Mejor Época para Visitar
June to September
Moneda
US Dollar (USD)
Idioma
Spanish
Zona Horaria
ECT (UTC-5)
Discover Quito
Quito isn't just a city; it's a breathtaking collision of history, geography, and culture. Perched at 2,850 meters in a narrow Andean valley, you'll find yourself navigating cobblestone streets in the world's best-preserved colonial center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, while the snow-capped peaks of Pichincha and Cotopaxi volcanoes loom on the horizon. This is the only capital where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere at the Mitad del Mundo monument, explore the gilded interior of La Compañía de Jesús church, and then ride the TelefériQo cable car up to 4,100 meters for a panoramic view that will literally take your breath away.
Beyond the postcard-perfect plazas, Quito pulses with a modern energy. The vibrant neighborhood of La Floresta buzzes with art galleries and hip cafes, while the historic Calle La Ronda comes alive at night with traditional music and canelazo. As the gateway to the Galápagos Islands and the Amazon rainforest, Quito serves as the perfect launchpad for Ecuadorian adventures, yet its own unique blend of indigenous, Spanish, and contemporary influences offers more than enough reason to stay and explore.
Why Visit Quito?
Step into a Living Museum: The Historic Center is the largest and best-preserved in the Americas. Wander from the grand Plaza de la Independencia to the astonishingly ornate, gold-leaf-covered interior of La Compañía Church, and feel the history in every stone of the San Francisco Monastery.
Straddle Two Hemispheres: Visit the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo complex to stand on the equatorial line. See water drain in different directions, balance an egg on a nail, and visit the excellent Intiñan Solar Museum for interactive experiments you can't do anywhere else on Earth.
Ride to Rooftop of the City: Take the TelefériQo cable car up the side of Volcán Pichincha to Cruz Loma at 4,100 meters. The views over the entire city and surrounding volcanoes are staggering, and you can hike further along ridges for even more dramatic perspectives.
Indulge in a Unique Food Scene: Quito's high-altitude cuisine is a delight. Savor fresh ceviche in a mercado, warm up with locro de papa (potato soup), try crispy fried cuy (guinea pig) for the adventurous, and don't miss the sweet, anise-flavored canelazo drink on Calle La Ronda.
Discover Artistic & Bohemian Vibes: Explore the creative hub of La Floresta, filled with independent galleries, street art, and trendy cafes. Visit the Capilla del Hombre, Oswaldo Guayasamín's powerful museum dedicated to the suffering and resilience of Latin America's indigenous people.
Use it as the Ultimate Adventure Hub: Quito is the perfect base for exploring Ecuador. Day trip to the Otavalo Market, one of South America's largest indigenous markets, or use the city as your launching point for expeditions to the Amazon, the Cloud Forest, or the Galápagos Islands.
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Quito Neighborhoods
Centro Histórico (Old Town)
The heart and soul of Quito, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a labyrinth of steep, cobblestone streets lined with magnificent Spanish colonial and Baroque architecture. The vibe is historic, bustling, and deeply authentic, filled with churches, museums, and local life.
Highlights:
Best for:
La Mariscal (Gringolandia)
The city's primary tourist and nightlife district, known for its grid of streets filled with hostels, bars, restaurants, travel agencies, and souvenir shops. It's energetic, convenient, and social, but can be noisy.
Highlights:
Best for:
La Floresta
A trendy, bohemian neighborhood known as Quito's cultural and artistic quarter. It's characterized by its quiet, tree-lined streets, colorful houses, independent art galleries, hip cafes, and innovative restaurants.
Highlights:
Best for:
Guápulo
A picturesque, secluded neighborhood clinging to a steep hillside ravine, offering stunning views and a village-like atmosphere. It feels detached from the city's hustle, centered around its beautiful 17th-century church and monastery.
Highlights:
Best for:
Principales Atracciones
Local Tips & Insider Knowledge
- •Acclimate to the altitude slowly. Drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals and alcohol on your first day, and consider coca tea (mate de coca) to help with soroche (altitude sickness).
- •The weather can change in an instant. Always carry a light jacket or sweater, even on sunny days, as temperatures drop quickly, especially after sunset.
- •For the best views without the TelefériQo crowds, hike up to the Virgen del Panecillo (the giant winged statue) early in the morning. Take a taxi to the base and walk up for safety.
- •Use the 'Trole' (trolleybus) or 'Ecovía' bus systems for fast, cheap travel north-south through the city. Buy a reusable card at any station.
- •Visit the Mercado Central or Mercado Santa Clara not just for cheap, delicious local lunches (like seco de chivo or hornado), but to experience the true rhythm of Quiteño daily life.
