Should You Visit Ecuador In 2024?

[@Robertsdogs]

Love the new hair style man!!!! Loking sharp! Also, great information!

[@GMAceM]

Thanks a ton Robert and I’m glad the information was useful. Hope all is well!!!

[@madmoney1980]

We are planning our 1 month trip to Ecuador, starting February 2024. What worries us, of course, is the current development of safety situtation with respect to drug related issues in Ecuador. What is your honest opinion? Should we really postpone our trip since the risk is too high? We planned to visit Quito, Galapagos, Banos, Cuaybeno, Cuenca, Manta, Vilcabamba, Cotopaxi. I would appreciate your opinion as Ecuadorian.

[@dfladger9745]

Thank I will check you out when I confirm my travel dates.

[@dfladger9745]

Thank you for being honest!!! You are great I do plan on a visit with my cat she goes everywhere I go. I hope when I visit I could employ your help.

[@GMAceM]

We gotta be real because that’s the best way to be prepared! Sounds like you have a very adventurous cat which is awesome. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.

[@jerrygarcia4390]

I’m in Ecuador for 30 days. Two days were spent in Quito. I took a bus from the north part of the city to the historic district for 35 cents! I rode the beautiful subway back to my airbnb for 40 cents. I’m truly amazed by the country and its people. I’m now in Otavalo for 2 days. I spent 80 cents on a round trip bus ride to cotacachi this afternoon. I found the two leather goods that I wanted. So far so good 👍🏾

[@BPe-ie9je]

Hey Jerry, How do you like Otaavalo? I'm coming to EC in month...to live. Otavalo is never talked about ??? Appreciate your nfo.

[@k_and_m8745]

@@BPe-ie9je Otavalo is beautiful. They have many things to see such as Parque del Condor, a museum of history of the area and the Quechua's under the rule of the Spanish, Poncho market, animal market is also interseting, waterfalls, a small lake, the mountains that surround the city and the distance to Cotocachi is not far. I know there are many other things to do but those were some that we enjoyed. If you are looking for a place to stay, check-out Hostel Curninan. The family are wonderful and there hotel has great views of the city and mountains.

[@GMAceM]

This is amazing to read. While there are bad things happening it’s always comforting to know that some people have been able to avoid it and enjoy Ecuador to the fullest. Keep it going and I hope you keep having a great and inexpensive time!

[@jerrygarcia4390]

@@BPe-ie9je I stayed at the hostel Curiñan, located on a ridge overlooking the town. Joselito was at the desk when I arrived and walked to the gate to greet me. I was quite early and he had no problem letting me check in early. The next day I met Jose, the owner. He took genuine interest in my tour of the country. In addition to the hostel he has apartments on adjacent land. He explained that this side of town is inhabited by the indigenous Quechua (as is he and Joselito). He told me that two retired women (Canadian and one from North Carolina) live very comfortably on retirement incomes in his apartments. The weather is cool and brisk; it’s perfect for walking. It took me 2 hours to walk through half of the Plaza de Ponchos area which spills to several adjacent streets on Saturday. I was surprised to find a craft beer 🍻 bar $4 for 500 ml on the perimeter of the plaza de ponchos. I can also recommend a restaurant that is situated on the 4th floor of a building that overlooks the plaza de ponchos. The lake in the national park close to cotacachi is beautiful. I have since traveled to Banos (spectacular views), Cuenca (thriving bustling gem of a city), Loja (its small and quiet; saw the wind farm and hiked 3 trails in the adjacent national park), and I arrived in Vilcabamba just in time to hear about the civil unrest. But, there is no sign of any dissension here in Vilcabamba. It’s really tiny and surrounded by beautiful mountains. I hiked up most of cerro mandando for the incredible view yesterday. Shockingly, there are two craft beer bars here; zarza and sol del Venado. I hope to travel to Mindo next. We shall see if I can make it due to the curfew. It might get tricky.

