Is Quito safe for travelers?
Quito has a moderate safety profile. The US State Dept advises "Exercise Increased Caution" for Ecuador due to crime. Many visitor-friendly areas exist, but awareness of surroundings is warranted.
What the sources say
Quito scores Caution. Ecuador's capital has experienced a dramatic increase in violent crime since 2022-23, driven by the collapse of criminal governance in coastal cities spilling inland and the inflow of Venezuelan criminal groups. All three advisories now place Ecuador at significantly elevated risk, more than in pre-2022 assessments.
Express kidnapping, armed robbery, and mugging have increased in the historic centre (Centro Histórico) which was formerly manageable. La Mariscal neighbourhood (Foch area, previously the main backpacker zone) has experienced repeated robbery and kidnapping incidents. The US advisory specifically warns US government employees against travel to certain Quito areas.
Stay in La Carolina, Quito Norte (González Suárez corridor), or Cumbayá valley for lower risk. The Centro Histórico requires a guide or organised tour — do not explore independently. Avoid La Mariscal at night. Use only app-based transport. Ecuador's security situation has deteriorated faster than most destination guides acknowledge — use current advisories.
Official statistics
- World Bank / UNODC — national intentional homicide rate for Ecuador: 2023: 45.7/100k; 2022: 27.4/100k; 2021: 14.1/100k; 2020: 7.8/100k. Note: this is a country-level rate, not city-specific. Source: World Bank Open Data (VC.IHR.PSRC.P5), compiled from UNODC Crime Trends Survey.
The map covers 17 districts with differentiated risk ratings:
Ratings are consolidated from the sources below, not real-time. Conditions can change — verify before travel.
Common questions
Is Quito safe for tourists?
Quito is safe for tourists who exercise reasonable vigilance. Stay in well-visited areas, avoid displaying expensive electronics or jewellery, and be cautious after dark in less-familiar neighbourhoods.
Is Quito safe at night?
Quito is reasonably safe at night in well-known tourist and residential areas. Avoid displaying valuables, use reputable transport, and be cautious in unfamiliar neighbourhoods after dark.
What are the safest neighbourhoods in Quito?
Based on incident data consolidated across our sources, Cumbayá, Nayón, Puembo are among the areas rated safer in Quito. Always verify current conditions with the sources listed below, as conditions can change.
Which areas of Quito should travellers be cautious about?
Calderón, Quito, Alangasí are rated with elevated caution on our map. This reflects patterns from consolidated advisory and incident sources — conditions vary and can change, so check current guidance before travelling.
What are the main safety risks for visitors to Quito?
The primary risks for visitors to Quito are opportunistic theft, phone snatching, and pickpocketing in crowded areas. Ecuador authorities note crime.
Sources consulted
- Australia DFAT Smartraveller — Safety
- US State Department Travel Advisory
- UK FCDO Travel Advice — Safety and Security
- Canada DFATD Travel Advice
- World Bank — Intentional Homicides per 100k (Ecuador)
- Editorial travel-safety synthesis (US State Dept advisories, OSAC, Numbeo); districts inherit the city overall until crowd input or official data differentiates them