Quito

Understand

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. Quito is roughly divided into three parts: the Old City at the center, with southern and northern districts to either side. It was the first city to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 (along with Kraków in Poland). Old town also includes 17 squares (plazas), the most significant being Independence Plaza where the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, a hotel used primarily by diplomats and the main municipal of Quito make up the four sides. Almost always music, performed by locals who use the Plaza as a gathering place in the evening, permeates the scene in spontaneous affairs, and can range from singing to guitar to singing. In some cases tips are appropriate but most are not looking for money. A beautiful place to spend a lazy afternoon. Significant police presence, including military and national police, keeps the square as one of the safest places in the city (due to the Presidential residence). Old Town has been called the 'Reliquary of the Americas' for the richness of its colonial- and independence-era architecture and heritage. It's a great quarter to wander, with several excellent museums and plenty of restaurants and terrace and courtyard cafes for a rest while sightseeing. With unique restaurants, incredible churches worth seeing regardless of your religious views, museums, shops and more this 500 year old colonial city center provides a unique experience. The convent and church of San Francisco was built in 1535, making it the oldest intact convent in South America. Modern, northern Quito (just to the north of the old city and south of the old airport - now called Parque Bicentenario) is a larger place worth exploring, particularly the "La Mariscal" quarter, with plenty of museums, urban parks, restaurants, and nightlife. With the greatest concentration of tourist facilities, this is the place to be if you wear a backpack. Bars, restaurants, hostels and internet cafes abound, and young people from many countries tend to congregate there. Of particular note also, the new National Museum is here, a very well put-together history museum focused on Ecuador, especially the different native and Catholic colonial cultures. Simon Bolivar is a major presence, both in the museum and across the city. As Ecuador's mos

Getting there

By plane 1 Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO IATA Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre) (is located on the Oyambaro plain near the town of Tababela, about 18 km (11 mi) east of Quito). Ecuador. There are (almost) daily flights from Amsterdam, Atlanta, Houston, Madrid, Miami, New York, Caracas, Bogotá, Lima, Panama City, Guayaquil, Mexico City, Santiago. Airlines include KLM, United Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines, LATAM, Avianca Holdings (Alianza Summa), Iberia, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, American Airlines Conviasa, JetBlue, Plus Ultra Lineas Aereas, and Wingo. Some of these flights continue to Guayaquil. It has one of the longest runways in Latin America at 4,100 m long. (updated Mar 2019) The 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. There is some souvenir shopping and a handful of general shops, and shops where you can buy SIM cards from Claro and Tuenti (on the ground level). There is a layover lounge that's small and expensive (US$38), but has showers and some refreshments. The whole terminal and adjacent airport centre has fast and free Wi-Fi. There is a taxi kiosk to the left of the information desk on the arrival floor. Inside the terminal building, but landside after exiting baggage claim. Destinations are listed with fares. The kiosk can tell you which zone is for your hotel and the right fare for you. Fare should be between $25-35. The fare to the Centro Historico is $26 (Jan 2018), and you get a card that entitles you to a $29 fare back to the airport. You'll get a slip of paper, that you take to the rank controller, and you'll pay the taxi driver on arrival. There is an airport express bus (look for the red signs on the ground floor or of the terminal) that will take you into the city for $8,

Getting around

Taxis and buses are everywhere and very inexpensive.

By bus

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.

El Trole (green stations, buses of different colors) run from station La Y in the north to El Recreo in the south. In the Centro Historico, it has the closest stations to Plaza Grande. Many buses that run on the route are not trolley buses, but are diesel-fueled. Metrobus (Blue stations marked with a Q, buses of different colors) run from Universidad Central in America Avenue, next to Prensa Ave, and then to Diego de Vasquez Ave. until Carcelen last station, this is the best bus service for visitors who wants to visit the Mitad del Mundo Monument, because at Ofelia station the public service buses that go to Mitad del Mundo monument wait to make the transfer and carry visitors to Mitad del Mundo, $0.25 until Ofelia station, $0.35 to Mitad del Mundo Monument ($0.15 if you come from/go to the Metrobus). Ecovia (Red buses and stations marked with an e) run from Rio Coca Station (north) to La Marin Station inside the Quito historic downtown. Serves stations close to Casa de la Cultura and Estadio Olímpico and Quicentro mall. 25¢, change available at the stations.

