Areas to Avoid in Quito
Ecuador
|⚠️ CautionHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Quito. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.
Last updated: March 2026
Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Quito is generally Use Caution
2 areas to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Historic Center, La Mariscal, La Floresta
Travel Insurance for Quito
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Quito are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
Certain areas around the Central Market (Mercado Central) after dark.
Can become desolate and attract petty crime; stick to main, well-lit streets.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Historic Center
A UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning colonial architecture and vibrant plazas.
Remote industrial or less developed outskirts.
Lack tourist infrastructure and can present safety concerns.
🛡️ Stay here instead: La Mariscal
The vibrant heart of Quito's nightlife and a hub for international travelers.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Quito
Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.
Quito Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Quito on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Quito Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Quito with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Quito: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Quito's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
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Day Trip from Quito: Scenic Excursion
Escape Quito for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
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Quito Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Quito's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
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Stay Safe, Explore Confidently
Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Quito
Stay in a safe neighbourhood
Compare hotels in Quito on Expedia
Book a guided tour
Explore Quito safely with a local guide
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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood
These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers
Historic Center
A UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning colonial architecture and vibrant plazas.
Generally safe during the day with lots of people, but be aware of pickpockets; some streets can feel deserted and unsafe at night.
La Mariscal
The vibrant heart of Quito's nightlife and a hub for international travelers.
Busy and generally safe during the day, but be vigilant for petty crime, especially around Plaza Foch at night; avoid poorly lit side streets.
General Safety Tips for Quito
At Night
Stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially in La Mariscal and the Historic Center. Avoid dark alleys and be cautious if you choose to explore less frequented neighborhoods after sunset.
Solo Female Travel
Generally safe, especially in tourist areas like the Historic Center and La Mariscal during the day. Exercise heightened awareness regarding your surroundings, avoid walking alone in deserted areas at night, and keep valuables secure.
Emergency Number
112
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in Quito
- 1Pickpocketing in crowded areas (markets, buses, tourist sites).
- 2Overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or tours, leading to inflated prices or distraction for theft.
- 3Fake police officers demanding fines on the spot.
Travel Insurance for Quito
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
Historic Center
A UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning colonial architecture and vibrant plazas.
Generally safe during the day with lots of people, but be aware of pickpockets; some streets can feel deserted and unsafe at night.
La Mariscal
The vibrant heart of Quito's nightlife and a hub for international travelers.
Busy and generally safe during the day, but be vigilant for petty crime, especially around Plaza Foch at night; avoid poorly lit side streets.
La Floresta
A bohemian and artistic neighborhood filled with independent boutiques, cafes, and galleries.
Generally safe, but exercise standard precautions as with any urban area; stick to well-lit streets at night.
Guápulo
A historic, cliffside neighborhood with stunning views and a tranquil, artistic atmosphere.
Very safe within the hotel areas due to their secluded nature; access roads should be navigated with caution, especially at night.
Safety in Quito
ModerateSolo Female Travel
Generally safe, especially in tourist areas like the Historic Center and La Mariscal during the day. Exercise heightened awareness regarding your surroundings, avoid walking alone in deserted areas at night, and keep valuables secure.
At Night
Stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially in La Mariscal and the Historic Center. Avoid dark alleys and be cautious if you choose to explore less frequented neighborhoods after sunset.
Emergency
112
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Pickpocketing in crowded areas (markets, buses, tourist sites).
- 2Overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or tours, leading to inflated prices or distraction for theft.
- 3Fake police officers demanding fines on the spot.
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