Expat Community > Ecuador

crowdpub
Joined 2010
Posts: 726

Quito, Crime against Tourists

13 years ago

A real estate tour provider recently stated in his daily email that caution should be taken in the Mariscal area of Quito. This has been true for a number of years and Avenida Amazonas has been in decline in terms of safety for at least ten years. He also stated that "A few years ago Colonial Quito was on our no go list. Now it is great...".

According to a recent article by El Comercio, the historic district of Quito (Colonial) is particulary dangerous for tourists. In 2010, there were 1,675 tourist thefts reported according to the Tourism Security Service. What is important here is that the number is probably higher in that there were probably a number of thefts not reported to authorities by tourists.

Mostaceros are still operating without impunity and increase in police numbers seems to have little impact. Mostaceros are the thieves who spray a liquid on you to distract you, offer help , while their accomplice(s) relieve you of your valuables. I have provided a video of a group of mostaceros at this link. Notice how well they are dressed. Mostaceros refers to thieves who throw mustard.

http://latinamericacurrentevents.com/quito-downtown-streets-unsafe-tourists/

Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Living in Ecuador Guide

Expats in Ecuador share some of the pros and cons of living in Ecuador. Topics covered include where to live, the bureaucracy, the people and more.

Ecuador Forum
Join our Ecuador forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Ecuador.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.

Best Places to Live in Ecuador

If you're dreaming about living in Ecuador, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Ecuador in 2023.

Healthcare in Ecuador

Expats in Ecuador share their experiences with healthcare and overseas medical insurance in Ecuador.

Cost of Living in Ecuador

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Ecuador.

Moving to Ecuador Guide

Expats in Ecuador offer advice to newcomers and people considering a move to Ecuador about clothing, sunscreen, renting before buying, gringo pricing, Ecuadorians politeness and much more.