Update From Quito Ecuador - Last Year’s Crime Statistics - also testing a new camera

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  • Опубликовано: 24 авг 2024
  • Update from Quito Ecuador, discussing last year’s murder rate pushing Ecuador up to the notorious most dangerous country in South America, my opinions about whether expats should continue to move to Ecuador, and also testing out my be camera in low light and moderate wind. The awkwardly named Insta360 Ace Pro. I still need to figure out many of the settings, but it seems to do a pretty good job in low light at dusk.

Комментарии • 186

  • @cansurvivor4495
    @cansurvivor4495 3 месяца назад +8

    Been traveling through Ecuador since Nov 2022, all over the country - the coast, mountains, jungle, rainforests, cities, etc, no issues with anyone, ever. Not once in 18 months.
    There are big issues, ongoing states of emergency, and it affects me very little.
    In Cotacachi for now, super peaceful, after a quiet month on the coast.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад +4

      I’m glad you have been lucky not to have experienced anything bad.

  • @brandonwoodley5198
    @brandonwoodley5198 3 месяца назад +13

    Man I truly appreciate your honesty.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад

      Thanks.

    • @gracelynne3918
      @gracelynne3918 Месяц назад

      Is it, though?

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  Месяц назад

      @@gracelynne3918 based on overall homicide rates for the last year available, 2023, yes, it is.

  • @QuinnPrice
    @QuinnPrice 3 месяца назад +15

    It's hard to get good information on crime here in Ecuador. Thanks for sharing.

  • @phildeber2697
    @phildeber2697 3 месяца назад +8

    Your emotion and honesty tells a very useful story. I am to visit a friend in Quito later this year. Thank you for sharing.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад

      You’re welcome. I’m sure you’ll have a good time here, especially with someone local to show you around and keep you out of the dangerous areas.

  • @MrTambopaxi
    @MrTambopaxi Месяц назад +1

    Thanks, Jesse, for your thoughtful pieces on Ecuador. I’ve lived in Quito since July 2001, the first four years in Quito Tenis, the rest of the time, here in La Carolina (Calle Luxemburgo). Luxemburgo used to be almost all houses; now, it’s almost all increasingly expensive apartment buildings. I may be a fugitive from the law of averages but I’ve never been mugged/robbed in my time here. That said, conventional wisdom dictates that you don’t go into Parque La Carolina at night, As well, since about 2018-19 there’s been a marked increase increase in street vendors and street beggars, particularly along Republica de El Salvador and Avenida Shyris towards NNUU, so street awareness and caution is advised along those areas. Finally, in those areas, never use your cellphone out on the sidewalks or streets; there are very adept pickpockets out there, as well as two-person moto teams who will swoop in and snatch your phone if you’re unwary and close to the street.

  • @junglecat7263
    @junglecat7263 2 месяца назад +8

    Accusing the Cuencanos of "being in a bubble" is unfair. The murder rate in Cuenca is still lower than most US cities. Applying Ecuador's national crime rate to the whole country is absurd when 90% of the murders were in prisons and cartel run coastal cities many hours away from Cuenca or Quito

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад +3

      I don’t think you understood what I meant. Yes, Cuenca has much lower crime rates than other parts of Ecuador. That is exactly what causes the expats in Cuenca to have a tendency to be in their little bubble. They feel safe and that sense of safety causes them to tell people that Ecuador is safe. Unfortunately, when crime is as out of control as it is now it tends to move into the areas that were safe. I’ve seen this exact situation happening in the “safe” neighborhoods in Quito and in the towns along the Ruta Escondida. The police and military crack down on one area and the criminals just move into another area.
      Also, where are you getting crime statics for Cuenca? I’ve seen stats for each province but nothing recent published for specific cities.
      I understand that some of my opinions are likely to irritate people, especially folks that are very proud of their community and people that have invested here, whether it’s a financial investment or just the time and energy spent becoming a member of the community. I get it. These opinions upset me as well, but I’ve come to terms with this reality. Don’t shoot the messenger. In my opinion we all need to be realistic about what is happening in Ecuador and very careful to avoid giving those who are looking for real information bad advice. I have spent over a decade here. My wife and kids are Ecuadorian. I own 4 properties here. It definitely hurts to see what has happened and accept that investing in Ecuador may have been a mistake.

    • @junglecat7263
      @junglecat7263 2 месяца назад

      @@FallofftheMap There is a website that has the stats. Search for "OECO homicidios". Cuenca canton had 63 murders in 2023 (10.5 per 100,000) which would place it at around 70 in the USA just below Fort Lauderdale (11.3 per 100,000). Guayaquil had 886 murders (32 per 100,000) which is the same as Baton Rouge and around 6th most dangerous in the USA. Hope that helps

    • @junglecat7263
      @junglecat7263 2 месяца назад

      @@FallofftheMap There is a website that has the stats. Search for "OECO homicidios". Cuenca canton had 63 murders in 2023 (10.5 per 100,000) which would place it at around 70 in the USA just below Fort Lauderdale (11.3 per 100,000). Guayaquil had 886 murders (32 per 100,000) which is the same as Baton Rouge and around 6th most dangerous in the USA. Hope that helps

    • @junglecat7263
      @junglecat7263 2 месяца назад

      @@FallofftheMap There is a website that has the stats. Search for "OECO homicidios". Cuenca canton had 63 murders in 2023 (10.5 per 100,000) which would place it at around 70 in the USA just below Fort Lauderdale (11.3 per 100,000). Guayaquil had 886 murders (32 per 100,000) which is the same as Baton Rouge and around 6th most dangerous in the USA. Hope that helps

    • @junglecat7263
      @junglecat7263 2 месяца назад

      @@FallofftheMap There is a website that has the stats. Search for "OECO homicidios". Cuenca canton had 63 murders in 2023 (10.5 per 100,000) which would place it at around 70 in the USA just below Fort Lauderdale (11.3 per 100,000). Guayaquil had 886 murders (32 per 100,000) which is the same as Baton Rouge and around 6th most dangerous in the USA. Hope that helps

  • @cmquin1
    @cmquin1 3 месяца назад +12

    Thank you for being honest. I love Ecuador but I also believe it’s going to get worse before it gets any better. Stay safe

    • @juicebox853
      @juicebox853 2 месяца назад +1

      It has already gotten better.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад +2

      I agree, in many ways Ecuador has already gotten better, but the improvements are uneven and as the police and military push into lawless zones on the coast violent crime gets pushed into the mountain towns. Yes, overall things feel like they have gotten better in 2024, but there is still a long way to go and it won’t be until about this time next year that we are able to evaluate this year’s crime statistics.

