A high mountain city in the Andes of Ecuador, Quito offers its visitors a beautifully restored colonial old city with all modern amenities nearby, accompanied by colorful indigenous culture and a spectacular mountain setting with snow-capped volcanoes. Just a stone’s throw from Quito, Ecuador’s Andean mountains feature some of the world’s most spectacular mountain peaks and volcanoes, as well as nature reserves, many lively Indian markets and the oldest archaeological sites in Ecuador.
The capital of Ecuador located in the Andes of South America, Quito lies just 25 kilometers / 15 miles south from the equator. (To avoid confusion, it is good to note that the country name “Ecuador” means “equator” in Spanish.) Quito is a large and colorful city with a long history and a mixed population of all ethnic groups in Ecuador. Although it was once considered an unsafe destination because of crime, Quito is now a safe place to travel with a good tourism infrastructure.
Shopping in Quito is of excellent value, and the goods available vary from the indigenous crafts in the outdoor markets of Quito and Otavalo to designer items in the modern shopping malls in the main business area in Northern Quito. The many options for nightlife in Quito include cafés, bars and nightclubs, mainly located in the La Mariscal area. The many museums in Quito include the excellent Museo de Banco Central, offering a great range of local art, history and culture. The Itchimbia Cultural Complex, located on a hill east of the old city area offers art exhibitions and workshops as well as great views over the city. Quito is also home to the second-highest cable car in the world, reaching up to 4,000 meters / 12,000 feet. Called Teleférico, it is located on the slope of the Pichincha Volcano overlooking the city.
Nearby attractions. Quito hosts a nice botanical garden, many outdoor parks and the largest zoo in Ecuador. Spanish schools in Quito offer great settings for learning Spanish in Ecuador, and horseback riding around Quito is offered by many local haciendas. Just outside Quito, la Mitad del Mundo (the middle of the world) located on the equator has an informative museum. Other attractions near Quito include the stunning landscapes and the varying nature of the Andes, ranging from high volcanic peaks to crater lakes and cloud forests. The National Parks and nature reserves of Cajas, Cotopaxi, Coca, Pasochoa, Antisana and Chimborazo all offer excellent possibilities for trekking around Quito. Mountain biking and mountain climbing around Quito are among other great activities available, and Indian markets in Otavalo and Ingapirca ruins should not be missed. Thermal springs can also be found near Quito in Papallacta and Oyacachi, and Mindo area is one of the best locations for birdwatching in the world.
The capital of Ecuador located in the Andes of South America, Quito lies just 25 kilometers / 15 miles south from the equator. (To avoid confusion, it is good to note that the country name “Ecuador” means “equator” in Spanish.) Quito is a large and colorful city with a long history and a mixed population of all ethnic groups in Ecuador. Although it was once considered an unsafe destination because of crime, Quito is now a safe place to travel with a good tourism infrastructure.
Sights and activities in Quito: historical attractions, museums and trekking
Centro Histórico - the old town of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage site where building has been strictly controlled since 1978. Recently restored, Quito’s Centro Histórico is the best-preserved, least altered historic city center in Latin America. It includes beautiful colonial architecture with influences from Spain, Italy and local indigenous cultures, as well as historic sights such as the monasteries of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Sucre Theater and the Church and Jesuit College of La Compañía. There are also are several nice plazas, markets and museums in the old city of Quito, including the City Museum (Museo de la Ciudad).Shopping in Quito is of excellent value, and the goods available vary from the indigenous crafts in the outdoor markets of Quito and Otavalo to designer items in the modern shopping malls in the main business area in Northern Quito. The many options for nightlife in Quito include cafés, bars and nightclubs, mainly located in the La Mariscal area. The many museums in Quito include the excellent Museo de Banco Central, offering a great range of local art, history and culture. The Itchimbia Cultural Complex, located on a hill east of the old city area offers art exhibitions and workshops as well as great views over the city. Quito is also home to the second-highest cable car in the world, reaching up to 4,000 meters / 12,000 feet. Called Teleférico, it is located on the slope of the Pichincha Volcano overlooking the city.
Nearby attractions. Quito hosts a nice botanical garden, many outdoor parks and the largest zoo in Ecuador. Spanish schools in Quito offer great settings for learning Spanish in Ecuador, and horseback riding around Quito is offered by many local haciendas. Just outside Quito, la Mitad del Mundo (the middle of the world) located on the equator has an informative museum. Other attractions near Quito include the stunning landscapes and the varying nature of the Andes, ranging from high volcanic peaks to crater lakes and cloud forests. The National Parks and nature reserves of Cajas, Cotopaxi, Coca, Pasochoa, Antisana and Chimborazo all offer excellent possibilities for trekking around Quito. Mountain biking and mountain climbing around Quito are among other great activities available, and Indian markets in Otavalo and Ingapirca ruins should not be missed. Thermal springs can also be found near Quito in Papallacta and Oyacachi, and Mindo area is one of the best locations for birdwatching in the world.
Photo: L-Marcio_Ramalho, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
Quito travel tips and practical information
The climate in Quito is rather cool due to its high altitude, but as the city is also located close to the equator, the temperatures are constant, spring-like and fairly pleasant around the year, 25°C / 77ºF during the midday and 6°C / 43ºF low during the night. There is a dry summer season from June to September that is the best time to visit Quito, and a bit wetter (but not particularly rainy) winter season from October to May.Traveling to Quito is easy by air. The city has an international airport with flights to Quito from all around the Americas and from Europe as well, and a new international airport is currently being built. Domestic flights take you easily around Ecuador. You can also travel to Quito by bus from the neighboring countries or from elsewhere in Ecuador. Daily domestic flights from Quito take you to the coast of Ecuador in approximately 20 minutes, to the jungle of the Amazon in 30 minutes, or to the Galapagos Islands in 90 minutes. Buses are also an easy way of getting around in the Andean region of Ecuador, although the roads might not be in good condition.
Public transport options in Quito include three local trolleybus lines and inexpensive local buses. Yellow-colored taxis are also well available and are required to use meters. Rental cars in Quito are offered by many rental agencies, but driving in the city can be very difficult.
Accommodation in Quito varies from high-end western-style hotels in Quito to a wide selection of budget hotels and hostels, as well as local first class haciendas or bungalow-type accommodation outside the city. Restaurants in Quito offer interesting and tasteful local specialties with often very cheap prices. There are also many options for lively nightlife in Quito to choose from. English is mainly spoken in Quito only in the main touristic areas, so it is well worthwhile to learn some phrases in Spanish.
Safety issues. Quito is generally a safe destination, although petty crime such as pick-pocketing exists and some areas should be avoided after dark. Pickpockets and purse snatchers operate especially in the busy old town, in the public transport and at the main bus station. Walking alone at night should be avoided, and in some areas such as El Panecillo it is good to be avoided even in daytime. Ecuadorians are often rather conservative, so it is important to dress properly.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Banos
