Why Ecuador Is One of the Safest Motorcycle Destinations (If You Know This)
What if your motorcycle adventure in Ecuador wasn’t just about the ride, but about the people who make it unforgettable?
Exploring Ecuador on a motorcycle is an opportunity to dive deep into a country rich in culture and natural beauty. But beyond the stunning landscapes and winding roads, what truly sets Ecuador apart is its strong sense of community—a key factor in ensuring your safety as a motorcycle traveler. By engaging with locals, you'll tap into a protective network that enhances both security and your overall experience.
The Ecuadorian Community: Your Built-In Safety Net
Ecuador’s community spirit is as strong as a double shot of Juan Valdez’s espresso. The sense of camaraderie is palpable whether it's the locals in the cities or the villagers in the highlands. People here have each other's backs. This communal spirit even extends to visitors, too. Flash a smile, be respectful, and you’ll be welcomed like a long-lost cousin at a family reunion.
Need directions? Someone will walk out of their way to show you that turn you could easily miss. Got a flat tire? Expect a crowd to gather faster than you can say "where’d I put the tire irons?" It's like having a personal pit crew at every turn. And don’t be surprised if you’re invited to share a meal or a cup of local coffee while they’re at it.
Though Ecuador has made headlines for crime spikes in certain areas, these incidents are largely confined to specific neighborhoods. Using common-sense precautions, as you would anywhere else, keeps you safe. Let’s explore how Ecuador’s unique culture of hospitality can make your motorcycle adventure secure and enjoyable.
This article won’t bore you with the usual “watch out for pickpockets” and “don’t flaunt your valuables” advice because, honestly, you’ll see those same redundant tips for every travel destination in the world. Instead, we will discuss how embracing Ecuador’s community spirit can make you feel safer and more secure than in many other places. The locals' hospitality and willingness to help create an environment where you can enjoy your visit with peace of mind.
Essential Safety Tips for Motorcycle Touring in Ecuador
1. Share Your “Flight Plan” for Added Security
It is simple, having a clear plan helps ensure a smooth adventure. A “flight plan” is not just for airline pilots and sailors who love paperwork; it's a lifeline for adventure motorcyclists in Ecuador. Sharing your detailed itinerary with us enhances your safety and allows us to provide you with the best support possible.
If you are venturing out on your own, sharing your plan involves detailing your intended route, estimated times of arrival, and any stops along the way. Your itinerary should include your planned routes, stops, and accommodations. This information enables us to offer specific advice on road conditions, weather forecasts, and any potential hazards. If you are just traveling through Ecuador on your own motorcycle, feel free to send us your plans and inReach tracking page, and be sure to visit with us when you get to Quito! We’re always up for sharing stories and a cup of coffee with motorcycle travelers.
We also recommend sharing your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member. It’s one of those “better safe than sorry” situations. If you’re planning a spontaneous detour, give us a quick heads-up. We won’t hold it against you if you decide to follow a random llama off the beaten path. We don’t, however, recommend sharing this detailed plan on a public website where strangers can view it if you are traveling solo. Share it only with your friends and close family.
What to include: Routes, estimated arrival times, and stops.
Who to share with: Ecuador Freedom staff, trusted friends, or family.
Pro tip: Avoid posting detailed plans publicly if traveling alone.
When you ride on one of our Guided Tours or Self-Guided Tours, we have this information built in as part of the package and you won’t need to prepare the itinerary and find accommodations. Our guided tours are led by experienced riders who know the routes you are taking intimately. We ride these routes several times a year and over the years we have developed deep relationships with the people and communities along them.
Our Ride for a Purpose program, where we bring school supplies and toys to remote schoolhouses along our routes, has built up goodwill and made our riders automatically a part of the communities we pass through. Being part of these communities means that you are looked after by people who genuinely care. Their willingness to extend a helping hand is a testament to the strong social fabric that makes Ecuador an incredibly safe and inviting destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. The local interactions that you’ll experience as part of our Ride for a Purpose Program not only enhance your adventure but also ensure that you have a secure and unforgettable trip.
Our self-guided tours follow the same routes as our guided tours and our self-guided riders benefit from these relationships and the accumulated knowledge that we will share with you during our pre-ride briefing and in our daily tour sheets.
Every one of our motorcycles and 4x4 vehicles is equipped with a GPS tracking device so that we will have your back (and sides and front) should you have trouble. We can see that you arrived where you were supposed to be each day. It’s like having a digital guardian angel, minus the wings and harp music.