[@lvovodessa]

You are amazed that the bus fares are so low but do know that those low prices cause serious problems. Bus owners don’t have enough money to properly maintain their buses. Every now and then we see horrible bus crashes due to brakes that don’t function properly. The exhaustion from buses is a healthcare problem with as root cause the too low prices. Unfortunately, the prices cannot be easily raised sufficiently because the population depending on public transportation is too poor to pay fair and decent prices.

[@dfladger9745]

Thanks!

[@GMAceM]

Thank you so much!

[@ronaldradford3971]

You "aced" it as usual. Honest, clear and well-informed advice. Hope to visit in 2024. Try to get you $5 again soon, lol

[@GMAceM]

Aced! Love it!!! I’m glad it was useful and I always appreciate the support. I definitely hope you do come and that you have the best experience possible 💯

[@AdamaJulianaDaramy]

Good evening dear I listen to your massage because I am afirad I plan to visit Ecuador this year

[@dfladger9745]

Will let you know I hope to hire you for translation services and your vast knowledge. Thanks for being so kind. Oh great hair cut!!!!😊😊😊😊😊

[@GMAceM]

Whenever you’re ready to come down, send me an email and let me know!

[@luisdetomaso867]

Galapagos, Baños, Otavalo, Papallacta, Misahalli, and Mindo are all fine to visit. Mindo does not even have planned blackouts. Quito historic center is ok for a day or two, but more risky. No offense to Ace's home turf, but avoid the Ecuadorian coast. Much more dangerous and the beaches are not that great, anyway. If you are a beach person just go to the Caribbean, Hawaii, or South Pacific Asia

[@GMAceM]

No offense taken, I’d rather be honest about how the situation is than to risk the safety of others out of some misplaced sense of pride or desire to “make it look good for tourism”. It’s unfortunate that this does worsen the economic situation, due to reliance on tourism, but I’d rather everyone stay safe. As for the beach, I think the benefit to Ecuador’s beaches is the cost. Hawaii sounds great until I realize that a trip there could cost me a year of my salary.

[@luisdetomaso867]

​@@GMAceM Fair enough. Prices at the Ecuadorian coast are indeed affordable - if that's one of your primary considerations for a beach getaway

[@richieyyz]

Coming down for the month of December and will be staying at the coast. It will be an exploratory trip to find a place to retire next year.

[@GMAceM]

That’s awesome! I hope things go well on your exploratory trip.

[@elrobo3568]

Thank you! We are leaving on Tuesday the 23rd and appreciate the info. We will be with National Geographic so I hope they will keep us safe.

[@petrusbaldamus1105]

Yes

[@emmageorge7245]

I'm considering going to Quito, Latacunga and Banos in 1 month. Any updates on the safety now? I am a solo female traveler.

[@emmageorge7245]

Nevermind, I watched your video from August. Thank you!!

[@GMAceM]

Disappointingly enough, things have drastically changed due to the power outage situation. If you have any need for electricity and are planning to visit mainland Ecuador, then it might not be a good time to come. If I can, I’ll make a video on the topic soon.

[@andrewhayford8130]

In general would you say petty crime is on the rise as well?

[@GMAceM]

I would indeed. I didn’t mention it in this video because I wanted to cover more countrywide information, but when I recorded the podcast episode where I interviewed my doctor friend, my helmet was robbed from my motorcycle and it was parked at the park with a lock on it. In addition to that, at the place I work at the water pump and some copper cables were robbed as well about 3 weeks ago. It’s always been frustrating to have to look out for petty crime but it’s just gradually getting to the point of being unbearable. But a big disclaimer, it’s not going to happen 24 hours a day 7 days a week. It’s just one of those things you have to look out for and understand the situations where and when petty crime will happen (people here have gotten really good at that).

[@dmwnc1959]

So, this is extremely concerning. Just retired and have been researching/planning moving to Ecuador in 2024, maybe to a gated or ExPat type of community. This makes me second guess everything.

[@lvovodessa]

Check out Bucaramanga in Colombia. Same cost of living but cheaper, safer and better healthcare.

