🇪🇨 Ecuador

Is Quito Safe?

6.5
Tripvey Safety Score
estimated from public data
⚠️
Moderate Risk — Stay Alert
Tripvey's estimate from travel advisories and public data — not official safety advice. How we score
6.5
Safety
Crime & scam risk
8.2
Value
Budget friendliness
8.5
Beauty
Scenery & culture

What Travelers Say About Quito

Quito sits in a dramatic Andean valley at 2,850 metres — the second highest capital city on earth and the first to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1978). Its historic centre is the best-preserved colonial old town in Latin America: 375 years of Spanish, Moorish, Flemish, and indigenous artistry compressed into a walkable grid of baroque churches, convents, and plazas. Above the city, the TelefériQo cable car climbs to 4,050m on the flanks of Pichincha volcano — on a clear day the views encompass 10 snow-capped peaks. Quito is also the nearest city to the true equator (the Mitad del Mundo monument is 26km north), making it a natural base for Galápagos-bound travellers.

Common Scams in Quito

Express kidnapping (secuestro express)high
Armed criminals force victims into taxis, drive them to ATMs, and force withdrawals. Always use official radio taxis called via phone (Taxi Amigo: +593 2 222-2222) or app-based services (InDriver, Uber) — never hail taxis from the street, especially at night or near the historic centre.
Altitude sickness underestimatedmedium
Quito at 2,850m causes altitude sickness in many visitors — headache, fatigue, nausea, and shortness of breath on arrival. Rest for 24–48 hours, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, stay hydrated. If symptoms worsen (confusion, loss of coordination), descend immediately. Acetazolamide (Diamox) helps with prevention — consult a doctor before travel.
Historic centre pickpocketingmedium
The historic centre is beautiful but crowded and a target for pickpockets, especially near La Ronda street and main plazas. Do not display expensive cameras or jewellery. Carry only small cash. Smartphone theft from tables at outdoor cafes is common.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Quito safe for tourists?

Quito scores 6.5/10 — moderate risk. Common issues to watch for: overcharging, tourist scams, and petty theft in crowded areas. Stay alert at markets and busy transport hubs.

Is Quito safe at night?

Be selective about where you go at night in Quito. Tourist districts are fine; avoid unfamiliar side streets. Use ride-hailing apps — they give you a paper trail and fixed prices.

Is Quito safe for solo female travelers?

Quito at 6.5/10 is manageable for solo female travelers with prep. Research which neighborhoods to avoid, book accommodation with good reviews, and have your accommodation's number saved offline.

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