Guns and Knives in Ecuador

by Russ
(Trucking In The USA)

Hi Stan, Can I bring a pistol or rifle and bullets, of course, for personal protection? Not for at the project site, as security there is provided. But for if I went to other locations doing prospecting on the day off.

Can firearms be purchased by us Gringos in country?

Is it OK to carry a knife?

For instance: A 4 or 5 inch folding knife? A 10 or 12 inch fixed blade survival knife (like Rambo had)? A 18 or 24 inch Machette?

If it's ok, are quality knives readily and economically available, or should I bring what I need?

Thanks, Russ

Stan's response: In more than 30 years of trekking the mountains and jungles of South America, I have never carried a firearm and never needed one. Your head is your best weapon of all.

That said, you can apply for a firearms permit in Ecuador once you are here. I would not bring a firearm nor ammunition when first entering the country. Firearms and ammunition are available for purchase in the country once you have organized your permit.

All kinds of knives and machetes are available (and legal to carry) here at good prices. The machete is extremely common in the jungles. Almost everyone who walks around and works in the jungle carries a machete for very practical purposes.