Quito travel guide

History

Archaeological studies suggest that the valley of Quito and the surrounding areas have been occupied for some 10,000 years. The remains of ancient Palaeoindian peoples, nomadic hunters who used obsidian to make stone tools, have been found at various sites around town. During the subsequent Formative era (4500-500 BC), pre-Ecuadorean peoples began to settle in villages, till fields and make ceramics. One of the best-known formative sites of highland Ecuador is located in northwest Quito, in Cotocollao. Dwellings of the Regional Development period (500 BC-AD 500) can be seen in Rumipamba, also in northwest Quito.

Quito is named after the Quitus, a kingdom of the Integration period (AD 500-1500) which was inhabited in pre-Inca times. Quitu remains have been found along the lower flanks of Pichincha from El Placer in the south to La Florida in the north. By the end of the 15th century, the northern highlands of Ecuador were conquered by the Incas and Quito became the capital of the northern half of the empire under the rule of Huayna Capac and later his son Atahualpa. As the Spanish conquest approached, Rumiñahui, Atahualpa’s general, razed the city, to prevent it from falling into invaders’ hands.

The colonial city of Quito was founded by Sebastián de Benalcázar, Pizarro’s lieutenant, on 6 December 1534. It was built at the foot of El Panecillo on the ruins of the ancient city, using the rubble as construction material and today you can still find examples of Inca stonework in the façades and floors of some colonial buildings such as the cathedral and the church of San Francisco. Following the conquest, Quito became the seat of government of the Real Audiencia de Quito, the crown colony, which governed current- day Ecuador as well as parts of southern Colombia and northern Peru.

The city changed gradually over time. The Government Palace, for example, was built in the 17th century as the seat of government of the Real Audiencia, yet changes were introduced at the end of the colonial period and during the republican era in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The 20th century saw the expansion of the city both to the north and south, first with the development of residential neighbourhoods and later with a transfer of the commercial and banking heart north of the colonial centre. In 1978, Quito was the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the 1980s and 1990s the number of high-rise buildings increased, the suburban valleys of Los Chillos and Tumbaco to the east of town were incorporated into a new Distrito Metropolitano, and a number of new poor neighbourhoods sprawled in the far north and south. The city continues to grow and, in 2009, Quito stretched almost 50 km from north to south. In recent years, there has also been a wonderful revitalization of the colonial centre.

Climate

Quito is within 25 km of the equator, but it stands high enough to make its climate much like that of spring in England; the days pleasantly warm and the nights cool. Because of the height, visitors may initially feel some discomfort and should slow their pace for the first day or two. The mean temperature is 13°C; rainfall, 1473 mm. The rainy season is October to May, with a lull in December, and the heaviest rainfall in April, though brief heavy storms in July are not unknown. Rain usually falls in the afternoon. The day length (sunrise to sunset) is almost constant throughout the year. Quito suffers from air and noise pollution, principally due to traffic congestion. These are worst at rush hours and especially severe during the pre-Christmas shopping season. During school holidays, July to September, the air is a little better.

Banks

The American Express representative is Ecuadorian Tours, Amazonas N21-33 y J Washington, T02-256 0488, ext 470. Issues temporary replacement Amex cards, which can be used in Banco de Guayaquil ATMs, but not for purchases. Does not sell, exchange or replace lost Amex TCs. Mon-Fri 0830-1700.

The highest concentration of banks and ATMs is in modern Quito. Many are along Av Amazonas, both in La Mariscal and La Carolina, and along Naciones Unidas between Amazonas and Los Shyris. In colonial Quito there are banks near the main plazas. To change TCs, casas de cambio and Banco del Pacífico, Naciones Unidas E7-95 y Los Shyris, Amazonas y Roca, Chile 1020, Mall El Jardín and CC El Bosque.

Casas de cambio

All open Mon-Fri 0900-1730, Sat 0900-1245, except at the airport as noted. Euromoney, Amazonas N21-229 y Roca, T02-252 6907. Change 7 currencies, 2% commission for Amex US$ TCs. Moneyzone, International Departures at the airport, T02-330 3398, daily 0430-2100. Poor rates for 12 currencies. Mega Cambios, Amazonas N24-01 y Wilson, T02-255 5849. 3% comission for US$ TCs, change cash euros, pounds, Canadian dollars. Vazcorp, Amazonas N21-147 y Roca, T02-252 9212. Change 11 currencies, 1.8% comission for US$ TCs, good rates, recommended.

