Violence in Ecuador: Expats Are Leaving for a Reason
Violence in Ecuador: Expats Are Leaving for a Reason TL;DR
Violence in Ecuador has gotten out of control. I really love Ecuador, but now’s just not the time to move there. Gangs in the streets, prison riots, and even the takeover of a TV news station are real occurrences. The murder rate in 2023 was the worst Ecuador has ever seen at 45.7 per-100,000 people! Some project Ecuador’s homicide rate it to be even higher in 2025 (Spanish). This made Ecuador the SECOND MOST DANGEROUS COUNTRY IN THE WORLD behind Jamaica. Even places like Cuenca aren’t as safe as they used to be. I lived in Guayaquil and Quito, and I still have family there. It honestly breaks my heart. Now in 2025 and probably going into 2026, it’s just not a safe place to start a new life. No matter what expat influencers or relocation companies say, I’d really think twice about moving to Ecuador anytime soon.
Violence in Ecuador Continues in 2025 and most likely 2026
Violence in Ecuador continues to plague the country. Guayaquil, the port city, with the largest population is the most dangerous city in Ecuador. 1,390 violent deaths were recorded in the first half of 2023, almost equal to the total for the entire year of 2022. The city has become the epicenter of violence, with hitmen aka “sicarios”, kidnappers, and thieves roaming the streets. My daughter, who happens to live in Guayaquil, told me about car bombs being placed throughout the city. I’m not trying to scare people from visiting Ecuador; however, I don’t think 2025 or 2026 is the best time to relocate your entire life to Ecuador. I originally wrote this in December of 2023, but not much has changed as of June 2025. At least wait until security improves, which is uncertain at this point.
Ecuador Accepts Military Support Amid Violence in Ecuador
Ecuador has announced it will accept military assistance from countries such as Argentina and the United States as the country faces an escalating internal conflict. President Daniel Noboa confirmed partnerships with over 38 nations offering support as the government attempts to regain control in the wake of intensifying violence in Ecuador.
Prison Break Triggers Surge in Violence in Ecuador
The situation worsened earlier this week when Adolfo Macias, alias Fito, leader of the powerful Los Choneros gang, escaped from prison. His breakout triggered a nationwide surge of criminal activity, including riots and attacks, contributing to widespread violence in Ecuador. So far, at least 15 people have been killed, many others wounded, and over 170 correctional officers taken hostage.
Regional Leaders Warn of Continental Effects of Violence in Ecuador
Argentina’s Security Minister Patricia Bullrich underscored the regional impact of the violence in Ecuador, noting that instability in Ecuador could spill over into neighboring countries like Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. “It is a continental issue,” she stated, signaling the importance of a united regional response to the ongoing violence in Ecuador.
Armed Conflict Declared Amid Deepening Crisis
In response to the turmoil, President Daniel Noboa declared an “Internal Armed Conflict,” empowering the Armed Forces to target and dismantle organized criminal groups. He also emphasized the critical need for international cooperation in military manpower, intelligence, artillery, and equipment to help address the violence in Ecuador.
US and Ecuador Strengthen Ties to Combat Violence in Ecuador
Officials from the United States are expected to visit Quito in the coming weeks to coordinate with Ecuadorian counterparts. The US State Department reiterated its commitment to aiding Ecuador in countering transnational criminal threats, vowing to deepen cooperation through existing security assistance programs aimed at curbing violence in Ecuador.
Noboa Targets Judiciary in Broader Fight Against Violence in Ecuador
Beyond military measures, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa issued a strong message to members of the judicial system. He warned that any judge or prosecutor found aiding terrorist-designated criminal groups will be treated as part of the network and prosecuted accordingly. This step reflects the government’s broader strategy to fight violence in Ecuador on both legal and tactical fronts. Time will tell if his warnings hold any water.
Ecuador’s Banana Exports Used to Smuggle Drugs
Ecuador exported $3.8 billion (26.3% of total exported bananas) in 2023 continuing its dominance as the number one banana exporter worldwide. Narcos have figured out just how efficient bananas are for transporting illegal drugs throughout the world. The security situation in Ecuador has escalated to a crisis. The violence in Ecuador is pure mayhem.
The Once Peaceful Andean Nation has Turned Violent
Ecuador was once the go to place for Expats with places like Cuenca being popular for 20 plus years now and heavily promoted on well-known expat sites. Once-peaceful Ecuador has descended into a violent, chaotic country although most expat sites that sell relocation tours will never admit to the current day situation in 2025. I mean, just read the news! The violence in Ecuador is real.
Banana Success Has Unwittingly Contributed to the Violence in Ecuador
Ecuador is not considered a cocaine or drug producing nation, it is sandwiched between Peru and Colombia, two monsters of illicit drug production. Ecuador has turned into the vessel for the transportation of narcotics mainly through the use of banana exports.
Ecuadorian Presidential Candidate Fernando Villavicencio was Assassinated
The assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio on August 9, 2023, has solidified the sad, unfortunate reality of the violence in Ecuador. He was murdered after leaving a campaign event in Quito, the nation’s capital. His death sent shockwaves throughout the country, serving as a chilling reminder of the high levels of violence in Ecuador. Lack of security is now the top concern for Ecuadorians. According to La Prensa’s English website 2022 closed with 25 violent deaths per-100,000 inhabitants, the highest figure in the Ecuador’s history. However, those numbers were blown away. They almost DOUBLED in 2023.
Violence in Ecuador Reaches National Record in 2023
- Total Homicides: 8,237
- 45.7 per 100,000
- Ecuador became second most dangerous country in the world after Jamaica in 2023
I’ll Always Have Fond Memories of Ecuador
The Violence in Ecuador Truly Saddens Me
Ecuador has a very special place in my heart. I married for the first time in Guayaquil. My daughter was born there. I was last in Ecuador in 2020, and I had a great time. I lived in both Guayaquil and Quito. In 2020 I visited Cuenca for the first time. I remember going to Salinas on the weekends from Guayaquil with my ex-wife and her parents. I had such wonderful experience living in Ecuador. It saddens me that Ecuadorians are going through this now. As much as I like Ecuador, I wouldn’t recommend ANYONE relocate their lives there in 2025 or 2026.
Research Other Things Besides the Violence in Ecuador
Oh, I almost forgot. My daughter’s mother told me that Guayaquil still suffers from constant power outages, a problem that has plagued the country for 30 years or so. They’re going back to programmed power cuts throughout the day. I’ve lived through this. It sucks. You have to make sure you make your coffee before “se va la luz” at 9:00 AM or whatever hours they have programmed now. Do your own research and take advice from Ecuadorians like my daughter and her mom that actually live there and decide for yourself if it’s the best place to expatriate in 2025 or 2026. I’m sure you’ll find it’s not. Hopefully it’ll return to the wonderful, peaceful Andean nation it once was but for I wouldn’t advise packing it all up to move there.
Sources
- World Population Review – Murder Rate by Country, 2023
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/murder-rate-by-country#top-10-countries-with-the-highest-murder-rates-per-100k-in-2023