2. Learn Ecuador’s Road Rules and Driving Customs
Just like everywhere in the world, there are expected courtesies, unwritten rules, and different ways of communication on the road in Ecuador, and understanding the local traffic rules and courtesies will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. During our comprehensive pre-ride briefing provided to our self-guided and guided tour riders, we cover essential tips to help you navigate the roads like a local.
For example, a left turn signal can mean various things depending on the context, and flashing high beams can be a way to communicate intentions or alert you to hazards ahead. It’s important to pay attention to these subtle cues from other drivers. There’s a communication system on Ecuador’s roads that works very well to keep everyone safe and understanding. Ecuadorians are friendly and polite and this comes out in their driving, but you should understand how to be polite by following the norms of communication on the road. Embracing these local customs will help you blend in and enjoy a more harmonious ride.
Another aspect to be mindful of is the local fauna. Ecuador is rich in wildlife, and you might find yourself sharing the road with animals, from stray or “sovereign” dogs to larger creatures. Knowing how to handle these situations is crucial for your safety and theirs.
Interacting with the police can also be different from what you might be used to. Traffic officers here are generally courteous, but they have their own way of doing things. For example, if you see a police car with its flashing lights on, it doesn’t mean you need to pull over. We’ll go over all these nuances in our briefing to ensure you’re well-prepared
3. Take Advantage of Ecuador’s Secure Parking System
Parking in Ecuador is like a well-oiled machine that actually works—imagine that! Whether you're popping into a chaotic outdoor animal market or needing to park on a sleepy city street, you'll stumble upon a parking attendant nearby. These heroes are decked out with red flags or uniforms, making them hard to miss. In the bigger lots, motorcycles even get their own VIP section. In the cities and towns on market days, attendants are practically on every block. They're the neighborhood watchdogs you never knew you needed. For instance, we know all the parking attendants on our block in Quito. We chat with them daily—gossip, weather, you name it. They know who's who and who's up to no good. These vigilant guardians keep an eagle eye on your ride, making them the unsung heroes of vehicle safety.
How to use this system:
Always acknowledge and tip your parking attendant ($1 goes a long way).
Park in designated motorcycle zones when available.
Remove valuables like helmets and GPS units when leaving your bike.
The key to leveraging this system is simple: always acknowledge the parking attendant. A small tip of $1 goes a long way in securing their attention and ensuring they keep an eye on your motorcycle. This not only guarantees your bike is looked after but also allows you to explore with confidence, knowing your ride is in good hands. Just make sure to take your valuables such as your helmet and GPS with you when you leave your bike; don’t put unnecessary temptations out there.
This localized system works well because of Ecuador's community-oriented culture. The attendants know the neighborhood and can offer insights or even help with directions. Their presence is not just a security measure but also an added layer of local hospitality, making your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Remember, in Ecuador, a little local interaction goes a long way. Engaging with the parking attendants not only helps secure your bike but also enriches your travel experience. These small gestures can enhance your trip, providing a deeper connection to the places you're exploring.
4. Stay Connected: Essential Communication Tips
Staying connected is a crucial part of any adventure, and in Ecuador, it's no different. We make it easy for you by providing local prepaid cell phones pre-programmed with our contact numbers, ensuring you have immediate assistance whenever needed. For those who prefer a more versatile option, WhatsApp on your smartphone is highly recommended as it is widely used here. This way, you can not only reach us with video and location-sharing capabilities but also communicate with local businesses, hotels, and even fellow travelers.
To ensure uninterrupted service, consider acquiring a virtual eSIM from Saily.com before your trip. This will give you affordable internet access throughout your journey, allowing you to use navigation apps, check weather updates, and stay in touch with friends and family back home. And, downloading the Garmin Drive app to your smartphone will allow you to activate the incident detection on our Garmin zümo GPS devices, to alert us immediately if you have had an accident.
Use local prepaid cell phones. We provide them pre-programmed with emergency contacts.
Download WhatsApp. It's widely used for business and personal communication.
Consider an eSIM from Saily.com for affordable internet access.
For remote travel, carry a Garmin InReach to ensure satellite connectivity.
For those planning to venture into more remote areas where cellular coverage might be limited, a Garmin InReach device is a smart choice. These devices offer satellite communication, enabling you to send and receive messages no matter where you are. By setting us as your emergency contact, you'll have the peace of mind that help is just a message away.
Ecuador’s landscape is diverse, with areas where cell service might be spotty. Having these communication tools ensures you're never completely cut off. This isn't about preparing for the worst; it's about making sure you can fully enjoy the ride, knowing you have a reliable way to reach out if necessary.
