Is it Safe to Go to Ecuador on a School Trip?

Many schools in the US are considering (quite rightly) a student trip to Ecuador. In this blog we look at whether it is safe to travel to this South American country and what precautions to take to ensure a smooth trip.

While there are risks and challenges associated with any international travel, with the right preparation and precautions, Ecuador can be a rewarding and safe destination for students to explore. 

Why Ecuador is a good option for a student trip

But before we start, let’s take a peek at a few reasons why you might consider traveling to Ecuador on a school trip:

1. It has a smaller land area than the state of Arizona, and still outpaces the entire United States when it comes to biodiversity.
2. It is affordable – Study International rates it as one of the most inexpensive destinations in South America. Oh and they use dollars so no need to change money for US visitors.
3. You can visit the Pacific Coast, Andean Highlands and Amazon Rainforest in one day. 
4. It’s still relatively unexplored. Unlike Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Costa Rica and Mexico, this Latin American country is still fresh and exciting for students.
5. It boasts unique learning opportunities. Galapagos will excite budding scientists while a homestay in the Amazon with the Shuar community is a unique look into native cultures.

But, is it really safe?

Okay, so hopefully you have a taste of what makes Ecuador so great, now for the safety aspect.

Before making a decision to travel anywhere US schools will consider the US travel advisory.

Ecuador currently ranks Ecuador as a Level 2 destination, meaning that many schools (many of whom ban level 3 countries) are given the green light to visit. 

As always, it is also important to note that Ecuador has its risks like any other country and as the US travel advisory states, caution should be taken in certain parts.

However, the South American country has made significant progress in recent years in improving its safety and security measures, and thousands of travelers visit each other without any incidents.

In February, 2023, Tammy Sweeny took 40 students from her school of Mannheim School District, Pennsylvania to Ecuador on a 7-day educational trip that included Quito, Quilotoa, and the Amazon cities of Baños and Puyo. We asked her about her experience and thoughts on safety.

“Everything was absolutely fabulous and we felt completely safe throughout the trip. When we visited Quilotoa volcano we were offered to have a nurse on hand just in case of altitude sickness. 

“Only four of us (including myself) felt the effects of the altitude… having the nurse there was such a good idea! The guides were absolutely fantastic throughout and we have now canceled our trip to Europe for next year as we will be visiting Ecuador again!”

We believe Ecuador can be one of the most rewarding destinations for student trips in Latin America. The country offers rich cultural experiences, including opportunities to visit historical sites in the UNESCO-listed Quito.

The Amazon rainforest offers a glimpse into unique ecosystems and indigenous ways of life. And, in the Andes, traditional cultures spread among awe-inspiring volcanoes where fantastic hiking opportunities lie. Remember: smaller that Arizona!

Safety tips for visiting Ecuador

If you are thinking of visiting Ecuador there are a few precautions you can take to ensure your students enjoy the journey and return in one piece!

• Conduct a thorough risk assessment before the trip, and ensure that all students and chaperones are aware of potential risks and how to mitigate them.
• Work with a reputable travel agency or tour operator that has experience organizing student trips to Ecuador and can provide guidance on safety and security measures.
• Ensure that all students and chaperones have adequate travel insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Check out these student travel insurance deals here.
• Provide students with a comprehensive orientation before the trip that includes information on safety and security measures, cultural norms, and local customs. 
• Introduce rules and guidelines for student behavior during the trip, including curfews, alcohol and drug use, and appropriate dress.

While there are risks associated with traveling to Ecuador on a student trip, with the right preparation and precautions, it can be a safe and rewarding destination for students to explore. 

Traveling with a reputable third-party provider like Kagumu will ensure all safety and security precautions are met.

To learn more about how we can help run a safe Ecuador study trip for your students, get in touch with our team today.