Quito Warnings Or Dangers

Crime and robberies have increased so much on this city that it's impossible to even walk peacefully without constantly keeping an eye on every single thing around you, especially in the Mariscal area. This is one of Quito's most dangerous districts.
Try to avoid this area, if you ever visit Quito!

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What really made my day was a tragedy with a comical tint to it. While staying at the favourite cafe at the” foothills” of the monstrous convent, suddenly a crowd gathered at an ambulance and police vehicle right in the middle of the square. Than Franciscan friars pulled mobile phones and started talking in grave terms to somebody. More and more indigenous people surrounded the police and even the shawl sellers took a break from selling their product to the weary customers of the cafe. Eventually, the truth leaked through the crowd to reveal that a man had died of heart condition during mass in the convent. Then everything came into place – the police and doctors were helpless in preventing the poor soul from leaving its earthly dwelling and they rushed to the local clergymen and their representative to the Holy See for help. So, the friar picked up the phone and phoned GOD straight, probably asking what he has done to deserve such a punishment. After all, it is more than discouraging to be praying to a deity that not only does not listen but even allows people to die in its presence. Disgusting! What is going to be the topic of the next sermon?

Quito is at approx 2,800 meters, so if you are susceptible to altitude sickness, be sure to allow some extra time to adapt and take it very slowly at first. I was knocked out by it for two full days when we flew in from Lima (out of breathe just walking across the room), while my husband was fine and was able to go sightseeing. It doesn't help matters that it is a very hilly city and many hostels have stairs galore - we were on the 5th floor of course in our hostel and I nearly died from not being able to breathe.

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After the election of Rafael Correa as President of the Republic in 2007, Ecuador’s politics took a sharp swerve to the left, as the country realigned itself with ALBA (Alianza bolivariana para los Pueblos de Nuestra América) and the régime of Hugo Chávez in Venezuela. This was a bit of a divisive move on the part of the President, and opinions of the country’s direction can sometimes be rather strong. I came across this “spontaneous” demonstration in Plaza de la Independencia in the centre of the city, right after the end of an official display, in which women sang and chanted that “Revolution was not only permitted, but obligatory”. Political graffiti and demonstrations are not uncommon in the city and in the country, and it would be a good idea to keep aware of the situation, lest you get caught in a display of a bit too much local colour.

The South American Explorers Club is hosting a backpacker's information lunch on September 3rd from 11am to 3pm.. A member of the British Embassy and the staff and volunteers of SAE will be on hand with advise and information about travel, health, and safety in Quito and Ecuador. Citizens of the UK will also be able to sign up for the LOCATE program which helps the embassy assist those in need quickly. A small charge will help cover food costs.

Quito Clubhouse
311 Jorge Washington y Leonidas Plaza

This is a warning for all travellers leaving Quito by bus, especially to those travelling south to Latacunga. We have been robbed in a bus leaving from Quito Terminal Terrestre and have heard now from hostal-owners in Latacunga and other locals that this scam is very common.

There is a gang of three or four young people observing tourists buying tickets in the terminal and then entering the bus before them. One of the group is posing as the bus assistant / controller, advising seats and indicating the passengers where to put the bags (under the seat or in the overhead compartment). The rest of the group seat themselves around the tourists and one of them behind. This person uses the bumpy and bad roads to move the bag back and opens / cuts it to steal everything of value. Sometimes they even close the bags and put back cases or wallets after stealing so that the tourists don’t notice the theft.

This scam is known to the police and the bus companies, is going on since months but no one seems to do anything about it.

Our advice: Keep your bags on your lap at all times. Never place them beneath your feet. Never let someone (not even the bus assistant) touch your bags or let them help you.
We have lost a laptop computer and two expensive sunglasses. Tell this to other travellers, spread the word so that this stops.

Don't walk up to Panecillo or Pinchincha. Everybody will warn you against that, especially the taxi drivers who of course want to make a profit. But it is true. There have been a lot of unhappy incidents. During my 2 week stay I heard of 7 tourists who were kidnapped.
Don't wear gold necklaces except if you have decided to part with it. Everybody I met who used to have a gold chain was robbed of it in plain daylight. They are very swift and well trained...
Don't leave anything of value in your hotel room. It will disappear into thin air even with the door double locked. They are ..magicians...
Don't trust your money with anyone and don't show your big bunch to anyone. It's better to use an ATM card to get small amounts at a time. Always keep your money in a hidden pouch close to your body. Keep a small pack of dollars out to pay bills and never admit you have more.
Don't keep your camera on your shoulder or around your neck except if you have been tired of it and need a new one... They stopped me in the street several times and instructed me to put it in my bag. A European living there told me she had already lost 3 of them.
Many times local people warned me in a confidentially whispering voice that an innocent looking passer by, even a woman, could be a potential skillful thief.
However none of this has happened to me, except that .. the airlines lost my whole suitcase....So watch yours in public transport.
What to do if you have a serious problem: Go to the Ministry of Tourism and make an official complaint! It's much better than trying to solve things out yourself. The address is Av. Roy Alfaro N32-300. Tel. 2 228303.
Good luck! Nevertheless Quito is a nice place.

When you visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional in the Old Town, it's incredibly fun and rewarding to climb the towers and to see the spectacular views from here, but be careful with the steps and lack of railings and the makeshift ladders and planks that provide the access to these areas. They are safe enough if you exercise caution, but while I was there, I couldn't help thinking that there's no way that these facilities would be up to code in the US! ;-)