Travels to the Equator
Posted by Ashley on October 29, 2008, 7:44 am
On Tuesday, three of our members were off to Newark Airport to travel to the great country of Ecuador. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and volcanoes as well as historic buildings and churches…Ecuador is a beautiful history-rich country that many do not get to experience.
I for one have been there….had a great time..discovered a lot…when do you get to see things like this….(yes i took this)
Andy, Chris, and Haney will be travelling to Ecuador but are really nervous about their travels.
Will they have the same experience down there as I have?
Pictured here is an Ecuadorian guard…..guarding the northern border of Ecuador where it hits Colombia considering just earlier this year they broke off ties with Colombia. Ahh this northern Border…where a U.S. citizen back in 2001 was kindnapped and held for ransom by Colombia.
Now According the US Department of State (travel.state.gov)
The U.S. Embassy in Quito advises caution when traveling to the northern border region of Ecuador, to include areas in the provinces of Sucumbios, Orellana and Carchi and northern Esmeraldas. U.S. government personnel are under limitations with respect to traveling alone and over-nighting in these areas due to the spread of organized crime, drug trafficking, small arms trafficking, and incursions by various Colombian terrorist organizations. Since 1998, at least ten U.S. citizens have been kidnapped near Ecuador’s border with Colombia.
- Most beaches lack consistently staffed lifeguard stations.
- U.S. citizens should carry identification at all times, including proof of U.S. citizenship.
- Crime is a serious problem in Ecuador, and visitors should be alert and cautious.
- Hundreds of Americans are robbed every year in Ecuador.
- Travelers should avoid wearing expensive-looking jewelry and watches.
- Always be aware of your surroundings, and try to not travel alone.
- In Quito, travelers should be particularly alert on the crowded streets of south Quito, at the Panecillo, in Old Quito, and in the areas of El Tejar, Parroquia San Sebastian, Avenida Cristobal Colon, and Gonzalez Suarez.
- In Guayaquil, take extra caution in the downtown area at night, in the street market area of La Bahia, at the Christ Statue (Sagrado Corazon de Jesus) on Cerro del Carmen, in the airport area, and in the southern part of the city.
- Criminals sometimes use incapacitating drugs such as scopolamine on unsuspecting tourists in order to rob them.
See guys…there is nothing to worry about!
P.S. Don’t forget your twenty bucks you need to get out of the country!