By metro The Quito Metro opened in December 2023 and travels from Quitumbe bus terminal through the Centro Historico and La Mariscal to the El Labrador bus terminal at Parque Bicentenario in approximately 30 minutes. Trains run every 5-8 minutes, depending on time of day. Prices are $0.45 (general), $0.22 (children 6-17, senior adults), and $0.10 (disabled individuals). For tourists, physical QR code tickets are likely the best option, though other payment options are available. The metro operates 0530-2300 Monday-Friday, 0700-2300 Saturdays, and 0700-2200 Sundays and holidays. It is likely that the opening of the metro will cause changes to the Trolebus, Metrobus and Ecovia services.

By taxi

See

1 Conjunto monumental San Francisco, Cuenca 477. This church dates to 1537 and was devoted to St Francis, since the Franciscan order was the first to settle in the area. Hence the city's official name: San Francisco de Quito. The church contains masterpieces of syncretic art, including the famous "Virgin of Quito" by Legarda. The sculpture represents a winged virgin stepping on the devil's head (in the form of a serpent) and is displayed in the main altar. The virgin would later be inaccurately replicated on top of Panecillo hill. The museum next door to the church is arranged through the monastic compound and includes access to the choir. Next to the choir you can also climb the stairs to enter the bell tower and the church roof, offering great panorama of the square. $3 for the museum and the tower. (updated Dec 2022) 2 Plaza Grande / Plaza de la Independencia. Main plaza of Quito with national significance that features the monument to the independence heroes of August 10, 1809. (updated Dec 2020) 3 Museo Nacional -- MuNa (formerly Museo del Banco Central), Av. Patria y Av. Seis de DiciembreEdificio de la Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana (in the Casa de la Cultura complex and adjacent to the Parque El Ejido. Casa de la Cultura station in Ecovía bus.), ☏ +593 2 3814 550 ext 6010. Wednesday-Saturday 10ː00-17ː00, Sunday 10-15, closed Monday and Tuesday. Perhaps Ecuador's most renowned museum with different rooms, devoted to pre-Columbian, Colonial and gold works of art, among other topics. Some of the famous pieces include whistle bottles shaped like animals, elaborate gold headdresses and re-created miniature scenes of life along the Amazon. The museum is well-organized, and it takes about 3–4 hours to see everything. Entrance $2. Guides who speak several different languages including English, French and Spanish are available for a small fee. Do not confuse this museum with the Banco Central which is a small exhibition downtown, across from La Compañía church. This exhibit usually shows currency or stamps. free. (updated Dec 2025) 4 Casa de la Cultura, De Diciembre 794 y Patria 6 (next door to the Museo Nacional; Casa de la Cultura station in Ecovía bus), ☏ +593 2 902 262. Shows a patchwork of local artists. Free entrance. 5 Museo de la Ciudad, Garcia Moreno street (in the Old Town, opposite the Carmen Alto monastery). A lovely museum with two floors encircling two quiet courtyards, the "Museo de la Ciudad" provides more of a social history of Ecuador than other museums in Quito. Re-enacted scenes from daily life of Ecuador's citizens through the years i