Dentists

Drs Sixto y Silvia Altamirano, Amazonas N32-227 y República, T02-224 4119. Speak English and French. Excellent.

Dr Roberto Mena, Coruña E24-865 e Isabel la Católica, T02-255 9923. Speaks English and German.

Doctors

Most embassies have the telephone numbers of doctors who speak non-Spanish languages. The following are recommended. Dr Juan Molina, gynaecologist, Centro Médico Meditrópoli, Mariana de Jesús opposite Hospital Metropolitano, T02-243 2171, speaks German and English. Dr Wilson Pancho, internist, República de El Salvador 112, T02-246 3139. Speaks German. Dr Ernesto Quiñones, paedatrician, Centro Materno Infantil, Manuel Barreto 167 y Coruña, at north end of Coruña, T02-223 2956. Speaks English and Italian. Dr John Rosenberg, internist, Med Center Travel Clinic, Foch 476 y Almagro, T02-252 1104, T09-973 9734, internal and travel medicine with a full range of vaccines, speaks English and German, very helpful. Dr Mónica Santamaría, dermatologist, Edif Diagnóstico 2000, Mariana de Jesús, 1 block below Hospital Metropolitano, T02-246 0404. Speaks English and some French.

Embassies and consulates

Additional embassies and information is found at http://www.mmrree.gov.ec. All open Mon-Fri unless otherwise noted. Argentina, Amazonas N21-147 y Roca, p 8, T02-256 2292, embarge2@andinanet.net, 0900-1600. Austria, Gaspar de Villaroel E9-53 y Los Shyris, p 3, T02-244 3272, przibra@interactive.net.ec, 1000-1200. Belgium, República de El Salvador 1082 y Naciones Unidas, p 10, T02-227 6145, http://www.diplomatie.be/quitoes, Mon-Thu 0830-1230. Bolivia, Eloy Alfaro 2432 y Fernando Ayarza, T02-224 4830, 0800-1600. Brazil, Amazonas 1429 y Colón, Edif España, p 9, T02-256 3086, 0900-1400. Canada, Amazonas N37-29 y Unión Nacional de Periodistas, p 3, T02-245 5499, http://www.quito.gc.ca, 0900-1200. Chile, Juan Pablo Sanz 3617 y Amazonas, Edif Xerox p 4, T02-224 9403, 0800-1700. Colombia (consulate), Atahualpa 955 y República, Edif Digicom p 3, T02-245 8012, consulado enquito@andinanet.net. 0900-1300, 1400-1600. Costa Rica, Isla San Cristóbal N44-385 y Güepi, T02-225 2330, embajcr@ uio.satnet.net, 0800-1330. Cuba, El Mercurio 365 y La Razón, T02-226 0981, 0900-1300. France, Plaza 107 y Patria, T02-294 3800, http://www.ambafrance-ec.org, Mon-Thu 0900-1300, 1430-1730, Fri 0830-1330. Germany, Naciones Unidas E10-44 y República de El Salvador, Edif City Plaza, p 14 T02-297 0820, 0830-1130. Ireland, Yanacocha y Juan Prócel, El Condado, T02-600 1166, dominiquekennedy@ gmail.com, 0900-1200. Israel, 12 de Octubre y Salazar, Edif Plaza 2000, p 9, T02-223 7474, 0900-1300. Italy, La Isla 111 y H Albornoz, T02-256 1077, http://www.ambitalquito.org, 1000-1230. Japan, Amazonas N39-123 y Arízaga, p11, T02-227 8700, 0930-1200, 1400-1700. Netherlands, 12 de Octubre 1942 y Cordero, World Trade Centre, p 1, T02-222 9229, http://www.embajadadeholanda.com, 0830-1300, 1400-1730. Norway, República de El Salvador 1082 y Naciones Unidas, Ed Mansión Blanca, Torre París, p4, T02-246 1523, knietoconsuladonoruega@uio. satnet.net, 0900-1200. Panama, Alpallana 505 y Whimper, Edif Pradera, p 5, T02-256 6449, panaembaecuador@hotmail.com, 0900-1400. Paraguay, 12 de Octubre 1942 y Cordero, Edif World Trade Center p 9, T02- 223 1990, 0830-1330. Peru, República de El Salvador N34-361 e Irlanda, Edif Irlanda, T02-246 8410, http://www.embajadadelperu.org.ec, 0900-1300, 1500-1800. Spain (consulate), La Pinta 455 y Amazonas, T02-256 4373, 0900-1200. Sweden, Almagro N32-27 y Whymper, Edif Torres Whymper p11, vconsuec@uio.satnet.net, Mon-Thu 0930-1230. Switzerland, Juan Pablo Sanz 3617 y Amazonas, Edif Xerox p 2, T02-243 4949, http://www.eda.admin.ch/quito, 0900-1200. United Kingdom, Naciones Unidas y República de El Salvador, Edif Citiplaza p 14, T02-297 0800, Mon-Thu 0800-1230, 1330-1600, Fri 0830-1230. Uruguay, 6 de Diciembre 2816 y Paul Rivet, Edif Josueth González p 9, T02-2544228, uruguay@ embajadauruguay.com.ec, 0900-1700. USA, Avigiras E12-170 y Eloy Alfaro, T02- 398 5000, http://ecuador.usembassy.gov, 0800-1230, 1330-1700. Venezuela, Amazonas N30-240, T02-255 4483, 0900-1300, 1400-1630.