    • @gracelynne3918
      @gracelynne3918 Месяц назад

      Quito resident here. Very interested in learning WHY they're reporting exaggerations & downright LIES about this country. Outside of Guayaquil & environs...Esmeralda, as well, - i.e., the coast - things are FINE here. No different from pre-pandemic. STOP spreading this media invention!!!

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  Месяц назад

      @@gracelynne3918 that’s blatantly untrue. The frequency and types of crime happening in Quito are very different from pre-pandemic.

  • @jerrygarcia4390
    @jerrygarcia4390 3 месяца назад +4

    Thank you so much for the update, your transparency and honesty. I really love your beautiful neighborhood by the way.
    So saddened to hear the news of your facebook friend. My God,something like that would shake me to the core. I’m very disappointed that conditions have deteriorated since my visit in January. I had such high hopes for Noboa’s efforts and better safer lives for the Ecuadoran people.
    I just booked my flight to visit Praia de Pipa, Brazil for 2 months. I’ll visit the Argentine Andes (Starting in Mendoza) for two months following my visit to Brazil.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад

      Thanks. Yes, knowing someone that has become a victim here definitely woke me up from the groupthink of the expats that still believe it’s safe here.

  • @bethsimmons8755
    @bethsimmons8755 2 месяца назад +3

    I appreciate your honesty. Thank you for keeping us informed!

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад

      You’re welcome. I do my best to provide useful advice and information.

  • @DanielFernandez-jv7jx
    @DanielFernandez-jv7jx 2 месяца назад +2

    Thank you sir. I have been contemplating Ecuador as possible retirement spot. I will wait and watch.

  • @DJTheMetalheadMercenary
    @DJTheMetalheadMercenary 3 месяца назад +6

    Sorry to hear about your friend brother, really sad and my condolences to the family. Very interesting situation, certainly hope it gets better. Stay safe man.

  • @dianamayfield5615
    @dianamayfield5615 2 месяца назад +2

    I've been planning my escape to Ecuador for 7 years. Packing preparing to finally make the move. After finally viewing your video yesterday, I contacted 8 Ecuadorian friends to ask their opinions sharing the post with them. Three are natives and 5 Expats. They live all over the country. One recently moved from the coast to an isolated village in the Sierra for safety. Some said to move but very cautiously, however, the general consensus is to wait and not to consider a move for at least 6 months to a year. This is not what I wanted to hear, but I guess I'll wait.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад +2

      Yeah, it’s a really unstable and unpredictable time right now.

    • @thistime4you
      @thistime4you 2 месяца назад +3

      We have lived in Ecuador for 12 years and never plan to leave. We do live rural and will not travel to the coast nor the larger cities. Have never had any issues with crime at all. We live in the Yunguilla Valley. Prices are also cheaper away from the cities

    • @leslie1536
      @leslie1536 Месяц назад +1

      @@thistime4youI have lived in Cuenca for 11 years and never had a problem. Where is he getting this info?

    • @ecuadorexpat8558
      @ecuadorexpat8558 4 дня назад

      I ve lived in EC 5 Yrs and aside from a stolen wallet never ever a problem..Many Expats moving here constantly..The US is a lot more dangerous and unstable and ready to fall apart..why let fear keep you from coming here?

  • @mbwahaha
    @mbwahaha 3 месяца назад +3

    I spent 3 weeks in Quito last month, stayed between El Bosque area and close to the La Carolina Metro station where i have an apartment for rent, i didnt feel unsafe most of the time, i didnt go out at night without a car or alone tho.
    Now in my old neihborhood called La Rumiñahui, where it was very safe when i grew up, there are a ton of venezuelans and dangerous gang looking people, especially in La Real Audiencia avenue, thats was sketchy AF, got checked out multiple times there, i was scared.
    Only went to the city center twice, one in the morning witch was totally fine, felt safe, and one in the night, but i just took a taxi, didnt dare to walk there at night.
    Really liked Cumbaya, at night it was beautifull and packed with fun places to go, felt very safe.
    One thing that i dont know if i could handle, is the driving. Even if the roads are in decent shape, most of them are only 1 lane for each side, and a lot of slow heavy traffic, mixed with unpatient drivers, it was very very veeery tense...
    I hope everythig gets better, becouse i want to live in Ecuador sooner than later, its hard to have a real sense of how dangerous is a place with only 3 weeks, but several people warned me that it is not as safe as it was before, and that there is people that has lost their lifes for just a phone, and they blame venezuelans, colombians and cubans a lot...

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад +1

      There is a bad habit here of blaming everything on the Venezuelans, but the sad reality is that the majority of the active gang members are Ecuadorians. Yes, driving here is intense. I drive a lot, but i definitely avoid driving in some of the more difficult areas such as the centro histórico and Calderón.