Do

Explore the Old Town With its gorgeous mixture of colonial and republican/independence era architecture (late 1500s to 1800s), relaxing plazas and a stunning number of churches. If you happen to be there during Christmas or Easter, you'll be amazed at the number of events, masses, and processions that bring out the crowds. You'll find craft shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels across its grid of streets. Quito Free walking tour is the only Free walking tour that adapts its tours to what you want to see and has small groups so you don't have to struggle to listen to the guide, They can focus the tour on what you want to see and learn about. it is also easy to book, A recommended walking tour that could enhance your vision of the Historic Center is as follows. Take the trolley (watch your belongings) south until "Cumanda" stop. Get down, you are on Maldonado street. There you will have an impressive view of what once was the "Jerusalem" ravine, which stands between Panecillo and the core. Walk north past the trolley stop and go down a narrow stairway that brings you to La Ronda street, of Pre-Columbian origins. Walk up picturesque La Ronda until you reach Av. 24 de Mayo. This boulevard was built on top of this section of Jerusalem ravine to connect the two sides of town. On Garcia Moreno Street turn north and you will arrive to the Museo de la Ciudad, which provides an easy and interactive history of Quito. Then walk on Garcia Moreno street until Sucre, which is a pedestrian street. La Compania is at the corner and if you go up Sucre street you will reach San Francisco. If you continue on Garcia Moreno you will reach the Main (independence) Square. If you go to San Francisco, then walk to La Merced and down to the Main Square. This itinerary follows a chronological and logical sequence of sites. Most people do it backwards, turning La Ronda and Museo de la Ciudad as distant points where you're usually worn out by the time you get there. In any event, the Historic Center is so vast that you need more than one visit to see it all. The recommended walk provides you with a good overview if you're short of time or want to see as much as possible on a first day. La Floresta is Quito's artsy neighborhood, and home to many of Quito's most beautiful murals. In La Floresta, you can find everything from 150-year-old colonial houses to creative relaxing cafe's. Also known for great restaurants and street food (Parque de las Comidas), La Floresta is worth a visit for people looking for Quito's hidden gems. Watch the old men play Ecuador's version of bocce at Parque El

Buy

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. If your shopping list is very long, you may spend all day looking around for the stores that have the items on your list. There are many casual wear stores like MNG, Benetton, Lacoste, Guess, Fossil, Bohno, Diesel, NrgyBlast or Pura+. So if you need some items Quito is in fact a very good place to buy nice clothes at relatively low prices. Ecuador's indigenous peoples include many highly skilled weavers. Almost everyone who goes to Ecuador sooner or later purchases a sweater, scarf or tapestry. In Quito vendors are found along the sidewalks of more touristy neighborhoods. You should also consider travelling directly to some of the artisan markets, such as the famous one in Otavalo. If you haven't got time for Otavalo, you can find virtually the same gear at the Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal on Jorge Washington and Juan Leon Mera in the Mariscal district. The Mariscal is replete with dozens of souvenir, craft and T-shirt stores which make shopping for a gift very easy.

Zapytal, Foch E4-298 v Av Amazonas, ☏ +593 2 528 757. Hand-made shoes. A wide selection in stock plus made to measure if you have 8 days to spare. A selection of corresponding (spectator shoes), riding boots and women's shoes, $80. Guitarras Guacan, Chimborazo y Bahia, ☏ +593 2-2583-475. Master Luthier Cesar Guacan's quaint guitar workshop at the base of the Virgin del Panecillo - great guitars for both professionals and budget-conscious. (updated Feb 2017)

Art galleries JW Mariott Quito, Avenida Orellana 1172 y Avenida Amazonas, ☏ +593 2-2972000, toll-free: +593-800-010723. Art gallery and shops off the lobby. (updated Feb 2025) Galeria de Arte Creacion, Amaonas N24-03 y Wilson, ☏ +593 2 223-3550. Art studio, located on Amazon and Wilson, very close to the Mariott and the Hilton. Lessons in art, painting and watercolor, oil

Eat

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. When buying from lower-priced restaurants or shops, if you only have bills larger than a $5, it's a good idea to get them changed at a bank first.

