Over the past two decades, solo female travel has skyrocketed, from traditional overland trips to cruises and beyond. I'm a huge fan of solo female travel, so I do it often. For me, the downsides are far outweighed by the upsides (there's nothing quite like being able to go to the beach, brunch, bike ride, or nap whenever you want on vacation). Unfortunately, there are some destinations where traveling solo as a woman requires a lot of street smarts.
Take Quito, Ecuador, for example: the fresh, flavorful Ecuadorian cuisine, friendly, helpful locals, easy access to nature and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
But Ecuador can be a dangerous place, including in the capital, Quito. As of mid-2024, the US State Department has recommended heightened vigilance: “Crime is rampant in Ecuador. Violent crimes, including murder, assault, kidnapping, and armed robbery, are widespread.” The United Nations Spotlight Initiative, a program to end violence against women and girls, also claims that, based on national femicide statistics, “one woman is killed for gender-related reasons every 28 hours.”
Considering all this, you might be wondering if Quito is safe, especially for women traveling alone. I have traveled solo to Quito and it is safe for women travelers. However, you can be safer by taking extra precautions to protect yourself. Here are 10 safety tips to keep in mind when visiting Quito as a solo female traveler.