  • @conchscooter
    @conchscooter 2 месяца назад +1

    If I wanted to live abroad I’d chose Colombia. As it is we are driving the PanAmerican in a van and Ecuador has its issues. But among overlanders we have yet to meet another US vehicle on the road among swarms of Europeans.
    Personally I’m waiting to see how gas price increases scheduled for the end of the month will be accepted by the people. Peru appeals more and more.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад

      Yeah, 11 years ago when I moved to Ecuador, it was a more stable and safe option compared to Colombia and Peru. At the moment, yes, Ecuador is dealing with serious safety and security issues. However, the incidents of violence against foreign tourists and expats is still higher in Colombia than Ecuador (in Ecuador the vast majority of the violence is between gangs competing for territory while in Colombia it’s common for men from North America to be victims while looking for local women). Also, the cost of driving in Ecuador is way lower than in Colombia or Peru. Gas and diesel are heavily subsidized. The price is creeping up as the government increases taxes and reduces subsidies in an attempt to get the population to accept the actual cost of fuel, but it’s still really cheap for those overlanding across South America.

  • @marcocisneros6982
    @marcocisneros6982 19 дней назад

    Last year I was staying in the area of Gaspar de Villaroel and 6 de Diciembre and although I had my head on a swivel, I never felt threatened including at night. The north end of Quito is obviously safer. An american buddy of mine just came back after doing a 2 week tour of Cuenca-Baños-Quito and didn't have any issues inspite of lodging in the area of La Alameda.

  • @jumpinjehoshaphat1951
    @jumpinjehoshaphat1951 6 дней назад

    Glad I found your channel. Will be retiring in about a year. The Cuenca Ecuador area is high on my list. Thinking it's reasonably safe. Am I being naive?

  • @davidveraok
    @davidveraok 3 месяца назад +3

    _Hello from Peru. Homicide rate here is relative low 6 per 100k population. Mexico 24 and Ecuador 44. Uruguay was a peaceful heaven during decades but now the rate is very high too (12). Uruguay could be the new Ecuador is they do not take actions soon. Specialized Police is key factor for specific kind of crimes. Good policy to fight all kind of crimes. DIRINCRI ( crime investigation ), DIRCOTE (terrorism), DIRANDRO (drugs), DIVINDAT (cybercrimes), DIPROVE (car stealing / carjacking), SUAT ( SWAT), UDEX ( explosive), Sinchis de Mazamari ( terrorism in jungle), DIRILA ( money-laundry), etc. Besides Police, SERENAZGO is special private police organized by Mayor. These "divisiones policiales" are group of police with knowledge and expertise in specific crimes. Anyway cellphones and extortions is still high in Cities, so better using a low-budget celphone. Colombian Cartels do not choose Peru's ports because of harsh environment with Police, they went to Ecuador and Lately Chile. Posdata I write this message before but was deleted by youtube, hope you can read this_

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад +3

      Thanks for the information. I’m impressed that Peru has been able to maintain such a low homicide rate.

    • @davidveraok
      @davidveraok 3 месяца назад +4

      @@FallofftheMap Thanks for your kind words. We came from hell in the 80's and 90's and the lesson was learned. A generation of people who knew to fight adversity during tough times. Prepareness + Love for our country + be ready to die if necessary + respect for our people + economic resource is very important + Interaction and coordination among public and private Organization and Institutions. For example the Mayor of Lima gave to Police the first group of 400 powerful 300cc Honda motorcycle to Police. This will help to fight "raqueteros" who are stealing using motorcycles. Journalism is also making a good job, denouncing bad elements, places where are sold drugs, illegal place for prostitution, etc. "Serenazgo sin Fronteras" + real-time high-tech video surveillance center working together as a whole among several distritos ( cantones). We do have crimes , but at least we are trying to not letting it to spill out. I think Noboa should let people to organize themselves, better sooner than later. My guessing is that Ecuador will have to go through tough time for a while, until everything will be better. In the best case scenario will take 3 to 5 years. Noboa do respect "rights" of criminals and it is an important key factor that do not let having faster results as in El Salvador. At least we are doing our part when we locked up a gang trafficking guns into Ecuador. A shameful situation for us , indeed.

  • @estelamino6356
    @estelamino6356 3 месяца назад +3

    Gracias x competir...yo se lo que vivir. Allá no es fácil..cuidarse mucho,,,,,,🇪🇨

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад

      De nada. Gracias por tomarse el tiempo de comentar y mirar.

  • @davidkoziar1811
    @davidkoziar1811 2 месяца назад +2

    Interesting video. Have you looked into the Orient area? It’s hard to imagine crime reaching a remote rural area that is at least a half hour drive away from town. You’d first have to be targeted and then the planning of driving there to commit a robbery would have to be worth doing. The thieves would have to be convinced of whatever amount of wealth is there. Although living in a remote area has its obvious cons as well as pros. Especially for families. Perhaps the jungle is the safest place to be. Off grid and alone. Which isn’t all that great in of itself.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад +2

      Thanks for your well thought out question. I just purchased a second farm on the Napo province in the middle of the oriente. Organized crime is much lower there. Homicides and violent crime are still relatively high there but mostly due to domestic violence and problems within indigenous communities.

    • @davidkoziar1811
      @davidkoziar1811 2 месяца назад

      @@FallofftheMap Thank you for your answer. Despite the crime, I think you are in a beautiful country. Just need to find a niche to keep your head down and be comfortable with isolation. A good life can be had and really, 45 murders per 100k people is still really really low. That’s less than a 0.1% percent chance! You have better odds of dying by other means than an intentional homicide.

  • @DaveG-qd6ug
    @DaveG-qd6ug 3 месяца назад +5

    The night is darkest right before dawn. wish you all the best!🙏

  • @deepsky7206
    @deepsky7206 3 месяца назад +2

    the curse will end when the country stops eating guinea pigs 🐹🐹

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад

      Ugh, I tried one once just to understand why they are a delicacy here. I don’t get it. They taste gross and they make your fingers stink. Sometimes is not such a good idea to immerse yourself in all parts of the local culture.

