Ecuador

Domestic flights are the standard way to reach the Galápagos (from Quito or Guayaquil) and are also the fastest way to reach the Amazon's jungle lodges, most of which are otherwise reached by a long combination of road and river travel.

Within the mainland, long-distance buses are extensive, cheap, and connect nearly every town, though mountain roads make some routes slower than the distance alone suggests. Renting a car offers more flexibility for the Andean highlands, particularly the Quilotoa Loop and Avenue of the Volcanoes.

Within the Galápagos, inter-island transport is by small boat or short flight, and almost all activities happen as part of an organized, guided tour rather than independent travel -- a structural requirement of the park's own conservation rules, not just a convenience.

Ecuador's security situation has shifted meaningfully in recent years, with organized-crime-related violence rising in some coastal cities and port areas -- checking current government travel advisories before finalizing an itinerary is genuinely worthwhile here, more so than it was a decade ago.

• Guayaquil and some other coastal port cities have seen a significant rise in crime linked to drug trafficking routes -- exercise real caution, stick to well-touristed areas, and avoid displaying valuables; Quito and the Galápagos have not seen the same trend and remain comparatively calm.
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• Petty theft and bag-slashing are the more routine risk for typical tourists in Quito's Old Town and on public transit -- keep bags zipped and worn in front in crowded areas.
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• Altitude sickness is a genuine, common issue for visitors arriving in Quito (2,850m) from sea level -- take it easy for the first day or two, stay hydrated, and treat symptoms (headache, nausea, breathlessness) seriously.
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• Volcanic and seismic activity is a real, ongoing consideration -- Ecuador has several active volcanoes (Cotopaxi, Tungurahua) and sits in a seismically active zone; follow official closures and alerts without exception.
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• The Galápagos require all visitors to travel with a licensed guide for most activities, which also functions as a genuine safety measure in addition to conservation -- follow your guide's instructions closely, particularly around water activities and wildlife.
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• Emergency number: 911 works nationwide.