Emergencies

For all emergencies in Quito call T911.

Internet

Quito has very many cybercafés, particularly in La Mariscal. Rates start at about US$0.60/hr, but US$1/hr is more typical. Some places get crowded, smoky and very noisy. Internet access is cheapest and fastest in Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca, more expensive and slower in small towns and more remote areas. Watch your belongings while in the internet cafés, there have been some reports of theft.

Language schools

The following have been recommended, most offer homestays, travel/study programmes (you travel with your teacher to destinations you are interested in), and arrange volunteer work. Academia de Español Quito, Marchena Oe1-30 y 10 de Agosto, T02-255 3647, www.academia quito.edu.ec. Academia Latinoamericana, Noruega 156 y 6 de Diciembre, T02-225 0946, http://www.latinoschools.com. Also have schools in Peru and Bolivia. Amazonas, Washington 718 y Amazonas, Edif Rocafuerte, p 3, T02-250 4654, http://www.eduamazonas.com.

Andean Global Studies, El Mercurio E10-23 y la Razón, T02-225 4928 http://www.andeanglobalstudies.org. Design customized programs for individuals and groups who want to learn Spanish while exploring Ecuador. Beraca, Amazonas N24-66 y Pinto, p 2, T02-290 6642, http://www.beraca.net. Bipo & Toni’s, Carrión E8-183 y Plaza, T02-254 7090, http://www.bipo.net. Cristóbal Colón, Colón Oe2-56 y Versalles, T02-250 6508, www.colonspanish school.com. Also offer courses in Baños and Otavalo and run a hostel in the school‘s premises. Equinox, Pinzón N25-106 y Colón, T02-222 6544, http://www.ecuadorspanish.com.

Instituto Superior, Darquea Terán 1650 y 10 de Agosto, T02-222 3242, www.instituto- superior.net. Also have schools in Otavalo and Galápagos (advanced booking required). La Lengua, Colón 1001 y JL Mera, p 8, T02-250 1271, http://www.la-lengua.com. Also in Puerto López (book in advance). Mitad del Mundo, Barrio Ponceano Calle C N71-193 y Calle B, in northern Quito, T02-254 6827, http://www.mitadmundo.com.ec. Offer special courses for business, health and other professionals. Pichincha, Carrión 437 y 6 de Diciembre, T02-222 0478, www.pichincha spanishschool.com. Quito Antiguo, Venezuela N7-31 y Olmedo in colonial Quito, T02-228 8454, www.quitoantiguo spanish.com. Also offer tours. Quito S.I. Spanish Institute, 9 de Octubre N27-09 y Orellana, T02-255 0377, www.quitospanish. com. Spanish courses and examination centre for DELE Spanish proficiency diplomas. Simón Bolívar, Foch E9-20 y 6 de Diciembre, T02-223 4708, www.simon- bolivar.com. Sintaxis, 10 de Agosto N20-53 y Bolivia, Edif Andrade, p 5, T02-252 0006, http://www.sintaxis.net. South American, Amazonas N26-59 y Santa María, T02-254 4715, www.southamerican. edu.ec. Also have a school in Guayaquil. Universidad Católica, 12 de Octubre y Roca, Sección de Español, T02-299 1700, ext 1388, mejaramillo@ puce.edu.ec, good small group courses. Vida Verde, Plaza N23-100 y Wilson, T02-222 6635, http://www.vidaverde.com. Part of profits go to support social and environmental projects.

