Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#257167 11/19/07 07:51 AM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 203
B
OP Offline
B
Have any of you boarders been to Ecuador? I'm going in about three weeks and I'll be traveling the coast. Up until now, I've been pretty excited, but I read some U.S. travel warnings, and it's got me a bit paranoid. I can't tell how much of it is paranoia on the government's part, and how much of it is that it's just a more rough/wild place than where I'm used to going (e.g., Ambergris Caye). Has anybody been along the coastal area? Did you have any problems with crime, malaria, yellow fever or anything else?

Any input would be much appreciated!

belizelaw #257168 11/19/07 08:03 AM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 193
B
Offline
B
I spent 3 weeks in coastal Ecuador and the islands in '03. It was absolutely beautiful and I found the people warm and welcoming. There were travel warnings at that time too, however I had no issues. Shots were recommended but not mandatory then, I got them and didn't get sick. If you are going to dive you won't be disappointed!

Big Mike #257171 11/19/07 08:23 AM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 492
C
Offline
C
You might check out the Thorn Tree Forums on Lonely Planet.

catdance62 #257189 11/19/07 12:08 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,294
Offline
I was in Ecuador last year and LOVED Quito. Guards at just about every corner... I didn't feel scared at all and at one point walked by myself in the dark while it was raining. I really love it there!

travelqueen #257952 11/28/07 03:05 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 26
Offline
I was in Ecuador for about three weeks last spring and stayed in the mountains.


I did meet someone who had been in Ecuador for about four months and during that time she and her boyfriend were robbed twice together. One time they were on the beach and some young guys walked up to them with knives and asked for their money. Another time they paid someone to take them to a mountain. About half way there the "guide" stopped the car and demanded all their money and then dropped them off to find their way back to where they came from.


I did meet several people who told me a lot of people are robbed in Quito. So it is best to take a taxi everywhere you go when you are out on the town at night.


I especially liked the valley of longevity (Villcabamba), Banos with the hot springs, and a certain section of Quito that had some action going on in the evening.


I felt more comfortable in Panama, Wealthy Buyer


I have an insatiable hunger for more land !!!
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 4,672
L
Offline
L
BL: have never been, but my dad was mugged there years ago and so was my friend who went there last year. Watch out for the diversion tactic of one person spraying you with some sticky substance and another trying to help clean it off you (all the while swiping your wallet in the process). Apparently, it happens so fast, one doesn't have a chance to realize the scam.

LaurieMar #257965 11/28/07 04:28 PM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,888
Offline
There was a skydive boogie held there a few years ago and again last September.

A few jumpers went SCUBA diving when the promised aircraft didn't show for jumping. They were left out in the water off Galapagos with the instructor for 8 hours until they were rescued by a passing cargo ship. The ship captain lost them on a drift dive and he went back to port for a few beers at the local pub. He was arrested. It's an amazing tale of survival from the group.

Other than that incident the 150+ participants all had a good, safe time.

I have two skydive friends that are the nicest human beings in the World that are from Ecuador.

Have fun, be safe...5% of the people give the other 95% a bad name!

LaurieMar #257966 11/28/07 04:28 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,294
Offline
Originally Posted by LaurieMar
my dad was mugged there years ago and so was my friend who went there last year.

Oh wow... frown I am convinced that I look poor... haven't had a problem yet... knockonwood.

travelqueen #257968 11/28/07 04:30 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,041
Offline
you may not look rich, TQ, but you sure don't look poor!! smile


When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it.
KC Jayhawk #257986 11/28/07 06:22 PM
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 4,672
L
Offline
L
This isn't about how you look.

Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
March
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Cayo Espanto
Click for Cayo Espanto, and have your own private island
More Links
Click for exciting and adventurous tours of Belize with Katie Valk!
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 351 guests, and 0 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Forum Statistics
Forums44
Topics79,199
Posts500,011
Members20,460
Most Online7,413
Nov 7th, 2021



AmbergrisCaye.com CayeCaulker.org HELP! Visitor Center Goods & Services San Pedro Town
BelizeSearch.com Message Board Lodging Diving Fishing Things to Do History
BelizeNews.com Maps Phonebook Belize Business Directory
BelizeCards.com Picture of the Day

The opinions and views expressed on this board are the subjective opinions of Ambergris Caye Message Board members
and not of the Ambergris Caye Message Board its affiliates, or its employees.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5