[@hrollinsnyc]

I love Bogota Colombia

[@lvovodessa]

@@hrollinsnyc For people who find Bogotá (or Quito or Cuenca) too cold: only 60 km from Bogotá is the small town of La Vega. It has eternal spring weather like in Medellin.

[@patriciaflaherty]

Any updates on what's going on today? Would love to see a live update. Stay safe ❤️!

[@GMAceM]

Quite a few actually! I went over the majority of them on an emergency livestream earlier. The video of the stream is currently rendering so it won’t be available until later today or tomorrow to look through but there I went over with everyone what the current situation is. Thanks for looking out! 💯

[@saedo9723]

Hm, I was aiming on going in May. Perhaps I shouldn't make any definitive plans yet

[@GMAceM]

It’s always best to do as much research as possible and prepare well beforehand. If you know exactly the places you’re going to land, it would be great if you had a contact in those places to ensure everything is in order to avoid any issues.

[@saedo9723]

@@GMAceMi'm mostly going around in a tour so should be probably good. But was also going to wander around solo a few days in Quito and Cuenca. So would have maybe be more cautious now of that

[@LuisVPazmino]

Good video, GM. 👍 Of course, with the current situation you will need to make an update every week. I think the government is doing what it takes to recover the country. Hopefully justice will prevail and we'll be in peace soon. 🙏

[@AdamaJulianaDaramy]

Please help me and I need your advice want to travel by next month to visit Ecuador but I am get fear as you have explain please have you set down you up and down please let me know

[@GMAceM]

I made a video recently talking about whether you should visit Ecuador right now titled: “Should you visit Ecuador? (my definitive answer)” Check that out and if you still have doubts then let me know.

[@black_maca]

What Ecuadorian dishes have peanuts? I'm super allergic, what should I watch out for?

[@GMAceM]

There are a few but the more standout/common ones are: -Bolon -Sango -corviche -Fanesca -Viche -Guatita -Tonga -menestra (this is lentils and it’s not all of them but keep an eye out for menestra in general) Those are the ones I’d say you’ll probably see or hear about more frequently. I show off some of these foods in my food tour video if you want to check that out. Also there’s a list of some foods with peanuts on Cookpad but I can’t send the link here (KZbin issue) so if you’d like me to send you that then send me an email.

[@black_maca]

@@GMAceM Thanks brother!

[@Khairi-u8n]

I’m supposed to be going to Guayas Guayaquil in a few months to meet my partner for the first time… I need advice, I’ll be staying for 10 days

did you make the trip yet ? I plan on a similar one

[@jacquelinebalderas4204]

Very important information.

[@GMAceM]

I just hope it helps.

[@Tuffolo]

Praying for the people of Ecuador 🙏🏽

[@DanielPressymayr]

I booked a 21 day trip to Ecuador last April. The flight will be at 11th January. I will travel alone but will always be with a guide or in a lodge. I will go to Quito (for just one night), to Yasuni NP, Cotopaxi NP, Banos, Tena-Region, Papallacta and Mindo. Actually I'm really concerned about my safety. Maybe I will cancel the whole trip. What is your honest opinion about the safety in this regions? I booked the whole trip by an Ecuadorian travel agency in Quito.

[@GMAceM]

Just with a quick glance (without going into too much detail) at the places you mentioned and the fact that you’ll always be with a guide, I feel that you have a great itinerary. The only things I won’t be able to speak for at this very moment is the El Niño weather and the randomness of Quito’s weather. If you need more info, let me know through an email. If not then enjoy your trip!

[@infamouslink2224]

@@GMAceM banos got destroyed by a landslide, my wife family lives in ecuador ill be going for a month in august but staying in gated community, i was there last august and it was a bit fishy

[@jonasbrunner3939]

I was in Ecuador for half a year in 2023. If you listen what the local people say, you will be fine. I lived there in south of Quito in one of the poorest sectors there. Of course anything can happen and sometimes if just bad luck. As he said Banos, Mind are pretty safe! But I also was in Montanita, Puerto Lopez, Cuenca, Ambato, Riobamba, Tena. And the most of the time I felt safe. If you go to Ecuador you should go to the amazon its too nice there. I will come to ecuador in 2024 again. One of the most best and beautiful countrys in the world. One tipp, learn Spanish, ist way more easily to travel in ecuador and more safety :). If you haven't enough money for Galapagos go to Puerto Lopez and book a trip to the Isla de la Plata.

