Quito
City

Quito

High-altitude colonial capital beneath volcanic peaks

Quito sits at 9,350 feet above sea level, making it the world's second-highest capital city. But altitude isn't the only thing that takes your breath away here. This UNESCO World Heritage city sprawls across Andean valleys beneath snow-capped volcanic peaks, where 16th-century churches share cobblestone streets with contemporary art galleries and traditional markets overflow with exotic fruits you've never heard of.

The historic center feels like stepping into a colonial time capsule. La Compañía church gleams with seven tons of gold leaf, while Plaza Grande buzzes with street vendors selling fresh empanadas for $1. And here's the thing about Quito — it punches way above its weight culturally while remaining refreshingly affordable. A three-course meal at a nice restaurant runs about $15, and you can explore world-class museums for less than $5.

Look, the thin air might slow you down those first couple days. But once you adjust, you'll discover a city that serves as your gateway to the Galápagos, Amazon rainforest, and some of South America's most accessible volcanic adventures.

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La Mariscal used to be the backpacker hub, but honestly? It's gotten a bit rough around the edges. These days, smart travelers base themselves in Old Town or the modern Quito Norte. Old Town puts you right in the UNESCO action. Hotel Casa Gangotena overlooks Plaza San Francisco and costs around $200/night, but you can find decent hostels like Secret Garden for $25/night. The area gets quiet after dark, which some love and others find limiting. Quito Norte, particularly around La Carolina Park, offers modern hotels and easier access to restaurants. Hotel Quito sits at $120/night and has killer volcano views from the pool. The Swissôtel here runs $180/night but includes breakfast and puts you walking distance from Zona Rosa's nightlife. La Floresta strikes a nice middle ground. This bohemian neighborhood has boutique hotels like Illa Experience Hotel ($90/night) and keeps you close to both old and new Quito. Plus, the area has some of the city's best coffee shops.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Eat lunch at local markets like Mercado Central — full meals cost $2-3 versus $8-12 at restaurants
  • 2.Take public buses ($0.25) instead of taxis for longer distances across the city
  • 3.Buy water bottles at corner stores ($0.50) rather than tourist areas ($2-3)
  • 4.Many museums offer free entry on Sundays for Ecuadorian residents — some extend this to all visitors
  • 5.Street food empanadas cost $0.50 versus $3-4 at cafés for basically the same thing
  • 6.Book day tours through your hostel — they often negotiate group discounts of 10-20%
  • 7.ATMs charge high fees — withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize charges
  • 8.Local phone SIM cards cost $5 and save money versus international roaming charges

Travel Tips

  • •Arrive 2-3 days before any strenuous activities to adjust to the 9,350-foot altitude
  • •Drink coca tea (legal here) to help with altitude adjustment — most hotels serve it free
  • •Pack layers for temperature swings from 50°F mornings to 70°F afternoons
  • •Use sunscreen religiously — UV rays are intense at this altitude even on cloudy days
  • •Keep copies of your passport — police checkpoints are common and you need ID
  • •Learn basic Spanish phrases — English isn't widely spoken outside tourist areas
  • •Carry small bills — many places can't break $20 bills, especially street vendors
  • •Book Galápagos flights from Quito in advance — last-minute prices can double
  • •Don't drink tap water — stick to bottled water or water purification tablets
  • •Take photos of important documents and email them to yourself as backup

Frequently Asked Questions

Quito is generally safe during the day, especially in tourist areas like Old Town and Zona Rosa. However, petty crime like pickpocketing is common, so keep valuables secure. Avoid walking alone after dark, particularly in empty areas of the historic center. Use official taxis or Uber rather than walking long distances at night.

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