Warden Message 2009-07
February 13, 2009
The U.S. Consulate General in Ecuador wishes to inform American citizens visiting or resident in Ecuador that extreme caution should be exercised when using the Chaquiñan cycling path in Cumbaya. Local police confirm that a brutal murder recently took place there during early daylight hours, and they are conducting an investigation
The Chaquiñan cycling path is a popular location for exercise and runs from Cumbaya to Tumbaco.
The incident described above is a clear reminder that the threat of violent crime in Quito is real and the potential for extreme violence is always possible. American citizens are reminded to maintain good overseas security practices in their day-to-day activities and to be vigilant at all times.
Below are personal security recommendations one can use as precautionary measures in an effort to minimize the threat of becoming the victim of a serious crime:
- Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially while it is dark outside.
- If exercising outside, stay in well-traveled, well-lit areas.
- Wear clothes and shoes that give you freedom of movement.
- If you think you’re being followed, change direction and head to a safe location.
- Trust your instincts – if you feel uncomfortable, leave.
- Always stay alert by being aware of your surroundings.
- Walk with a sense of purpose – show that you are calm, confident and know where you are going.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
Please see the section on Crime in the Country Specific Information Sheet on Ecuador for more information on crime in Ecuador. If an American is the victim of a crime, please contact the Embassy in Quito or Consulate in Guayaquil immediately.
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Americans living or traveling in Ecuador are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Ecuador. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. Please see the following links for local warden message information in Quito and Guayaquil, respectively, http://ecuador.usembassy.gov and http://guayaquil.usconsulate.gov.
U.S. citizens should consult the Country Specific Information for Ecuador and the latest Travel Alerts and Warnings and Worldwide Caution at the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov. Updated information on travel and security in Ecuador may also be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States or by calling 1-202-501-4444 outside the United States.
The U.S. Embassy in Quito is located at Avigiras E12-170 y Eloy Alfaro. The telephone during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) is (011) 593 2 398 5000 X3800. Within the same city use the last seven digits. Add the city code for intercity telephone calls. See also the Embassy web site at http://ecuador.usembassy.gov. American Citizen walk-in hours are between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Thursday, excluding U.S. and Ecuadorian holidays.
The U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil is located at the corner of Avenida 9 de Octubre and Garcia Moreno (near the Hotel Oro Verde); telephone (011-593-4) 232-3570 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or 232-1152 for after-hours emergencies; fax (011-593-4) 232-0904. See the Consulate General web site at http://guayaquil.usconsulate.gov