Pim's. An Ecuadorian franchise. 4 locations: Panecillo, Cumbaya, Itchimbia and Isabel La Catolica (next to the Swissotel). Restaurant Techo del Mundo (Restaurante El Techo del Mundo), Av. González Suárez N27 142 (In the 7th floor of Hotel Quito), ☏ +593 2 254 4600. M-Sa 06:00-01:30, Su 06:00-00:00. Luxurious restaurant with a spectacular view located in the 5-star hotel “Hotel Quito”, international and Ecuadorian cuisine. (updated Mar 2017) La Concha de la Lora, Valladoli N24-438 y Cordero, +593 2-323-0117. Argentine restaurant. Cebiches de la Rumiñahui Ceviches are its specialty. Reasonable prices for excellent cebiche. Popular with locals. Juan León Mera N26-164 La Mariscal. Also in the food courts of "Quicentro Shopping" Mall, "San Marino Shopping" Mall and "El Recreo" Mall. El Maple, Joaquín Pinto E4-60, ☏ +593 2-290-0000. Nice tempeh platter and hominy here at this vegetarian restaurant. (updated Dec 2020) Mongos, Calle, José Calama E5-10 (Calama y Juan Leon Mera), ☏ +593 98 464 9260. A Mongolian Grill in the heart of trendy gringo

Drink & nightlife

There are several Ecuadorian brands of beer, but you generally won't find any variety in Quito. Usually you'll get a choice of just two. The most prevalent throughout the country is Pilsener, with Club being a little more expensive, but not wildly more flavourful. There are some micro-brews available, but it's still a fledgling industry in Quito. There are also some alcoholic drinks which can only be found in Quito like Mistelas, etc.

Sport Planet, Av. America y Naciones Unidas (on the 3rd floor of "Plaza de las Americas"), ☏ +593 2 267 790. It is the Ecuadorian version of Planet Hollywood. The night sky of northern Quito is incredible and the food is great. Turtle's Head, La Pinta N4-432, ☏ +593 99 980 4611. An English pub style bar that often has live music in the later hours. They have their own brews along with other popular beers. They also have pool tables, foosball, darts etc. Turtle's Head is also open in the nearby valley of Cumbaya, located in the main plaza across from the church. Cherusker, Joaquin Pinto y Diego de Almagro (vis-a-vis to Finn McCools), ☏ +593 2-6008895. M-Th 15:30-23:30, F Sa 15:30-01:30. German-run brew-pub with excellent beer, from Hefeweizen (blond wheat beer) to Stout. Offers mostly German food, such as sausages, schnitzel, potato salad and tasty Hamburgers. Has live sports on a big screen (HD), a beautiful garden and foosball. Wednesday Reggae Night, Thursday Classic and modern Rock. Packed on Fridays. (updated Mar 2017) Zazu, Mariano Aguilera 331 & La Pradera, ☏ +593 2 254 3559. Upscale restaurant well worth the visit. Urban chic meets Quito, and the result is a very comfortable setting with outstanding cuisine and top notch service. Great wine list too. Located near the JW Marriott. Finn Mc Cool's, Corner of Diego de Almagro y Joaquin Pinto, La Mariscal (1 block from Plaza Foch), ☏ +593 2 2521780. 11:00 - late. Cozy Irish pub with friendly atmosphere, loads of Live sports, free pool and foosball, draft beer and good pub food all day. Poker Monday, Table Quiz Tuesday and good craic every night of the week. Get in before 16:00 on Sundays! República del Cacao, Calle Reina Victoria, La, Mariscal Foch N 24-66, ☏ +593 2-252-5154. A nice place to have a cup of delicious hot chocolate. They also offer coffee, cookies and souvenirs (e.g. chocolate and cool t-shirts).

Dance clubs La Mariscal offers tons of places for dancing or just drinks.

1 Xandu Bar Discoteca, Jose Calama y Diego de Almagro, ☏ +593 98 394 8075. Nice drinks with varied and modern music. (updated Dec 2020) Varadero - Reina Victoria 1751 and La Pi

Sleep

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.