[@GMAceM]

I think the Spanish tip is one of the best tips which is why it’s also in my tips videos. Glad you had a great time and thanks for commenting! 💯

[@universal3025]

I’m going to Quito this March to finally meet my fiancé, but I’m only going for a week. Going to stay around Carolina Park. Wish me luck. 😉

[@k_and_m8745]

Caroloina Park area is pretty safe but always keep your eyes open and try to not travel alone at night. Still with the rise of violence be careful.

[@universal3025]

@@k_and_m8745 what would you recommend for local travel or from the airport to Carolina Park, Uber?

[@GMAceM]

More than luck I am definitely wishing you success my friend, I hope you and your fiancé have an amazing time! ✨

[@jakobmichael97]

I wish you a great time in Ecuador, however, during my last stay in Ecuador, I got robbed in Parque la Carolina, during broad daylight and have been told by literally everyone, that particularly this park has become very dangerous and almost a "classical" place for being robbed in Quito. So just don't make my mistake of thinking an area is safe, only based on it's socioeconomic appearance. I would guess, that at least in Quito, sometimes middle class areas might actually be safer than business district. Nowadays, big cities in Ecuador are generally pretty unsafe unfortunately. This was not the case when I came to Ecuador for the first time, doing voluntary work in Quito back in 2016/2017. Nowadays even the generally rich eastern Valleys neighborhoods in the Valleys like Tumbaco, Cumbaya, Conocoto, San Rafael, Sangolqui have become common places for crime when just 2 years ago this was unheard of.

[@nickcavaliere4017]

I had plans to visit Montanita this month, however the more I research the more worried I am getting, especially on the coast side.

[@GMAceM]

I get you. It’s a tough thing because like I mentioned in the video, sometimes nothing happens to some and other times something terrible happens. I mentioned in a previous video that you can increase your odds of danger by doing the typical things like going out late, going out alone, flashing expensive items, etc.

[@nickcavaliere4017]

I am going this month still, will stay with a crowd always, thank you for the input!@@GMAceM

[@snackiepackie]

Was supposed to be going in a few days, looks like not anymore with everything that is happening. 😔

[@manuelpatino8314]

I have been thinking about a trip to Ecuador for months now, but a number of things (and my own ambivalence) have prevented me from doing it. I've heard a lot of noise about the "safety" in Ecuador. A good part of it comes from Ecuadoreans as well as people writing in the internet... I consider either residing in Ecuador permanently or visiting for a fairly long period of time. I'd like to hear some honest and realistic assessment of the actual danger someone like me is likely to face in day to day living... Also, I'd hate to go there and end up paying gringo prices for everything. How can I find an honest and knowledgeable guide once I get there?

[@GMAceM]

It’s good to hear that you’re taking your time to analyze the situation before jumping into a trip but it is very difficult to give you a solid answer. If you go through the comments of this video there is at least 1 comment of someone who had a great time with 0 issues and on the other hand if you go on Reddit you see that a whole bus was burned because a guy didn’t want to pay “protection money” (extortion) and there have been multiple assassinations at the beginning of the year. If you do need a guide or someone to help you out then either I can help you out or I know tons of people who I consider are optimal to help you. If that sounds good to you then send me an email and we can set up a call. If you want to search for someone on your own, your best bet would be going into a FB group or Reddit and just searching through past posts of reviews from people for guides. This is ideal because if you ask for help (make a post), of course anyone and everyone is going to jump up at the opportunity, so it’s better to see what people are actually saying on their own accord to be able to find some great options.

