Quito
Ecuador
Salvador
Brazil
Quito
Salvador
💰 Budget
🛡️ Safety
Quito
Quito has improved significantly in safety over the past decade but remains a city where vigilance is necessary. Petty theft, express kidnappings (short taxi robberies), and bag snatching are the primary concerns for travelers. The Old Town and La Mariscal (gringo district) require extra care, especially after dark. Sticking to well-lit, busy streets and using only app-based taxis dramatically reduces risk.
Salvador
Salvador has real safety challenges and is among Brazil's cities where tourist caution is warranted. The Pelourinho is significantly safer than average during daylight hours due to police presence, but can be sketchy after dark. The Comércio (commercial port district) empties at night and becomes dangerous. Favela areas throughout the city should not be entered by visitors without a trusted local guide. That said, millions of tourists visit safely each year by following sensible precautions.
⭐ Ratings
🌤️ Weather
Quito
Quito's climate is often called "eternal spring" — temperatures stay remarkably stable year-round due to its equatorial location and high elevation. Days hover between 18-22°C (64-72°F), nights between 7-10°C (45-50°F). The city has two main seasons: a dry season (June-September) and a wet season (October-May) with afternoon showers most days. UV radiation is extremely intense at this altitude — sunscreen is essential even on cloudy days.
Salvador
Salvador has a tropical climate and is warm year-round, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C (75-86°F) in most months. There is no true cold season. The main distinction is between the wet season (April to July) and the drier, sunnier season (September to March), which is when most tourists visit. The coast is moderated by trade winds and sea breezes year-round.
🚇 Getting Around
Quito
Quito is a long, narrow city stretched 50 km north to south along a mountain valley. The Old Town, La Mariscal (hotel/restaurant district), and La Carolina park are the main visitor zones and are reasonably close together. Public transit is cheap and extensive; app-based taxis are the safe alternative to walking after dark.
Walkability: Quito's Old Town and La Mariscal district are moderately walkable during the day with good footwear — streets are steep and cobblestoned. The city as a whole is not walkable due to its 50 km length. App-based taxis fill the gaps safely. Altitude makes any walking more tiring than expected — allow extra time.
Salvador
Salvador is a large, sprawling city built across a peninsula with an upper city and lower city connected by the famous Elevador Lacerda. Public transit exists but is complex — the metro has only 2 lines with limited coverage, and buses cover the city but can be confusing for visitors. Uber and 99 are widely available and are the recommended option for most tourist journeys.
Walkability: Walkability in Salvador is highly neighborhood-dependent. The Pelourinho historic center is excellent for walking and best explored on foot. Barra is also walkable along the waterfront. Beyond these areas, the city sprawls with heavy traffic, few pedestrian crossings, and hot sun making long walks impractical. Use Uber for journeys between neighborhoods.
The Verdict
Choose Quito if...
you want a colonial Andean capital on the equator — UNESCO Old Town, the TelefériQo above 4,000m, and a launchpad to Galápagos and the Amazon
Choose Salvador if...
you want the cradle of Afro-Brazilian culture — Pelourinho, capoeira, Olodum drums, moqueca, and the world's biggest street Carnival
Salvador