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Here at Travel Off Path, we’ve said before that there are a few worthwhile destinations left to discover south of the border, given its vast popularity.

Of course, there are certain pockets of Mexico that have been deemed no-go’s for outsiders as you’d stand out like a sore thumb in a place just not welcoming to tourists.

On the flip side, we’ve also said numerous times before there’s one region that’s the last frontier — a place that feels untouched by mass tourism, quintessentially Mexican, and undeniably beautiful with natural wonders not often plastered at the top of Google (or whatever AI model the kids use today).

United Airlines is taking a chance by putting a virtually unknown city on Americans’ radar, but it’s not just the city itself that’s under-hyped; it’s the astounding nature on the outskirts.

Picture cascading waterfalls, staggering river-lined cliffs, and lush, wild jungles waiting to be explored.

Next time you crave a real adventure, not another foam party in Cancun, the state of Chiapas is now easier to reach than ever as United is slated to launch the only U.S. flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez this fall.

Tuxtla Gutierrez: Mexico’s Next “Tepic”

Tepic and Tuxtla Gutierrez may not ring a bell to most, but Tepic became one of Mexico’s most intriguing cities last year.

With the opening of a new international terminal with direct U.S. flights, this unheard-of city beforehand instantly found itself atop travelers’ wishlists with easy access to trendy beach towns north of Puerto Vallarta.

While Tuxtla (as locals tend to save some syllables) doesn’t have a flashy new airport, they will soon have one of Mexico’s most exciting new flights, surely to see an influx of Americans checking out essentially uncharted territory compared to household names.

That’s why we’re crowning Tuxtla (pronounced TOOST-lah) as the new “Tepic” as more travelers find themselves hopping aboard flights to “hidden gems” across the world.

What better place to start than our own neighbor, especially since the flight will take less than 3 hours?

While you’re planning out logistics, you might as well double-check travel alerts and entry requirements for your trip.

Yeehaw! United Launching Only U.S. Flight To Tuxtla From Houston

United has numerous hubs dotting the States; Houston (IAH) being one of them.

Tuxtla (TGZ) will be the popular airline’s 25th venture into Mexico as it stands right now — but this one is not only the most surprising, but the most authentic.

Travelers have spoken that the usual hotspots, such as Cabo, just aren’t cutting it right now as the iconic beach getaway is struggling to fill rooms, seeing flights pulled from the skies, and most recently a shocking security alert issued.

Travelers are craving realness — not overpriced tacos and butler service.

United is braving new ground by offering the first-of-its-kind nonstop to Tuxtla, set to launch October 28, 2026.

Here is the expected schedule:

• Flight operates 3x times/week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
• Departs IAH at 9:50 am
• Arrives at TGZ at 12:45 pm

Better yet, despite being a rather small Embraer 175 jet, passengers will have free Starlink Wi-Fi.

Boundless Nature: Chiapas Is Mexico’s Last Frontier

There are dozens of wondrous hideaways across Mexico that would conjure a response of “where’s that?” if you told someone you’re visiting.

But the State of Chiapas takes the cakes…or flan…or whatever sugar-rush metaphor you prefer to use.

Every other state has a travel hotspot.

Notoriously sketchy Sinaloa has Mazatlan, the no-go zone of Colima has Manzanillo, and soon travelers can say Chiapas has Tuxtla Gutierrez.

So, you might be wondering what the purpose of visiting may be besides devouring cheap street tacos, gawking at gorgeous cathedrals, perusing buzzing markets, and staying in charming boutique hotels.

Am I right?

The answer is getting lost in nature. Okay, not literally…

Find a trusted guide.

Tuxtla is the springboard to Sumidero Canyon, where boats glide between towering cliffs along the Grijalva River, plus El Chiflón waterfalls, immense jungle scenery, an array of wildlife, and turquoise lakes deeper into Chiapas.

It’s not Cabo’s beachfront villas or Cancun’s pool parties — it’s Mexico for travelers who want a real sense of adventure.

