Quito Travel Guide

Capital city Quito is the central hub of Ecuador, and often the entry point for all other destinations in the country. Nestled in the Andes Mountains, it is a vibrant amalgam of modern business executives and traditional Andean people (Indigenas).

The city is divided into two areas. History buffs will enjoy the Old Town, where the architectural influence of Spanish colonisation is evident in the red-tiled roofs lining steep, cobblestoned streets. It is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. New Town is more business-oriented, with its hotels, embassies, offices, shopping centres and travel agencies.

Quito is the cultural centre of the country and Indigenas make up a large proportion of the population. Evidence of their culture is all over the city, from the handicrafts displayed on street corners and ramshackle shops selling traditional everyday goods to the women in thick woollen clothing and felt hats queuing for bus tickets. The Quechuan language rings through streets and central plazas (squares) throughout the city.

The destination is rich in historical churches, monasteries and convents, many of which house religious paintings and sculptures dating back to the 16th century. There are also a few museums worth visiting in Quito. Among them, the Museo del Banco Central (beautiful pre-Colombian artefacts), the ethno-historical Museo Mindalae, and the contemporary art museum Museo Guayasamin stand out. Also a popular base for learning the Spanish language, Quito has over 60 language schools dotted about the city.

Things to do in Quito

Positioned on the equator yet surrounded by ice-capped volcanoes, the uniquely beautiful Quito dates back to Incan and perhaps even pre-Incan times. Though little of that ancient history remains, the city's Spanish heritage is far clearer, with the best examples of colonial architecture including the 16th-century La Compania de Jesus Church; the white homes of La Ronda, Quito's most picturesque colonial neighbourhood; the St Francis Church and monastery, thought to be the oldest in South America; and the Plaza de la Independencia, which is lined with grand old buildings.

If travellers only visit one museum in Quito, they should make it the Museo del Banco Central, as the impressively housed modern institution is full to bursting with ancient cultural artefacts. Other worthwhile museums include the Museo Manuela Saenz, the Museo de la Ciudad, and the Guayasamin Museum. Quito is also home to some of Ecuador's best-loved natural wonders, and the best way to experience them is to take a ride on the Teleferico, a cable car that carries people from the base of Volcan Pichincha to the top of Cruz Loma. The views are breathtaking.

Plaza de la Independencia photo

Plaza de la Independencia

The Plaza de la Independencia is the best place in Quito to sit, enjoy a meal, and people-watch, with the City Hall, the cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace and the Government's Palace all located around the square. The cathedral is the oldest church in South America and is one of the city's most impressive historical and architectural sites. Historians should note that both the Government Palace and the cathedral were scenes of shocking assassinations. In 1875, President Garcia Moreno was murdered by machete, and in 1877 the Bishop of Quito was poisoned during a Good Friday Mass. However, the Plaza Grande is now the happy, atmospheric heart of Quito and should be the first stop for travellers.

Plaza San Francisco photo

Plaza San Francisco

The Iglesia de San Francisco is a peaceful place, without the shady benches full of people and the business of Plaza de la Independencia. Inside, visitors will find chapels gilded in gold, splendid altars and many religious paintings and carvings produced by the Quito School. Its monastery holds some priceless examples of Spanish sculpture and art. It is one of the biggest religious compounds in South America, with seven courtyards and buildings stretching behind the church. These only become evident once visitors have ventured through the stone doorway of the main entrance. The Iglesia de San Francisco is arguably Quito's greatest tourist attraction and a must-see for travellers in the city.

Museo del Banco Central photo

Museo del Banco Central

One of the few sights in Quito's New City is the round, glass-plated building of the Casa de la Cultura. It houses a theatre, a cinema, and two museums, the most impressive being the Museo del Banco Central. Ecuador's premier museum, it contains an astonishing assembly of religious art, Columbian ceramics and pre-Hispanic gold, and a huge archaeological repertoire. Of particular interest are the ceramics of the La Tolita society (600 BC to 400 AD) and the Gigantes de Bahia. On show too are the Sala de Oro (an exhibition filled with gold), and the Sala de Arte Colonial, which is packed with religious paintings and sculptures.

