equador. Do you know how close cuanca is to Quito? I am planning to go there this August. Can you tell me about how serious this is! How bad are these protesters? Thanks,
lauraleestone@yahoo.com

[Puma]

Ecuador at the moment isnt as it used to be, right now my country is in state of chaos. Prices for food and clothing are much more expensive than europe!! An american traveler is always their main target as they know that they carry cash. Roberies are very frequent and walking through the night is not particullary safe. If u go to Ecuador go with lots of precaution and dont forget to enjoy as well!!!

[REINADECUENCA]

I was there from May of 2001 to Early September 2001. I was not in the Quito area, more like Guayaquil, and Cuenca. I think the media hypes it up a little too much, because I had a great time. It was completely safe, the Military and the Police did not bother me at all..so, even though it has been awhile since I was there last, It was a good experience. Do not woory. As long as you have your passport and necesary ID and Visa ( if that even applies), you will be fine.

[sin craddle]

Hi ya!
my name is Juan I am British but born in ecuador I haven't being in Ecuador for the past 10 years but I went there for a month as a matter of fact just came back to England and Ecuador now its beutiful lots to see lots to do I am very impresed of what I saw and recomend it to you with all canfidence that you will have a good time. ofcourse be careful f tieves as usual keep your eyes open and what ever you do, do not read paper fron any body it contains a substance that will knock you out alowing them to take advantage, another thing do not pick up any money from the floor is the same thing maind your wallet if its possible keep a dummy one, separate money you need and spear separate do not take bills bigger than $10 becouse its likely that they dont have change $100 bill may not be taken any place, but you can change it in the Banco Central if you can find it. For credit cards do not forget to tell your bank that you are going otherwise transactions can't be process and you will have a hard time traying to contact them also find an international number to where you can call.

goood luck

If you need anything else

sincraddle@yahoo.co.uk

I will try to help if I am around soon enough