Best Areas to Stay in Quito — Safety Guide 2026
Where you stay affects your scam exposure. Mapped from 16 verified tourist scam reports — overall risk rated lower.
Lower
Overall risk
16
Scams documented
12
Risk areas mapped
Overall scam risk
Lower
Scams documented
16
Risk areas identified
12
High severity
3
Accommodation scams
1
Areas with the most documented scam activity
These locations are most frequently cited in verified scam reports for Quito. Staying immediately adjacent to these areas puts you in higher-density scam territory — this is especially relevant for first-time visitors and solo travelers.
Scammers contact travelers in La Mariscal
High RiskCited in 1 documented incident · 1 high severity
WhatsApp Galapagos Tour Deposit Fraud
fake agencies reference addresses on Avenida Amazonas near A
High RiskCited in 1 documented incident · 1 high severity
WhatsApp Galapagos Tour Deposit Fraud
Street taxi pickup points in La Mariscal and the Old Town of
High RiskCited in 1 documented incident · 1 high severity
Express Kidnapping (Secuestro Express)
and along Avenida Amazonas in the new city area
High RiskCited in 1 documented incident · 1 high severity
Express Kidnapping (Secuestro Express)
particularly late at night
High RiskCited in 1 documented incident · 1 high severity
Express Kidnapping (Secuestro Express)
Areas with lower documented scam activity
These locations appear less frequently in documented scam reports for Quito. Lower documented risk does not mean zero risk — stay alert regardless of where you book.
La Compañía de Jesús church on García Moreno
Generally safe with standard precautions
1 incident
Plaza Grande (Plaza de la Independencia)
Generally safe with standard precautions
1 incident
and along Calle Eugenio Espejo in the Centro Histórico
Generally safe with standard precautions
1 incident
ATMs along Calle Venezuela in Centro Historico and on Avenid
Generally safe with standard precautions
1 incident
also pharmacy ATM kiosks
Generally safe with standard precautions
1 incident
All documented risk areas in Quito
Every area below is cited in at least one verified scam report. Ranked by combined risk score — a weighted calculation of incident frequency and severity.
Scammers contact travelers in La Mariscal
1 incident · primary: WhatsApp Galapagos Tour Deposit Fraud
fake agencies reference addresses on Avenida Amazonas near A
1 incident · primary: WhatsApp Galapagos Tour Deposit Fraud
Street taxi pickup points in La Mariscal and the Old Town of
1 incident · primary: Express Kidnapping (Secuestro Express)
and along Avenida Amazonas in the new city area
1 incident · primary: Express Kidnapping (Secuestro Express)
particularly late at night
1 incident · primary: Express Kidnapping (Secuestro Express)
La Mariscal neighborhood around Calle Reina Victoria and Cal
1 incident · primary: Fake Shaman Ceremony Operator
also advertised on hostel noticeboards
1 incident · primary: Fake Shaman Ceremony Operator
La Mariscal tourist district in Quito
1 incident · primary: Galapagos Tour Fake Operator
particularly along Calle Foch and Avenida Amazonas
1 incident · primary: Galapagos Tour Fake Operator
and around the historic center near Plaza Grande
1 incident · primary: Galapagos Tour Fake Operator
Quito's Centro Histórico (Old Town)
1 incident · primary: Pickpockets in Old Town
particularly around Plaza Grande
1 incident · primary: Pickpockets in Old Town
What to consider when picking a neighbourhood in Quito
Proximity to major tourist sites
Locations immediately adjacent to Quito's most-visited landmarks carry higher documented scam density — pickpockets, street scams, and fake guide operations concentrate where tourist foot traffic is highest. A 10–15 minute walk from major sites typically means lower risk with easy access.
Transport connectivity
Staying near reliable public transport — metro stations, bus hubs — reduces dependence on street taxis, which are the most documented scam category in Quito. App-based transport is safer but still requires a reliable connection on arrival.
Nighttime safety
Areas near bar and nightlife districts in Quito see higher concentrations of late-night scams involving overcharging, drink spiking, and fake police. If nightlife is part of your trip, prioritise accommodation within walking distance to avoid relying on night-time transport.
Market and bazaar proximity
Street markets and bazaars in Quito are common sites for pickpocketing, fake goods, and aggressive vendor tactics. Staying nearby can be convenient but requires active attention to personal belongings in crowds.
Accommodation scams documented in Quito
These are verified scams specifically targeting tourists at the booking or check-in stage in Quito.
Hostel Booking via Fake Websites
mediumFraudulent websites mimicking legitimate hostels in the La Mariscal and Foch Plaza area advertise non-existent rooms at below-market rates. Victims pay a deposit via wire transfer or PayPal and arrive to find no reservation exists or the property looks nothing like the photos. Fake listings frequently use stolen images from reputable hostels on Calle Joaquin Pinto.