And let’s be honest, nobody is going to stop you from enjoying your hotel pool or ice-cold cerveza here either.

Even more enticing, if you think Tulum and the outskirts of Cancun offer the most prized Maya ruins, think again!

Check out these 3 Mayan sites buried deep in Chiapas backcountry:

• Palenque
• Bonampak
• Yaxchilán

Just keep in mind, the Guatemala border can be tricky, so this is where booking a reputable tour matters.

How Safe Is Chiapas?

Fellow travelers say Mexico generally feels safe, earning its current score of 79/100 on our Safety Index:

Truthfully, a tiny fraction of that score, if any, likely doesn’t reflect Tuxtla or Chiapas in general since it’s so off-path for even the most seasoned travelers.

For example, I’ve been to about 20 different cities in Mexico, and Tuxtla has barely popped up on my radar until now.

Chiapas does have some work to do to sway travelers its way as the U.S. State Department holds a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory, highlighting violence from criminal organizations as the main concern.

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When you travel as much as I do, peace of mind stops being a nice-to-have and starts being the whole deciding factor.

We all want the crystal-clear water and the white-sand beaches. But do you actually want to relax, or do you want to spend a week with one eye open? Because those aren’t always the same thing, depending on where you go.

Well, the numbers are in. Based on 260 recent traveler votes on our Safety Index, Aruba just scored a 98/100, higher than any other destination on the entire index. Officially voted the safest destination in the Caribbean right now, and honestly? Not even a little bit surprising to me.

I’ve been saying this for a while. 😄

The Vibe the Second You Land

Aruba is only about 20 miles long and 6 miles wide, so your ride from the airport to your resort is going to be short no matter where you end up staying.

But the thing I notice every single time isn’t the drive… it’s that the tension just drops the moment I step off the plane.

Because the safety index is so high here, you don’t feel like you have to stay glued to your resort property.

I’ve walked back to my hotel at 1 a.m. after a few drinks and felt completely fine.

That’s not something I’d say about a lot of major tourist destinations, and it genuinely changes the entire experience.

San Nicolas: Way More Than A Beach Day

When most people think of Aruba, they think beach. And look, the beaches are incredible, and we’ll get there. But my favorite thing to do on the island has nothing to do with sand.

You have to go to San Nicolas.

Founded in 2016 by Tito Bolivar after a visit to Bogota, Colombia inspired him, the Aruba Art Fair kicked things off and San Nicolas has never looked back. Now there are well over 40 murals covering the buildings, painted by some of the greatest muralists in the world. Everywhere you turn your head, there’s something jaw-dropping.

I’d do the morning tour: the sun won’t be as brutal, and you’ll thank yourself. Afterward, swing by Zeerover on your way back. It’s a local spot right on a pier, and you’ll be eating fresh fish while staring out at the same water it came from. That’s a hard combo to beat.

The Desert (Yes, Really)

Here’s something I didn’t know until a few days before my first trip: Aruba has a desert.

I first grew my Caribbean knowledge spending time in Grenada, which is incredibly mountainous. You can’t look in any direction without hitting a peak. Aruba is the complete opposite.

The north side of the island is flat, arid, and rugged in a way that genuinely feels like a different planet. You can see for miles.

The best way to see it? A UTV tour. 🌵

UTVs are basically a hybrid between an ATV, a golf cart, and a car, and they are an absolute blast to drive. We went with De Palm Tours, and our guide was both hilarious and actually informative, which is a rarer combination than you’d think. You stop at several points along the way. Natural bridges, the California Lighthouse, spots to stretch and switch off driving, and it is a great time to get some video as a passenger.

One thing: wear sunglasses with serious coverage, or grab some off-roading goggles. They sell them before the tour if you forget. There’s no windshield, and the desert will find its way onto you. 😂

After the ride, jump straight into the water at Tres Trapi beach. Best shower you’ll ever take.

The Perfect Basecamp: Why I Pick The Marriott

Aside from choosing to visit Aruba in the first place, your biggest decision is where you stay. The two-mile stretch of Palm Beach is legendary, and for my trips, the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is the absolute perfect pick for a completely stress-free vacation.

