Scam in EcuadorTheft
Robbery on remote hiking and climbing routes in Ecuador
How it works
Travellers have been attacked and robbed on isolated parts of established routes. Sexual assaults have also been reported.
Warning signs
- You are entering an isolated stretch with few people nearby.
- You are hiking alone or becoming separated from your group.
How to avoid it
- Avoid solo hikes.
- Go in a large group and stay together.
- Ask hotel staff, tourist police or a tourist information centre about areas to avoid.
If it happens to you
Do not risk injury to protect belongings. Reach a safe place, seek medical care if needed and report the attack to police.
- Get to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or risk injury over belongings.
- Check for injuries and seek medical care if needed.
- Block stolen cards through your card issuer. Secure accounts and remotely lock a stolen phone if possible.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, payment records and any vehicle details you already have.
- Report the incident to police or tourist police. Ask for a report or reference number.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government adviceEcuador Travel Advice & Safety | SmartravellerAustralia identifies Cerro Mandango, the Antennas of Pichincha and trails between Quito’s cable car and Rucu Pichincha as places where thieves target travellers.Read on Government advice
- Redditr/Mountaineering2026How hard is Cotopaxi / ChimborazoA commenter reports being robbed at gunpoint near Rucu Pichincha’s summit while hiking and camping alone.Read on Reddit
- TripadvisorQuito Message BoardSafe to climb Rucu Pichincha alone? - Quito Message Board - TripadvisorForum participants discuss robbery risks for solo hikers on Rucu Pichincha and cite earlier reports of crime along the route.Read on Tripadvisor
Questions
What is the robbery on remote hiking and climbing routes scam in Ecuador?
Travellers have been attacked and robbed on isolated parts of established routes. Sexual assaults have also been reported.
How can I spot it early?
You are entering an isolated stretch with few people nearby. You are hiking alone or becoming separated from your group.
How do I avoid robbery on remote hiking and climbing routes in Ecuador?
Avoid solo hikes. Go in a large group and stay together. Ask hotel staff, tourist police or a tourist information centre about areas to avoid.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not risk injury to protect belongings. Reach a safe place, seek medical care if needed and report the attack to police.
Where in Ecuador does this happen?
Remote sections of well-known hiking and climbing routes
How common is this scam in Ecuador?
Occasional. Theft is the main concern for visitors to Ecuador, especially in crowded places and on public transport. Tourists may also face higher shopping prices, taxi fare disputes and theft by people selling goods on buses. Unlicensed taxis and remote hiking routes carry more serious risks.
Are there similar scams in Ecuador?
Yes: pickpocketing in crowds and on public transport, theft of unattended belongings, theft by bus peddlers.
Who can I report it to?
Police or tourist police: report theft, robbery, kidnapping or threats once you are safe. Give the location, time and a clear account of what happened. Ask for a report or reference number. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to block stolen cards and report any unauthorised payments. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through your policy details. Keep police reports, receipts and other evidence for a claim.
Reviewed by @snuck