I went to Guayaquil about 15 years ago to give medical lecture. Even then it was the most unsafe place I had ever been.

Armed security guard on the shuttle from airport to hotel.

Told by hotel NOT to walk around the hotel neighborhood.

Armed guard to take me back and fourth to meeting site and to house of the Doctor who had invited me to Guayaquil.

Doctor's house had surrounding wall 8 feet high and top of wall had cut glass pieces lining it!

They also had to Alsatian security dogs.

I was never so glad to leave after two days in my life, I would not even consider going now given the worsening violence with the drug wars.