Quito Travel Guide (Andean Highlands/Ecuador/South America)

If you are planning a trip to South America, Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a must-visit destination. Located in the Andean Highlands, Quito boasts impressive colonial architecture, breathtaking natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through everything you need to know to plan your trip to Quito.

Introduction to Quito

Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. The city has a rich history that dates back to the pre-Columbian era, and today it reflects a unique blend of Spanish, indigenous, and African cultures.

List of Places to Visit in Quito

Quito has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history and culture or outdoor adventures and scenic views. Here are some of the must-visit places in Quito:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

La Ronda: This narrow street in Old Quito boasts colonial architecture, traditional music, and local handicraft shops.
The Basilica del Voto Nacional: This Gothic cathedral is known for its impressive stained-glass windows and offers stunning views of the city from its towers.
The Mitad del Mundo: This monument marks the equator line, and visitors can stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
The Casa del Alabado: This museum houses a collection of pre-Columbian art, including ceramics, textiles, and metalwork.

Natural Attractions of Quito: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The TeleferiQo: This cable car takes visitors to the top of Pichincha Volcano, offering panoramic views of the city.
The Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve: This volcanic crater has been turned into a nature reserve that is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
The Quilotoa Crater Lake: This emerald green lake, which is located in a volcanic crater, is a popular destination for hiking and photography.
The Cotopaxi National Park: This park is home to the Cotopaxi volcano, which is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Visitors can hike, bike, or take a horseback ride through the park.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Quito

Quito is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and there are many great hiking and biking routes in and around the city. Some of the best routes include:

The Pichincha Volcano: This hike takes visitors to the top of the volcano, which offers stunning views of the city.
The Condor Park: This park is home to a variety of birds of prey, including the Andean condor, and offers great hiking trails.
The Cotopaxi National Park: This park offers a variety of hiking and biking trails, ranging from easy to challenging.

Best Things to Do in Quito: Activities and Tours

There are many great things to do in Quito, and we recommend the following activities and tours:

The Quito City Tour: This tour takes visitors to some of the city’s most important landmarks, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Quito.
The Otavalo Market Tour: This tour takes visitors to the largest indigenous market in South America, where they can buy traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
The Galapagos Islands Tour: This tour takes visitors to one of the most unique natural wonders in the world, the Galapagos Islands, where they can see an incredible variety of flora and fauna.

Week-Long Itinerary for Quito

If you are planning to spend a week in Quito, here is a sample itinerary that you can follow:

Day	Activity
1	Quito City Tour
2	TeleferiQo and Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve
3	Mitad del Mundo and Casa del Alabado
4	Otavalo Market Tour
5	Cotopaxi National Park
6	Galapagos Islands Tour
7	Quilotoa Crater Lake

Food and Drink Scene of Quito

Ecuadorian cuisine is known for its use of fresh ingredients, and Quito has a thriving food and drink scene. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages in Quito:

Must-Try Dishes

Locro: This hearty soup is made with potatoes, cheese, corn, and avocado.
Ceviche: This national dish is made with raw seafood marinated in citrus juice.
Llapingachos: These stuffed potato cakes are served with a variety of meats and vegetables.

Local Beverages

Canelazo: This warming drink is made with aguardiente, cinnamon, and fruit juice.
Chicha: This traditional corn beer is brewed by indigenous communities in the Andes.
Ecuadorian Coffee: Ecuador is known for producing some of the best coffee in the world, and there are many great coffee shops in Quito.

Where to Stay in Quito: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Quito has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. Here are some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Quito:

Hotel Plaza Grande: This luxury hotel is located in the heart of Old Quito and offers stunning views of the city.
Community Hostel: This eco-friendly hostel is located in a historic building in the La Mariscal neighborhood and offers a variety of shared and private rooms.
Posada del Maple: This charming guesthouse is located in the La Floresta neighborhood and offers beautiful gardens and a rooftop terrace.

What to Buy in Quito: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Quito is known for its handicrafts and artisanal products, and there are many great souvenirs to buy in the city. Some of the best things to bring home include:

Handwoven Textiles: Ecuadorian textiles are known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors.
Panama Hats: Despite their name, these famous hats are actually made in Ecuador and are popular souvenirs.
Chocolate: Ecuador is known for producing some of the best chocolate in the world, and there are many great chocolate shops in Quito.