  • @Whatsit2yabonehead
    @Whatsit2yabonehead 3 месяца назад +2

    I have family in the La Carolina Area near the park. They said they havent heard of any crime there. How would they find out? Also aren't you afraid to be out with such an expensive camera? You say that some of the apartments have guards but my family feels that they are a false sense of security as they have no guns that my family has seen and seem very lose about who they open the doors to. If criminals get in a building couldnt they force the guard to give them the master key to open all of the apartments? Thats what my family is afraid of and they live in a really nice building. I want them to come home but being retired they are on a limited income.Like you they like living there but with the crime and mentality of the locals they are starting to consider other options as they are even afraid to walk around. They deel that as Americans they stand out even during the day. Be safe

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад +1

      The La Carolina area is super upscale, but there has been a lot of crime in La Carolina park and the park is now a no go zone after dark. I’ve also heard about several robberies in that area due to criminals targeting wealthier areas.

    • @Whatsit2yabonehead
      @Whatsit2yabonehead 3 месяца назад +1

      @@FallofftheMap thanks . My family hears the rumours but cannot find any news channels on Facebook with information about Quito. They don't even go out at night. They are retired. Again thanks

  • @JeffRhinoBannister
    @JeffRhinoBannister 3 месяца назад +1

    Three years agobwe came to SA to look for a retirement spot. We could see that if was not a horse to bet on. Thank you for your honesty. We feel Colombia is headed back down. After 6 months in South America we decided on Spain. More expensive but as we age safety is a factor. Keep up the good work and be careful.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад

      I traveled Spain years ago while I was looking for a new country. I didn’t like it much, though I only travel the Catalonian areas and Mallorca. I know I’m in the minority here, but I did not like the food and found the people to be unfriendly. Mostly I couldn’t get down with how expensive it was. The quality of life didn’t justify the high cost of living from my perspective. Perhaps I would have had a different opinion if I saw other parts of Spain. The only place there I really enjoyed was Figueres and Cadaqués.

  • @thistime4you
    @thistime4you 2 месяца назад +1

    We have lived in Ecuador for 12 years and never plan to leave. We do live rural and will not travel to the coast nor the larger cities. Have never had any issues with crime at all. We live in the Yunguilla Valley. Prices are also cheaper away from the cities. Don't become discouraged.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад

      Yeah, things are still mostly ok out at my farm on the Ruta Escondida (about the same distance outside Quito as Yunguilla is outside Cuenca), but even in this peaceful area there has been an increase in crime in the last 2 years. Ecuador is changing even in the campo. It’s not bad yet but i worry for the future.

  • @therehastobesomethingmoore
    @therehastobesomethingmoore 3 месяца назад +2

    Thanks

  • @Gorilla_ADV
    @Gorilla_ADV 2 месяца назад +2

    sounds like a good time to buy a piece a land.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад +2

      That is the bright side. I did just buy a 14 hectare farm this year.

    • @Gorilla_ADV
      @Gorilla_ADV 2 месяца назад

      @@FallofftheMap Nice one!

  • @stevenjb.9275
    @stevenjb.9275 3 месяца назад +1

    As a State Side retired person I have been looking at Ecuador for moving to. I did hear about the stats, but you seemed to add more clarity. I was lining up all my ducks, even an exploratory visit. I think I will keep the ducks in the bath tub for now. I read a story about the gang members in Ecuador. They seem to take pride in the crimes committed and how each level of the crime elevates their standing and monetary value in their circles.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад +1

      I think that is true of some of the gangs in some areas, but not all of them. Others tend to be more low profile, committing crimes out of a a sense of necessity driven by a lack of opportunities. Though particularly when the violence is between two rival gangs, yes, the violence does seem to be just for the sake of violence and spreading terror. I think the next elections will be a strong indicator of whether Ecuador will get past these problems or whether it will become a narco-state. At the moment the violence is so extreme here because the government is not accepting that it must live with the cartels and accept corruption. That old saying “plata o plomo?” This is what happens when the government chooses plomo (lead) and fights the cartels. If this government is reelected they will, in my opinion, eventually win and Ecuador will be safer for it. If a cartel sponsored government wins, of course the cartels will take over. The level of violence will reduce but only to the level of places like Mexico and Colombia, it won’t go back down to the level it was at before the cartels moved into Ecuador. In other words, either way, we’re probably in the worst moment, and it will either get a lot better but it will take a long time and be a hard struggle, or it will get a little better but it will happen relatively quickly.

    • @stevenjb.9275
      @stevenjb.9275 3 месяца назад +1

      @@FallofftheMap interesting overview on the situation. Thank you.

  • @Expat-happy-hour
    @Expat-happy-hour 3 месяца назад +1

    Sorry to hear the sad news on the tragic end of your friend. I am also invested in Real estate here in Ecuador. The investors visa puts a 2 year lean on property you buy , its the policy of that type of visa. So I am also going to ride it out here. I am also a potential economic refugee after I finish building my house lol !

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад

      Yeah, my sense is that we’re going to have to wait several years for things to get significantly better and for those of us that invested to feel like it wasn’t a mistake.

  • @Freedom101
    @Freedom101 2 месяца назад +1

    How do you manage live there safe according to what you described?

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад +1

      I avoid going out at night, avoid certain neighborhoods and for the time being don’t go to the coastal provinces, and I am friendly with my neighbors so that we can all keep an eye out for each other. So far I’ve been lucky and avoided any real trouble, though I just noticed this morning that some of my tools were stolen from my farm last night.

  • @FightFilms
    @FightFilms 2 месяца назад +1

    Francesca and her family had been to our farm multiple times. She made a strange remark a month before it all happened.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад +1

      Can you elaborate? What did she say? Did she have any idea there was trouble coming? Where there signs that the property had been targeted?

    • @FightFilms
      @FightFilms 2 месяца назад +1

      It was vague. She said she must be nice to her neighbors because she doesn't wanna be mu....d.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад

      @FightFilms that’s actually pretty specific given the fact that she was then murdered.

