Quito

Travel Guide & Recommendations

Quito Historic Center

Quito is a magical city nestled in the Andes at 2,850 meters altitude. To enjoy it to the fullest and avoid altitude sickness, here are the best travel tips.

✨ What You Can't Miss

• ⛪Centro Histórico — The largest and best-preserved colonial center in the Americas. La Compañía de Jesús, with its gold-bathed interior, is the continent's most beautiful church.
• 🌋Teleférico & Pichincha Volcano — Take the cable car to 13,450 feet for spectacular views of Quito and Andean volcanoes. Adventurous travelers can hike to the summit of Rucu Pichincha.
• 🌍Mitad del Mundo — Stand in both hemispheres at the equatorial line. The interactive museum and scientific demonstrations make this a unique experience.
• 🍲Highland Cuisine — Locro de papa, hornado, empanadas de viento, and Ecuadorian chocolate. Quito cuisine is comforting and full of Andean flavors.
• 🎭La Ronda — Quito's most bohemian street. Art galleries, artisan workshops, cafés with live music, and the famous hot canelazo for chilly nights.
• 🏔️Cotopaxi & Otavalo — Day trips to Cotopaxi volcano (19,347ft), one of the world's highest active volcanoes, and to the Otavalo indigenous market, South America's largest.

View from the TelefériQo

🏘️ Where to Stay

• Historic Center: UNESCO Heritage. Charming colonial hotels, spectacular churches, and Quito's cultural heart.
• La Floresta: The artistic and bohemian neighborhood. Specialty coffee, galleries, and a young, creative atmosphere.
• González Suárez: Modern residential area with panoramic valley views. Luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants.

🚌 Getting Around

Taxis are affordable — negotiate the fare or insist on the meter. Uber works well. The Trolebús and Ecovía cover main routes. For the TelefériQo, take a taxi or bus from downtown. The city is walkable but hills and altitude can exhaust you — go slowly the first few days.