Quito 🇪🇨: South America’s Most Underrated City | Solo Trip Guide

🏨 Where to Stay: 3 Best Areas 1️⃣ Old Town (Centro Histórico) Pros: UNESCO heritage, colonial architecture, lively plazas, and local markets. Cons: Higher theft risk at night. Not ideal for solo female travelers. Local tip: My Uber driver/Airbnb host warned: "Don’t wander alone after dark." 2️⃣ La Mariscal (New Town) Backpacker central! Bars at Plaza Foch, salsa classes, and rooftop sunsets. My Airbnb here had foggy mountain views—magical at dawn! Bonus: High-altitude "cloud parties" roll in unexpectedly. ☁️ 3️⃣ La Carolina Park Area Business district with top restaurants/shopping. The park has: Running trails (join locals + their dogs 🐕) A Japanese garden 🌸 Weekend concerts Verdict: Best value-for-money stays in my 30+ countries visited! 👮 Solo Travel Safety Tips Quito has protests/pickpockets, but smart travelers thrive: Avoid flashing luxury items (Gucci/Bvlgari = thief magnets). Lock backpack zippers + walk purposefully (no Instagram-scrolling!). Chat with locals—they’ll share real-time danger zones. Stay updated on protests (avoid Parque El Arbolito during rallies). 🍽️ Can’t-Miss Eats ☕ Café Mosaico – Best Old Town panorama with coffee. 🫒 La Gloria – Mediterranean-Ecuadorian fusion. 🍜 UMAi Ramen – Decent ramen (saved my Asian-food cravings!). 🥟 Harbin Restaurant – Beef noodles = homesickness cure. 🌯 Bai Tam – Vietnamese spot with kind owners (they trusted me to pay later!). 🌟 Zazu – Hidden gem for gourmet dining. Honorable mentions: Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) Coffee Factory (matcha latte heaven) 🎒 Why Quito? It’s cheaper than Peru, less touristy than Colombia, and packs: Andean vistas from cable cars Chocolate farms (try Pacari) Equator experiments (balance eggs on nails!) #QuitoUnlocked #SoloTravelSafe #EcuadorEats