Quito is said to have been founded in the 16th century.
The people who once lived in the capital of Ecuador can actually be traced back to ancient civilizations.
The Quito Caras tribe was one of the first people known to inhabit the area.
Some sources say that the history of Quito dates to more than 10,000 years ago.
The Inca may have conquered the indigenous people.
The Spanish arrived in 1534, and claimed what is now Quito for Spain.
The area was on the ruins of an Incan city.
The city of Quito, located along the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano, is bordered by the hills of Ichimbia and Panecillo.
The UNESCO World Heritage Convention calls some of the monasteries and churches pure examples of the Baroque School of Quito.
This style is a unique representation of the fusion of indigenous, Spanish, Italian, Flemish, and Moorish art.
The influences can still be seen today, and is one of the reasons that travelers visit Quito.
It is one of the best preserved city centers in all of Latin America.
The Spanish, and others who helped to colonize Quito, used their artistic influences to build in the complex environment, given the location of Quito.
Today, the historic center of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The colonial influences, the natural beauty of Quito, its cultural heritage, combined with modern amenities and features, make it a unique destination for travelers.
Despite its rich history, its spectacular natural scenery, and its charm, many people may still have questions about the safety of Quito, the second-largest city in Ecuador.
Learn about the safest places to visit in Quito, places that travelers should avoid, and some top safety tips that help to keep travelers safe when they visit the awe-inspiring city of Quito.
Warnings & Dangers in Quito
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Carry your identification with you at all times. Both citizens of Quito and visitors are required to have ID on them at all times, and may be asked to show it to the roadside police. Travelers may want to get a verified copy of their identification, since pickpockets and thieves may steal the original if you have it on you.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Do not get into a taxi that is not run by an official taxi service. Taking unofficial taxis can pose safety risks to visitors. Be very careful using public transport. Criminals sometimes board interstate buses and attack passengers. Travelers who are on buses or other forms of public transport that get robbed should hand over their belongings to the criminals. Do not risk your safety by trying to keep a few belongings.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
The risk of becoming victims of pickpockets is high for travelers. It is the most frequent petty crime that poses risks to tourists. Watch your belongings in crowded places and on public transport. Be especially careful in places that tourists frequent because pickpockets frequent those places too.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
The location of Quito makes it especially vulnerable to some types of natural disasters. Check weather reports before you leave for your trip to Quito. Stay alert to changes in the weather and especially to reports of any possible natural disasters. Some natural disasters that may occur in Quito include earthquakes, forest fires, and tsunamis. One other risk is volcanic eruptions.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
The risk of muggings is high in Quito, even though many violent crimes, including homicides, have significantly decreased over the past few years. Do not resist being mugged in Quito. Give up your money and let them be on their way.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The risk of terror activity in Quito is quite low, but not impossible. Travelers need to stay alert to large demonstrations, any reports of possible activity, or other signs that may indicae acts of terrorism. Get away as quickly as possible. Most terrorist activity is not aimed at travelers.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
There are two common scams that target tourists who visit Quito. One is the mustard scam. Someone points to a stain on your clothes. You look down to see it and the scammer takes off with your belongings. The other common scam that targets travelers who visit Quito is the taxi scams. Do not get into a taxi that is not an official taxi to avoid being overcharged by taxi drivers who scam tourists. You can identify official taxis easily because they have orange license plates or white plates with an orange stripe.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Quito has experienced a recent increase in the number of crimes such as sexual assaults committed against foreign women travelers. One way that attackers may subdue women is by alcohol or drugs. Keep a close watch on your drinks and food. Do not go anywhere with anyone that you do not know. Pay attention to your surroundings at all times.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Drink bottled water or filtered water when you visit Quito. Old pipes may contaminate the tap water.
Safest Places to Visit in Quito
Quito is often considered a safe place for travelers to visit, especially with recent new safety initiatives and measures that include community crime prevention initiatives and increased prosecutions and sentencing of criminal offenders.
There are several safe places for travelers to visit, whether they want to take in the historic charm and culture or the modern amenities and experiences that Quito has to offer.
Visit Quito Old Town and marvel at the nearby historic attractions.
The historic center is a vibrant place that has plazas and cafés that are a reflection of the rich history of Quito and its contemporary life.
