As you may already know the evening of April 16 a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the coast of Ecuador with over 135 aftershocks in the following days. Coastal cities of Manta, Guyaquil, Pedernales and many smaller communities were devastated with over 500 confirmed dead and over 2,500 injured. I was in Quito the day of the earthquake, my first time in Ecuador and my first visit to South America.
I was in my hotel, a renovated townhome in Quito’s Old Town, the evening the large earthquake struck. At first the shutters and doors of our third floor room shook just a little, which I initially thought was the result of someone knocking on the door of the room beneath us. Within seconds it was clear that wasn’t the case. My husband and I hunkered in our bathroom doorway as stronger tremors shook Quito for about a minute. Once the shaking ceased we left our room just as the hotel owner was running upstairs to check on us. With everyone in the hotel safe and no visible damage outside we went to bed. The next morning we woke up to reports of the destruction that occurred along the coast and the news that Quito, home to over 2.6 million, was thankfully left largely untouched.
Quito’s mayor Mauricio Rodas has put out a press release saying “That the best way to help Ecuador is to visit Ecuador”. Major tourist destinations such as the Galapagos, Andean Highlands, the Amazon and Quito have not been affected by the earthquake; in these areas airports, hotels, restaurants and tour operators are currently operating normally.Tourism is a vital part of the Ecuadorean economy. For every foreign visitor, up to seven jobs are created. Now, more than ever, we need to open our doors, lay out a welcome mat, and enthusiastically promote all Ecuador has to offer.If you were considering a trip to the Amazon, the Andes or the Galapagos, we want you to visit. As the gateway to Ecuador, we welcome you with open arms. We NEED you to visit. The best way to help Ecuador is to visit Ecuador.” says Rodas.
As I spent the week following the earthquake traveling throughout Ecuador, I can wholeheartedly vouch that outside of the affected communities Ecuador remains as vibrant and welcoming as ever. From exploring the colonial charms of Quito’s Old Town to experiencing the unique ecosystem and wildlife of Ecuador’s cloud forest, and even reaching the summit of a dormant volcano in the Andean Highlands Ecuador left me inspired, in awe and exhilarated. Add to that some of the most welcoming and genuinely nice people I have met anywhere makes Ecuador one of my most memorable destinations.
If you currently have booked a trip or looking to travel to Ecuador you may be wondering if it’s safe to travel. I urge you not to cancel your plans. The people of Ecuador are ready and eager to welcome visitors and whether you experience the one-of-a-kind wildlife of the Galapagos, explore the spectacular natural diversity of the Amazon or take in the sweeping vistas and dramatic peaks of the Andes you will find adventures and memories that will stay with you for life. While the country’s slogan may be “All you need is Ecuador” right now what Ecuador really needs is you.
To help the communities in Ecuador affected by the earthquakes please consider making a donation to the Ecuadorian Red Cross, UNICEF or CARE.
Mags says
What a scary thing to have happen while traveling! I’m glad that it hasn’t discouraged you though. I’m visiting Guayaquil for the first time next Feb. and I’m very excited! I’m going to try to squeeze Galapagos in there as well.
Brianna says
Hopefully Guayaquil will be mostly recovered by then. I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous trip!
Neil | Joyfuljourneying says
Thanks for this post. A lot of travelers were wondering if Ecuador should still be on our bucket list and I was glad to learn from you that it is still a wonderful country to visit and it would help Ecuador’s economy. Thank you for spreading the word.
Brianna says
I loved Ecuador far more than I expected to and would go back in a heartbeat!
Bharat & Supriya says
Can’t agree more to this although we were there couple of weeks before the earthquake. We have been blogging about our Quito and Galapagos experience with the hope that more folks get excited to travel there soon 🙂
Brianna says
Aren’t the people of Ecuador just the nicest?
Francesca | The Working Mom's Travels says
I’ve long wanted to visit Ecuador and I’m not going to let an earthquake change my mind. Don’t know when exactly I’ll get there but I will!
Brianna says
Hopefully its sooner rather than later!
