Quito

Quito sits at 2,850 metres above sea level along a narrow Andean valley. The city stretches over 40 kilometres from north to south, making cross-town drives tedious during rush hours. The underground metro line cuts through traffic, with the end-to-end journey taking about 34 to 35 minutes. You will feel the altitude immediately on your first uphill walk.

Quito's cuisine reflects its high-altitude Andean agricultural surroundings. Lunch is the central meal of the day, structured around a hot soup and a substantial main plate. Market stalls offer the most direct access to traditional dishes at modest prices.

• Eat heavy at lunch

  Set menus called 'almuerzo ejecutivo' cost between $3.00 and $5.00. They include soup, a main dish, juice, and a light dessert.

• Locro de Papa

  Order this thick potato soup seasoned with achiote and cooked with local cheese. It comes topped with avocado slices.

Quito was an important northern hub of the Inca Empire before Spanish arrival in 1534. The Spanish rebuilt the settlement into a major religious capital, constructing massive stone churches using native Indigenous labor.

1. 1534

   Spanish Foundation

   Conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar established San Francisco de Quito on the ruins of the northern Inca city.

2. 1822

   Battle of Pichincha

   Patriot forces defeated the Spanish royalist army on the slopes of Pichincha volcano, securing independence.

3. 1978

   UNESCO Inscription

   Quito was designated one of the first UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites due to its historic centre.

4. 2023

   Metro Opening

   The city launched its first underground transit line, cutting transit times across the long valley.

Choose your location based on evening preferences. Staying in Centro Histórico puts you steps from churches, but streets grow quiet after 19:00. Staying north in La Floresta or González Suárez offers open restaurants and active street life after dark.

• Architecture enthusiastsCentro Histórico — Immediate access to colonial plazas, restored mansions, and historic churches.
• Food loversLa Floresta — Dense concentration of specialty cafes, craft bakeries, and modern Ecuadorian dining.
• Budget travellersLa Mariscal — Plentiful low-cost hostels, travel agency offices, and direct metro connections.
• Quiet seekersGonzález Suárez — High-end residential security, quiet night streets, and valley viewpoints.

The valley's geography forces transit into north-south corridors. Surface traffic frequently grinds to a halt during morning and evening rush hours. Use the underground metro line to travel long distances, and rely on short taxi rides for steep east-west climbs.

• The single underground line costs $0.45 per ride. Purchase a QR ticket at station counter machines with exact change.

• Taxi drivers and bus conductors rarely have change for $20 notes. Keep $1, $5, and quarter coins handy.

• Ensure the driver turns on the taximeter (taxímetro) upon entering. Rates rise slightly after 22:00.

• Surface traffic spikes from 07:00 to 09:00 and 17:00 to 19:30. Take the metro during these rush windows.

Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency. Overall travel expenses remain lower than in neighbouring capitals, provided you eat at local markets and use public transit.

• Market lunch: $3.00–$4.50

  Includes soup, main plate with rice and meat, plus fresh juice.

• Metro trip: $0.45

  Flat fare across all 15 stations along the valley line.

• TelefériQo round-trip ticket: $9.00

  Standard ticket price for adult foreign visitors.

• High UV exposure

  Due to the high altitude and equatorial position, intense sun burn occurs within 15 minutes. Wear a hat daily.

• Equatorial daylight

  The sun rises and sets at roughly 06:00 and 18:00 year-round. Plan daytime outdoor activities early.

• Keep valuables secure

  Keep backpacks on your front inside crowded buses and market aisles to prevent opportunistic pickpocketing.

• Inspect US dollar bills

  Merchants often refuse dollar bills with tears, heavy creases, or writing on them. Keep clean paper cash.

• Tap water advice

  Drink bottled or filtered water during your stay to avoid stomach discomfort.