Quito, Ecuador - Travel Guide

Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site, captivates with its stunning colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and breathtaking Andean views. Its historic center is one of the best-preserved in Latin America, offering a rich blend of history, art, and traditional Ecuadorian life.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$30/day

Mid-range$50/day

Luxury$300/day

Known For

EcuadorSouth AmericaAndesPichinchaMariscal Sucre International AirportOld TownTeleferiQoMitad del Mundo

🇪🇨 Country Information: Ecuador

CapitalQuito

CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)

Language Spanish , Kichwa, Shuar, other indigenous languages

Phone Code+593

Electricity120V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is customary for good service in restaurants (10% is often included in the bill, but additional tip for good service is appreciated), tour guides, and taxi drivers (rounding up the fare)
For hotel porters, a small amount per bag is appreciated

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available in cities and major towns
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases
Bringing some USD cash is advisable, especially for rural areas
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Punctuality is important for business meetings, but social gatherings can be more relaxed
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
Greetings often involve a handshake; close friends and family may exchange a kiss on the cheek

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Ecuador has progressive LGBTQ+ laws. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2019. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited by the constitution.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws can be strict, even for small amounts; avoid any drug
related activities

Special Laws

Plastic bags are banned in the Galapagos Islands
Smoking is prohibited in most public indoor spaces
Be aware of local regulations, especially in protected areas like the Galapagos

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesSí (SEE)

HelloHola (OH-lah)

PleasePor favor (por fah-VOR)

Excuse meCon permiso (kon per-MEE-so)

Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs)

Climate

Quito is located in the Andes mountains, affecting its climate significantly.

Climate Zone: Equatorial Rainforest

Best Time to Visit

Quito experiences a consistent, mild climate year
round due to its high altitude, so there are no extreme hot or cold seasons
The city is located in an active seismic zone, so earthquakes can occur at any time of year
There isn't a monsoon season or hurricane season
The wet season typically runs from Oct to May, with increased rainfall, but not typically floods

Getting There

Fly into Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) from major hubs in North and South America, and Europe
Average costs vary widely by origin, but flights from the US can range from $400
$800+ round trip
Buses are available from various cities within Ecuador

Getting Around

Taxis are readily available and regulated; always use metered taxis or agree on a fare beforehand
Ride
sharing apps like Uber and Cabify are widely used and convenient
Public buses are extensive but can be crowded and confusing for first
timers
The Quito Metro (subway) is a new, efficient option for getting around the city's main thoroughfares

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccine recommended if traveling to certain jungle areas, but not typically for Quito itself
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, Polio) should be up to date
Consider Hepatitis A and B
Altitude sickness (soroche) is common due to Quito's high elevation (2,850 meters / 9,350 feet); acclimatization, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol/heavy meals upon arrival are crucial
Probiotics can be helpful for travelers' diarrhea
Malaria tablets not typically needed for Quito; consult a doctor if visiting low
altitude jungle regions

Staying Connected

eSIMs are widely available through providers like Claro and Movistar
Airalo and Nomad eSIM are known to work well in Ecuador

Local Cuisine

Fanesca seasonal

A rich and savory soup traditionally served during Lent and Holy Week. It contains codfish and a dozen different types of grains and beans, representi

Locro de Papa must_try

A hearty, creamy potato and cheese soup, often served with slices of avocado and a bit of *ají* (chili sauce) on the side. The soup's rich consistency

Empanadas de Viento snack

Large, fluffy, deep-fried empanadas dusted generously with sugar. They are typically filled with fresh cheese that melts into a savory-sweet combinati

Seco de Chivo regional_speciality

A slow-cooked goat stew flavored with naranjilla juice (a citrus fruit), spices, and beer. The meat is tender and the sauce is tangy and deeply savory

Canelazo alcohol

A hot, spiced alcoholic beverage made with cinnamon (canela), sugar (panela), water, and *puntas* (aguardiente or cane alcohol). It is particularly po

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Galapagos Islands Cruise/Tour Packages (Connecting through Quito) tour_or_activity

Book 3-6 months in advance

The best cruises and specific boat cabins/itineraries sell out far in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Luxury or Boutique Accommodation in Quito's Historical Center Accommodation

Book 1-3 months in advance

High-demand hotels, especially those with limited rooms in the historic center (Centro Histórico), fill up quickly, particularly during high season.

Amazon Rainforest Lodge Stays (Excursions often start from Quito) Accommodation

Book 1.5–3 months in advance

Reputable, eco-friendly lodges have limited capacity and are frequently included in multi-stop Ecuador itineraries, leading to early sell-outs.

Devil's Nose Train (Tren de la Nariz del Diablo) Ticket Transport

Book 2 weeks–2 months in advance

This popular scenic train ride has fixed capacity and limited departures (though often departs from Alausí, transport from Quito to Alausí may also be constrained).

Fun Facts

1. Quito was the first city in the world, along with Krakow, Poland, to be declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978.
2. Although the official equatorial line is slightly off, Quito is home to "Mitad del Mundo" or "Middle of the World," a monument complex dedicated to the first attempt to determine the shape of the earth.
3. Because of its location near the equator, Quito experiences 12 hours of sunlight all year long, meaning the sun sets at nearly the same time every day.
4. Quito is often nicknamed "The Florence of the Americas" due to its stunning colonial architecture and numerous historical churches.

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