The property has everything you could possibly need on-site. (I once realized an hour into my trip that I had forgotten toothpaste, deodorant, nail clippers, and my snorkel gear—a total amateur move. Instead of panicking, I just walked downstairs and found all four immediately!)

The rooms are incredible (and freshly updated, can’t wait to check them out)! Having morning coffee while looking off the balcony as the sun comes up is a memory that stays etched in your brain forever.

What really sets the Marriott apart is that you can go home with more than just souvenirs. They offer incredible food that will be stuck in your head long after you come home.

For the ultimate memory to bring back, cap off your adventures and enjoy a sunset dinner at Atardi.

You get to dine with your feet literally buried in the sand in one of the most beautiful settings in the Caribbean.

The Part That Makes Aruba The Easiest Caribbean Trip For Americans

Okay, here’s the thing that genuinely makes Aruba stand out beyond everything else, and it has nothing to do with the beach or the art or the desert.

Aruba has a pre-clearance agreement with the United States, which means U.S. Customs officers are actually stationed inside the Aruba airport. When your trip is over, you go through customs before you board your flight home. When you land back in the States, you just grab your bags and walk out like it was a domestic flight.

Just know (and I want to be upfront about this because it matters for your planning), you are essentially going through two full security screenings and luggage scans in the Aruba airport. Give yourself extra time. Arriving early isn’t optional here; it’s genuinely necessary.

But once you’re home, wheels down and walking straight out of the airport with no line, no wait, no customs hall?

It’s the perfect, stress-free ending to a trip on the safest island in the Caribbean. 🏖️

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Let the rest of the world say “Virginia is for lovers”.

Here at Travel Off Path, we’re saying Virginia is for explorers — and if they happen to be lovers — that’s okay too.

You may know Virginia Beach, Arlington, and the trendy coastal oasis of Norfolk, but there’s another under-hyped city that Southern Living recently revealed that caught our eye.

Make that eyes. Plural. I’m not a pirate.

With summer just around the corner, you’d think this would be prime time for just about every destination.

However, this one considers summer as their shoulder season, yet still boasts astounding nature, a friendly small-town vibe, and mild weather unlike much of the country.

Move Over Asheville! Harrisonburg Should Be Your Summer Escape

Be sure to check the latest Travel Alerts before your trip.

Even though Asheville had a downturn after Mother Nature left her mark, it’s one of the most sought-after mountain towns in the South.

But Harrisonburg, Virginia is one of the best alternatives, especially since places like Asheville can feel like a sauna at the peak of summer.

Virginia’s best-kept secret rarely sees highs in the 90s, averaging about 85 degrees, while the rest of the South will be sweltering.

Not only does Harrisonburg offer splendid weather this time of year, but it’s also one of the state’s prettiest hideaways, as it’s sitting smack dab in the Shenandoah Valley with Blue Ridge mountain views in the distance.

Plus, it’s a college town, home to James Madison University. You know the beer is flowing just as much as Asheville — the perfect way to cap off a fun day exploring.

With hiking trails, scenic drives, the wonders of Shenandoah National Park, and nearby Massanutten all within easy reach, Harrisonburg gives you plenty of ways to earn a post-adventure pint.

“The Friendly City”

In the day and age of overtourism, where even some of America’s icons are losing their luster, it’s always nice to know you’re welcome when it comes time to cash in your PTO.

Harrisonburg is dubbed “The Friendly City”, and with good reason.

Virginia may be at the tip-top of the South, which seems like a borderline oxymoron, but quintessential southern hospitality is alive and well here.

This moniker dates back to at least 1930, and it’s holding on strong for almost a full century.

H-Burg backs it up with the kind of small-town warmth travelers hope to find when they’re tired of overpriced mountain towns that have started acting too cool for their own good (ahem, Aspen).

It’s also far more worldly than your average mountain town, shaped by refugee communities, Mennonite traditions, and local schools where dozens of languages are spoken — giving “The Friendly City” nickname a lot more merit than a catchy welcome sign.

