{"id":18673,"date":"2019-09-02T08:00:54","date_gmt":"2019-09-02T13:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wanderbusecuador.com\/blog\/2019\/09\/02\/how-safe-is-quito-ecuador\/"},"modified":"2021-07-20T20:29:48","modified_gmt":"2021-07-21T01:29:48","slug":"how-safe-is-quito-ecuador","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderbusecuador.com\/es\/how-safe-is-quito-ecuador\/","title":{"rendered":"How safe is Quito, Ecuador?"},"content":{"rendered":"

I recently visited Naples, Florida and was astounded at how safe everything felt. People don\u2019t roll up their car windows. People return lost items. People don\u2019t<\/span> lock their front doors.<\/b> What? Safety feels different in every city, and definitely in every country. So, how safe is Quito, Ecuador?<\/span><\/p>\n

My answer, in short: <\/span>Quito is as safe a city as any<\/b> and safety should NOT be a reason to miss out on exploring this incredible, high-altitude capital.<\/span><\/p>\n

That said, remember that when you travel internationally, you\u2019re stepping into a different context and culture. You should do this with curiosity and excitement, but also with caution. While I don\u2019t encourage people to focus on security issues before a trip, keep it in mind as you learn about your destination. If there are resources online, use them, and if you have a local contact, this person might very well be your best resource!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"How<\/span><\/h2>\n

Is Quito a safe destination for traveling with kids?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Is Quito safe for kids?: Yes, but it can get hectic (even for adults). Plan your days out carefully, as well as the intended modes of transportation. Here are a few specific considerations to keep in mind if you\u2019re traveling with kids:<\/span><\/p>\n

Pedestrians don\u2019t have right-of-way<\/b><\/h3>\n

Quito traffic does not prioritize the pedestrian and is, generally, chaotic. You\u2019ll notice many pedestrian crossings are faded and, well, basically useless! As you walk around the city, remember to yield to cars. It can be frustrating, especially if you come from a country that respects pedestrian traffic above all. From personal experience, though, and especially if you\u2019re here on your holidays, LET IT GO. Just wait until the road clears, the traffic light changes, and cautiously cross the road.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Where the sidewalk ends<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re planning to explore the city on foot, keep in mind that you won\u2019t find sidewalks along every road, and some sidewalks are so narrow (especially in the Old Town), you\u2019ll have to squeeze by others to avoid walking on the street. It\u2019s part of the excitement of international travel \ud83d\ude42 If you\u2019re with kids, make sure everyone is holding hands!<\/span><\/p>\n

Easy to get lost<\/b><\/h3>\n

In busier neighborhoods, like the Old Town or the Mariscal area, it can get busy and kids can get lost (adults can too, to be fair). Make sure to keep them close, accompany them to the bathroom, and prepare a game plan in case you do get separated. One approach is to prepare your kids with basic knowledge, such as your hotel\u2019s name and phone number. If your child is too small to remember this, make sure they\u2019re carrying a laminated card with your contact details.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Is<\/span><\/h2>\n

Female solo travel in Quito<\/span><\/h2>\n

As more women embark on solo adventures, questions around safety also increase. Here are a few tips to summarize a blog I wrote about <\/span>solo female travel in Ecuador<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n

Plan ahead<\/b><\/h3>\n

To avoid getting stranded in questionable locations after dark, make sure to reserve transportation and accommodation in advance, where possible. For instance, flights from the United States often arrive late at night. Make sure you have your hotel info (address and phone numbers) handy to give to the safe taxi upon arrival. As an extra precaution, jot them down on paper in case your phone runs out of battery.<\/span><\/p>\n

The same applies to traveling within Ecuador. Many buses depart or arrive at their destinations late at night or at dusk. Bus terminals are notoriously dangerous places, especially at these hours, so make sure you know how you\u2019re planning to get to your hostel. For a safer alternative to bus travel, seriously consider <\/span>traveling with the Wanderbus<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nightlife<\/b><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s fun to party and meet new people while traveling in Ecuador, especially in places like Quito, Monta\u00f1ita and Ba\u00f1os. It\u2019s especially fun if you love Latin dance, like Bachata, Salsa and Merengue.\u00a0<\/span>
\nHowever, always err on the side of caution if you\u2019re planning to go out:<\/span><\/p>\n