5. Choose Reputable Hotels with Secure Parking
Choosing the right accommodation can significantly enhance your adventure motorcycle tour through Ecuador. For our tour guests, we've spent years establishing partnerships with reputable hotels that not only offer a high standard of comfort but also prioritize your safety. These hotels are carefully selected for their secure, guarded parking lots, ensuring your motorcycle is well-protected throughout your stay.
One of the perks of staying at these trusted hotels is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your bike is safe. In urban areas, hotels with guarded lots offer an added layer of security, allowing you to enjoy your evening without worrying about your ride. These accommodations often have dedicated spaces for motorcycles, giving you easy access and reducing the risk of theft or damage.
Our partner hotels offer:
Guarded parking lots for motorcycles
Comfortable, safe accommodations
Reliable staff who can assist in case of mechanical issues
Beyond just security, these hotels offer excellent amenities to enhance your stay. From comfortable beds to clean facilities, you can expect a restful night after a long day of riding. Many of these hotels also offer delicious meals made with hygiene as a priority, which is a crucial consideration when traveling in Ecuador. This ensures you can enjoy local cuisine without the worry of digestive issues.
In the event of any mechanical issues during your trip, many of our partner hotels are equipped to provide assistance. Whether it's helping you find a nearby mechanic or providing basic tools for minor repairs, their staff is trained and experienced to support adventure motorcyclists. This level of service ensures that any hiccups along the way are quickly addressed, keeping your journey on track.
Staying at these reputable hotels also offers a chance to connect with fellow travelers. Sharing stories and tips with other adventure enthusiasts can add a social dimension to your trip, making it even more memorable. The staff at these hotels are usually knowledgeable about the best routes and hidden gems in the area, providing you with insider information to enhance your journey.
Our carefully curated hotels ensure that you experience both comfort and security. These accommodations are more than just a place to rest; they are a key part of your adventure, providing the essential support and peace of mind needed for a successful motorcycle tour through Ecuador.
6. Eat and Drink Smart to Stay Healthy
When riding through Ecuador, savoring local cuisine is a must, but it's essential to take a few precautions to keep your stomach happy.
Stick to purified water, as tap water isn't suitable for visitors. This also applies to beverages like coffee and tea, especially in high elevations where the boiling point of water is lower and may not eliminate all bacteria.To avoid any gastrointestinal surprises, carrying a course of ciprofloxacin is a good idea. This easily-obtained broad spectrum antibiotic can be found at any pharmacy without a prescription and is a reliable way to handle any unexpected digestive issues that might come up.
While Ecuadorian street food can be incredibly tempting and delicious, be selective about where you eat. Opt for vendors with a steady flow of local customers, which usually indicates good hygiene and fresh food. Before selecting a restaurant, inspect the bowl of their local salsa called “aji” on the table. Does it have a crust around the edge, or does it look fresh? This is a good indication of the restauranteur’s understanding of food safety.
Food Safety Tips:
Drink only purified water (avoid tap water).
Be selective with street food. Choose vendors with high customer turnover.
Inspect the aji. If the “aji” sauce bowl is crusty, reconsider dining there.
Carry ciprofloxacin. This widely available antibiotic can help in case of digestive troubles.
Pack snacks and water for remote rides where food options may be limited.
Clams and other raw or unwashed produce are best avoided. Instead, look for well-cooked dishes and fruits that you can peel yourself. These small steps can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, allowing you to fully enjoy Ecuador's rich culinary landscape without worry.
Another tip is to bring along some snacks for those remote stretches where food options might be limited. Nuts, granola bars, and dried fruit can be lifesavers on long rides. These can also come in handy if you find yourself far from a town during mealtime. And always have a bottle of water on board your bike.
Ultimately, enjoying Ecuador's vibrant food scene is one of the highlights of your motorcycle adventure. With a little caution and preparation, you can savor every bite without compromising your health. Embrace the flavors, take in the culture, and enjoy the ride, knowing you're making informed choices to keep your journey smooth and enjoyable.
Final Thoughts: Ride with Confidence in Ecuador
Ecuador is one of the most rewarding places to explore on two wheels, and its strong sense of community plays a major role in keeping travelers safe. Whether it’s the helpful locals, secure parking systems, or carefully curated accommodations, you’ll find that Ecuador is a biker-friendly destination where you can ride with confidence.
Ready for Your Adventure?
Book your guided or self-guided motorcycle tour with Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental and experience the safety, hospitality, and breathtaking scenery Ecuador has to offer. Let’s ride!
