Quito Travel Forum

I will be in Quito next week and was planning to stay in Old Town, maybe at the Hostal San Blas or Hotel Huasi Continental in Old Town. Is this area safe? Is it OK to return to your hotel after dark? Would you recommend some other area or hotel for a short term budget traveller?

Thanks

Old Quito is definately a lot safer than it used to be, but you still need to watch out if your hotel is off the main touring route. The area is well lit now, and there are police out in force until 11 or 12 at night. As long as you are taking a taxi back home, you should be fine - especially if it is a radio taxi.

Good luck!
Damon

Agree with the above poster - take a taxi at night, even for 1 block. Especially if you have had a bit too much to drink :-) I have stayed for 4 nights in the Old Town ... and I heard it is actually safer. But still be cautious - try not to attract attention, walk with a purpose, don't look scared, and be aware of the people around you. And never take the trolleys to go around - they are the worst thing you can do if you don't want to get pick-pocketed.

Mariscal sucre (a.k.a. Gringolandia) is pretty dangerous at night. At night the area is a magnet for dealers, pickpockets, and muggers. Whether or not it is safer than old town depends upon how lucky you are that particular night.

If you want to stay somewhere 'safe', you best avoid BOTH Mariscal and old town, and opt for a hotel near the Suissotel or the Hotel Quito. Otherwise, both are fun, and likely worth the risk if you keep your wits about you and avoid being the easy target.