    • @FightFilms
      @FightFilms 2 месяца назад +1

      In that sense, yes. The whole situation is very shady and doesn't seem like a typical home invasion.

  • @georgedickens261
    @georgedickens261 3 месяца назад +1

    Your honesty is appreciated & your advice will no doubt save people from potential tragedy &/or harm, thank you.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад +2

      You’re welcome. It’s definitely not the sort of video I want to make. I’d rather be making videos about my farm or about going on road trips into the Amazon, but there were a couple of videos I saw recently from other expat RUclipsrs that bothered me. It felt like it would be irresponsible not to speak up.

  • @juliebabin
    @juliebabin 3 месяца назад +2

    Thanks for mentionning it. I am very tired as well to hear retired people living in gated communities saying that ecuatorians are so nice and helpful, and that it's secure. My experience (4-year so far) living in small villages in amazon and on the coast, with the locals AND like the locals, are different. First, to live in Ecuador you better be a person who likes to stay home after sunset. Watch your surroundings at all times (not walk alone on a desert street), always count your money back, never lend money and be careful who you "help". Overall a country that I like but I would have appreciate knowing all this before I come.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад +1

      Yeah, that never lend money thing is definitely real, and never pay for any service up front. If they can’t wait until the job is done to be paid then they probably don’t plan on actually doing the job. I’ve learned the hard way and lost a few good workers on my farm because I started to trust them and agreed to pay in advance to “help them out.” I guess the temptation to take the money and run was enough for them to lose out on a long term job.

  • @thelostcreole
    @thelostcreole 2 месяца назад +1

    Good to see these videos. Much like yourself I come to visit my House en el centro histórico once a week. For me....i do not see much difference in the 22 years I have been here. ButI do not own a vehicle and do not run in Gringo circles or dress conspicuously. But would agree....If anyone IS considering being an expatt and especially if you are not on a budget ....there are many countries I would Consider before coming here.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад +1

      I’m surprised you don’t see a difference in the centro histórico. In the 11 years I’ve been here I have seen the centro histórico become a lot sketchier, especially later in the day and evening with drunks harassing people and a lot more prostitutes on the streets. My wife used to have a business across the street from Plaza San Francisco. As the area got worse she chose to shut the business down. The main tourist areas are still ok, because they always have some police presence, but a lot of the smaller streets or busy transit areas have gotten significantly worse, in my opinion.

  • @leeennise.a3338
    @leeennise.a3338 3 месяца назад +2

    The bubble is real. Its all good til its popped

  • @fredwyese
    @fredwyese 3 месяца назад +1

    Jessie, I think the level of crime depends where in Ecuador you are. The coast IMHO is to be avoided, just like a Chicago or Oakland. I live in the Serria, a quiet, dusty town that seems the same as 3 years ago. I was back home in Michigan 3 weeks ago and felt more on edge in certain areas. Now I have to go get the sand out of my ears and go try to hold up the sky that is falling.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад +2

      I understand what you’re saying and it’s exactly how I felt until recently. I think part of the problem is that most expats are oblivious to how much crime is happening around them until it directly impacts their friends or family. The area where my farm is sounds similar to your town. It had always felt totally safe… then there was a home invasion, then a couple burglaries, then several attacks on businesses, the. Several vehicles were stolen. There are still people in this community that believe it’s perfectly safe because that are happily unaware of how it’s changed in the past year or two. Yes, it’s true that the worst problems are in specific areas of the coast or neighborhoods in Quito, but a significant amount of crime that has crept into quiet little towns in the sierra is something most people are still refusing to acknowledge. It may be true that it hasn’t hit your town yet, and hopefully it won’t, but i didn’t expect it to spread into my town either… until it did.

    • @fredwyese
      @fredwyese 3 месяца назад

      @@FallofftheMap I agree, crime is spreading and most of the violent type is related to gangs and drugs. With that being said anyone could be a target. The more you have the more people notice you. An old tractor might not seem like much, unless you don't have an old tractor... Wealth is relative to area, and even though I don't have much by USA standards I am doing ok by Ecuadorian standards on my USA social security. My stepdaughter was offered a job she applied for answering the phone and filing papers at a local company M-F 9 to 5 and Saturdays as a half day, pay $280 a MONTH, she told him no and he countered with $300 and said they provide lunch. Also Saturdays could be a whole day, but no extra pay. I know this is below the minimum wage here, but how many work in these circumstances? So, crime will happen. Good luck to you, hopefully it is only material losses, keep safe, enjoy the content you produce. Fred

  • @mikebrenick9149
    @mikebrenick9149 2 месяца назад

    Where did you get this information?

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад +1

      Here are 3 of many sources all putting Ecuador’s homicide rate between 44.5 and 45 per 100000 which is the highest in South America and the highest in the would outside of 4 small island nations in the Caribbean.
      www.statista.com/statistics/984868/homicide-rate-ecuador/#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20there%20were%20approximately,25.9%20reported%20the%20previous%20year.
      www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/ecuador
      www.economist.com/the-americas/2024/05/09/the-worlds-most-violent-region-needs-a-new-approach-to-crime

  • @Jetmab04
    @Jetmab04 3 месяца назад +4

    This is more than sad to hear...
    I am trying to will this to stop within the next year as Ecuador is supposed to become my retirement home.... Any light at the end of the tunnel do you think!?
    I've wanted this since I was a teenager... 🤒
    Thanks a lot for sharing and not least, for your honesty 👍🌹

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад +4

      I do think these problems will pass, but it might take awhile. As I said in the video, I’m planning on riding this out rather than giving up on Ecuador, but that’s because I’ve already invested everything here. If the pendulum swings in the next election and Ecuador elects a far left president it might be enough to cause me to give up. If they reelect Naboa then I’ll have more confidence that things will slowly improve.

    • @More_Row
      @More_Row 3 месяца назад +1

      @@FallofftheMapIf they don’t improve in a sort of timely fashion what’s your next move?