In other words, Harrisonburg takes a come-one, come-all approach even with tourism. You’ll fit right in now matter your vibe and what brings you into town.

Why Summer Is The Perfect Time To Visit

Taking my Al Roker hat off for a moment, it’s not just the weather that’s a draw — it’s the lack of crowds.

You see, not that Harrisonburg specifically becomes a raging hotspot come fall, but Virginia’s countryside in general becomes a real-life postcard for leaf-peepers who love hitting the backroads with a warm PSL in hand.

While summer is still beautiful here, those same backroads feel even more open as those in the know about this town typically wait ’til fall.

That gives summer travelers the sweet spot: mountain views without the bumper-to-bumper scenic overlooks, patio weather without peak-season pricing, and easy access to Shenandoah Valley adventures before the autumn crowds roll in.

How Safe Is Harrisonburg?

Surely ‘friendly’ and safe go hand in hand, right?

Harrisonburg still meets the criteria to be called a hidden gem, therefore it didn’t make the cut for our Safety Index tool yet.

That said, we found an insightful local report suggesting Harrisonburg largely lives up to its “Friendly City” nickname — at least when it comes to feeling safe.

Violent crime is described as “low overall,” with the bigger concerns being property crime, car break-ins, and the occasional college-town shenanigans.

Basically, visitors shouldn’t feel on edge roaming around town, but don’t treat it like Mayberry either.

Plus, does anyone whistle anymore anyway?

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No more walking past unfriendly ‘Turiste Fuori’ graffiti in Rome, getting stopped by ticket inspectors who’ll bar your entry unless you’ve pre-booked your slot just to breathe in Venice for a few hours, or planning your Amalfi road trip around the random last-digit restrictions on your car plate.

As if you could even do last-minute Amalfi anyway straight off a rental desk.

If you’re headed for Italy this summer, there’s one southern Italian city that’s actually been quietly begging for more visitors, after its wider region saw a noticeable dip in tourism demand this year. 46% less visitors than expected, to be precise.

Blame it on the ongoing fuel squeeze, or the fact that places like Capri are absolutely buckling under their own popularity, but beautiful, underrated Bari keeps getting criminally overlooked.

Even though… wait for it… Americans can now reach it directly from the States, no layovers needed. Here’s all that Eurosummer bliss you’ve probably been sleeping on.

Fly Direct To Bari From The United States

This summer, Americans will be able to fly nonstop to Bari (BRI), the capital of the underrated Puglia, straight from New Jersey.

That is, from Newark Liberty International Airport.

You’ve got United to thank for that, and as far as frequency goes, there’s plenty of wiggle room: four flights a week each way, and if you book early—before peak-season pricing kicks in—you can snag round-trip fares starting from around $900.

That all sounds pretty tempting, but why Bari and not, you know, Rome or Amalfi?

Though Bari is probably not the first place that comes to mind when you’re planning an Italy trip, it’s genuinely one of the most vibrant, culturally-rich, and affordable destinations you could visit in the country.

And that’s coming from someone who’s spent most of his summers traveling up and down Italy, from the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites, down to the roughest, untouristy parts of Sicily that don’t typically feature on your tabletop travel brochure.

What sets Bari apart, you ask?

Bari Is Just Downright Gorgeous

Well, for starters, it boasts one of the largest Historic Centers out of any Italian city. Maybe it’s just my impression, but the maze-like layout of Bari Vecchia, with all the winding streets, arched passageways, and hidden piazze is up there with Genoa or Naples for me.

Before you fly to Europe this summer, check the local travel alerts that apply at your destination on this page.

You can also refer to the Traveler Safety Index, which is based on live reports from travelers on the ground. Italy itself scores a near-perfect 92 out of 100 at the moment, meaning it’s a lot safer than average:

The Coolest Historic Center In Italy

Bari’s Old Town is huge and sprawling, and you could truly get lost in it for hours without ever passing the same orecchiette shop twice.