El Mitad del Mundo photo

El Mitad del Mundo

El Mitad del Mundo (The Middle of the World) is a purpose-built complex of museums and shops that was constructed to mark the equator, the line that gives the country its name. The 96-foot (30m) high Equator Monument is the focus of the square, and is topped by a brass sphere representing the world. A painted line stretches out on either side of the monument marking the equator that divides the world, and the complex into northern and southern hemispheres. A set of weighting scales also lie on the square and illustrate the fact that visitors lose a bit of weight at the equator, as they're subject to a lesser force of gravitational attraction than usual.

Otavalo photo

Otavalo

Ecuador is famous for its colourful, indigenous markets, and the best known of these is the market at Otavalo. It dates back to pre-Incan times, when jungle products were brought up from the lowlands to be traded for highland goods. Every Saturday, visitors will find a wonderful sprawling mix of rich colour, smells, and the sounds of energetic bargaining, an essential part of trade and an art in itself. Spread over three plazas and the surrounding streets, thousands of local otavalenos in striking traditional dress sit among their wares, doing hard business with tourists and locals alike. The Plaza de los Ponchos is the main area for crafts such as woollen blankets, bright ponchos and jerseys, colourful bags and woven tapestries.

Cotopaxi National Park photo

Cotopaxi National Park

Parque Nacional Cotopaxi is Ecuador's most visited National Park, with one of the highest active volcanoes in the world at its centre. At 19,350ft (5,900m) above sea level, Volcan Cotopaxi offers excellent hiking and climbing opportunities along with a small museum, a llama herd and camping and picnicking facilities. There is also a good chance of spotting condors and deer. An overnight mountain hut on the snow line is available for those wishing to climb the volcano. The recommended months for climbing Volcan Cotopaxi are December through April. However, travellers should always pay close attention to any alerts or warnings issued by authorities regarding volcanic activity.

Cuenca photo

Cuenca

The Spanish founded the charming city of Cuenca in 1557. Despite being Ecuador's third largest city, it is quaint and pretty, and a favourite for photographers, with its cobblestone streets and 16th-Century buildings. It is a good idea to spend a few days relaxing in this special place, where colourful Ecuadorian culture meets old-world colonial style. There are a number of museums and churches to see, as well as bustling plazas and markets that can be visited during a leisurely ramble around town. The nearby fortress of Ingapirca is a popular excursion. Located just outside Cuenca and in a town of the same name, the fortress' ruins are Ecuador's only major Inca site.

Banos photo

Banos

The small town of Banos is a holiday favourite for its hot springs. Framed by majestic mountains and volcanoes, it serves as a gateway to the Amazon rainforest. Situated on the slopes of the active Tungurahua volcano, Banos is on constant alert for signs of activity from 'The Black Giant'. The town is popular with Ecuadorian and international travellers alike as a place to relax in unspoilt, peaceful surroundings. The best known of Banos' therapeutic hot baths is the Piscina de La Virgen, which is next to a waterfall. For the traveller looking for more holiday action, there are numerous activities, including horse riding, hiking, mountain biking, and trips to the forests of the Amazon Basin.

Getting Around

Getting around Quito is easy and very cheap, with transport options including buses, eco-friendly electric trolley buses called 'troles', and inexpensive taxis. Ride sharing apps Uber, Cabify and Easy Taxi operate in the city, as does the public bicycle renting system, BiciQuito.

Quito Climate and Weather

Quito has a subtropical highland climate. The city has a fairly constant cool climate due to its elevation and proximity to the equator. The average temperature during the day is 66F (19C), which generally falls to an average of slightly below 50F (10C) at night. The average temperature annually is 64F (18C). There are only two obvious seasons in the city: dry and wet. The dry season (summer) runs from June to September, and the wet season (winter) is from October to May.

Ecuador travel info

Electricity

Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin, flat prong plugs are standard.

Language

Spanish is the official language, but many speak an Amerindian language called Quichua.

Money

The US dollar (USD) is the official currency in Ecuador. It is recommended that travellers bring US dollar notes, as other foreign currencies are difficult to exchange outside of Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca. Small denominations in good condition are the easiest to exchange outside of the main cities. In the main centres, most currencies can be exchanged at banks and exchange houses (casas de cambio) at variable commission rates. ATMs are available in the cities, and major credit cards are accepted in tourist areas and large hotels.

