Safety & Precautions in Quito

Take all the precautions you would traveling in a large city in a developing country and your visit here can be hassle-free. Security in the Old City has improved dramatically with a beefed-up police presence, but streets are dark at night and you should take a taxi after sundown. Nighttime muggings have occurred in the New City's La Mariscal district. Exercise caution and take taxis, even if going just a couple of blocks. A growing number of casual eateries offer wireless Internet service to their customers, but we caution against whipping out a laptop computer in such a public, high-trafficked venue.