My husband and I are travelling with another couple to the Galapagos in January of next year. We've recently read a report on foreign travel advice from the UK Government about safety in Ecuador and Quito which has given us some concern. Any feedback?

You won't have to worry in the Galapagos.

Quito should be approached with caution, not flashing expensive electronics and taking taxis rather than walking as advised by your hotel.

For Quito you can also do guided walking tours and/or the Hop On Hop Off bus.

We spent a month in Quito taking Spanish lessons in 2013 and whilst we didn't feel unduly concerned, it does pay to heed the advice given by mlgb above. I would also add, to make sure you get your hotel or restaurant to call cabs for you and do not hail them on the street.

Also, when staying at the SA Explorers Clubhouse near Mariscal, we were warned not to walk the streets after 8 or 9 at night (we did on one or two occasions and wished we hadn't as the streets did get deserted at that time.

Not the most unsafe city we have visited by a mile but not the most comfortable either.

It is however, reputedly safer than Guayaquil!

Good tip re not flagging a street taxi. Re taxis, I found on a recent trip that companies (co-ops) contract with drivers. So if a hotel calls a co-op, you may get a driver they have no history with. If it's a friendly hotel, ask reception to go out and converse with the driver and confirm that they will use the meter (or settle on a fixed rate).

If you like your taxi driver, you can also arrange with them reserved time pickups, eg after dinner or the next day.

Any advice on this neighborhood? I think that's where we'll stay a night coming and going before our Galapagos trip in April.
http://www.hotelacartuja.com/location.html

No direct experience, sorry.

I have stayed a bit north of there in the area that I believe is called "Colon", it has several small inns such as La Rabida, Eugenia, Vieja Cuba.

It is fairly quiet at night, unlike Mariscal, although walking probably isn't a good idea after dark.

I would expect the same caution to apply around Cartuja.

If you have an early flight to the Galapagos (most are) another option would be to stay near the airport.
I think I've mentioned I last stayed at Posada Mirolindo near the airport. Recommended and they include airport pickups and drop offs, as well as simple breakfast.

Thanks! We'll get in around noon so will have an afternoon to poke around plus dinner, then early to bed as our flight in the morning is scheduled to leave at 6:35. We've arranged shuttles with some others who will be on our boat so I think we're set.

This is our 1st trip to South America but we spend a lot of time in Central America and know the standard travel precautions in a new place. We are really looking forward to this trip but have about a month in Guatemala with a week in Belize tacked on the end to enjoy 1st. Happy trails!

Stacey, there's a HOHO bus that we took in Quito. I don't think we even got off except for one stop where the bus stopped for about 1/2 hour. It might be a good way to get an overview of Quito. If you had more time, I'd recommend the free walking tour that we did - it was great fun (and we tipped accordingly). I really enjoyed my time in Quito.

I think given your am departure time I would still reconsider over-nighting in Quito.

You need extra check in time and inspection for Galapagos, although if you are traveling with a Cometa Travel group it may be easier since they handle some of the paperwork. Plus travel time to the airport. Have they told you what time that you will be leaving for the airport?

Personally I would rather have the extra hour leeway in the morning being close to the airport, plus not having to worry about any weather related road issues (especially with an El Nino year).

You can still go into town after dropping your bags off at hotel for a look see and dinner.

El Ejido park near your hotel has some craft stalls all week (although better on weekends). A few good museums nearby your hotel although you have to chose between those and a wander. Maybe Mindalae?

Personally I don't like Mariscal at all, it is oriented to the backpacker/nightclub crowd so that wouldn't be a place I would wander (although there are a few nearby streets on the edges with older mansions which have a nice look). I think the old colonial center is more interesting but many restaurants right in the center will close down after working hours. La Ronda would be open a bit later. Bring USD to take a taxi back to the hotel.

The HOHO bus isn't a bad idea there (although be aware of the schedule as the last loop starts at 4 pm ).

Thanks, all - lots to consider!