- •Many museums are closed on Mondays. Plan your cultural itinerary accordingly, focusing on outdoor sights like the Basílica or Mitad del Mundo on that day.
- •When hailing a taxi, always use an official yellow cab with orange plates, a roof light, and a meter. Better yet, use a ride-hailing app like Uber or Cabify for fixed fares and safety.
- •Learn a few basic Spanish phrases. While you can get by in tourist areas, venturing beyond them or dealing with taxi drivers is much smoother with some language effort.
- •Sunday is a fantastic day to visit the Historic Center. Many streets are closed to cars, making it perfect for strolling, and there's often free cultural performances in the plazas.
- •Carry small bills (USD). Many small shops, markets, and taxi drivers struggle to make change for bills larger than $10 or $20.
Quito Food Scene
Quito's cuisine is a hearty, comforting reflection of its Andean setting, blending indigenous staples like potato, corn, and beans with Spanish influences. Dining is a social, family-oriented affair, with bustling markets serving as the soul of the food scene.
Must-Try Dishes
Traditional & Mercado Food
- • Seco de Chivo at Mercado Central
- • Hornado at Mercado Santa Clara
- • Llapingachos con chorizo at a local fritada
Go for lunch when the markets are most lively and the food is freshest. A 'plato del día' costs $3-$5.
Street Food & Snacks
- • Empanadas de Viento from a street vendor
- • Tortillas de Maíz con Queso
- • Helado de Paila (artisanal fruit sorbet) in the Historic Center
Look for vendors with a steady stream of locals. Freshly fried empanadas are safest and most delicious.
Contemporary Quiteño
- • Nuema (tasting menu with local ingredients)
- • Urko Cocina Local (modern Andean cuisine)
- • Miskay (creative takes on traditional dishes)
Reservations are recommended for these popular, higher-end restaurants showcasing Ecuadorian gastronomy.
Cafes & Bakeries
- • Coffee and pastries at Sweet & Coffee (local chain)
- • Artisan coffee at Isveglio (La Floresta)
- • Traditional bizcochos (cheese bread) from a panadería
Cafes are great places to work, relax, and people-watch. Many in La Floresta have excellent specialty coffee.
Popular Entre
Best Time to Visit Quito
Spring
Spring (March-May) sees the tail end of the rainy season, with frequent afternoon showers but lush, green landscapes. Days are mild.
Pros:
- + Fewer tourists
- + Vibrant green scenery
- + Comfortable temperatures
Cons:
- - Unpredictable rain, especially in afternoons
- - Potential for cloudy views of volcanoes
Summer
The dry season (June-September) offers the most reliable weather with sunny, clear days and cool nights. This is peak tourist season.
Pros:
- + Best chance for clear views of volcanoes
- + Ideal for hiking and outdoor activities
- + Minimal rainfall
Cons:
- - Highest number of tourists
- - Peak season prices for flights/accommodation
Autumn
Autumn (October-November) is a transitional period with increasing rainfall. The weather becomes more variable.
Pros:
- + Shoulder season with fewer crowds
- + Lower prices than summer
- + Still good periods of sunshine
Cons:
- - Rainfall increases significantly
- - More overcast days
Winter
The rainy season (December-February) brings daily afternoon showers and cooler temperatures. Mornings are often clear.
Pros:
- + Lowest tourist crowds
- + Lush, green environment
- + Cultural festivals like Carnival (Feb/Mar)
Cons:
- - Heavy, persistent afternoon rain
- - Volcano views often obscured by clouds
- - Some outdoor activities may be limited
Encuentra transporte barato a Quito
Compara precios de trenes, autobuses y vuelos a Quito
Introduce tu ciudad de salida para ver precios
Reserva Actividades en Quito
Salta la cola con tours y atracciones reservadas
Day Trips from Quito
Mitad del Mundo & Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve
45 min by bus or taxi from Quito
Stand on the equatorial line at the iconic Mitad del Mundo monument complex. Then, venture to the nearby Pululahua Crater, one of the few inhabited volcanic craters in the world, for breathtaking hikes and views.
Otavalo Indigenous Market
2 hours by bus or 1.5 hours by car
Visit one of South America's most famous and vibrant indigenous markets. The Saturday market is legendary for its textiles, handicrafts, and livestock, but the Plaza de los Ponchos has artisanal goods every day.
Cotopaxi National Park
1.5 - 2 hours by car
Journey to the foot of one of the world's highest active volcanoes. The park offers stunning high-altitude landscapes, chances to see wild horses, and hikes to the José Rivas refuge or around Limpiopungo Lake.
Quito Budget Guide
Quito is a very affordable destination by international standards, offering excellent value for money, especially for accommodation, food, and local transport. Major costs are tours and flights to other regions.
