Quito: A Pleasant Surprise

After reading this description of Quito on Wiki Travel, we were not particularly excited about our flight and 2-day stay in Quito, Ecuador: “Pickpocketing is done by highly skilled groups of 3 or 4 people. You are best off not bringing a wallet at all--just some bills split between various pockets. Armed robberies have become more common. Men have been known to jump out of cars to target and physically threaten foreigners in order to steal their belongings. Taxis are advised for even short distances. Keep your belongings as close and as secure as possible, and if you feel in danger, duck into a bar or shop, and then hail a taxi.”

During our first meal in Quito, a friendly guy sitting at the table next to us started up a conversation. After the usual pleasantries he quickly turned to the point of the conversation – Quito is a dangerous place. He warned, “There are robberies and murders every day all over the city. It doesn’t matter if it is the daytime or nighttime – be on guard all of the time. And if someone wants to rob you, just give them whatever they want without an argument. These people are on drugs and are crazy and will kill you for $100. Have a good meal, it was nice talking with you.”

After pooping our pants, we proceeded to walk all over town by ourselves and did not see one sketchy person. In fact, we were seriously impressed by Quito. Streets are clean, buildings are brightly painted and in good condition, heat packin’ security guards are on every corner, families are walking around at night, the city is ringed by green hills, and there are several big city parks that could be the envy of any American city.

So what’s the deal with all the fear mongering? It’s probably like Seattle-ites spreading rumors that it rains all the time - it keeps the tourists away so locals can have their amazing city all to themselves. Well the secret is out: Quito is at the top of our list of favorite Latin American capitols. Before the murderers and thieves have time to change our minds about this city, we are heading out to the coast to spend one month working and learning on an organic farm. More about that later...

View of Quito from the top of the clock tower of the Basilica de Voto Nacional.

Inside of the impressive Basilica.

Drinking coffee the Ecuadorian way: you get a cup of steamed milk, then add as much espresso as you want, usually out of what looks like a vinegar or soy sauce bottle.