Local Culture and Customs of Quito

Ecuadorian culture is a unique blend of Spanish, indigenous, and African traditions, and visitors to Quito can experience this rich cultural heritage through local festivals, music, and dance. Some of the most important cultural events in Quito include:

The Festival of the Sun: This festival, which takes place in June, celebrates the summer solstice and is marked by music, dance, and fireworks.
The Day of the Dead: This important holiday, which takes place on November 2nd, is marked by elaborate altars and offerings to honor loved ones who have passed away.
The Inti Raymi: This Incan festival, which takes place in June, celebrates the winter solstice and is marked by traditional music, dance, and food.

Best Time to Visit Quito

The best time to visit Quito is between June and September, which is the dry season. However, Quito has a relatively mild climate year-round, so visitors can enjoy the city at any time of year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Quito

When visiting Quito, it’s important to be aware of local customs and etiquette. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

Try the local food and drink: Ecuadorian cuisine is delicious, and there are many great local dishes and beverages to try in Quito.
Learn some Spanish: While many people in Quito speak English, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic Spanish phrases to help you get around and communicate with locals.
Respect the local culture: Ecuador has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

Wander around at night: Quito can be dangerous at night, particularly in certain neighborhoods. It’s always best to take a taxi or stay in well-lit areas.
Assume that everyone speaks English: While many people in Quito speak English, not everyone does. It’s always a good idea to learn some basic Spanish phrases.
Drink tap water: Tap water in Quito is not safe to drink. Make sure to drink bottled water or use a water filter.

Safety and Health

Like any major city, Quito has its share of safety and health concerns. Here are some tips to stay safe and healthy in Quito:

Safety in Quito

Stay in well-lit areas: Quito can be dangerous at night, particularly in certain neighborhoods. It’s always best to take a taxi or stay in well-lit areas.
Be cautious with your belongings: Petty theft is common in Quito, so it’s always a good idea to keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings.
Use reputable tour operators: There are many great tour operators in Quito, but it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable company.

Health in Quito

Get vaccinated: Make sure to get vaccinated against yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid before traveling to Quito.
Avoid tap water: Tap water in Quito is not safe to drink. Make sure to drink bottled water or use a water filter.
Be aware of altitude sickness: Quito is located at a high altitude, and visitors may experience altitude sickness. Make sure to drink plenty of water, rest frequently, and avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Getting to Quito: Transportation Options and Logistics

Quito has several transportation options for getting around the city and getting to and from the airport. Here are some of the best options:

Airports Near Quito

Mariscal Sucre International Airport: This is the main airport in Quito and is located in the Tababela parish, approximately 18 km from the city center.

Bus Stations Near Quito

Terminal Quitumbe: This is the main bus station in Quito and serves destinations throughout Ecuador and South America.
Terminal Carcelén: This bus station serves destinations throughout northern Ecuador and southern Colombia.

Other Options

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services: Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available in Quito and are a convenient way to get around the city.
Public Transportation: Quito has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and the Quito Metro.

How to Get Around in Quito

Quito is easy to navigate, and there are several transportation options for getting around the city. Here are some of the best options:

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services: Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available in Quito and are a convenient way to get around the city.
Public Transportation: Quito has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and the Quito Metro.
Walking and Biking: Quito is a pedestrian-friendly city, and there are many great walking and biking routes in and around the city.

Where to Go Next from Quito: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Quito is a great base for exploring other destinations in Ecuador and beyond. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that you can take from Quito:

The Galapagos Islands: These unique islands, which are home to a stunning variety of flora and fauna, are a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
The Amazon Rainforest: The Amazon Rainforest, which spans several South American countries, is a great destination for adventure travelers.
The Cotopaxi National Park: This park is home to the Cotopaxi volcano, which is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Visitors can hike, bike, or take a horseback ride through the park.

Conclusion

Quito is a fascinating destination, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are interested in hiking, food, or exploring the local culture, Quito has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and experience all that this remarkable destination has to offer.