Speaking of which, did you know Italy’s iconic earlobe-shaped pasta dumplings originate from Bari? All the narrow roads here are beautiful, lined with weathered pastel façades and family-owned trattorie, but if there’s one you should make sure to hit up, it’s Via Arco Basso.

Or, as I like to call it personally, Nonna Street.

This is where you’ll find chatty Italian grandmas rolling up orecchiette on their front porches around wooden tables.

It’s become a bit of a touristy gong show since the TikTok crew caught wind of it, but to someone who knows Italy like the back of their hand, and most of its tourist traps, Nonna Street still comes across as genuinely fun and surprisingly authentic.

Also, if I may add, Osterie Le Arpie, only a few meters away from the street, is one of my favorite Bari Vecchia foodie spots. That’s probably where most of the handmade orecchiette that doesn’t get sold wrapped up in a souvenir bag gets shipped to, and it tastes amazing with some cime di rapa.

To my fellow culture buffs out there, you don’t want to gloss over Basilica di San Nicola.

It’s not the San Sabino Cathedral, but it’s the big one. Romanesque in character, fascinating crypt downstairs, and very atmospheric, particularly at night. By the way, tradition has it that Saint Nicholas’ remains, as in the actual Santa Claus, are interred here.

A massive Old Town square flanked by café terraces, Piazza Mercantile is the go-to spot for people-watching, and as it’s not a European trip until you’ve checked off a fairytale castle, you’ll be glad to learn Bari has its very own Castello Normanno-Svevo, on the edge of the Historic Center.

Sturdy towers, fortified ramparts, and an incredibly detailed medieval history display inside.

If you’re heading to Europe this summer, whether it’s Italy or any other country, make sure you verify the entry rules that are in place for American passport holders on the Entry Requirement Checker.

Bari Is Cheaper Than Most Italian Hubs Out There

When it comes to prices, I noticed myself Bari was noticeably cheaper than the average Italian city.

Accommodation is already pretty inexpensive, with most modest guesthouses charging between $70 and $90 for an overnight (on that note, check out Moma Urban Stay for good value and modern amenities between the station and Old Town).

Where Bari truly exceeds, though, is food, drinks, and daily life.

It’s not like ultra-cheap like other parts of Southern Italy—hello, Lecce—but it’s definitely below the national average.

Of course, you can go all-out and book yourself a nice little room overlooking the port, and dine at all of Bari’s top-rated haute cuisine spots, but I’d argue that, unlike Positano or Portofino, this is not a city you flash your way through, or brag about how much you spent on a €200 freshly-caught lobster.

Experience Bari as locals do. Go to a bar and get yourself a $1.10 espresso as you watch the buzz of people, and the city coming to life in the early hours, sip on some Aperol by the port for only $4.50 as you munch on fried calamari, and get all the gigantic focaccia you can get your hands on for about $3.

Even if you are treating yourself to something a little nicer, a pasta dinner at a trattoria won’t set you back by more than $22. A glass of wine included.

To sum it up, Bari is gorgeous, affordable, sun-drenched, and on top of that, it’s the gateway to the wider Puglia region, the fast-rising alternative to the now-ruined Amalfi… and you can fly there nonstop. It truly couldn’t be more convenient, hassle-free Italian getaway.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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Let’s face it — there’s a wave of travelers hesitant to visit Spain.

Over the past few years, Spanish locals have voiced their opinions loudly and proudly about rampant overtourism throughout their homeland.

Some travelers say “message received”, while others still believe Spain to be too stunning to pass up.

That said, we at Travel Off Path found the perfect middle ground — an authentic coastal hideaway with a virtually unknown island with zero concern for tourist overload.

National Geographic unveiled 7 lesser-known Spanish towns that actually want you to visit, and we believe this idyllic seaside village is the best option for your next trip abroad as its authentic, affordable, crowd-free, and rid of protestors urging you to go back home.

Combarro: Spain’s Most Welcoming Paradise

We’re not saying Combarra has Spain’s most vibrant beaches, but we are saying it’s high on the list for best vibes.