Budget
$30-50 for budget travelers (hostel dorm, market meals, public transport)
per day
Mid-Range
$70-120 for mid-range (private room, restaurant meals, occasional taxis, entry fees)
per day
Luxury
$200+ for luxury (boutique hotels, fine dining, private guides, premium experiences)
per day
Money-Saving Tips
- •Hostels in La Mariscal offer great value and social atmospheres.
- •Eat at mercados for the cheapest and most authentic meals.
- •Many museums have free or discounted entry on certain days (e.g., last Saturday of the month).
- •Use public transport ('Trole') instead of taxis for long north-south journeys.
- •Bargain politely at artisan markets, but not in fixed-price shops or restaurants.
Quito Hidden Gems
Museo Casa del Alabado
A stunning pre-Columbian art museum housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century colonial house in the Old Town.
Its collection is exquisitely curated and presented, focusing on the spiritual worldview of Ecuador's ancient cultures, offering a profound and quiet contrast to the larger, busier museums.
Itchimbía Park and Cultural Center
A hilltop park east of the Historic Center, crowned by the striking Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace), a glass and iron structure.
It offers one of the best 360-degree panoramic views of the entire city and the surrounding volcanoes, yet is far less crowded than the Panecillo or TelefériQo.
Yaku Water Museum
A interactive water-themed museum located in a historic water pumping plant on the slopes of Pichincha.
It combines fascinating history, science, and ecology with incredible city views from its terraces. It's educational, fun for families, and offers a unique perspective.
Calle de las Siete Cruces
A single block in the Historic Center where you can see seven different historic crosses, each with its own story and chapel.
It's a fascinating, self-guided walking tour through Quito's deep religious history and architectural beauty, often missed by tourists rushing between the major churches.
La Ronda at 10 AM
Visiting the famous Calle La Ronda not at night, but in the quiet of the morning.
You can appreciate the beautiful colonial architecture and artisan workshops (chocolate makers, hat weavers) in peace, talk to the shop owners, and enjoy a coffee without the evening crowds.
Quito Culture & Customs
Quiteño culture is a proud blend of indigenous Kichwa heritage and Spanish colonial tradition, manifesting in deep Catholic faith, vibrant festivals, and a strong sense of community and family. People are generally reserved but polite and helpful.
Cultural Etiquette
- •Greet people with a handshake or a single kiss on the cheek (among women, and between men and women).
- •Always use formal titles like 'Señor' or 'Señora' and the formal 'usted' until invited to be more casual.
- •Punctuality is flexible ('hora ecuatoriana'); being 15-30 minutes late for social events is often acceptable.
- •Dress modestly, especially when visiting churches—cover shoulders and knees.
- •It's polite to say 'buen provecho' (enjoy your meal) to others when entering or leaving a restaurant.
Useful Phrases
Frequently Asked Questions about Quito
Is Quito safe for tourists?
Quito has areas that are very safe and others that require caution. The Historic Center and La Mariscal are generally safe during the day but be vigilant against pickpocketing. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in the Old Town; use taxis or ride-shares. Don't flash valuables and be aware of your surroundings.
Do I need a visa to visit Ecuador?
Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel.
Can I drink the tap water in Quito?
It is not recommended to drink tap water in Quito. Stick to bottled or filtered water, which is readily available. Most hotels and restaurants use purified water for ice and drinks, but it's always good to ask '¿El agua es purificada?'
What is the best way to get around the city?
For long north-south trips, use the dedicated bus lines (Trole, Ecovía). To explore specific neighborhoods like the Historic Center, walking is best. For convenience and safety, especially at night, use Uber/Cabify or official taxis. The city is long and narrow, so walking between distant neighborhoods isn't practical.
How should I dress for the altitude and weather?
Dress in layers. Days can be warm and sunny (t-shirt weather), but temperatures drop quickly in the shade and plummet at night. Always carry a light jacket or fleece. Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip for cobblestone streets. A sun hat and sunscreen are essential due to the strong equatorial sun.
Is English widely spoken in Quito?
In tourist areas like La Mariscal, at major hotels, and with tour operators, you'll find English speakers. However, outside these areas, Spanish is essential. Learning basic phrases will greatly enhance your experience and is appreciated by locals.
What's the deal with the US Dollar in Ecuador?
Ecuador adopted the US Dollar in 2000. You will use US bills and coins. Be aware that Ecuador mints its own centavo coins (same value as US cents), which are valid only within the country. They are often mixed in with US coins.
Can I visit the Galápagos Islands from Quito?
Absolutely. Quito is a major gateway. You must fly from Quito (or Guayaquil) to the islands. Flights are about 2.5 hours. You cannot just show up; you must book a cruise or land-based tour in advance, and all visitors pay a $100 Galápagos National Park fee upon arrival.
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