New Town 1 Hostel Quito Backpacker, Oriente E3-108 &, Vicente León Esq (from "La Marin bus station walk up Pichincha ave. a few blocks to "Oriente"street 2 blocks and you'll see it on the corner), ☏ +593 2-257-0459, [email protected]. Check-in: noon, check-out: 10:30. Historic building in the center of town. Friendly atmosphere, cultural events, rooftop terrace with beautiful view, free wifi, bar, food service, kitchen, hot water, laundry service, tours, warm, comfortable beds, clean private and shared rooms. $9. (updated Aug 2016)

Budget 2 Hostal Marsella, Ríos N-12-139 (2035) y Espinoza (Alameda), ☏ +593 2-258-0795, [email protected]. Located between New and Old Quito, just up the hill from Parque Alameda. Plenty of clean rooms with sitting areas both inside and under a new glassed-in ceiling on the rooftop (with views of the Basilica and the Panacillo/Angel.) Hot water, free wi-fi internet in the common areas, laundry service, large breakfasts ($2–3). Door is locked 24/7 for security and the very friendly owners and staff are happy to help with directions, calling cabs, etc. Great spot away from (but within walking distance of) the much more touristy Mariscal Sucre. $24. 3 Hostal Backpackers Inn, Juan Rodríguez, Mariscal Foch E7-48 (in La Mariscal), ☏ +593 98 232 3225, [email protected]. Check-in: 24 hours. Centrally and very quietly located in the heart of La Mariscal District. The rooms and bathrooms are very clean. Good kitchen for joint use, free WiFi. Big, comfy common rooms filled with fun things and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Parking space available at no extra charge. From $6.50/dorm night. 4 Casa Helbling, General Veintimilla 531 y 6 de Diciembre, La Mariscal, ☏ +593 2-256-5740, [email protected]. An old, but well preserved, large mansion where every room is different, but all are nice with a lot of light. Most are shared bathrooms. Full kitchen available for use;

Go next

Quito is surrounded by a variety of places that could interest all kinds of tourists. A couple of hours on a bus ride is all it takes to reach them: To the north, all tourists should visit the province of Imbabura, which has beautiful lakes such as Yaguarcocha and San Pablo. Hikers and mountain climbers can also ask for adventures in Cayambe National Park, home of the 3rd largest volcano in Ecuador. It's inactive. Otavalo is a town with an Indigenous market that is famous worldwide for the quality and variety of products on sale. Don't forget to haggle for your preferred price! To the northwest of Quito lies the region of Mindo, a subtropical rainforest paradise, full of rivers, majestic waterfalls, unique wildlife and more. The region is home to a variety of animal wildlife sanctuaries, and is famous locally and internationally because of its beauty. At a slightly higher altitude to Mindo is the Cloudforest. The variety of plants, birds and butterflies is wonderful. The guides carry good quality binoculars to help you spot some of the many varieties of birds. After each guided walk you can return to the lodge for meals. Near the main buildings there are many hummingbird feeders which attract many of the energetic and luminous birds. Accommodation is simple but very clean and pleasant with balconies from which you get beautiful views into the forest. You can visit the butterfly and hummingbird farm too for $3. The staff will show you around and explain to you in Spanish the life cycle of the butterflies (very worthwhile!) Landslides are known to occur on the roads to and from Mindo. Traffic can be held up for hours if this occurs. Trout (trucha in Spanish) is a specialty of Mindo and a dish of this should cost around $6. To get to Mindo from Quito, catch a taxi to Ofelia bus station ($5-6) and at the North bus terminal buy a ticket to Mindo for $2.50. The frequency of these buses differs between weekdays and weekends and travel guide times may be out of date. The earliest bus on a weekday is at 08:00 (April 2010). The bus trip is around 2 hours in length. To the east, lies Papallacta which is a thermal water resort town. If you're into spas and relaxation, dipping into one of the natural hotwater pools for a couple of hours is a no brainer. The trucha (trout) dishes that are served here are also exquisite (~$5). Take a taxi to Cumbaya bus station (from Mariscal Sucre it should cost about ~$8) and from there you can catch a bus ($2.50) to Papallacta. Just ask the buses that stop if they are going there. The bus will drop you in the centre of the town or