Lining the calm waterfront are stone hórreos purposed for food storage in its early days, but now serve as a prime spot to take in the views of traditional Galician architecture and blissful Ría de Pontevedra.

Making matters more enjoyable is that locals are stoked to see you checking out their small village without the soundtrack of picketing chants or eyesores of anti-tourism graffiti.

If your idea of a Spanish getaway entails anything related to how Ibiza is represented — Combarra is not for you.

Locals live at a slower pace here and invite you to do the same. There’s no beachfront DJ booths or fist-pumping late nights (talking to you, Aussies!).

In fact, Combarra lies within the state of Galicia, who promotes a Slow Tourism campaign naming spring and fall as the best times of year to visit.

Though, this peaceful inlet does get packed come summer with locals in the know as their weekend getaway.

Why Off-Path Spain Is Worth The Adventure

Let’s be honest — Combarro likely didn’t ring a bell, did it?

That’s because it’s not in close proximity to any noteworthy destination, such as Madrid or Barcelona.

But there’s great news for Americans who want to check out this blissful oasis.

The closest major city just so happens to be one of Spain’s fastest growing, despite being a mouthful to say.

Santiago de Compostela — I need to pause and brag I typed that right on my first try — is one of Europe’s most underrated getaways, but one that’s been slowly making a name for itself as overtourism plagued Spain’s household names.

This city is brimming with culture and epic eats and makes for a perfect springboard into Combarro since Americans can fly nonstop here via United beginning May 2026.

It’s true, you don’t have to fly to the opposite side of Spain only to circle back, so really it’s not as off-path as it seems.

According to popular rail operator Renfe, train tickets are only $9 from Santiago de Compostela to neighboring Pontevedra, another under-hyped gem worth checking out that’s known for its vibrant, car-free city center.

Tambo: Combarro’s Secret Island

Remember earlier when I said Combarro doesn’t have Spain’s most vibrant beaches?

Well, let’s just say that was a bit of a play on words…

One of Spain’s best-kept secrets lies about 3 miles offshore from Combarro. There’s an easy-to-book ferry with round-trip fares under $20.

Dates are very limited for spring, but summer is when this island almost loses its ‘secret’ status with an influx of locals flocking to Adreira Beach.

This island was blurred on Google Maps. It was kept hush-hush as under military jurisdiction, but it’s now open to the public for the ultimate escape from what you might think is Spain’s unavoidable beach crowds.

While Tambo’s 2 worthwhile beaches here are quaint, the atmosphere tis nothing to the level of Barcelona and Spain’s world-renowned islands, such as Mallorca.

The island is no one-trick pony either as a get-in, get-out day trip after working on your tan.

History runs deep here. From its army stronghold, former days as a monk sanctuary and pirate attack hotspot, this is why we at Travel Off Path claim Combarro and Tambo are the most dynamic duo in Spain few seem to know about.

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Ecuador is one of the most diverse and fascinating destinations in South America. You can stand on the equator near Quito, hike active volcanoes, and explore the unmatched biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands all in a single trip.

But right now, the situation on the mainland is intensely volatile. If you have a trip booked to Ecuador this spring, you need to understand exactly what is happening on the ground.

The country is currently locked in what the government has officially designated an “internal armed conflict.” To combat a severe spike in gang violence, drug trafficking, and organized crime, sweeping States of Emergency have been implemented, and as of early March 2026, the United States military is officially involved in joint operations on Ecuadorian soil.

Here is a breakdown of why this is happening, what the official government advisories are saying, and how you should navigate this if you have an upcoming flight.

The Ground Truth: Why The Crackdown?

Over the last few years, Ecuador has seen a massive surge in organized crime, heavily concentrated in its coastal provinces. Gangs are battling for control of different areas, which has led to targeted killings, armed robberies, and even the use of small explosives near businesses and government buildings.

In response, the Ecuadorian government has essentially declared war on these criminal groups.

To give the military and police the upper hand, a State of Emergency is currently active across multiple provinces, including Pichincha (where the capital city of Quito is located), Guayas (home to Guayaquil), Manabí, and several others.