    • @Jetmab04
      @Jetmab04 3 месяца назад +2

      @@FallofftheMap I'm with you and, hope he winn the election!!
      The saddest in all this is, it makes my entire person believe, it's. all done by design and, on purpose 😱
      Take care and, enjoy the rest of your weekend.... 👍

    • @wawawawawcrybaby-bv2sf
      @wawawawawcrybaby-bv2sf 3 месяца назад

      ​​@@FallofftheMap​. When you have admins and group members in the Expat Facebook groups constantly bashing the President and banning people of different opinions accusing them of saying things that are not true and refusing to show proof they are actually helping the cartel. Isn't that what happened in Mexico so they could get a stooge in their place. Someone who would so their bidding.

  • @mikeM5236
    @mikeM5236 3 месяца назад +1

    Yeah, its gotten really dangerous the last couple of years

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад

      Yeah, it’s a weird thing to experience, watching the country change so quickly.

  • @elishavlog26
    @elishavlog26 2 месяца назад +1

    I’m from Africa planning to visit Ecuador, sir. Where is the safe areas for me to stay for vacation?

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад +1

      Thank you for asking the best question. Cuenca, Cotacachi, Tena, the Ruta Escondida, and Loja are, in my opinion, the safest areas in Ecuador.

    • @elishavlog26
      @elishavlog26 2 месяца назад +1

      @@FallofftheMap thank you so much sir

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад

      Where in Africa are you from? Ecuador has no African restaurants. I’m desperate for good Ethiopian food. I’d kill for some good beef tibs and injera

    • @elishavlog26
      @elishavlog26 2 месяца назад

      @@FallofftheMap Liberia 🇱🇷

    • @elishavlog26
      @elishavlog26 2 месяца назад +1

      @@FallofftheMapwish you visit my Country some days 😊

  • @leslie1536
    @leslie1536 Месяц назад

    What? I’ve lived in Cuenca for 11 years and have never had one incidence. Maybe Quito is bad, but Cuenca is not like Quito.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  Месяц назад

      @@leslie1536 yes, so far Cuenca continues to be one of the safer places in Ecuador. The “it’s never happened to me so it must be safe” argument is pretty ridiculous. I mean, I spent 5 years working in Afghanistan and didn’t get shot, kidnapped, or beheaded… so Afghanistan must be safe, right? Cuenca is relatively safe, with violent crime rates similar to the US as a whole and property crime rates that are slightly higher. Cuenca is only one little part of Ecuador.

  • @Magic_10001
    @Magic_10001 3 месяца назад +2

    Interesting thanks. I was in Ecuador just over a year ago looking at properties and everything was fine then. Things change very quick. Glad I waited.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад

      I would say that everything seemed fine then. Everything was not actually fine last year or the year before, but nobody was talking openly about it. The problem was hidden even though the crime rate had already shot up. There was a tendency for expat groups to try to gaslight crime victims insisting that they were unlucky or did something foolish to put themselves at risk and it had a chilling effect on any real information about how dangerous it had become reaching the broader tourist and expat communities. It’s something that affected me too until more and more people I knew personally became victims.

    • @Magic_10001
      @Magic_10001 3 месяца назад +1

      @@FallofftheMap I did just check the stats dude. The one I read Ecuador not most violent in SA and not 4 th in world. Quite a way down the list on 24 report I just read. Which publication was it?

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад

      @@Magic_10001 yes, there are several sites online using older statistics. Ecuador is 24th on all the places still publishing using 2022’s homicide statistics.

    • @Magic_10001
      @Magic_10001 2 месяца назад +1

      @@FallofftheMap ah that makes sense. Thanks for clarifying

  • @jeanettelebarron3306
    @jeanettelebarron3306 2 месяца назад +1

    Im not commenting on this video, but on another recent one i saw on my smart tvabout how the crime continues to rise in Ecuador. You were walking in a park. Anyway im glad you are telling the real truth about it & that if you had to do it over again, you might not have chosen Ecuador. The only other guy i watch about this country is Grumpy old gringo? Hes an old pessimistic white guy. Very annoying. He just constantly complains. But when i hear you talking about it, i believe you. It is sad but Thank You

    • @jeanettelebarron3306
      @jeanettelebarron3306 2 месяца назад

      Oops, this IS the same video. Sad. Be safe.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад +1

      Thanks. Yeah, I watch Don, the grumpy old gringo too. He was recently talking about a shooting right outside his condo in Manta. Apparently someone trying to carjack some guy or something. It illustrated the point that it’s not just gang on gang violence and it’s not just bad neighborhoods as many expats here claim.

  • @justinsane7128
    @justinsane7128 3 месяца назад +2

    Are you allowed a firearm?

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад +1

      Yes, but the rules around gun ownership are a bit complicated.

    • @k_and_m8745
      @k_and_m8745 3 месяца назад +2

      If you do qualify to apply for ownership many things are required like a psychological test, training, and much more

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад +1

      True, there are many requirements to get approved to own a firearm, the costs are high, then, once you own it the restrictions on how you can carry it and what happens if you do use it are also big factors in why so few people are armed here.

    • @justinsane7128
      @justinsane7128 3 месяца назад

      @@FallofftheMap have you qualified?

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад +3

      No. I deal with some PTSD and depression issues so I feeling is that owning a firearm would not be the right choice for me.

  • @blackbird2056
    @blackbird2056 3 месяца назад +3

    I'm glad to see you are safe. I have thought a lot about moving to Central or South America. I have enjoyed your videos from the first one. Until next time, stay vigilant.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад +1

      Thanks. I am starting to look into Paraguay as a back up plan in case things continue to get worse here. There’s a few expats there putting out videos that seem reliable and give me the impression that Paraguay is a lot like Ecuador before the cartels moved in, and since it’s landlocked the narcos have no reason to move into Paraguay.

