Oregon man in Ecuador hospital after being stabbed 18 times

Two Bend residents traveling in South America were attacked in this coastal community in Ecuador, according to their family.

Read full story from KVAL-TV Eugene

[MikeF]

Hey heading to Ecuador in DEC around Christmas.
Heading to Otavolo, Quito, Guayaquil, Cocoa
and into Napo.
Is there any reason I should be scarred to bring my 16 y.o. daughter in my family of 4. It looks like two Americans were stabbed outside of Quito.
Anybody out there have any more info, safety for Americans, etc?
Thanks

[Andrew]

you guys will be fine. i just got back from 4 months in ecuador and i never had any problems. in general ecuadorians are extremely hospitable and kind to outsiders. of course, there are exceptions, same as in every country. however, ecuador was overall the safest country i have been. you should check out bahia de caraquez in manabi. its a quiet, beautiful, small city. the ceviche is great too.

[roxanne]

Ecuador is still considered one of the saftest countries in latin america. unfortunately these crimes are usually committed by outsiders, mostly colombians.

[Alex]

Crime will happen there just as it will happen here. Just make sure to get all of your shots from the health dept and as for safety you might want to call the State Dept and ask them if their are any travel concerns, also it wouldn't hurt to register with them so they know where in Ecuador you are in case something happens. Keep your wits about you, don't wear or take anything that you don't mind loosing there just in case it does get stolen. Don't take jewelery (wedding rings), it's going to be warm and you don't want to be worrying about that kind of thing. Carry your backpacks in front of you and keep money in a couple pockets in your pants... don't bunch all of your money in one spot, carry your wallet in your front pocket. Don't count your money in public. Keep your kids close, no matter how safe you think the area might be, keep them in sight when out in public. Make sure you have the phone numbers to the embassy, and the name of a contact in case of emergency and know how to contact the police. Make sure that your insurance will cover outside of the United States, know where the hospitals are, and if possible find out where the better hospitals are.

My family is from Costa Rica and I've traveled through out central and south America my whole life, and these are just a few things that have come in handy when your in a fix.

[Kevin]

MikeF wrote:

Hey heading to Ecuador in DEC around Christmas.
Heading to Otavolo, Quito, Guayaquil, Cocoa
and into Napo.
Is there any reason I should be scarred to bring my 16 y.o. daughter in my family of 4. It looks like two Americans were stabbed outside of Quito.
Anybody out there have any more info, safety for Americans, etc?
Thanks

I wouldn't worry too much, as that was an exceptionally violent episode. However, muggings and thievery are common if you aren't careful. I can tell you that you don't want to walk around the beaches in Esmeraldas, where it is dangerous, as demonstrated by this story. The coast (Guayaquil, etc.) in general is more dangerous than the Sierra (Quito, etc.).

The general rule of thumb is not to walk around at night. Always take a taxi. In Quito, be careful around Amazonas Ave in La Mariscal neighborhood. Although there is great night life and good restaurants, it is nicknamed "Gringolandia" for all the foreigners & internet cafes, clubs, etc..I narrowly escaped two muggings walking home at night in that neighborhood during my first month in the three years I spent in Quito. After that I never had a problem. Again, stick to taxis and use common sense.

Otavalo is great - go on a Saturday for the full market. I never heard of any problems there.

The jungle region is great too - again, I never had problems there.

If don't know anyone in Ecuador to take you around, there is an abundance of tour operators available. Might be a little more pricey, but worth it to keep your mind at ease.

[Erika]

I am from Quito,Ecuador I am very sorry about this attack. Ecuador is not that bad, we have a lot of good things... yes you have to be becareful and take care of your security, but we are nice people and easy going... We like tourists and you don't have to worry too much. I hope you continue coming to my country and visit all the amazing things we have. If you need some information about Ecuador I could help my e-mail is [e-mail]

[james ecuador]

I am an american living in Esmeraldas, Ecuador for over 6 years now. This can be a very dangerous place if you do not use common sense, as in any other country in the world. Sometimes Ecuador give a feeling of extreme safety.In Quito and in many cities in the highlands it is reasonably safe to walk around at night, but no one should ever take for granted you can do this at any hours of the night. I can only wish this young man the best in his recovery.

