Ecuador has long enjoyed a reputation for being one of the safer Latin American countries, particularly in comparison to its neighbours, Colombia and Peru. In recent years, however, crime levels have been on the rise, fuelled in part by a string of national economic crises. Comparatively wealthy foreign visitors are, naturally, targets, though it's worth remembering that the vast majority of crime against tourists is non-violent opportunistic theft. There's no need to be paranoid, but by using a bit of common sense and taking some simple precautions, as you would in any unfamiliar environment, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of being a victim, and help ensure that you join the overwhelming majority of people who leave the country without being involved in any trouble at all