Frank Selleck says
My name is Frank and I am traveling to Quito the 4th. of July till the 11th. I am from Nevada and hoping to see other Americans there to have some homeland comradie. Hope you can be there. Good Luck!
Brianna says
I hope you’re having a great time in Ecuador, sadly I don’t have plans to go back in the near future.
Natalie says
What a super scary thing to encounter on vacation! Well, at anytime I guess, really. When we lived in Tulsa we felt the quake from the center about an hour away and it was really creepy. I can only imagine what yours felt like.
I love the quote “The best way to help is to visit.’ and it is high on our list. We think the kids would especially love!
Brianna says
The quake was definitely unnerving but thankfully there was no damage in Quito.
Brianna says
It was definitely unnerving when it happened but luckily nothing too serious in Quito.
Erin Klema | The Epicurean Traveler says
Experiencing an earthquake can be quite scary, and I’d imagine even more so in an unfamiliar place. I’m so glad to hear you were safe and that Ecuador’s tourist destinations were largely not affected by this recent quake. Someday I’d love to visit. I went to Peru last September, and I’ve been bitten by the South America travel bug. The Galapagos wildlife would be incredible to see!
Brianna says
I am so bitten by the South America travel bug too! Peru or Chile are next on my list.
Christina says
Ecuador has been on our bucket list for awhile. What a scary experience to have lived through! Glad to know that everything is basically intact. Hopefully we get to visit soon.
Brianna says
I’m definitely glad most of Ecuador was unaffected. The country is just stunning!
Vicki Louise says
Ecuador has been on my list for a while – and I hope to get there soon. Glad to hear you were OK, and that everything survived as best it could. Hopefully people don’t decide to stay away!
Brianna says
I hope more people visit Ecuador, the country is just stunning!
Laura says
I’ve never been in an earthquake before. I’m sure that was scary/interesting. It would be a shame for people to cancel their plans or not go just because of that – especially if there isn’t any real damage in the places you’re going. They reply on tourism.
Brianna says
Ecuador does rely on tourism and it would greatly benefit its people if we continue to visit.
Tammy on the Move says
I lived in Peru for a year and we had earthquakes almost every day, but most of them were so small that you could hardly feel them. Once there was a 7 point quake in Chile and we could feel it with the strength of 6 in Arequipa, and I was sitting in the office when my chair was vibrating all of the sudden. I couldn’t figure out what was happening but my Peruvian colleagues immediately jumped up and evacuated everybody outside. I love Ecuador so much and have some friends there, so I am very upset about what happened. You are right though – the people need tourists to give the economy a little push now more than ever. If people can’t travel then donating to the NGOs you mentioned would be great too though.
Brianna says
Even the little earthquakes can be scary. I hope people keep visiting this beautiful country.
Aileen Adalid says
I can understand how anyone will be apprehensive to visit Ecuador after the earthquake that happened. Personally, I would advise people to NOT stop visiting there as well because everything’s fine. Earthquakes just really happen and the chances are still slim (I was born in a country that occasionally experiences earthquakes too but it’s not like it happens a ton).
Great post!
Elaine Masters says
A bit scary but I’m glad you and Quito are fine. An expat friend has always suggested to “follow the disaster.” I’d go in a heart beat if possible. Looking forward to hearing more about your experiences.
Brianna says
I don’t know if I’d follow that advice but in this case most of the country is fine.
Vicky and Buddy says
First, I’m glad you’re safe. Second, Ecuador is such a beautiful country. I loved my time there. It’s so green and lush, and like you said, the people are wonderful. I hope tourism isn’t affected by the horrible earthquake.
Brianna says
I was surprised how much I loved my time there, Ecuador was just amazing!
Mar Pages vidal says
After seeing how destroyed adn devastated Nepal was after the earthquake I couldn’t agree more that the best way to help is to continue with your travel plans and help with your money, better than with charity
Brianna says
The recovery in Nepal seems to be going well, I hope tourism recovers as well.
Karla | karlaroundtheworld says
I’m glad you are safe and I really hope that Ecuador recovers fast. It is such a pretty place. People should give them a chance now and help them out when they most need it.
Brianna says
I couldn’t agree more Karla.