Is Quito Safe for Families? Honest Tips for Parents Travelling With Kids
As a family of four slow traveling through South America, Quito was our very first stop. At 2,850m (9,350 ft) above sea level, Ecuador’s capital is a city of contrasts: leafy parks, chaotic markets, historic plazas, and a cable car that climbs even higher into the Andes. With two young kids in tow, we quickly learned that visiting Quito isn’t just about ticking off attractions, it’s about figuring out what feels safe, how to get around, and how to handle altitude without losing your sense of adventure.
Why Safety Matters for Families in Quito
If you’ve Googled “Is Quito safe?” before booking flights, you’re not alone. For families, safety questions multiply: Is it safe to take taxis with kids? What about walking at night? Will altitude make it harder to explore?
As a family of four slow traveling through South America, Quito was our first stop. We stayed for a week, with two kids (ages 5 and 7), and saw both the chaotic side of the city and the family-friendly gems. Here’s our honest take on what felt safe, what didn’t, and how to make Quito work with children.
If you like our articles and find them helpful, one of the easiest ways to support is to buy us a coffee.
What Safety in Quito Really Feels Like
The truth: Quito is a city of contrasts. By day, it’s vibrant, walkable in parts, and full of families enjoying parks. By night, some areas empty out fast and feel very different.
We never felt directly threatened, but we did adjust our habits:
Daytime exploring = yes (parks, markets, Old Town).
Evening wandering = Yes/no This all depends on what part you’re staying as we walked back from La Carolina and it was fine saying that most nights we just took a Uber as there are plenty
Altitude tiredness amplified crankiness and made us more cautious about pushing long walks.
For us, safety in Quito wasn’t about danger, it was about being realistic.
Neighborhoods That Work Best for Families
Where you stay makes a huge difference.
La Carolina area: We stayed near La Carolina Park, and it was ideal. Big green space, playgrounds, cafés, and a sense of family normalcy. Great for downtime between sightseeing.
Mariscal / Plaza Foch: Lively, but more backpacker bars than playgrounds. We skipped staying here with kids.
Historic Center (Centro Histórico): Gorgeous for day trips — plazas, churches, Calle La Ronda, but better as a visit, not a base, if you’re with children. Nights can feel sketchy.
Family tip: Book somewhere within walking distance of a park. Having green space nearby can make the difference between a meltdown and a reset.
Read More: First Days In Quito
Getting Around Quito Safely
Transport is where many family safety concerns come up.
Uber: Cheap, reliable, and our go-to. Most short rides cost $2–5 USD.
Taxis: Widely available, but agree on the fare upfront or ensure they use the meter. We avoided them in Quito and just stuck to Uber as most journeys from Carolina to center was $2-4
Buses: Incredibly cheap, but crowded and not practical with small kids or backpacks. We skipped them for safety and sanity.
- Metro: Yes tbh this was fine, very cheap and then only time we got this was when my phone died and it was at 9PM
Family tip: Factor in Uber costs as part of your daily budget. It’s worth the peace of mind.
Food & Water Safety in Quito
Food is one of Quito’s joys, but also a common worry.
Markets (Mercado Central, La Mariscal): We ate here and were fine. Stick to stalls where food is hot and fresh.
Restaurants & Cafés: Plenty of family-friendly options (we loved Dough for brunch, Pacari for chocolate treats, and Quinua Restaurante for healthy plates).
Water: Officially treated, but the taste is strongly chlorinated. We used a Lifestraw bottle and carried our own water, which cut down on plastic and stomach worries.
Family tip: Always carry snacks. Altitude and hunger hit hard, and a handful of crackers solved more safety meltdowns than anything else.
Read More: Best Things to Do In Quito With Kids
Altitude & Health Safety at 2,850m
Safety in Quito isn’t just about crime, it’s also about health. The altitude hits kids differently:
Shortness of breath
Headaches
Early bedtimes (we were all yawning by 7pm)
What helped us:
Hydration (water + electrolyte packets)
Light evening meals
Downtime in parks instead of jam-packed itineraries
Family tip: Don’t plan your biggest adventures (like the Teleférico) until Day 3 or 4, when everyone’s had time to adjust.
Read More: Is The Telerifico Worth it For Families
Street Smarts With Kids in Quito
Like any big city, Quito has its share of pickpocketing. We followed some basic rules:
Kept phones zipped away in markets.
Used a crossbody bag, not backpacks in crowded areas.
Carried small amounts of cash, not all our cards.
Avoided wandering aimlessly after dark.
And with kids? We had one non-negotiable rule: hold hands when crossing streets and have kids walkign at the side or in front (Not lagging behind) Quito traffic is no joke, and zebra crossings don’t guarantee cars will stop.
Pros and Cons: Is Quito Safe for Families?
Pros
Family-friendly neighbourhoods (La Carolina especially).
Cheap, reliable Uber system. (Ubers start to become nonexistent when you move further down south)
Loads of kid-friendly attractions (parks, science museums, Teleférico).
Warm, welcoming locals once you engage.
Cons
Petty theft risk in crowded areas.
Some neighbourhoods feel unsafe at night.
Altitude adds a health layer to manage.
Chaotic traffic and uneven sidewalks make walking tricky with kids.
Read More: Visiting The Mitad Del Mundo With Kids
FAQs About Safety in Quito With Kids
Is Quito safe at night with kids?
This is all depends on area. Stick to early dinners near your stay or use Uber for evening outings.
Is public transport safe for families?
Buses are safe but crowded and uncomfortable with kids. Uber is easier, affordable, and reduces stress.
What’s the biggest safety issue for children in Quito?
Altitude. Watch for headaches, nausea, and fatigue, and plan plenty of downtime.
Can kids eat at Quito’s markets?
Yes, if you stick to hot, freshly cooked food. Ours loved fried plantains and juices.
What’s the safest area to stay in Quito with kids?
Near La Carolina Park. Easy access to green space, family-friendly restaurants, and a calmer vibe than downtown.
Final Thoughts: Our Honest Verdict
So, is Quito safe for families?
Yes, if you travel smart. It’s not risk-free, but very few big cities are. By choosing the right neighborhood, leaning on Uber, pacing yourself with altitude, and sticking to busy areas after dark, Quito becomes not just safe but rewarding.
For us, Quito wasn’t about spotless streets or predictable routines, it was about playgrounds at altitude, chaotic markets, and the messy joy of being a family in a city that never runs out of energy.
👉 Would we recommend it? Absolutely. Quito challenged us, charmed us, and gave us a crash course in family travel at high altitude.