The stunning churches and cathedrals are other attractions that bring visitors to Quito Old Town.
Visit La Floresta and explore the many museums.
Enjoy the calm atmosphere during your visit.
Visit the parks and other recreational areas of La Carolina.
Relax and enjoy the calming nature of the parks.
La Mariscal is the place to go to enjoy restaurants, nightlife and artisan markets.
Visit during the daytime.
Use caution if you go after dark.
Make sure that you visit Calle La Ronda, which is the go-to place in Quito Old Town for the vibrant nightlife.
Marvel at the beauty of the 17th-century cobblestone Calle La Ronda.
Enjoy the lively atmosphere, food, and sense of community at the salsa bars or dance to the beat of the live Ecuadorian bands, who play a variety of music.
Experience the one-of-a-kind scenic ride and views from TelefériQo.
It is one of the highest aerial lists in the world.
The cable car lift takes its passengers a little over 1.5 miles up the lower slopes of Volcán Pichincha to the lookout at Cruz Loma.
Gaze in awe at the landscapes, greet the llamas at the top, and make sure that you take a selfie with them.
It is best to ride the cable car in the morning.
The skies are clear, and the lines are likely to be shorter, compared to later in the day and the busy weekends.
Take a light jacket for the ascent at TelefériQo.
Places to Avoid in Quito
Stay away from southern Quito.
There are several areas in southern Quito that are not safe.
They can be dangerous places for tourists.
Do not go to El Ejido Park.
It is known as a crime hotspot.
Stay away, even during the daytime hours.
Panecillo Mountain is known to have stray dogs that are aggressive and may attack people.
It is also known as an area that has high crime rates.
Stay away from poorly lit streets, shops, and other similar places, especially at night.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Quito
- Do not walk alone at night. Walking alone at night, even in areas that are usually considered safe, puts you at higher risk of becoming a crime victim.
- Do not display valuables. Leave your valuables at home. Displaying valuables sets you up as a target for thieves and other criminals.
- Do not leave your drink unattended. Leaving your drink unattended puts you at risk of being drugged and becoming a crime victim. Hold on to your drink at all times.
- Do not use ATMs anywhere outside. Use ATMs inside banks or at other trustworthy places.
- Dress down when visiting Quito. Do not wear your Sunday best when visiting Quito. Dress down to blend in instead of standing out to pickpockets and other criminals.
- Stay alert to your surroundings. Stay alert and make sure that you stay aware of your surroundings. This is especially true in public transport areas and in crowded areas frequented by tourists.
- Stay with your group. Stay with your travel group or with your friends. This is especially true at night. if you visit Quito alone, do not go out at night by yourself.
- Avoid the off-the-beaten-path areas. Do not stray away from the popular tourist destinations. Going down a less-traveled road or thinking that you are taking a shortcut can put you at risk of being a crime victim.
- Keep emergency cash. Make sure that you stash some emergency cash in a safe area. If you lose your wallet, become a victim of pickpockets or if anything else happens, you will still have some cash.
So... How Safe Is Quito Really?
The local government and law enforcement officials have made strides in reducing the number of serious crimes in recent years.
They have also undertaken initiatives to improve safety for everyone.
The risk of travelers becoming crime victims does exist in Quito.
The primary crimes that affect tourists are pickpockets and bag snatchers.
People who secure their belongings and who stay aware of their surroundings are likely to lower their safety risks.
Hundreds of thousands of travelers visit Quito every year without any safety issues.
How Does Quito Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
 Quito |
55 |
| Guayaquil |
45 |
| Manta |
62 |
 Hiroshima | 80 |
 Boracay | 76 |
 Martinsville | 51 |
| Cottonwood Falls | 78 |
| Brookings | 80 |
| Temecula | 87 |
Useful Information
Visas
Ecuador requires people from several countries to obtain a visa before they can visit the country. Visitors from the U.S. who travel to Quito or anywhere in Ecuador do not need a visa for stays that are less than 90 days within any 12-month period.
Currency
The official currency in Ecuador is the U.S. Dollar.
Weather
Quito has a cooler climate, compared to some other areas of Ecuador. Its location, sitting between mountain ranges, helps to keep the weather cool. Although the summer months are usually dry and warmer, it can get cool at night.
