Safety Concerns

Safety Concerns

When talking about South American and travel, stories abound concerning muggings, pickpockets, and lost luggage. There are also plenty of fears about terrorists, rebels, and kidnappers when traveling overseas. Overall, these fears are unfounded. They come from outdated guide books and a handful of isolated events.

Every year more than 1.5 million foreign tourists visit Ecuador and Peru. By far, the vast majority return home without any incident. In fact, Peru has been very safe to travel in since 1990 when President Fujimori took office and squelched all rebel factions. Ecuador has never had to deal with rebel factions during the 20TH Century. The handful of news articles that are seen every year in the US press are rarely even noted by the resident populations - just as so many incidences in the US go unnoted by ourselves. In major tourist areas, police are quite visible and few travelers run into any problems. In some areas, tour operators have begun paying for additional policing and this has greatly reduced crime in these areas.

All the same, when in urban areas, travelers must be careful, just as they would be in any urban area in the US.

• Do not walk home late at night - take a taxi instead.
• Avoid poorly lit areas and go with your tour conductor if you venture off-the-beaten path in an urban area.
• Watch your camera and wallet in busy markets.

All of these precautions are the same that a person would take in any city anywhere. In rural areas a traveler is probably safer than in a North American suburb. Our hosts in these areas are some of the kindest people to be found anywhere. Don't leave expensive items in plane view when you leave your room and don't flaunt your wealth, and a traveler will have the most wonderful and memorable experience of the entire trip while in the countryside.

Tips and Advice

1. Keep money and valuables in a money pouch. The favorite is the type that goes around your waste and then tucks into your pants. The most secure might be the leg belts, but these are not practical for everyday use, and the waist belt is still recommended.
2. Take a taxi back to your hotel after dark even if you are with a group of friends.
3. Carry your camera in front of you while in crowded areas. Keeping one hand on it helps deter would-be thieves.
4. Explore off-the-beaten path areas with your Tour Conductor - he or she knows the best places to explore too.
5. Ask the hotel receptionist for a card with the address and phone number of the hotel so that you can simply show this to taxi drivers when returning home and so you may telephone in case of an emergency.

Be smart and you'll be safe.