• U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Involvement: As of March 3, 2026, U.S. and Ecuadorian forces launched joint operations targeting these organizations.
• What This Means for Travelers: While U.S. personnel are reportedly on the ground to “advise and assist” rather than participate in direct combat, the militarization of the country has increased exponentially. Joint initiatives include enhanced operational coordination and information sharing directly at airports and ports. Travelers should expect heavy, heavily armed military presences and potential delays at major transit hubs as these operations unfold.

The Curfews (March 15 – 30, 2026)

To further restrict the movement of these gangs, the government has implemented a strict nighttime curfew.

From March 15 to March 30, 2026, a mandatory curfew will be enforced between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM in the following provinces:

• Guayas (This includes the major international airport hub of Guayaquil)
• Los Ríos
• Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas
• El Oro

If you have a late-night flight arriving in Guayaquil during this window, you must coordinate with your hotel for verified, secure transportation. According to the State Department, “Travelers with a valid boarding pass going to or coming from the airport are exempt from the curfew.”

This is not the time to be wandering the streets or hailing a random cab off the curb at midnight, pre-arrange your transport.

Government Travel Advisories: Red Zones and Minefields

Both the U.S. State Department and the Canadian government are urging citizens to “Exercise a high degree of caution” when traveling anywhere in Ecuador right now. However, certain regions have been elevated to strict “Do Not Travel” status.

• The Border Zones: You should absolutely avoid the areas within 20 kilometers of the Colombian border (due to drug trafficking and kidnapping risks) and the Peruvian border. In fact, land borders with Colombia and Peru are largely closed to foreigners right now. Furthermore, specific southern cantons near Peru have active, unmarked minefields that are still being cleared.
• The Coastal Cities: Non-essential travel is highly discouraged in the province of Esmeraldas and large swaths of Guayaquil, where the gang violence is most concentrated.

The Galápagos Exception

There is one major bright spot in all of this data: The Galápagos Islands.

The government advisories specifically separate the Galápagos from the mainland warnings, advising travelers to just take “normal security precautions.” The islands remain deeply insulated from the violence plaguing the mainland coast. If your trip consists of landing at the airport and immediately transferring to a Galápagos eco-cruise, your risk profile drops significantly.

How To Use Our Traveler Safety Index

When an entire country gets slapped with a heavy travel advisory, the news makes it sound like the entire nation is a warzone. This is why utilizing our live Traveler Safety Index is critical right now.

Official embassy warnings paint with a broad brush. Our index aggregates real-time sentiment from verified tourists who are physically on the ground today.

The Strategy For Spring 2026

If you are heading to Ecuador this month, your travel habits have to shift.

• Carry Your ID: The military and police can and will stop you. Always have your physical passport (or a highly legible color copy) on you.
• No Nighttime Transit: Eliminate all intercity bus travel or long drives after dark. The risk of roadblocks and express kidnappings spikes the moment the sun goes down.
• The Direct Route: If you are going for the wildlife, bypass the mainland cities entirely. Book a flight that connects straight through to Baltra Island in the Galápagos and stay in the safe zone.
• Register for STEP: I cannot stress this enough—enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before you fly. With U.S. military operations active and local curfews changing rapidly, this free service puts your itinerary directly on the U.S. Embassy’s radar. If the security situation deteriorates or emergency protocols change while you are on the ground, they will know exactly where you are and how to reach you.
• Know The Right Contacts: If things go sideways or curfews change while you are on the ground, you need to know exactly who to call. Save these numbers in your phone right now: The U.S. Embassy in Quito can be reached at +593-2-398-5000. If you are down on the coast, the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil is at +593-4-371-7000. Both numbers have 24/7 after-hours emergency routing. If your cell plan isn’t working and you have to use a hotel’s Wi-Fi calling, you can also reach the U.S. State Department’s overseas emergency line at +1-202-501-4444.
• Never Miss An Update: Our Ecuador Travel Advisory page on our Traveler Dashboard is updated in real-time, making sure you always have the latest information you need.