Quito
Discover Quito
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an ancient Inca city. Quito's Old City is the largest in the Americas and was one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized as the largest and most intact colonial city center remaining in the Americas. It has undergone a restoration and revitalization program and boasts more than 40 churches, and 16 convents and monasteries. Quito stretches across valleys between two mountain ranges which are part of the Andes. At an altitude of 2,850 m (9,350 feet), it is one of the world's highest capital cities. The altitude is high enough that most individuals will experience some degree of altitude sickness for the first few days, so plan accordingly.
Taste of Quito...
You name it, and it's available in Quito. Restaurants range from the basic places offering chicken and rice for $1.50 to international food with very expensive prices. The country benefits from all worlds, with a variety of dishes inspired by both coastal and Andean produce. Seafood and fish is fresh and delicious, while meats, particularly pork, are excellent. These combine with typical ingredients such as potatoes, plantains and all sorts of tropical and Andean fruits. A good area to head to for eating out is the Plaza El Quinde (or Foch) which is in the Mariscal district at Foch y Reina Victoria. There are dozens of restaurants and eateries all around this area. La Floresta, up the hill from the Mariscal around 12 de Octubre, also has many fine restaurants. The La Floresta traffic circle turns into an evening market after 5PM and the most popular dish served is tripa mishqui (grilled beef or pork intestines). Churrasco is a great Ecuadorian version of a Brazilian dish. Tallarin is a popular noodle dish mixed with chicken or beef. Chinese restaurants are known as "Chifas" and are very abundant. Chaulafan is the local term for fried-rice, a very popular dish. Cebiche (also spelled ceviche) is a very popular dish in which clams or shrimp are marinated in a broth. Worth trying, but look for a well known restaurant with many locals to be sure you are getting fresh seafood.
Climate
The standard weather forecast just doesn't suit Quito. Located on the equator, there is almost no variation in daily temperatures year-round. The altitude makes it cooler than one would expect when directly on the equator, providing a reliably comfortable temperature range daily. The altitude also means the city has very few insects, and most windows in hotels will lack screens for this reason. Air conditioners and heaters are virtually nonexistent because of the steady temperature that varies between the low 50s at night (Fahrenheit) to roughly 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. There are two recognized seasons - dry and rainy. However, it often sprinkles and sometimes rains hard, even in the dry season. If you see rain forecast for every day of your visit, it doesn't usually mean a full day or rain, or even that it will rain in the part of the city you are visiting. If you do not want to get rained on, it is a good idea to carry an umbrella or poncho.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe airport is modern and well organised, with domestic and international sections all contained within the one terminal building. Checkin Zones A and B generally lead through to domestic, and zones C and D to international. All arrivals (domestic and international) are funnelled into the baggage claim and landside area and have to clear security before joining another flight. There is a single large VIP lounge upstairs in the international area, airside. It has partnership agreements with some airlines, and paid admission. It has showers, and a rest area, choice of drinks and selection of food. There is a restaurant airside in each of the international and domestic segments, and a selection of shops. There is a TGI Fridays landside. Across the road from the terminal is an airport centre. There is a broader and cheaper selection of restaurants here, and a food court....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Taxis and buses are everywhere and very inexpensive. There are 3 independent systems of buses, that have enclosed stations - the stops are roadside platforms, covered with entrances where you pay your fare on the way in. There are a few transfer stations, but most transfers involve exiting the station. They are very inexpensive ($0.35 for a single ride (Nov 2022). These lines follow north-south-lines down through the heart of Quito, and they have stations close to La Mariscal where most hotels are located. There is no tradition of waiting for people to disembark before people board, so this may take some getting used to. The buses are among the cleanest of South America. While the buses can be extremely crowded, pickpocketing is a rare occurrence and can be avoided with common sense.
Where to Stay
There are many of hostels and hotels in town to accommodate all types of visitors. Most people stay in the new town, which is closer to the nightlife. For travellers with very early departures or very late arrivals from Mariscal Sucre International Airport, as well as those who are not staying in Quito but continuing elsewhere should consider looking at accommodations in Tababela or Puembo for the convenience of not needing to make the 25-km journey. In the old town it's hard to tell the quality of a hotel from the outside. Many of the best hotels have only an innocuous entry to the street, with the luxury only evident as you enter. As in every big city tourists should take special care in certain areas. Do not travel up El Panecillo on foot; use a taxi even during the day. Not only is the neighborhood bad, but the road leading up the hill has very narrow sidewalks, and sometimes no sidewalks at all.
Money & Budget
There are lots of artisans working on unique crafts in the capital. These include guitar-makers, candle makers, tanners and leather-workers, silversmiths, ceramicists and woodcarvers. You can find them at their workshops, published in a guide by the Visitors' Bureau. There are also several fair-trade shops in Quito which promise to pay the craftspeople fairly for their products. The ones at the Tianguez (Plaza San Francisco), El Quinde (Plaza Grande), and Museo Mindalae are all very good. There are many shopping malls in Quito such as Quicentro, Mall el Jardin, CCI, CC. El Bosque, Megamaxi, Ventura Mall, Ciudad Comercial el Recreo, San Luis, etc. and every street corner has several small "Mom and Pop" shops or stands where only a couple of items are for sale.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
As in every big city tourists should take special care in certain areas. Do not travel up El Panecillo on foot; use a taxi even during the day. Not only is the neighborhood bad, but the road leading up the hill has very narrow sidewalks, and sometimes no sidewalks at all. This is dangerous as large buses chug up and down the road with little room for pedestrians. It is probably best to avoid "Gringolandia" (La Mariscal area) alone at night, as there is quite a bit of assault even during the day. Drunk foreigners are easy targets in this neighborhood full of bars and clubs, so stick with a group. This is not, however, a reason to miss out on all this lively area has to offer. As the Old City becomes quite dead late at night, it is best to avoid walking around alone. However, the central squares of the Old Town are patrolled by police and well-lit, so it is fine for a stroll in a group at night.