Be cautious and use care, as you would in any major U.S. city. The Ecuadorian government has increased police patrols in tourist areas, but travelers in resort areas along the coast and in the cities of Quito and Guayaquil should remain alert to their surroundings and maintain constant control of purses, backpacks, and briefcases. Expensive-appearing jewelry and watches should not be worn. In Quito, extreme caution should be taken in tourist areas and crowded marketplaces, especially on the crowded streets of south Quito, the Panecillo and all transportation terminals. Most recently there have been incidents of luggage theft at the airport.
Traffic accidents involving buses are frequent.
Bus travel throughout Ecuador can be particularly dangerous, especially at night, because of the frequency of crimes perpetrated against bus travelers. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General. Penalties in Ecuador for possession or use of and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict. Offenders can expect prolonged pretrial detention without bail and lengthy jail sentences and fines when convicted. Americans are encouraged to register and obtain updated information on travel and security within Ecuador at either the U.S. Embassy in Quito or the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil.