Quito
Ecuador's Andean capital sits at 2,850m on the equator — the highest official capital in the world. Its colonial Old Town (UNESCO 1978) is among Latin America's best-preserved, with golden baroque churches like La Compañía de Jesús and the cobblestone La Ronda block. The TelefériQo gondola climbs Pichincha volcano to 4,100m, and the Mitad del Mundo straddles 0°0'0". Gateway to Galápagos and the Amazon.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Quito
📍 Points of Interest
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At a Glance
- Pop.
- 2M (city), 2.8M (metro)
- Timezone
- Guayaquil
- Dial
- +593
- Emergency
- 911
Quito is the highest official capital city in the world at approximately 2,850 m (9,350 ft) above sea level — expect altitude sickness during your first day or two if arriving from sea level
Quito's colonial Old Town became one of the first two cities declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, alongside Kraków, Poland — the old city is remarkably well-preserved with hundreds of churches, convents, and plazas
Ecuador is named after the equator, which runs just 22 km north of Quito's city center. The Mitad del Mundo monument and the more scientifically precise Intiñan Museum both mark the line
Ecuador adopted the US dollar as its official currency in 2000 after a severe economic crisis — travelers never need to exchange money or deal with fluctuating exchange rates
Quito sits in a narrow valley between two rows of volcanoes. The active Pichincha volcano rises directly above the city, and the TelefériQo cable car whisks visitors to 4,100 m (13,450 ft) on its flank in under 10 minutes
La Ronda, a cobblestone street in the Old Town, is the oldest street in Quito — once home to writers and artists, now lined with craft workshops, canelazo bars, and weekend street performers
Top Sights
Historic Old Town (Centro Histórico)
🗼The largest, best-preserved colonial city center in Latin America. Wander Plaza Grande, climb bell towers, peer into gilded churches, and feel five centuries of history underfoot. The entire quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
La Compañía de Jesús
📌The most ornate church in Ecuador — its interior is almost entirely covered in gold leaf. Built by the Jesuits over 160 years (1605–1765), the baroque facade and seven tonnes of gold on the walls make it one of the most spectacular churches in the Americas.
TelefériQo Cable Car
🌿A gondola ride from 2,950 m to 4,100 m on the flank of Volcán Pichincha in under 10 minutes. At the top, condors sometimes soar overhead and on clear days Cotopaxi, Cayambe, and other volcanoes line the horizon. Hike up another hour to the summit crater rim.
Mitad del Mundo & Intiñan Museum
📌The famous equator monument sits 22 km north of the city center. The nearby Intiñan Solar Museum uses GPS-confirmed experiments to demonstrate equatorial phenomena — balanced eggs, draining water, and weightlessness at zero latitude.
Basílica del Voto Nacional
📌The largest neo-Gothic church in the Americas, with gargoyles shaped as Ecuadorian wildlife — iguanas, tortoises, and condors. Climb the clock towers and rickety catwalks to the highest accessible point in Quito's Old Town for vertiginous city views.
La Ronda
📌Quito's oldest street — a narrow cobblestone lane with whitewashed colonial houses, craft workshops, and canelazo (hot cinnamon aguardiente) bars. Come in the evening when street performers, live music, and local families fill the lane.
El Panecillo & Virgin of Quito
📌A 41 m aluminum statue of the Virgin Mary atop a volcanic hill visible from most of the city. The hilltop gives 360° panoramic views over Old Town, the modern city, and the ring of volcanoes. Take a taxi up — walking is not recommended.
Off the Beaten Path
Mercado Central (Mercado San Francisco)
The most atmospheric food market in Old Town, selling fresh produce, hot caldo de patas (cow's foot soup), fritada, and juices pressed from exotic Amazonian fruits. No tourists, all locals.
While tourists queue at restauranted-up plazas, Quitenos get their $2 almuerzo (set lunch) here — soup, main, juice, and dessert. An honest window into everyday city life.
La Floresta Neighborhood
Quito's most bohemian district, home to street art murals, independent galleries, craft beer bars, vegan cafes, and a thriving arts scene. The weekend Feria Artesanal de La Floresta is a quality artisan market.
A completely different Quito from the colonial center — younger, more creative, and far less crowded. The neighborhood around Calle Isabel La Católica rewards slow wandering.
Mirador de Guápulo
A hidden viewpoint at the top of Avenida 12 de Octubre, looking down into the steep cobblestoned village of Guápulo — a whitewashed colonial village that clings to the valley wall east of the city.
Most visitors never discover Guápulo, which feels more like a Provençal hill village than a Latin American barrio. A 30-minute walk down the hill leads to a gorgeous 17th-century church.
Telefónica Patio de Comidas (TelefériQo food stalls)
At the base of the TelefériQo, a cluster of local food stalls serves papas con cuero (potatoes with crispy pork skin), hornado (roasted pig), and llapingachos (potato cakes) — Ecuadorian highland classics at street prices.
The tourist restaurant inside the cable car complex charges triple the price for the same dishes. The stalls outside are where locals eat before and after hiking Pichincha.
Capilla del Hombre (Chapel of Man)
The life's-work museum of Oswaldo Guayasamín, Ecuador's most celebrated painter. A circular monument housing murals depicting Latin American suffering and resilience, adjacent to Guayasamín's former home and studio.
Overshadowed by Old Town churches but artistically and emotionally more powerful. The rooftop eternal flame and sweeping city views make it one of the most moving museum experiences in South America.
Insider Tips
Climate & Best Time to Go
Monthly climate & crowd levels
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.
Dry Season (Peak)
June - September46-72°F
8-22°C
The clearest skies and least rain. July and August are the sunniest months. Ideal for volcano views, hiking, and visiting the Galápagos. Mornings are crystal clear before afternoon clouds build.
Short Dry Spell
December - January46-70°F
8-21°C
A brief drier period within the wet season. Coincides with Christmas festivities and Quito Foundation Day celebrations. A pleasant time to visit with moderate crowds.
Wet Season (Main)
February - May46-68°F
8-20°C
The wettest months, with heavy afternoon showers most days. Mornings are often clear and suitable for sightseeing. March and April receive the most rain. The city stays green and lush.
Wet Season (Autumn)
October - November46-68°F
8-20°C
Shoulder wet season with improving conditions toward November. Fewer tourists, lower prices, and the city is green and vibrant. Occasional clear mornings allow good volcano views.
Best Time to Visit
June through September is the dry season and generally the best time to visit — clearest skies, the best chance of seeing surrounding volcanoes, and ideal hiking weather. December is also pleasant with fewer afternoon showers and festive city atmosphere around Quito Foundation Day. Avoid March and April if rain bothers you.
Dry Season (June - September)
Crowds: Moderate to high in July-August (Ecuadorian school holidays)The driest and sunniest months. Mornings are crystal clear with sweeping volcano panoramas. TelefériQo views are at their best. Busy with Ecuadorian domestic tourists in July and August.
Pros
- + Best volcano views
- + Ideal hiking conditions
- + Clearest skies for photography
- + Best time for Galápagos visits
Cons
- − Higher hostel prices in July-August
- − TelefériQo can be crowded on weekends
- − Dust and dry wind on upper Pichincha
Short Dry Spell (December - January)
Crowds: High around December 6 and Christmas week; low in early JanuaryA brief respite from the wet season coinciding with Christmas and New Year. Quito Foundation Day (December 6) brings parades, bullfights, and city-wide celebrations. Festive atmosphere throughout December.
Pros
- + Festive city atmosphere
- + Fewer international tourists
- + Relatively dry weather
- + Unique cultural events
Cons
- − Some services close over Christmas/New Year
- − Accommodation prices spike for December 6 week
- − Can be busy with domestic travelers
Wet Season: Shoulder (October - November)
Crowds: Low — one of the quietest periodsAfternoon rain is common but mornings are often clear. Fewer tourists, lower prices, and the city's parks and hillsides are intensely green. A good budget travel window.
Pros
- + Lowest prices of the year
- + Lush green landscapes
- + Fewer tourists at sites
- + Good for indoor activities (museums, food)
Cons
- − Afternoon downpours most days
- − Some highland hiking trails muddy
- − Volcano views frequently obscured by cloud
Wet Season: Peak (February - May)
Crowds: Low (except Carnaval and Semana Santa spikes)The wettest months, particularly March and April. Heavy afternoon showers are a daily reality. Mornings are usually clear, making early starts worthwhile. Carnaval and Semana Santa bring colorful cultural events.
Pros
- + Very low accommodation prices
- + Excellent Carnaval and Easter celebrations
- + Good light for morning photography in Old Town
- + Crowds very thin at most sites
Cons
- − Heavy daily rainfall
- − TelefériQo cloud-free windows are rare
- − Flooding possible on lower Old Town streets
- − Some rural roads washed out
🎉 Festivals & Events
Quito Foundation Day (Fiestas de Quito)
December (1-6)The city's biggest annual celebration — a week of street concerts, parades, bullfights at Plaza de Toros, chiva bus parties, and massive fireworks. The entire city celebrates with equal energy.
Carnaval
February or MarchEcuador's Carnaval is celebrated with water fights, flour-throwing, and street parties. Quito's version is relatively low-key but festive; Guaranda and Ambato host more famous regional celebrations.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
March or AprilDeeply Catholic processions fill the Old Town during Holy Week, most dramatically on Good Friday with large solemn marches through the colonial streets. Hotels fill quickly — book ahead.
Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun)
JuneThe ancient Kichwa (Inca) winter solstice harvest festival celebrated around June 21. Particularly vibrant in nearby Otavalo and indigenous highland communities, with traditional music, dance, and rituals.
Safety Breakdown
Exercise Caution
out of 100
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.
Things to Know
- •Only use Uber, Cabify, or InDriver — never flag down street taxis, which account for most express kidnapping incidents against tourists
- •Do not use your phone or camera openly while walking — do your navigation before entering the street and pocket devices immediately
- •Avoid the Old Town and El Panecillo on foot after dark — take taxis between nighttime destinations
- •Keep a decoy wallet with $10-20 in small bills — hand it over calmly in the unlikely event of a mugging rather than resisting
- •Store passport and excess cash in your hotel safe; carry only a color photocopy when sightseeing
- •Altitude sickness (soroche) affects many visitors on day one — rest, drink coca tea, avoid alcohol, and ascend slowly if arriving from sea level
Natural Hazards
Emergency Numbers
General Emergency (ECU 911)
911
Police (Policía Nacional)
101
Fire Department
102
Cruz Roja (Red Cross ambulance)
131
Tourist Police (Old Town)
+593-2-254-3983
Costs & Currency
Where the money goes
USD per dayQuick cost estimate
Customize per category →Estimates based on regional averages. Flight prices vary by season and airline.
budget
$30-50
Hostel dorm, set lunches at local comedores, BRT/Metro transport, free Old Town sightseeing
mid-range
$80-130
Boutique guesthouse or hotel, restaurant meals, guided tours, TelefériQo, app-based taxis
luxury
$200+
Boutique hotel with colonial character, fine dining, private guides, Galápagos day trip or high-end experiences
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationHostel dorm bed | $10-18 | $10-18 |
| AccommodationMid-range hotel (double) | $60-100 | $60-100 |
| AccommodationBoutique colonial hotel | $120-250 | $120-250 |
| FoodAlmuerzo (set lunch: soup + main + juice) | $2.50-4 | $2.50-4 |
| FoodCeviche or encebollado at market | $2-4 | $2-4 |
| FoodDinner at mid-range restaurant | $10-20 | $10-20 |
| FoodCoffee (café americano) | $1.50-3 | $1.50-3 |
| TransportTrolebús / Metro single ride | $0.45 | $0.45 |
| TransportUber or Cabify (cross-city trip) | $4-8 | $4-8 |
| TransportAirport taxi to center | $25-30 | $25-30 |
| AttractionsTelefériQo cable car (round trip) | $8.50 | $8.50 |
| AttractionsMitad del Mundo entry | $5 | $5 |
| AttractionsBasílica del Voto Nacional tower climb | $2 | $2 |
| AttractionsCapilla del Hombre museum | $8 | $8 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Eat the almuerzo (set lunch) at local comedores — $2.50-4 buys soup, a main course, juice, and dessert
- •The Old Town is free to explore — most churches charge $0-2 to enter and the streets themselves are the main attraction
- •Use the Trolebús or Metro to get around — $0.45 flat fare covers most of the city
- •Buy chocolate, coffee, and snack souvenirs at Supermaxi rather than airport or tourist shops — prices are 30-50% lower
- •Book Cotopaxi and Otavalo tours through your hostel or local operators rather than hotel concierge — savings of $20-40 per tour
- •Many Quito churches offer free entry in the morning — visit La Compañía early and pay the $5 fee in off-peak afternoon if the morning queue is long
- •Grocery stores near La Mariscal (Supermaxi on Naciones Unidas) sell quality picnic supplies for a fraction of restaurant prices
- •Travel between June and September for the driest weather — Quito hotels rarely discount by season but tours and hostels fill up less
US Dollar
Code: USD
Ecuador has used the US dollar as its official currency since 2000. No exchange needed for US travelers. Other nationalities should exchange to USD before arriving or at the airport. ATMs (Banco Pichincha, Banco del Pacífico, Produbanco) are widely available in Old Town, La Mariscal, and at the airport. ATM fees are typically $1-3 per withdrawal. Carry small bills — $5, $10, $20 — as street vendors and taxis rarely break $50 or $100 notes.
Payment Methods
Cash is king at markets, local restaurants, street food stalls, and smaller hotels. Mid-range and upscale restaurants and hotels accept Visa and Mastercard; Amex is less common and sometimes incurs a 3-5% surcharge. ATMs are plentiful in tourist areas. The airport ATMs dispense dollars immediately on arrival.
Tipping Guide
A 10% service charge (servicio) is already added to most bills in sit-down restaurants. An additional 5-10% tip for good service is appreciated but not required. In local comedores and markets, tipping is not expected.
Leave $0.25-0.50 for coffee or drinks. Rounding up the bill is appreciated.
Tip $5-10 per person for half-day tours, $10-20 per person for full-day guided excursions. Volcano and jungle guides work hard in difficult conditions — generous tips are appreciated.
$1-2 per bag for porters. $1-2 per night for housekeeping in mid-range hotels; $3-5 in upscale properties.
No tipping expected in app-based rides. For airport runs or long trips with luggage, rounding up by $1-2 is a kind gesture.
How to Get There
✈️ Airports
Mariscal Sucre International Airport(UIO)
~37 km northeast of Old Town (opened 2013 at new location)Aeroservicios airport bus: $2, departs every 20-30 min, takes 45-60 min to the Río Coca metro/BRT station in northeast Quito. Taxis: official airport taxis cost $25-30 to Old Town or La Mariscal (30-60 min depending on traffic). Uber: $15-22, must meet driver outside the terminal.
✈️ Search flights to UIO🚌 Bus Terminals
Quitumbe Bus Terminal (south)
The main long-distance bus terminal for routes heading south — Latacunga ($2, 1.5h), Ambato ($3, 2.5h), Baños ($5, 3.5h), Cuenca ($12, 9h), Guayaquil ($10, 8h), and connections into Peru. Reached via Trolebús or Metro. Modern, organized, and generally safe.
Carcelén Bus Terminal (north)
Handles routes heading north — Otavalo ($3, 2h), Ibarra ($3.50, 2.5h), Tulcán ($6, 4.5h), and Colombia border crossings. Reached by Metrobús or taxi from La Mariscal.
Getting Around
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.
Trolebús / Ecovía / Metrobús (BRT)
$0.45 per ride (flat fare)Quito's three bus rapid transit lines run the length of the city on dedicated lanes. The Trolebús is the most useful for tourists, connecting Quitumbe bus terminal in the south through Old Town to the north. Ecovía runs the eastern corridor. Clean, frequent, and very cheap.
Best for: Getting between Old Town and the modern city; reaching bus terminals
Metro de Quito
$0.45 per rideQuito's first metro line opened in 2023, running 22 km from Quitumbe in the south to El Labrador in the north with 15 stations. Connects the airport corridor and major neighborhoods. Clean and modern.
Best for: Fast north-south travel; connection toward the airport direction
Uber / Cabify / InDriver
$3-8 for most in-city tripsApp-based ride services are the safest taxi option in Quito. Uber and Cabify are most reliable. Always verify the plate and driver photo before entering. Available citywide and considerably safer than hailing street taxis.
Best for: Nighttime travel, trips to El Panecillo, inter-district travel with luggage
TelefériQo Cable Car
$8.50 adults, $5 children (round trip)A gondola on the western edge of the city ascends from Cruz Loma station (2,950 m) to the Pichincha viewing platform (4,100 m) in about 10 minutes. Taxis and Uber reach the base station easily.
Best for: Volcano views, high-altitude hiking, getting above the clouds
Walking
FreeThe Old Town is best explored on foot — distances between churches, plazas, and viewpoints are short but streets are steep and cobblestoned. La Mariscal and La Floresta are also walkable districts. Avoid walking after dark or in areas south of the Old Town.
Best for: Daytime exploration of Old Town, La Mariscal, La Floresta
🚶 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.
Travel Connections
Otavalo
Home to the largest indigenous craft market in South America, held every Saturday (and daily in smaller form). The Otavalo people are known for their traditional dress and exceptional weavings. Nearby lakes and Imbabura volcano add spectacular scenery.
Cotopaxi National Park
One of the world's highest active volcanoes at 5,897 m (19,347 ft), with a perfectly conical snow-capped peak. The national park offers hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, and views of the Avenue of the Volcanoes stretching south.
Mindo
A cloud forest village renowned for birdwatching — over 500 species including toucans, tanagers, and hummingbirds. Also popular for chocolate tours, zip-lining, tubing, and butterfly farms. A completely different ecosystem from Quito at 1,250 m elevation.
Baños de Agua Santa
A dramatic adventure town wedged between Volcán Tungurahua and the Pastaza River gorge. Famous for its thermal baths (fed by volcanic springs), swing at the end of the world, canopy bridges, white-water rafting, and the route into the Amazon jungle.
Entry Requirements
Ecuador offers visa-free entry to citizens of most countries for stays up to 90 days within a 12-month period. Entry is through Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or by land border from Colombia or Peru. All visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond their intended stay and may be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | No visa required. Passport valid 6+ months. May be asked for proof of accommodation and return/onward ticket at immigration. |
| UK Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free entry. Standard tourist stay up to 90 days. Carry proof of accommodation. |
| EU Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Most EU nationals enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Schengen passport holders are included. |
| Australian Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free for up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. |
| Canadian Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | No visa required. Standard 90-day tourist entry. |
| Chinese Citizens | Yes | Varies | Visa required. Apply at the Ecuadorian consulate before travel. Processing takes 5-10 business days. |
Visa-Free Entry
Tips
- •Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel (a return flight or bus ticket to a neighboring country) — have this ready
- •The 90-day limit is per calendar year (rolling 12 months), not per visit — track your days if planning an extended stay
- •Galápagos National Park requires a separate entry fee ($200 for most foreigners) paid on arrival in the islands — this is in addition to Ecuador entry
- •Keep your passport or a clear copy on you at all times — Ecuadorian law requires ID to be available for inspection
- •Land border crossings from Colombia (Tulcán/Ipiales) and Peru (Huaquillas, Macará, or Zumba) are straightforward for most nationalities but check current conditions before travel
Shopping
Quito offers excellent shopping for Ecuadorian handicrafts, Panama hats (actually made in Ecuador), indigenous textiles, and Amazonian products. The Old Town has concentrated artisan shops and markets. La Mariscal's Mercado Artesanal is the city's main tourist craft market. Quality Ecuadorian chocolate and single-origin coffee are outstanding value and easy to pack.
Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal
artisan marketA two-floor covered market in the tourist district with 200+ vendors selling Panama hats, tagua nut carvings, silver jewelry, alpaca knitwear, ceramics, and indigenous crafts from across Ecuador. Bargaining is expected.
Known for: Panama hats, tagua nut figurines, alpaca sweaters, hand-painted ceramics, silver jewelry
Old Town Artisan Shops (Calle La Ronda & surroundings)
craft workshopsLa Ronda and the streets around Plaza San Francisco are lined with workshops and galleries selling handmade tinwork, leather goods, religious art, and colonial-style crafts. Many are family-run businesses producing goods on-site.
Known for: Tinwork lanterns, colonial religious art, leather goods, candles, canelazo liqueur
Supermaxi / Megamaxi Supermarkets
supermarketQuito's well-stocked supermarket chain carries an excellent selection of locally produced Ecuadorian chocolate bars, organic coffee, rose-water products, and snack foods at far lower prices than airport shops.
Known for: Pacari and República del Cacao single-origin chocolate, Ecuadorian coffee, rose products
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Genuine toquilla straw Panama hat — Ecuador is where they are actually made; quality ranges from $15 to $300+
- •Tagua nut carvings — intricate figures carved from the "vegetable ivory" palm nut, unique to coastal Ecuador
- •Pacari or República del Cacao single-origin dark chocolate bars from Ecuadorian cacao
- •Alpaca wool sweaters, scarves, and gloves — significantly cheaper than in Perú or Bolivia
- •Otavalo-style woven tapestries depicting Andean scenes and condors
- •Shigra bags — hand-woven agave fiber bags from indigenous highland communities
- •Ecuadorian single-origin coffee from cloud forest regions (Loja, Galápagos)
- •Balsa wood painted miniatures of traditional Andean figures
Language & Phrases
Ecuador's official language is Spanish. Ecuadorian Spanish is considered among the clearest and most neutral in Latin America — great for learners. Kichwa (Quechua) is co-official in indigenous territories and widely spoken in highland markets like Otavalo. Many hospitality workers in Quito understand basic English.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola | OH-lah |
| Good morning | Buenos días | BWEH-nos DEE-ahs |
| Thank you | Gracias | GRAH-syahs |
| Please | Por favor | por fah-VOR |
| Yes / No | Sí / No | see / noh |
| How much does this cost? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? | KWAHN-toh KWES-tah? |
| Where is...? | ¿Dónde está...? | DON-deh es-TAH...? |
| The check, please | La cuenta, por favor | lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR |
| I don't understand | No entiendo | noh en-TYEN-doh |
| Do you speak English? | ¿Habla inglés? | AH-blah een-GLAYS? |
| I feel altitude sickness | Tengo mal de altura (soroche) | TEN-goh mahl deh al-TOO-rah (soh-ROH-cheh) |
| Thank you (Kichwa) | Yupaychani | yoo-pay-CHA-nee |