Airports
Most people refer to the airport in Quito as the Quito Airport. The official name for the airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport. It is about 11 miles east of Quito. It is the busiest airport in Ecuador.
Travel Insurance
Travelers should purchase travel insurance before they leave for their trip to Quito. The U.S. Department of State recommends that all travelers purchase travel insurance. Talk to your travel insurance provider to learn about the best plan for your specific needs.
Quito Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 19 |
| Low °C |
10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 |
| High °F |
66 | 66 | 66 | 66 | 66 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 66 | 66 |
| Low °F |
50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 50 | 50 |
Ecuador - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Guayaquil | 45 |
| Manta | 62 |
| Quito | 55 |
Pretty much told me everything I needed to know
Pretty much told me everything I needed to know
Quito is extremely dangerous.
Quito is extremely dangerous for the tourists. I would not recommend venturing on your own as possibility of being assaulted is quite high.
Also, I was unimpressed with the city. Reminds me of favelas of Rio. Spend your money elsewhere.
Easy to wander into the wrong sectors of the historic district, so just read ahead of time on what is safe and what is not. Stick to the crowds and you’ll be fine!
Ok if you go to Quitó you do have to be aware of the places you explore.
Since I lived there for 5 months I learned the areas that were walkable and those that were risky. I was almost mugged or when two cars came at me from both the top and bottom of a one way street on a deserted block that I had been walking in the wrong part of the historic district. I ran when I noticed them closing in on me. I could easily see how a new tourist would stumble into these areas as they surround the major historic center sites.- as I did it myself.
I recommend staying in Quitó for 1-2 days. One un missable and safe excursion is the teleferico that takes you over the city and has a view of 7 volcanoes that surround the region at the top, as well as a breathtaking hike through the grassy area before you reach the peaks, and the incredible swing in the clouds. The historic center and a few cathedrals are definitely work checking out but when doing so -stick to the Main Street-
With Quitó you need to read beforehand on where is safe, stick with the crowd, and not venture very far at all off the easily confusing historic center. Do that and you’ll be fine !
Super unsafe.
Yeah Quito is super dangerous in 2023, do no come here, it used to be the safest country in 2017 but now it has become the most dangerous country of latinamerica. Is super high risk of being kidnaped or being violently attacked, I was stabbed during the day cos I didn’t even know what the robbers wanted. I really wanna move from here. And if you come, always in a cab, try to avoid staying near the old town for a hostel, is totally unsafe. And there are some car bombs as well!
Lovely
We absolutely loved the Basilica del Voto National – it’s beautiful both from the outside and from the inside. We also went to La Capilla Del Hombre, Quito Old Town, the Intian Museum and Mitad Del Mundo which were all great places to see. For hotels, I recommend Casa Joaquin Boutique Hotel which has decent prices and is clean and a good place to stay at.
Worst
Super unsafe, got stabbed 1 time. May 2023.
Another typical Latin American city
I was there last week. Stay in the tourist areas and you’ll be fine. I was about half a mile from the JW Marriott and didn’t have any issues walking alone. Took taxis on my own. As a tour guide once said “if you’re looking for trouble, you’ll be find it”. Of course, I spoke Spanish and lied to them as to what country I was from (I told them I was from DR instead of US). I’m also 5ft9 so I was taller than the majority of the people. City itself is just another Latin American city that the Spanish colonizers conquered, oppressed the natives and left the county in control of crooked politicians. Nothing special about it. People are very friendly and food is cheap and plentiful.
Yes, those Spanish colonizers conquered the one group that had conquered the other group that had conquered the group before them and on and on, way on back to the beginning of time. It was the way of the world. It still is, but now the invader usually uses “irregular warfare”, the way China is conquering so much of the world (using economics, immigration, etc.). Look up irregular warfare (and weep).
Great place
Incredible experience. Totally safe. I was there for 3 months, and nothing happened. I was even walking at night, and I always returned safe. Will definitely comeback.
Mediocre
Fairly unsafe. Was with a group of friends and some of them still got pickpocketed. As long as you stay away from the big crowds, in the center of the city, and not alone you should be fine. But you never know…
The architecture in Quito really takes your breath away, especially the churches; they have such a rich history behind them. Exploring the old town feels like stepping back in time.