Laundry

There are several laundromats around La Mariscal, clustered around the corner of Foch and Reina Victoria, along Pinto and along Wilson. Wash and dry costs about US$0.80 per kg, some deliver pre-paid laundry. Also one on Olmedo 552, in colonial Quito and los Ríos y Espinoza east of La Alameda.

Dry cleaning

La Química, Mallorca 335 y Madrid, La Floresta and Olmedo y Cotopaxi in colonial Quito. Martinizing, 1-hr service, 12 de Octubre 1486, Almagro y La Pradera, and in 6 shopping centres. Norte, 6 de Diciembre 1840 y Eloy Alfaro, and Pinzón y La Niña.

Pharmacies

Fybeca is a reliable chain of 35 pharmacies throughout the city. Their 24-hr branches are at Amazonas y Tomás de Berlanga near the Plaza de Toros, and at Centro Comercial El Recreo in the south. Always check expiry dates on any medications and avoid purchasing anything that requires refrigeration in the smaller drug stores.

Police

The telephone number for emergencies is T101. Report robberies at Servicio de Seguridad Turística, Policía de Turismo, Reina Victoria y Roca, T02-254 3983, daily 0800-1900. Also at Ministerio de Turismo, Eloy Alfaro N32-300 y Tobar, T02-250 7559, ext 1014, Mon-Fri 0800-1200, 1400-1800.

Post office

There are 23 postal branches throughout Quito, opening times vary but are generally Mon-Fri 0800-1800, Sat 0800-1200. In principle all branches provide all services, but your best chances are at Colón y Almagro in the Mariscal district, and at Japón y Naciones Unidas opposite Parque la Carolina. The branch on Eloy Alfaro 354 y 9 de Octubre is especially chaotic and unhelpful, best avoided. In colonial Quito, at Espejo, between Guayaquil and Venezuela, and west of La Mariscal at Ulloa y Ramírez Dávalos, behind Mercado Santa Clara (Mon-Fri 0730-1600).
This is the centre for parcel post; you may be directed here to send large packages.

Both colonial Quito and La Mariscal in modern Quito can be explored on foot, but the distance between them and from these areas to other neighbourhoods is best covered by some form of public transport, which is plentiful. Using taxis is the best option, as it’s convenient and cheap (starting at US$1). There are city buses and three parallel transit lines running north to south on exclusive lanes: the Trole, Ecovía and Metrobus. Public transit is not designed for carrying heavy luggage and gets crowded at peak hours. Suburbs are serviced by buses leaving from specific stops.

Road

Quito’s main arteries run north–south and traffic congestion along them is a serious problem. Avenida Occidental is a somewhat more expedite road to the west of the city. The Corredor Periférico Oriental is a bypass to the east of the city running 44 km between Santa Rosa in the south and Calderón in the north. Roads through the eastern suburbs in the Valle de los Chillos and Tumbaco can be taken to avoid the city proper.

Air

Quito’s airport, Mariscal Sucre, lies only about 5 km to the north of La Mariscal, the main hotel district, well within the city limits. A new airport is under construction to the east of the city, tentatively scheduled for completion in 2010. Mariscal Sucre is served by the airport taxi cooperative (recommended as the safest option, US$6 to modern Quito

, US$8 to Quito, US$15 to Quitumbe bus station, US$5 to Carcelén bus station), the trolley bus (El Trole), the Metrobus (articulated bus system) and city buses.

Transport

Air

Mariscal Sucre Airport, T02-294 4900.

Airline offices

International

Air France/KLM, 12 de Octubre N26-97 y A Lincoln, Edif Torre 1492, No 1103, T02-298 6820. American, Amazonas 4545 y Pereira, T02-299 5000. Avianca, Bello Horizonte E11-44 y Coruña, T02-397 8000, 1-800-003434. Continental, 12 de Octubre y Cordero, World Trade Center, p 11, also Naciones Unidas E10-44 y 6 de Diciembre, T02-225 0905, T1-800-222333. Copa, República de El Salvador N31-201 y Moscú, T02-227 3082. Delta, Los Shyris y Suecia, T02-333 1691, T1-800-101060. Iberia, Eloy Alfaro 939 y Amazonas, Edif Finandes, p 5, T02-256 6009. LAN, Orellana 557 y Coruña and Quicentro Shopping, T02-299 2300, T1-800-101075. Santa Bárbara, República de El Salvador 354 y Moscú, T02-227 9650. TACA, República de El Salvador N36-139 y Suecia, T02-292 3170, 1-800-008222.

