Contrary to a recent international ranking, tourists and Globe Aware volunteers frequently express how safe they feel while exploring Quito’s urban and rural attractions. Learn why you shouldn’t be hesitant to consider this South American destination!
Quito, a Safe Destination for Tourists in Ecuador
September 23 2024
Breaking Travel News
Despite what a recent international ranking may suggest, tourists consistently comment on how safe they feel when touring Quito’s main urban and rural attractions.
According to the Igarapé Institute’s Global Homicide Monitor, Quito is one of the least violent capitals in Latin America. In 2023, the city recorded a homicide rate of 9.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, far lower than cities like Caracas (47.9), San José in Costa Rica (22.8), Montevideo (15.2) and Bogotá (13.5).
Quito’s crime figures are also well below the national average of 2023’s 47.5 homicides per 100,000 people, according to Carolina Andrade, Secretary for Citizen Security of the Municipality of Quito.
The capital fares much better compared to coastal cities like Durán (133.85), Guayaquil (83.28), Machala (80.58) and Portoviejo (78.56).
“The country as a whole faces challenges due to a vulnerable socio-economic context, but the coastal regions are especially affected by illegal economies tied to the ports”, Andrade explained. However, in the Andean highlands, where Quito is located, the situation is much different.
As of August 2024, the number of homicides in Quito had dropped by 19% compared to the same period in 2023, representing just 4% of all homicides nationwide, according to the National Police of Ecuador.
Fewer crimes against tourists
Between January and July 2024, only 175 crimes against tourists were reported among the more than 357,000 visitors (both Ecuadorian and international) who came to Quito during that time, according to data from the Urban – Rural Tourist Information System of the Metropolitan District of Quito (Situr).
This marks a 40% drop in crimes like robbery, theft and fraud compared to the same period in 2023.
“Tourists can visit Quito with complete peace of mind; it’s one of the safest cities in Ecuador”, said Etzon Romo, Manager of Quito Turismo, the city’s municipal tourism promotion agency.
“Quito has a well-organised public safety system that is monitored by our officers. We have a team of officers focused on tourism. We’ve also stationed fire brigades with paramedics throughout key areas, like the historic centre, to offer immediate assistance if needed”, Romo explained.
He also noted that the city “has everything visitors’ need, with an airport which has earned all the international awards, offering a secure environment for both arriving and departing international travellers.
Moreover, the Quito Metro, one of the most modern underground transit systems in Latin America, is regarded as “the safest place in the country”. Romo added that if Quito were as unsafe as some media reports suggest, major international events like the International Eucharistic Congress, an event expected to bring around 4,000 people from 53 countries to the city from 8 to 15 September, wouldn’t be held here.
“Quito continues to host international events without issue”, Romo remarked, highlighting the city’s recognition by the media as one of the top destinations for international conferences and business tourism. While a state of emergency has been declared in six Ecuadorian provinces due to organised crime, Quito is not one of them. Furthermore, the latest U.S. Department of State travel advisory doesn’t list Quito as a dangerous destination.
