Quito remains a vibrant Andean capital but faces persistent challenges with street crime, particularly in southern neighborhoods and the historic center after dark. Gang activity and organized crime continue to impact safety, making situational awareness and avoiding certain districts essential for travelers.
Safety overview — Quito 2026
Risk score
6.5/10
Night safety
Be careful
Tap water
Bottled recommended
Country
Ecuador
Safety tips for Quito
💡
Warning
Avoid walking in La Mariscal district and historic Old Town (Centro Histórico) after 8 PM; use registered taxis or Uber instead
💡
Warning
Street robbery ('arrebatones') targeting phones and cameras is common near Plaza Grande and along Calle García Moreno; keep valuables concealed
💡
Caution
Avoid 'taxi piracy' by only using official white taxis with visible meters or pre-arranged ride services; never hail cabs on streets at night
💡
Alert
ATM scams and card cloning occur at banks in busy commercial areas; use ATMs inside malls or your hotel only
⚠️
Caution
Altitude sickness is common; spend first 24-48 hours acclimatizing in Quito (2,850m) before visiting higher elevations
✅
Safety
Tourist-friendly areas like Cumbayá, Gascón, and northern business districts (Iñaquito, González Suárez) are relatively safer; stay in these neighborhoods
History lovers, first-time visitors, budget travelers
💡 Stay in the upper sections (near Basilica) rather than lower Plaza Grande after dark; daytime exploration is magical but be cautious with valuables
La Mariscal
Touristy, vibrant, social · Budget to Mid-range · $30-60/night USD
★★★☆☆
Backpackers, nightlife seekers, solo travelers
💡 It's the gringo hub with good restaurants and hostels, but petty theft is common—avoid displaying expensive items and don't walk alone very late
González Suárez
Upscale, peaceful, residential · Mid-range to Upscale · $50-85/night USD
★★★★☆
Comfort seekers, families, those avoiding party scenes
💡 Charming neighborhood with local cafes and galleries; quieter than Centro or La Mariscal, better for experiencing real Quito life without constant tourist presence
Cumbayá
Modern, affluent, suburban · Mid-range to Upscale · $55-90/night USD
★★★★☆
Those avoiding city chaos, families, longer stays
💡 Popular expat area with good restaurants, gyms, and shopping; less atmospheric than historic zones but significantly safer and more comfortable for relaxation
Young professionals, creatives, foodies seeking local scene
💡 Up-and-coming neighborhood with craft breweries, independent restaurants, and street art; still developing so some blocks safer than others—stick to main areas after dark
⭐ Top pick: González Suárez for the sweet spot between authentic Quito experience, safety, comfort, and reasonable pricing—you get away from peak tourism while maintaining easy access to major attractions.
Getting around Quito
✈️ Airport transfer — Best option: Uber for convenience; Metro+Bus for budget
Metro + Bus$2.50 (~USD 2.50)· 45-60 mins
Uber/Taxi$18-28 (~USD 18-28)· 25-35 mins
Arranged Transfer$25-40 (~USD 25-40)· 30 mins
🚇
Metro de Quito $0.45 (~USD 0.45)
North-South line covering downtown, 22 stations, modern system
🚌
City Buses $0.35 (~USD 0.35)
Extensive network covering all neighborhoods, frequent routes
🚕
Uber/Didi $2.50-8.00 (~USD 2.50-8.00)
Ride-sharing apps for on-demand transport throughout city
🚐
Ecovía Bus Rapid Transit $0.45 (~USD 0.45)
Dedicated bus lanes on major avenues, faster than regular buses
🚲
Bike Sharing (BikeQ) $1.50-3.00/day (~USD 1.50-3.00)
Bike rental system at multiple stations across city
Health and medical in Quito
Quito, Ecuador's capital, sits high in the Andes at 9,350 feet elevation, offering a pleasant spring-like climate year-round. The city blends colonial architecture with modern amenities and is generally considered safe for travelers with standard health precautions.
🚨 Dial 911 for emergencies. Quito has good emergency services in private hospitals. Altitude sickness (soroche) affects some visitors; acclimate gradually and stay hydrated.
Quito remains a vibrant Andean capital but faces persistent challenges with street crime, particularly in southern neighborhoods and the historic center after dark. Gang activity and organized crime continue to impact safety, making situational awareness and avoiding certain districts essential for travelers.
Is Quito safe at night?
Night safety in Quito: Be careful. Always take standard precautions in any major city.
Is tap water safe to drink in Quito?
Tap water status in Quito: Bottled recommended.
What is the best area to stay in Quito?
Our top pick for staying in Quito is González Suárez for the sweet spot between authentic Quito experience, safety, comfort, and reasonable pricing—you get away from peak tourism while maintaining easy access to major attractions.. Book accommodations before arriving if possible; book private rooms with reviews mentioning 'quiet' rather than party atmospheres; always arrange airport pickup in advance (not street taxis); allow 24-48 hours to acclimate to the 9,350ft altitude before strenuous activities.
Do I need vaccinations to visit Quito?
No required vaccinations for most nationalities. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Routine immunizations (MMR, Tdap, Influenza).