Safety and Security in Shandia

Safety and Security in Ecuador and tena area

Ecuador is an incredible country, full of culture, food, and natural beauty to share with guests. The area where we live and work is no exception—our community is surrounded by waterfalls, white-water rafting, howler monkeys, chicha, and welcoming neighbors. Like in every country, Ecuador also experiences moments of political unrest and is affected by international narco-trafficking. Understanding these dynamics is important context for international volunteers, and as an organization, we want to provide perspective while reaffirming that Manna remains committed to thoughtful risk management and volunteer well-being.

Similar to much of Latin America, increases in crime are tied to the growth of international drug trafficking moving northward. In the 15 years that MPI has been in Ecuador, we have observed some increases in petty crime at the national level, though our community context has remained quite different from the images often shown on the news. The majority of drug-related violence has been concentrated on the coast, particularly in Guayaquil, which serves as a major transit hub.

Manna is located in the rural community of Shandia, near Tena in the Napo province. Shandia is a small community of about 365 people, four hours from Quito and far from coastal cities or major political centers. Both nationally and locally, it is regarded as a safe and welcoming place. For example, many families leave doors unlocked or rely on curtains instead of windows, and children often play outside after school until dark. In the past two years of partnership, our team and participants have consistently reported feeling comfortable and supported in the community.

We recognize that safety is a priority for anyone considering international service, and MPI approaches it through careful planning, clear guidelines, and long-term partnerships. Our practices include:

• Following all U.S. State Department guidance, which means avoiding travel to areas such as Carchi, Sucumbíos, northern Esmeraldas (including Esmeraldas city), and Guayaquil south of Portete de Tarquí Avenue.

• Encouraging safe travel practices, including a buddy system: short-term volunteers walk with a partner at all times within town limits, while long-term volunteers use the buddy system after dark.

• Prohibiting participation in protests, political events, or demonstrations to protect both individual well-being and our status as a non-governmental organization in Ecuador.

• Maintaining a zero-drug policy and prohibiting alcohol in community spaces.

• Working with trusted partners and providers for activities with health or safety considerations (e.g. hiking, rafting, cooking classes).

• Using private, vetted transportation for group travel and airport transfers.

For housing, long-term volunteers live in shared homes in Shandia and the nearby community of Talag, both of which are located among trusted neighbors and landlords. Short-term groups stay in a community-run lodge with secure rooms, safes for valuables, a gated entrance, and staff on-site.

MPI has nearly 20 years of experience working with volunteers in Latin America. While we recognize that no environment is without risk, we are confident in our approach to minimizing it. Our combination of clear policies, strong community ties, and structured programming allows us to provide volunteers of all ages with a meaningful, rewarding, and well-supported experience in Shandia.

If you have any questions about safety and security, do not hesitate to reach out to Abby Pauley, abby@mannaproject.org.