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location.beaches.districts
location.beaches.districts_subtitle
Centro Histórico (Old Town)
hotelsUNESCO World Heritage - largest preserved colonial center in Americas! 40 churches, monasteries, plazas. La Compañía church (gold interior!), Plaza Grande, Panecillo virgin. Where Spanish colonial glory lives. Essential.
La Mariscal
hotelsBackpacker/tourist district - hostels, bars, restaurants, tour agencies. Plaza Foch center of nightlife. Where travelers meet. Convenient but touristy. Watch belongings at night. Good base for first-timers.
La Floresta
hotelsHip, artsy neighborhood - cafes, galleries, craft beer, boutiques. Where creative Quiteños live. Calmer than Mariscal. Good restaurants, street art. Emerging trendy area. Walkable, pleasant.
faq.title
faq.subtitle Quito
Most nationalities visa-free for 90 days - US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia. Stamp on arrival. Very easy entry. Can extend once at immigration. Includes Galápagos access (separate entry fee there). Welcoming to tourists.
Quito is 2850m (9350ft) - many feel altitude. Shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue common first days. Take it easy, hydrate, avoid alcohol initially. Most adapt in 1-2 days. Serious symptoms rare. Consider arriving from lower elevation gradually.
Fly from Quito (UIO) to Baltra or San Cristóbal - 2.5 hours, $300-500 roundtrip. Book ahead. $100 park fee + $20 transit card on arrival. Can visit independently or tours. Budget 4-7 days minimum. Life-changing wildlife experience.
Yes! 'Mitad del Mundo' monument 30 min north - touristy but fun. ACTUAL equator is at Intiñan Museum nearby (GPS verified). Do water drain experiments. Tourist trap but unique photo opportunity. Ecuador literally means 'equator'.
Travel Tips
Useful tips for visiting Quito
Explore Centro Histórico - UNESCO World Heritage, largest colonial center in Americas. La Compañía church has incredible gold interior. Plaza Grande, Panecillo virgin viewpoint. Walking tours excellent. Half-day minimum. Quito's crown jewel.
Take TelefériQo - cable car to 4100m for volcano views! See Cotopaxi, Pichincha, city below. Take warm clothes - very cold up top. Great acclimatization if going higher. Clear mornings best. About $8.50.
Take it easy first day - altitude 2850m affects most people. Drink coca tea (mate de coca), stay hydrated, light meals. No alcohol first night. Walk slowly. You'll adapt quickly but don't overdo initially.
Try locro de papa (potato soup), ceviche, llapingachos (potato patties), cuy (guinea pig - local delicacy!), encebollado (fish soup). Fresh fruit juices everywhere. Food very affordable. Mercados for cheap eats.
Weather
Average temperature by month
Now
10°
10°100%6 м/с
Today
12°9°
12°9°Tomorrow12°9°
12°9°Wed16°9°
16°9°Thu13°9°
13°9°Fri
15°9°
15°9°Sat17°10°
17°10°Sun17°10°
17°10°19°
10°Jan
19°
10°Feb
19°
10°Mar
19°
10°Apr
19°
10°May
19°
10°Jun
20°
9°Jul
20°
9°Aug
20°
9°Sep
20°
10°Oct
19°
10°Nov
19°
10°Dec
location.transport.title
location.transport.subtitle
location.transport.bus
—location.transport.trolleybus
—location.transport.taxi
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Prices
Cost of food, accommodation and services
Cafes & Restaurants
Budget meal
3 - 6 $
Mid-range
10 - 25 $
Fine dining
40 - 100 $
Street Food
Local dish
1 - 4 $
Drinks
Coffee
1.5 - 4 $
Local beer
2 - 4 $
Groceries
Water 1.5L
0.5 - 1.5 $
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
Accommodation
Hotels and rental prices
Hostel dorm
8 - 18 $ / night
Guesthouse
25 - 50 $ / night
Hotel 3★
60 - 120 $ / night
Hotel 5★
150 - 350 $ / night
Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.
location.payment.title
location.payment.subtitle
location.payment.accepted_cards
VisaMastercard
location.payment.atms
widespread
location.payment.cash
USD and cash king! Ecuador uses US Dollar. ATMs widespread but limits $100-500 per transaction. Cards accepted in hotels, larger restaurants. Small shops, markets, taxis cash-only. Bring small bills - change scarce.
location.payment.currency_exchange
Banco del Pacifico, Banco Pichincha, Banco Internacional ATMs in Quito. Withdrawal limits $100-500 per transaction vary by bank. AVOID: Standalone street ATMs - risk of skimming. Use bank branch ATMs only. Mariscal Sucre Airport has ATMs but better rates in city.
location.payment.tipping
10%
10% appreciated in restaurants if no service charge. Not mandatory. Round up for taxis. Small tips for hotel staff.
Safety
Medium safety level
Follow standard precautions
Quito requires awareness - petty theft exists especially in tourist areas. La Mariscal at night sketchy. Old Town safe daytime. Use registered taxis or Uber. Altitude 2850m affects some visitors. Generally safe with precautions.