Bus

Local

Quito has 3 parallel mass transit lines running from north to south on exclusive lanes, covering almost the whole length of the city. Feeder bus lines (alimentadores) go from the terminals of these routes to outer suburbs. The combined fare is US$0.25. The Metrobus and Ecovía are integrated into a single transport system, with one fare.

Regional

Buses going north or northwest within the Province of Pichincha, including Mindo and other destinations on the Western slopes of Pichincha leave from a regional terminal adjacent to La Ofelia Metrobus station. Buses going south to Machachi leave from Quitumbe bus station .

Long distance

Two new modern terminales terrestres opened in July 2009. Quitumbe, in the far south of the city, T02-398 8200, serves destinations to the south, Oriente and the coast via Santo Domingo. Carcelén, Av Eloy Alfaro by the Pananmericana in the far north, serves destinations north and the coast via the Calacalí-La Independencia road.

Bus companies

Several companies have private stations, generally in modern Quito. At the close of this edition, it was not clear whether these companies would continue to operate from these private stations. Flota Imbabura, Manuel Larrea 1211 y Portoviejo, T02-223 6940, for Cuenca and Guayaquil; Panamericana Internacional, Colón E7-31 y Reina Victoria, T02-255 7133, ext 126, for Huaquillas, Machala, Cuenca, Loja, Guayaquil, Manta and Esmeraldas; Reina del Camino, 18 de Septiembre 100 y Larrea, T02-321 5824, for Portoviejo, Bahía and Manta; Transportes Ecuador, JL Mera N21-44 y Washington, T02-250 3842, for Guayaquil; Trans Esmeraldas, Santa María 870 y 9 de Octubre, T02-250 5099, for Esmeraldas, Atacames, Manta, Guayaquil, Salinas, Coca, and Lago Agrio; Transportes Occidentales, 18 de Septiembre y Versalles, T02-250 2733, for Esmeraldas, Salinas, Muisne and Lago Agrio.

International

Note that for international destinations it is cheaper to take a bus to the border and transfer there. At the close of this edition, international buses left from their private terminals, but this may change; enquire locally. Ormeño Internacional (from Peru), Los Shyris N34-432 y Portugal, interior, opposite Parque La Carolina, T02-246 0027. To Lima, 2 weekly, US$80, 36 hrs. Overnight in Lima and connections for La Paz, US$170, 2½ days, Santiago, US$210, 4 days, and Buenos Aires, US$280, 6 days. To Cali, 2 weekly, US$50 and Bogotá US$70. To Caracas, 1 weekly, US$100. Panamericana Internacional Colón E7-31, T02-225 7133, ext 125. To Bogotá, 4 weekly changing buses in Tulcán and Ipiales, US$85, 28 hrs; Caracas, 1 weekly, US$130, 3 days; daily to Lima, changing buses in Aguas Verdes and Túmbes, US$85, 38 hrs. Transfer in Lima for Santiago and La Paz. Rutas de América, Selva Alegre Oe1-72 y 10 de Agosto, T02-250 3611. To Lima, 1 weekly, US$65, 36 hrs; to Caracas, 2 weekly, US$135, 2½ days, does not go into Colombian cities, but will let passengers off by the roadside (eg Popayán, Palmira for Cali or Ibagué for Bogotá, all US$55).

Car hire

The main car hire companies have counters outside the airport (phone listed below) and city offices.

Avis, T02-330 0667; Amazonas 4967, T02- 222 5890, http://www.avis.com.ec. Budget, T02- 330 0979; Colón E4-387 y Amazonas, T02- 223 7026, http://www.budget-ec.com. Expo, T02- 226 0522; Av América N21-66 y Bolívia, T02-222 8688, T1-800-736822. Hertz, T02- 225 4258, 10 de Agosto N57-152, T02-241 1676 http://www.hertz.com.ec. Simon Car Rental, T02-243 1019, Los Shyris 2930 e Isla Floreana, T02-243 1019, good rates and service.

To hire 8-14 passenger vans with driver, contact Achupallas Tours, T02-330 1493 or Trans-Rabbit, T02-330 1496, both at international arrivals at the airport. Also Lucy Express , with more luxurious vehicles.

