Travel Guide to Quito, Ecuador
Downtown Quito - Capital City of Ecuador
The scope of San Francisco de Quito (or simply “Quito” as it is commonly called) is intense with over 1.5 million inhabitants equaling roughly 484 people per square mile.
Population density is great but a more pressing reality are nearby volcanos – Quito is located in the Andes mountain range near the equator and the only capital city in the world to be threatened by volcanic activity.
In August 2006, Volcano Pichincha errupted, dumping a layer of ash over the city and causing temporary closure of Mariscal Sucre International Airport.
Best Time to Visit Where To Eat Where To Stay City Map
Quito´s elevation is 2,800 metres (9,186 feet) above sea level, making it the highest capital city in South America. The second highest is Bogotá, Colombia at 2,620 meters (8,646 feet).
If traveling to either of these cities – or high altitude areas in Ecuador, Peru or Bolivia – read this article beforehand: Travel Health – Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment of Altitude Sickness
Green spaces are everywhere and Parque Metropolitano Guanguiltagua in Quito is the largest urban park in South America at 1,376 acres (5.5 km²). By comparison, Central Park in New York City is only 843 acres.
Parque el Arbolito (Arbolito Park in English) in Downtown Quito
Quito is a popular traveler hang-out with the Mariscal district (between the old town and airport) a favorite haunt due to its relative safety and abundance of nightclubs and hostals. And for the heck of it… why not go to the middle of the world (La Mitad del Mundo in Spanish)? Downtown Quito is 15 miles south of the equator, you can step between the north and south hemispheres in quite a few choice locations.
Tourist attractions located near Quito include: Cotopaxi National Park , Otavalo (famous craft market), Antisana (Ecological Reserve), Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve (conservation and bird watching lodge), Papallacta & Oyacachi (thermal springs), Cayambe (Coca Ecological Reserve), Mindo Nambillo (cloud forest) and last but not least – the summits Rucu or Guagua of Volcano Pichincha.
More detailed information is located here: Travel Destinations & Things To Do Around Quito
Nightlife in Quito – What’s Shaking Where Whether You Like it Rowdy or Mellow
There are many different entertainment options in Quito. If you want to party head to the Mariscal neighborhood where there are tons of bars, dance spots and international restaurants.
One of the best places to salsa dance is called Séseribo (though not in the Mariscal), which is located at Calle Veintimilla 325 and Avenida 12 de Octubre streets. Also, Aguijón – a popular nightclub in the Mariscal playing a mix of alternative rock, salsa and drum and bass music – hosts a salsa night on Wednesday nights which is popular with the younger crowd.
If you want a chiller night, El Pobre Diablo (corner of Isabel La Catolica and Galavis streets) is a Jazz bar and music venue located in La Floresta neighborhood, which has live music most weekend nights. Also in La Floresta is the independent movie theater called “Ocho y Medio” located at the corner of Valladolid and Vizcaya streets. It shows documentaries, off-beat films and hosts local and International film festivals.
Guápulo is another nice neighborhood for a less rowdy night out, with a few funky cafés/bars lining its only cobblestone road; the views here are awesome. The bar Ananké and Café Guápulo are two favorites.
In the Old Town, La Ronda, Quito’s oldest street, is the place to be. If you go, be sure to try canelazo, a warm drink made with cane alcohol, fruits and cinnamon which is for sale almost everywhere.
During winter (invierno in Spanish) – the months June, July and August – are the best times to visit Quito as it is normally pleasantly sunny with little wind or rain and temperatures on average 19 degree C (66 F).
With year-round temperatures averaging 15 degrees C (59 F), no time during the year is unpleasant in Quito. However, the rainy season during summer (verano in Spanish) – December through March – may make outdoor activities less enjoyable.
Expensive
- Name: Lugano Suites Hotel Book Now
Area: La Carolina Park
Address: Suiza N33-132 and Checoslovaquia
Website: http://luganosuiteshotel.com/english/quito.asp Fully-equipped one-bedroom apartments (microwave, dishwasher, plasma TV) with living/dining areas and views of downtown Quito. Just 6.4 km (4 miles) from the historic center and Mariscal International Airport. - Name: JW Marriott Hotel Quito Book Now
Area: Downtown Quito
Address: Orellana 1172 & Amazonas,
Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/uiodt-jw-marriott-hotel-quito/ Spa, swimming pool, several restaurants (Mexican, local & International cusine) and bars plus plush rooms with AC, minibars and plasma TVs.
Midrange
- Name: San Francisco de Quito
Area: Historic Quarter (Old Town)
Address: Sucre Oe3-17 (corner of Guayaquil)
Website: http://www.sanfranciscodequito.com.ec/ - Name: Reina Isabel Hotel & Suites Book Now
Area: Mariscal District
Address: Avenida Amazonas N23-44 and Veintimilla
Website: www.hotelreinaisabel.com/ Modern decor and amenities as well including iPod docking stations in rooms, comfy sitting areas and a few with private hot tubs.
Cheap
- Name: Posada del Maple B&B
Area: Mariscal District
Address: Juan Rodríguez E8-49 & 6 de Diciembre
Website: http://www.posadadelmaple.com/ - Name: Hostal Huauki
Area: Mariscal District
Address: Jaoquin Pinto E7-82 & Diego de Almagro
Website: http://www.hostalhuauki.com/
Expensive
- Name: Rincon La Ronda Restaurante
Area: Downtown Central
Address: Belo Horizonte street E8-45
Website: http://www.rinconlaronda.com/ - Name: La Querencia (Bistro)
Area: New Town
Address: Eloy Alfaro 2530 & Catalina Aldaz
Website None. Read a Review
Midrange
- Name: Adam´s Rib
Area: Mariscal
Address: J Calama 329
Website: None. Read a Review - Name: Le Arcate (Italian, wood-fired pizza)
Area: Mariscal
Address: Baquedano 358 & Juan León Mera
Website: http://www.le-arcate.com
Cheap
- Name: Coffee Tree
Area: Mariscal
Address: Reina Victoria & Plaza Foch
Website: None. Read a Review - Name: Magic Bean (American-style cafe open 24 hours)
Area: Mariscal
Address: Foch E5-08 Mariscal Sucre
Website: None. Read a Review
