Is travel in Ecuador more dangerous for gringoes than other latin american countries?

I read some in a travel book and the warnings were so scary concerning assaults, weapons and kidnapping. I am now a little shy of travelling there and yet would like to go if it is safer than what I read. Anyone help?

Travel Is Dangerous – Mogwai

Music video for “Travel Is Dangerous” performed by Mogwai and directed by Monkmus