Is Quito safe for solo female travelers?

Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, offers diverse experiences. However, safety can be a concern. While most areas are safe during the day, certain neighborhoods can be risky, especially at night. Norm precautions such as avoiding isolated areas, not displaying valuable items openly and using only certified transportation services should be taken. It's recommended to get local advice on safe areas to visit. Despite these concerns, local people are generally friendly and willing to help.

Safety rating

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How safe is Quito for solo female travelers?

Travel safety index

2.8 /5

based on 3 experiences from female travelers

Solo travel

I went to Quito for 9 days alone. I walked around and participated in a group tour to Quilotoa during my stay, but I felt safe walking around all of Quito. I rode the city bus, and also to the markets. I also used a few taxis, everything there was so cheap and I had a great time.

Posted: April 17, 2023
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Solo travel

I spent 4 days in Quito on my own. I was warned about safety a few times, but I was just extra vigilant and had no problems. There was a lot of police and security in popular places. I took a free city walk, which I liked and it helped me to orient myself. I did two day trips from the city to Otavalo and Mindo. I liked Mindo, but Otavalo did not impress me.

Posted: November 20, 2022
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Solo travel

I visited Quito as a solo travelling woman and felt safe. I walked/rode the bus around the entire city and had a wonderful time. If you do not speak Spanish, it might present some challenges, but it is not entirely impossible to cope. I fell in love with Ecuador and really want to return there again. My main advice for other solo travellers would be to use drivers/taxis booked by your accommodation, as I was repeatedly advised not to hail taxis on the street and to take care of my belongings while using public transportation.

Posted: November 5, 2022
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How safe is Quito for women?

Local safety index

2.5 /5

Based on 6 local experiences

Local crime index

2 /5

Based on 6 local experiences

I'm used to Quito, being latina. I guess it's not so safe really. You can't go on walks at night or have your phone on your hand in broad light. Do not leave your stuff unattended overall. If you're careful and cautious you're fine, it's not like you'll get robbed in a church or something.

Posted: November 18, 2025
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Alicia

Alicia

Quito is safe as Long as you know where to navigate, since it does have parts of the city that are a little bit more unsafe. I would recommend not to go alone in the dark, and to always be sure of the route you need to take.

Posted: December 26, 2024
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Quito is safe if you avoid the really dangerous places like in any other city. It’s better not to woke alone anywhere, but Cumbaya is pretty safe. If you stay in the tourists places you are good. Watch out your purse on the bus and don’t drink too much if you are alone.

Posted: December 24, 2024
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Safety in Ecuador

Hospitality Exchange in Quito

Estefanía

Estefanía

Quito

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey girls Looove traveling and the idea of supporting each other is fantastic! Passionate about live, nature and deep talk. To me moving the body is necessary for healthy living, I’m a mom of 3 and still manage to travel as much as I can, for mental health you know? Hope we can meet

Speaking

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Sol

Sol

Quito

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Activist – Public Health Researcher – I truly believe that kindness, even in the smallest acts, can create real change. Advocacy has not only shaped who I am but also helped me discover a deeper sense of purpose. I’m still on that journey—growing, learning, and building it every day. But I’m proud of the path I’ve taken and the time I’ve given to reflect, unlearn, deconstruct….

Speaking

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Expats in Quito

Nicole

Nicole

Quito

About me

A serious case of wanderlust. Getting started as a digital nomad. I have not travelled as much as I would like yet, but I consider experiences are the heart of it. So I'm not a traveler yet, but I'm an experiencer (? :D

Speaking

Estefanía

Estefanía

Quito

About me

Hey girls Looove traveling and the idea of supporting each other is fantastic! Passionate about live, nature and deep talk. To me moving the body is necessary for healthy living, I’m a mom of 3 and still manage to travel as much as I can, for mental health you know? Hope we can meet

Speaking