    • @blackbird2056
      @blackbird2056 2 месяца назад

      @FallofftheMap can you recommend any videos of the expats

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад

      @@blackbird2056 ruclips.net/video/kkeh7zWgmU0/видео.htmlsi=nUWClKhE1Awx8Blk

  • @michaeld2716
    @michaeld2716 2 месяца назад

    Ironically, peace is OUT. Never understood that phrase, unless you want war.
    Pray for The Peace of Jerusalem.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад

      It’s a shortened version of “Peace. I’m out.” It’s not suggesting that peace should get out.

  • @angelamariaalarcon1585
    @angelamariaalarcon1585 3 месяца назад +1

    ❤ so cute la ciudad ?

  • @jdrtech1
    @jdrtech1 3 месяца назад +2

    I think you blowing this up a bit, you describing this like you can’t walk outside to walk a dog lol, entire Ecuador is not all violent, tell us facts and specific stats or don’t saying anything at all, I Tavel to Quito,Cuenca and Paute region all the time, I don’t see you packing up and going back to the states, so it isn’t so bad for you and your family. Next video…. Dooms Day survival guide?

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад +2

      You’re right, I probably should have included some statistics. Ecuador’s homicide rate in 2023 was 44.5 per 100000 people. There are other sources that put it at 46 per 100000. For comparison sake the US was at 5.5 so Ecuador’s overall homicide rate is about 8 times higher than the US. That said, just like anywhere, there are some areas that account for the majority of the problem. In the mountains where the homicide rates are the lowest the rates are comparable to the overall rates in the U.S. that was for 2023. Of course it will be about a year before 2024’s numbers start to come out but what I’m seeing in my community is a sharp increase in other types of crime, burglaries, vehicle thefts, and extortion. It’s anecdotal at this point because we will have to wait for official figures to verify these sort of anecdotal reports, but I believe in the sierra crime rates are increasing sharply this year.

  • @Urkuwayku
    @Urkuwayku 3 месяца назад +2

    How useful is it to aggregate data and generalize at the national level? According to the statistics on per capita crime and homicide rates, Ecuador is almost as dangerous as Chicago and about the same as Washington, DC. After 35 years of living and working throughout Latin America, I continue to find most places in Ecuador safer than many areas in the United States. Despite the recent upsurge, I continue to find Quito safer than comparable locations in Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Venezuela. That said, let's hope things get better in Ecuador. Although, I am not sure how violence is going to decrease in the region provided the growing use and demand for cocaine in the United States and Europe.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад +1

      You’re statistics, based on my research, are way off. Chicago had a homicide rate per 100000 people of 23.2 while Ecuador’s overall rate was 44.5. Ecuador’s rate was almost double Chicago’s. I have so far been unable to find specific statistics for Quito, but I suspect you’re sense of safety in Quito is similarly inaccurate.

    • @Urkuwayku
      @Urkuwayku 3 месяца назад

      @@FallofftheMap Actually, I realize my stats were from 2021 and not 2023, so yes, it appears that per capita homicide in Ecuador presently may be worse than that of Chicago. At the very least, according to the data that you provide, Ecuador's homicide rate appears lower than other U.S. cities, such as New Orleans (52.2.), Baltimore (46), and Memphis (63). I've been based in Quito since 1998. Personally, I have never faced violent crime, or been robbed or held up. The last time I was in Philadelphia, I parked in a nice part of town and had my rear window broken and a jacket and pair of sunglasses stolen. Maybe it is just my luck, but I feel safer in Ecuadorian cities (except for Esmeraldas) than I do in many U.S. cities.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад +1

      @Urkuwayku if you want to be es k it down to the city level the situation in Ecuador becomes even more sad.

    • @junglecat7263
      @junglecat7263 2 месяца назад

      @@FallofftheMap You can easily find the stats for any city or province of Ecuador by with a search for "OECO homicidios". Quito and Cuenca are no worse than many cities in the USA. Guayaquil, on the other hand, is on par with the most dangerous cities in the world

  • @tinyhandsbigdreams
    @tinyhandsbigdreams 3 месяца назад

    Do you have a link to this report? We'd like to read it.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад

      www.statista.com/statistics/262963/ranking-the-20-countries-with-the-most-murders-per-100-000-inhabitants/
      And news.gallup.com/poll/468227/ecuador-dangerous-country-latin-america.aspx

    • @davidkoziar1811
      @davidkoziar1811 2 месяца назад +1

      What does crime look like in the Orient? Would appreciate a video on your channel discussing it Chris

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад +2

      @@davidkoziar1811 I would be happy to make a video on this topic because it’s very interesting and i think will help others evaluate the risks. For the most part crime rates are lower due both to lower rates of crime and lower trust in the government and reporting of crime. There is far less gang violence and organized crime but more domestic violence and violence involving public drunkenness.

    • @davidkoziar1811
      @davidkoziar1811 2 месяца назад +2

      @@FallofftheMap Thank you for the follow up and information. I think the numbers have to be looked at carefully because if most homicides are caused between gangs or are related to domestic issues, expats should be relatively safe. Are there detailed statistics that show who was murdered? If one can isolate the numbers and see how many of them are expats rather than locals, it’ll make a big difference in perceiving the actual risk. If most of those numbers are gang related I wouldn’t see Ecuador as unsafe. Geography is important as well. If murders are mostly along the coast and the Andes has 1 murder for that year, I wouldn’t be troubled by it.
      Hope you can do a deeper dive into those numbers. I wouldn’t feel safe living in St Louis because “America” only has 5.5 murders per 100k. I’d look at a place like rural Montana instead. Generalizing such a large area isn’t really an accurate accounting of how dangerous it actually is in certain areas.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад

      @davidkoziar1811 I appreciate your nuanced understanding of the problem. Yes, ideally we would have comprehensive data about the victims and specific location data. However, that is a level of detail that is not currently available. I’ve looked. In general, rural U.S. and rural parts of the mountains in Ecuador have low homicide rates, with US homicide rates in places like Montana being about half the rate of rural provinces in the sierra. When looking at the highest homicide areas, like Guayas and Esmeraldas provinces, the comparable rates in Louisiana, the most dangerous sate in the US show U.S. rates vs Guayas and Esmeraldas that are about 5 times higher than Louisiana.

