Visiting Quito, Ecuador: Safety Tips During the Pandemic

Traveling to Quito, Ecuador, while the pandemic is still ongoing can be a bit daunting. However, with the right precautions, it is safe to visit. This article aims to provide you with valuable information to help you plan your trip and ensure your safety.

Travel Guidelines and Security Measures

As of the latest updates, American citizens are allowed to enter Ecuador. In terms of your security, bringing a PCR COVID negative analysis is highly recommended. Despite the pandemic, things are operating normally in Quito. Restaurants, museums, touristic attractions, hotels, and other places of interest are open and functioning as usual. Just avoid non-tourist areas where you may encounter higher risks of exposure.

Quito is a vibrant city that welcomes visitors, and it's crucial to respect its culture and local norms. Don’t hesitate to express your dissatisfaction with overly strict or unfounded security measures by telling people to 'go to hell' and to not 'play their stupid game.' However, it's also wise to stay informed and prioritize your health and safety.

Safety Considerations by Neighborhood

Quito is a large city with varying levels of safety depending on the neighborhood. Approximately 5% of Quito is very safe, and another 20% is considered safe. An additional 20% is moderately dangerous, while 55% of the city is dangerous. Safe neighborhoods typically include areas inhabited by wealthy residents or the business district, where private security is usually present.

As the city's economic situation worsens, crime rates are on the rise. A significant factor in this is the influx of Venezuelan criminals. Therefore, it's essential to take extra precautions, especially if you are traveling alone or at night.

General Safety Tips for Visitors

Here are some general safety tips to keep in mind:

Never go alone to dark or unfamiliar areas. Travel in groups whenever possible. On buses, keep your back to the front and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or phones. Avoid the city center and peripheral areas on late nights. Always check the stickers on taxis before taking them and avoid them if any are missing. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash on you. Never withdraw money from a bank alone. Be cautious of people offering documents on the street. Avoid going to recreational places alone. Be aware that many people may stay in their homes by 8 PM, making the streets less crowded. Do not let children out in crowded places without supervision. Do not carry large amounts of cash or show expensive items in public.

Despite these general precautions, Quito is a vibrant city with much to offer, and most crime is petty in nature. If you are smart, you can navigate the city similar to any other large metropolis and handle any situation sensibly.

Conclusion

While no place is entirely safe, Quito has its good and bad spots. Major crime is rare, with the majority of incidents being muggings and petty theft. Maintain a high degree of awareness, especially at night, and take reasonable precautions. If you do these things, you will enjoy a fantastic experience in Quito, and the chances of something going wrong are minimal.