Tipping

A 10 percent service charge is usually added to bills at good-quality hotels and restaurants, but patrons often add another five to 10 percent as a tip. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped but tour guides usually do.

Health

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if travellers are arriving from Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda, or have transited through an airport in one of these countries. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. There is a high risk of malaria in areas below 5,000 feet (1,500m), and there has been a dramatic increase in the number of reported cases of dengue fever, primarily in coastal and Amazon regions. The best prevention is for visitors to cover up and use mosquito repellent liberally throughout the day. High altitude can affect some people's health so visitors to Quito (6,500 feet/2,800m), for example, are advised to take it easy for the first few days. Tap water should not be consumed; bottled water is available. Medical facilities are often inadequate, especially outside of Quito, and comprehensive medical insurance is highly recommended.

Safety

Ecuador is generally a safe country to travel to but visitors should be vigilant with their belongings, as most crime is opportunistic. Travellers are warned not to store belongings in the overhead lockers or under seats on public buses and trains, and to watch out for pickpockets. Kidnapping is a concern throughout the country.

Travellers should also avoid hiking to Volcan Pichincha via Cruz Loma, as violent gangs are known to operate in the wooded areas; a cable car provides access, but there have been several cases of armed robbery and rape reported in the area. Several incidents have also occurred along the hiking trail up Cerro Mandango near Vilcabamba, Loja, where masked men have robbed hikers of all valuables.

Ecuador has many active volcanoes, which are rather poorly monitored. Eruptions have caused the evacuation of thousands of people, particularly in the Banos area.

There is an ongoing risk of disruption to travel due to social and political unrest; all public gatherings and demonstrations should be avoided, as they should be in all foreign countries.

Local customs

Travellers should always ask permission to take photos of the local people, who will often request a tip for taking a photo. It is a legal requirement to carry identification at all times. Dress is more conservative and modest in the highlands compared to the coast. Politeness and good manners are essential and a light handshake is the practiced form of greeting.

Doing business

An essential aspect of conducting business in Ecuador is having a link with a reputable local partner. Business dealings are somewhat formal; dress is usually smart and conservative, punctuality is important and greetings are made with a handshake. Dress can be more casual in hotter regions such as Guayaquil. Business cards are usually exchanged and it is recommended to have some business cards, company brochures and presentations translated into Spanish. Business disputes that would be dealt with by civil litigation in countries such as the United States are often, under Ecuadorian law, viewed as criminal, and can lead to arrest and imprisonment. Although the official language is Spanish, English is widely spoken and understood in the business sector. Business hours are usually 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, with some businesses closing during lunch.

Duty free

Travellers entering Ecuador do not have to pay customs duty on 400 cigarettes, 25 cigars or 500g tobacco, three litres of alcoholic beverages, and perfume for personal use.

Communications

The international access code for Ecuador is +593. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.

Passport & Visa

All visitors should hold an onward or return ticket, and must demonstrate proof of sufficient funds for their stay in the country. Extensions are possible for travellers who do not need a visa to enter Ecuador. Those who are travelling to the Galapagos Islands need to register with the government prior to arrival. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. A visa is not required for 90 days.

British citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days, irrespective of the endorsement with regard to national status contained in the visitor's passport.

Canadian citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Australian citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

South African citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Irish citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Useful contacts

Official Tourism, Quito: +593 2993300 or www.visitquito.ec

Quito and Ibarra: call 911. All other areas: call 101.

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Embassy of Ecuador, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 234 7200.

Embassy of Ecuador, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7584 1367.

Embassy of Ecuador, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 563 8206.

Embassy of Ecuador, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 6286 4021.

Ecuadorian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa, +27 12 346 1662

Ecuadorian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland, +353 1 280 5917

Embassies / consulates in Ecuador

United States Embassy, Quito: +593 2 398 5000.

British Embassy, Quito: +593 2 397 2200.

Canadian Embassy, Quito (also responsible for Australia): +593 2 245 5499.

South African Honorary Consulate, Quito: +593 2 246 7219

Irish Honorary Consul, Ecuador: + 593 2 380 1345.

New Zealand Embassy, Santiago, Chile (also responsible for Ecuador): +56 2 2616 3000.