[@tangonista]

@@GMAceM Gracias, yo quisiera tener algún contacto de confianza cuando llegue allá, no quiero pagar "gringo prices" o acabar en algún ligar peligroso.... Pienso llegar a Quito y pasar unos días, la estadía depende de que descubro. También quiero visitar Cuenca, y lógicamente los lugares que son mas hermosos, etc.

[@diegoyuiop]

Mmm... Don't think it's a good idea

[@freddyboysolo]

How can I get in contact with a tour guide?

[@GMAceM]

A few ways actually. If you want variety you can check the Ecuador travel groups on Facebook and see who’s promoting what service or make a post yourself asking for a guide (be specific so that you get more of what you’re looking for). Alternatively in my 22 and 23.5 tips videos I left the contact information for the person who is considered the best Ecuador travel guide.

[@freddyboysolo]

@@GMAceM ok and I was also wondering what’s the requirement to travel there?

[@wtcneverforget8163]

I just saw on YT today a news report of armed hitmen in Manta killing a man sitting at mass in church and killing an 11 year old boy who was an innocent victim. I also saw a video that happened abour 2 weeks ago of multiple shots be fired outside the Mall de Paciifco causing mass confusion and terror. Do you know what these two situations were all about?

[@GMAceM]

The situation about the man and the boy who lost their lives at the church is something I heard about last night at a meeting with my coworkers. It seems that the man was targeted due to the typical things, some kind of affiliation with the gangs. The exact relationship is unknown but it’s probably that he owed money or was in a rival gang. What happened outside of Mall de Pacifico is something that went very public due to the location but I never got word as to why it happened, only that a transit police officer got shot. If the agent wasn’t the target, then it was probably a dispute of some sort that got out of hand.

[@wtcneverforget8163]

@@GMAceM Thank you for your response, I find you very straightforward and honest. As for the man in the church, I've read that he was the stepfather of the young mother who was found dead on the roadside after going to El Murcieglo beach last week. The man was at the church for a mass for his stepdaughter. The police reported that he was not known to them and did not have a record. I'm visiting Manta at the end of January and this story just made me sick. I hope the mayor can get utilize the miltiary for protection and and feeling of safety.

[@lvovodessa]

@@wtcneverforget8163The so beloved mayor of Manta who was assassinated last year, was involved in the cocaine business. I have little hope that the new mayor is any better.

[@ronaldradford3971]

Quick ace. You got less than 2 hours. Tell us sbout ecuador celebrating new years

[@GMAceM]

I actually have a video about that on my channel 🫡 As for what my family is doing today, we just finished having a new years meal at home fully dressed as if we were going out somewhere 😂

[@manoffire786]

im coming and you cant stop me

[@GMAceM]

Indeed I won’t!

[@silentlurcker]

While you did an above average job of explaining the situation, and nothing is “wrong”, some of you comments apply much less to the Sierras than the coast. Blackouts excepted

[@k_and_m8745]

Our quiet city has been having a rise in violence and motorcycle robbers. There was also a dumping of a body about 2 kms from our house. The police visited my friend's property to use their internet to report the murder. The 17 year old girl was riddled with bullet holes and the police believe it is the work of one of the gangs. The gangs from Santo Domingo, Los Bancos and Puerto Quito I guess are using our city as a meeting place

[@BPe-ie9je]

what city ?

[@trishr3412]

What city??

[@GMAceM]

Sorry to hear that’s happening over where you’re at. It’s unfortunate but it’s really becoming difficult to find a completely safe place in Ecuador that’s not the Galapagos. Stay safe out there and I hope the new president and his actions help guide us towards a safer tomorrow.

[@BPe-ie9je]

@@GMAceM Ace???? What city is it ????

[@Lordmij]

Why do u live in Ecuador?

[@hrollinsnyc]

I'm guessing he is Ecuadorian

[@Lordmij]

@@hrollinsnyc I guess lol

[@sergei9448]

BS, the whole video did not point out what to do or not if I'm going to

[@Sketchbook999]

EL NINO= haarp weather control project

[@migspedition]

@@Sketchbook999 wear some tinfoil hat please!

[@petrusbaldamus1105]

Yes