Ecuador Travel Forum

I'm going to be spending some time in Ecuador this summer and I'll be travelling with three other girls. I'll be the only guy in my group, so naturally I'm curious about protection. Specifically, if we are either held up or attacked - What is in my legal boundary? I know it's illadvised to fight back, but will I be in legal trouble if I do fight back? In terms of self defense, will I be protected under the law if I need to defend myself? If I show a weapon (pocketknife) while being held up, will I be asking to get arrested?

If anyone has any insight in these matter, it would be greatly appreciated! Obviously, I'm hoping that I won't ever have to be in a situation where I would need to defend myself - But you never know and I'd rather know what my legal limits are before I go so that I don't have to find out the hard way once I get there...

Remember one thing, if you pull a knife you may need to use it.
The person you are facing might not be bothered with the fact you have the knife and continue to attack you anyway.

I once knew a guy who had a black belt in some form of martial arts and was held up in some country in latin America by a guy who pulled a knife on him. He raised his arms, gave him whatever little money he had on him and the assaillant went on his way.

Forget about your legal rights: play it smart and you won't endanger yourself or your travelling companions.

In Pamplona the Polizia seemed very pro potential victim. One American guy caught the guy trying to make off with his video camera, tackled him, held him down until the police could arrive. The police were very thankful and made sure the thief was not comfortable. When I took a guy down for trying to pickpocket me, the locals provided encouragement and upset that there were thieves in their midst. That said, I would hate to break a guys nose for $50 and then spend days dealing with the police. Better than pulling a knife, is prevention and awareness.