Vehicle repairs

New car dealers have repair shops specializing in the brands they sell, a list can be found in the yellow pages under Automotores. For motorbike repairs, look under Motocicletas and Motos.

AMIPA, Auxilio Mecánico Inmediato para Automóviles, T02-331 8398, T09-729 3922. Reliable roadside mechanical assistance for cars and motorbikes in Quito and surrounding valleys. Owner, Fernando Bermeo can give advice on reliable repair shops.

Taxi

To hire a taxi by the hour costs from US$8 in the city, more if going out of town.

Local

Taxis are a safe, cheap and efficient way to get around the city. Rides cost from US$1 during the day; there is no increase for extra passengers. You can expect to pay more at night, when taxi meters are not used. During the day, all taxis must have working meters (taxímetros) by law, so make sure the meter is running (drivers sometimes say their meters are out of order). If the meter is not running, politely fix the fare before getting in. All legally registered taxis have large numbers prominently displayed on the side of the vehicle and on a decal on the windshield. They are safer and cheaper than unauthorized taxis. Note the registration and the licence plate numbers if you feel you have been seriously overcharged or mistreated, then complain to the transit police or tourist office. But be reasonable and remember that most taxi drivers are honest and helpful.

At night it is safer to use a radio taxi, there are several companies including: Central de Radio Taxis, T02-250 0600, City Taxi, T02-263 3333 and Taxi Amigo, T02-222 2222/233 3333. Some of these taxi companies may use unmarked vehicles; ask the dispatcher exactly which car will pick you up.

Long distance

For trips outside Quito, agree taxi tariffs beforehand. Expect to pay US$70-85 a day. Outside the luxury hotels and the airport, cooperative taxi drivers have a list of agreed excursion prices and most drivers are knowledgeable. Arrangements can also be made through the radio taxi numbers listed above. The van companies listed under Car hire also rent vehicles with driver for touring.

Train

Regular passenger service has been discontinued throughout Ecuador. There are plans to rehabilitate the railway and some sections are operating as tourist rides.

Quito is a long, narrow city, stretching from north to south for almost 47 km, and east to west for only 3-5 km. The best way to get oriented is to look for Pichincha, the mountain which lies to the west of the city. The El Panecillo hill is a landmark at the south end of colonial Quito.

The areas of most interest to visitors are the revitalized colonial city, with its many churches, historical monuments, museums and some hotels and restaurants, best accessed by trolley; La Mariscal or Mariscal Sucre district, east from Avenida 10 de Agosto to Avenida 12 de Octubre, and north from Avenida Patria to Avenida Orellana, where you find many hotels, restaurants, bars, discos, travel agencies and some banks; and the environs of Parque La Carolina, north of La Mariscal as far as Avenida Naciones Unidas and from Avenida 10 de Agosto east to Avenida Eloy Alfaro, where the newer hotels, restaurants, main banking district, airline offices and a number of shopping malls are located.

Street numbers
Municipal authorities are implementing a new street numbering system. Calle Rocafuerte is the axis dividing the north and south of the city. All streets north of Rocafuerte are lettered N and numbered in sequence, and likewise streets to the south, which are lettered S. Avenida 10 de Agosto, Calle Guayaquil and Calle Maldonado divide the east and west sections. Streets east of this axis are lettered E and numbered in sequence, and those to the west are lettered Oe (oeste). Street numbers are followed by a dash, then the individual building number – eg E5-47, or N12-43. Parts of the city have been renumbered, however some Quiteños continue to use the old numbers which are gradually being removed. The addresses given in this chapter use mostly the new system.

Like any big city, Quito requires precautions. The authorities are working on improving public safety. In colonial Quito, Plaza de la Independencia and La Ronda are patrolled, as is Plaza El Quinde (Calle Foch y Reina Victoria) in La Mariscal. Members of the Policía Metropolitana, who patrol the colonial city on foot, speak some English and are very helpful. The Policía de Turismo in La Mariscal are open 24 hours.

Watch your belongings at all times, do not carry unnecessary valuables, avoid crowds and especially crowded public transit. Use taxis at night and whenever you carry valuables. Be extra careful after 2200, especially in La Mariscal. If an area is very quiet hop in a cab. Bag slashing can be a problem at bus terminals, especially La Marín and the old Terminal Terrestre, where there have also been many reports of scams: thieves pretending to work for the bus company and stealing hand luggage in the bus. Do not give your day pack to anyone and always keep your things on your lap, not in the overhead storage rack nor on the floor.