[debbi]

i have not visited ecuador but know when i travel with my family outside the u.s. i never wear much jewelry that would attract attention. this sounds like a random act of violence and i pray this young man will be ok. it is important to remind each other that not everyone lives freely - one does not need to flaunt what you have-there is a reason other countries feel the way they do about americans.

[Steven]

I lived in Ecuador for 5 years and never had one single problem. Ecuadorians are the most hospitable and friendly people I have met. I loved Ecuador and will return to live there soon. You should be very safe traveling to Ecuador if you plan on going.

[alex]

its save to travel in ecuador remember to know where you are going and always tell some where you are going and when you should be back always give your cell number to the persons that you know here in ecuador and dont go anywhere carelessly its like new york you dont walk after 110 street in manhattan (harlam)people here are kind and willing to help but remember that anywhere you go in the world you need to be properly prepare a one thing dont drink milk or any havy food since your stomach is not prepare for it. have fun and injoy thank you for coming.

[Meg]

I'm an American living in Guayaquil, Ecuador and have had NO problems at all. I've traveled to the beaches (Montanita is a great spot!) and to Quito and as long as you know where you are going and use common sense you shouldn't have any trouble. I hope you enjoy your trip!

[beth]

[Hi, I just got back from Quito/Galapagos and there is a very strong military/police presence. I never carried much cash or my real passport on me. I went alone and I am obviously not from there. My advice would be to just STAY AWARE. Carry the things that you must carry in a slash-proof bag and be very cautious about scams that are run by women and children. Negotiate the price of a cab ride BEFORE you get in and make the driver stick to it. You probably won't want to stay in Guayaquil very long as not much going on there. All in all, the people were very friendly but I would keep my 16 year old daughter close. The houses are fortresses and they are that way for a reason as the locals are very security conscious - with good reason. You can get robbed in the cabs, the buses and "the bad guys" don't care if it is day or night. Just be AWARE of your surroundings and do not let you guard down - ever, and don't leave your belongings unattended for a second.

[beth]

hi, i just got back from Quito/Galapagos/Guayaquil and there is a very strong military/police presence. I never carried much cash or my real passport on me (photocopy). I always travel alone and am obviously not from SA. My advice would be to STAY AWARE. Carry only the things that you need in a slash-proof bag. Cameras are easy targets to snatch. Women and children run scams and it just best to be firm with a, "No" and walk away. Negotiate the cost of a cab BEFORE you get in and make the driver stick with it.

The houses/businesses are fortresses - for good reason. Quito is a Columbian money laundering city. You can get robbed in cabs, buses, in broad daylight, etc. Be cautious day or night. Secret cash on several different parts of your body as a lot of places don't take credit cards and when your pockets get picked, you won't lose all of your money. Never leave a purse/travel bag or anything of any value to you unattended for a second.

[james]

Billy Hewitt wrote:

Bush is now known as the 2 TON anchor that pulled McCain and Palin down to defeat. Only 28% that included millionaires supported the Bush anchor. Thus it is a true victory for McCain & Palin the they were able to get more than 40% of the vote. Obama will have us out of Iraq in 16 months and Obama will dump FREE TRADE and start taxing the $BILLIONAIRES. Hurray for Obama. Now we have to get Bush convicted of genocide for murdering 2 MILLION iraqi man, women, and children.
Bush es ahora conocido como el ancla de 2 toneladas que tira Palin y McCain a la derrota. Sólo el 28% que incluido millonarios apoya al gobierno de Bush ancla. Por lo tanto, es una verdadera victoria para McCain y el Palin que fueron capaces de obtener más del 40% de los votos. Obama se nos han de Iraq en 16 meses y Obama se volcado de Libre Comercio y empezar a gravar a los multimillonarios $. Hurray para Obama. Ahora tenemos que obtener Bush culpable de genocidio por el asesinato de 2 millones de iraquíes hombre, mujeres y niños.

Time to move on with life or stay in the political forums only. This is not the place.

[NWG]

Go away Billy Hewitt. Stick to the topic.

[Rachel]

I agree, Ecuador is one of safest country to travel to. I have been down there at least five times and I have not had any bad experiences.

Ecuador is so beautiful and there are so much to see. I think you will enjoy your trip with your family.

The two attack to the tourists in Esmeraldas were isolated incidentes commited by outsiders.