  • @chiefenumclaw7960
    @chiefenumclaw7960 3 месяца назад +3

    The timing of this video couldn't be more poignant as I've recently left the Monroe Correctional Complex in WA. I felt the institution had nothing left to offer me. Searching the interwebs for "non-extradition countries" I came across Ecuador. Seeing as how I've been In-Car-Cer-A-Ted for the past few years, I wanna know what's up with the hippies and Utah looking folks hangin' out in Vilcabamba. Since when did Joseph Smith meet Joan Biaz?

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад +1

      I have no idea how to respond to that. Be aware, most resident visas will require a background check and clean criminal history. If you’ve fallen into the system and have a record you’re probably trapped and can’t escape the U.S. because other countries are not going to give you a chance.

    • @chiefenumclaw7960
      @chiefenumclaw7960 2 месяца назад +1

      @@FallofftheMap It was a joke, a very bad joke. The end was referencing the fine folks at abundant living Ecuador.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад +1

      @@chiefenumclaw7960 ah, ok. Apparently I take things too literally.

  • @user-eo9qy7qj2j
    @user-eo9qy7qj2j 3 месяца назад +2

    Crime and violence are everywhere in the world at the moment. Ecuador is in such a bad shape crimewise due to Correas's open borders approach and how the governments before Noboa was in power dealt with criminals and the cartels. I have relatives living in England and Italy and crime is quite as bad also. The areas which mosthly have been affected by violence and crime are some 7 provinces in the Coast. Quito is not as bad but you have to avoid certain areas of drug consumption and low class people live. Unemployment and poverty of the population have a lot to do with the current situation.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад

      From what I’m seeing, a lot of the crime in Quito is starting to move into middle and upper class areas. When the police started cracking down on the gangs a few houses got raided on my block in the el Inca sector. We ended up moving to a safer neighborhood after seeing that. Criminals have started targeting places like La Carolina and Cumbaya because they know there’s money there and the people are less likely to be careful because they just assume that it’s one of the “safe” areas.

  • @rvdareyet7201
    @rvdareyet7201 2 месяца назад +1

    The ones who are either in denial about the increasing violence are typically those who have invested in real estate and thus have a financial incentive to downplay the violence.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад +1

      Mostly true, though many of us don’t fit that narrative. Many folks still talking up Ecuador are doing so with the best intentions, they believe what they are saying and everything they are saying is true based on their limited experience. It’s not a lack of integrity, but rather a lack of knowledge and experience. Others simply fall into the “push the positive” social media trap. I don’t fault RUclipsrs that honestly share their experiences even if what they have to say is dangerous and ignorant, but I do try to point out the problems with their videos.

  • @meryemmesh2728
    @meryemmesh2728 3 месяца назад

    Entonces San Diego cual es su nivel de crímenes e inseguridad.?..lo que ocurre es entre gente ligada a esas sctividsees ilicitas, exageran los yuotubers e influencers

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  3 месяца назад +1

      San Diego had 45 homicides in 2023. San Diego’s population is 1.3 million. Ecuador’s 2023 homicide rate was 44.5 per 100000 people so more than 10 times San Diego’s homicide rate.

  • @rantiksadventure1920
    @rantiksadventure1920 3 месяца назад +1

    Honestly I feel unsafe every where I go in the states in Ecuador in México. What’s really irritating is everyone acts like I’m the crazy one but the truth is people are dangerous and bad people don’t care. Stay armed stay vigilant and stay dangerous because the criminals sure are.

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад +1

      I’m looking into getting a “traumatic” gun, something less than lethal. In Ecuador the self defense rules are not very practical. If someone attacks you but they’re using a machete, for example, you will get in legal trouble if you shoot them. The requirement is that you use equivalent force. By using a gun with rubber or plastic rounds, hopefully I can stop an attacker long enough to escape the situation and not risk ending up in an Ecuadorian prison.

  • @dougpyper5874
    @dougpyper5874 27 дней назад

    I am Canadian living in Baños, Ecuador. Scare tactics like yours are destroying tourism here. If you do not like it here please go back to the US. Maybe you would feel safer in New York or LA. Violence here is based in 4 coastal port cities. And is almost entirely inter gang related. Public fatalities are rare.

  • @gracelynne3918
    @gracelynne3918 Месяц назад

    STOP the exaggerations & lies that are affecting tourism. Are you a member of the media or something? WTF!?

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  Месяц назад

      @@gracelynne3918 please tell me exactly what you think is an exaggeration? This is based on verified statistics about homicide rates. It may conflict with how safe you feel, but that doesn’t make it any less true.

  • @Manchurian1990
    @Manchurian1990 2 месяца назад

    It is not a joke that you should be very good at boxing or Taekwondo, don't expect the local police to protect yourself and your property, all the things here you have to depend on yourself, the local guys may cheat you , so that they can get money from you, really be careful when you communicate with local guys, no matter woman or man , you don't know the truth purposes of them under the so called friend surface

    • @FallofftheMap
      @FallofftheMap  2 месяца назад

      In my opinion, the ability to either avoid or negotiate yourself out of a conflict is far more important than knowing how to fight. While the police may not protect you, if you defend yourself and injure your attacker the police are very likely to take the side of a local that started the fight. Only once in my 11 years here have I come close to fighting and it was because I flipped off a car full of guys that were honking at my wife. They jumped out of the car and i realized they were drunk and I was outnumbered 4 to 1. Fortunately the guy that was most eager to fight got talked down by one of his buddies.