How to avoid: Book only through established platforms like Hostelworld or Booking.com, or contact the hostel directly via a number verified on Google Maps. Never pay deposits via wire transfer to an individual.
Accommodation safety checklist for Quito
Book accommodation through verified platforms with established review histories. Listings with fewer than 10 reviews or recently created profiles warrant extra scrutiny in Quito.
Verify the property address exists before payment — search it on maps to confirm the building is real and matches listing photos.
For the first night especially, book cancellable rates so you can move if the property differs significantly from what was advertised.
Contact the property directly after booking to confirm the reservation. Unresponsive hosts before arrival is a documented warning sign.
Taxi and transport scams are documented in Quito — arrange airport or station pickups through your accommodation in advance rather than using street operators.
Keep a photo of your accommodation address in your phone's camera roll for offline access. Do not rely solely on data connection when navigating unfamiliar areas upon arrival.
What to watch for near your accommodation
These are the most documented scam categories in Quito. Understanding them helps you assess risk near any accommodation you are considering.
Tour & Activities
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.
4
incidents
Street Scams
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.
3
incidents
Money & ATM Scams
Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.
3
incidents
Other Scams
Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors.
2
incidents
Where to stay in Quito — answered
What are the safest areas to stay in Quito?
Based on our scam incident database, areas with lower documented risk in Quito include zones less frequently cited in location-specific reports: La Compañía de Jesús church on García Moreno, Plaza Grande (Plaza de la Independencia), and along Calle Eugenio Espejo in the Centro Histórico. These areas have fewer documented scam incidents than the city's highest-risk tourist zones. Always verify current conditions against recent traveler reports before booking.
Which areas should I avoid in Quito?
Areas with the highest concentration of documented scam incidents in Quito include: Scammers contact travelers in La Mariscal; fake agencies reference addresses on Avenida Amazonas near A; Street taxi pickup points in La Mariscal and the Old Town of; and along Avenida Amazonas in the new city area. These locations are most frequently cited in pickpocketing, street scam, and transport fraud reports. Exercise heightened caution in these areas and avoid them at night if possible.
Is it safe to stay near the city centre in Quito?
City centre areas in Quito offer convenience but typically carry higher scam density — tourist-facing operators, street hustlers, and pickpockets concentrate where foot traffic is greatest. Staying centrally is practical with preparation: use app-based transport, secure valuables in a money belt or locked bag, and familiarise yourself with documented scam types before arrival.
What should I look for when booking accommodation in Quito?
When booking in Quito: prioritise properties with substantial review histories (50+ reviews across multiple platforms), verify the physical address exists via satellite maps, book with free cancellation for the first night, and contact the host directly before arrival to confirm. Accommodation scams — including fake listings and bait-and-switch properties — are documented in the database. Trust instincts: unusually low prices for prime locations are a consistent warning sign.
Is Airbnb safe in Quito?
Airbnb operates in Quito and provides buyer protections, but documented fake listing and bait-and-switch incidents exist. Specific precautions: only communicate and pay through the official platform, verify the host has completed identity verification, read reviews specifically for mentions of location accuracy and check-in issues, and avoid hosts requesting off-platform payment at any stage. Properties with fewer than 10 reviews warrant extra scrutiny.
Where do most tourists stay in Quito?
Most tourists in Quito concentrate in areas closest to major attractions and tourist infrastructure — restaurants, tours, and transport. These zones are the most convenient but also carry the highest documented scam density. If this is your first visit, weigh convenience against scam exposure: knowing the documented risks for the area before you book gives you a significant advantage.
Is Quito safe for solo travelers staying alone?
Solo travelers in Quito face documented higher scam targeting, particularly for transport scams, friendship bracelet and petition hustles, and bar/restaurant overcharging. For solo accommodation: choose properties with 24-hour reception or verified key-lock entry, share your location with someone at home, and use app-based transport when arriving late. The full scam database for Quito covers 16 documented incidents — reviewing these before arrival is the most effective preparation.
What neighbourhoods are best for first-time visitors to Quito?
First-time visitors to Quito benefit most from staying in well-documented, centrally accessible neighbourhoods with established tourist infrastructure — where accommodation is verified, transport options are clear, and help is accessible. Avoid the immediate surrounds of Quito's busiest tourist landmarks for sleeping (high scam density) while staying within reasonable distance for daytime visits. Research your specific neighbourhood on forums like r/travel and TripAdvisor before booking.
Editorial note: Area risk assessments for Quito are derived from location data in 16 verified scam reports compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), news sources, and traveler reports. Risk levels reflect documented scam frequency — not crime rates or general safety. Always cross-reference with current government advisories before booking. Read our methodology →
At a glance
Full scam database
All 16 documented scams with exact locations, red flags, and how to avoid each.
See all scams →Overall safety assessment
Full verdict on how safe Quito is, by traveler type and risk area.
Is Quitosafe? →