Travel Guide
Quito travel guide
UNESCO World Heritage city at 2,850m, where Spanish colonial architecture meets indigenous culture. The best-preserved historic center in South America and gateway to the Galápagos and Amazon.
Language
Spanish, Quechua
Currency
USD
Timezone
ECT (UTC-5)
Best time
Jun-Sep (dry season)
Budget/day
$40-90/day
When to visit
Jan
10 to 19°C
Feb
10 to 19°C
Mar
10 to 19°C
Apr
10 to 19°C
May
10 to 19°C
Jun
10 to 20°C
Jul
9 to 20°C
Aug
9 to 21°C
Sep
10 to 21°C
Oct
10 to 20°C
Nov
10 to 19°C
Dec
10 to 19°C
Safety
Moderate RiskQuito requires caution outside the colonial Historic Centre. Express kidnapping reported — use Uber or trusted taxis. High altitude (2,850m) — acclimatise before strenuous activity.
Women travellers
Exercise standard precautions. Research specific areas before visiting. Use registered transport services. Avoid isolated areas at night.
Culture & etiquette
- + Altitude 2,850m—take it easy first day
- + Compañía de Jesús church is the most ornate in the Americas
- + Mitad del Mundo is touristy but fun—straddle the equator
- + Gateway to Galápagos—many book cruises here
- - Don't display expensive items
- - Don't share too much with strangers
- - Don't ignore local customs
- - Don't assume everyone speaks English
Food to try
Locro de papas
Ecuador's highland masterpiece—thick potato and white cheese soup simmered with achiote and served with sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime; a Quito morning staple and Andean comfort food for centuries
Ceviche
Ecuador's coastal ceviche uses cooked shrimp (not raw fish) marinated in lime juice and tomato sauce with red onion, cilantro and hot sauce; served with chifles (green plantain chips) and popcorn as garnish
Llapingachos
Pan-fried potato and cheese cakes served as street food or market breakfast alongside peanut sauce drizzle, fried egg and Spanish sausage; the quintessential Highland Andean market food at Quito's Mercado Central
Cuy (guinea pig)
A highland delicacy since pre-Inca times—whole guinea pig seasoned with herbs and slow-roasted over a wood fire; earthy, similar to rabbit; a cultural and ceremonial food more than everyday eating; try it respectfully
Fresh juices
Even in the Galapagos, tropical juices from passion fruit, guava and papaya are freshly blended; particularly refreshing after mornings of snorkeling with sea lions; available at the cafés of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz
Hidden gems
Details are indicative and may change. Verify visa, safety, and entry requirements before travel.