Traveling in Quito, Capital of Ecuador
General Background
The city of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is the second-largest city in the country after Guayaquil. The city has about two million residents. The city is located right next to the equator, at a high altitude above sea level, nestled on a ridge of the Andes Mountains. Independence Square in the heart of the city is at an altitude of 2,850 meters, which is why the weather in the city is pleasant and not too hot as would be expected from a place located on the equator.
Ecuador is one of the safer countries in South America, located only about a 4-hour flight from Florida, and it is worth combining it with a trip and/or shopping in Florida.
The new international airport of the capital Quito is located east of the city, about an hour's drive away. It is recommended to start your trip in Ecuador in this large and interesting city where you first land. It is recommended to take guided tours where you are explained about the various destinations and taken to good vantage points over the city and surroundings. The guides will also explain to you about the local culture and food.
Recommended Hotels in Quito
Four-star hotels at an attractive price and convenient location:
Hotel Reina Isabel
Or:
Anahi Boutique Hotel
Or, cheaper:
Hotel Rio Amazonas
More expensive: 5-star hotels
Swissôtel Quito
Or:
JW Marriott Hotel Quito
♦ Recommended guided tours in Quito from Viator:
The city of Quito from the viewpoint of the nearby Pichincha volcano:
Travel Destinations in Quito
The largest square in the old city forming its historic center is called Plaza de San Francisco and features a church of the same name.
Continue walking through the streets of the old city and be impressed by the ancient buildings, inner courtyards, and the many food stalls characteristic of the place, where it is recommended to taste and get to know the special local flavors.
Independence Square Plaza de la Independencia is also impressive. Official parades and processions are held there.
Also visit the older quarter called La Ronda. This is a preserved and vibrant neighborhood with restaurants, shops, and galleries.
TeleferiQo
It is recommended to ride the cable car called TeleferiQo to the top of the nearby Pichincha volcano, which offers an amazing view of this huge city. This is one of the highest cable cars in the world, ascending from an altitude of about 3,100 meters to an altitude of about 4,000 meters! Note that the air at this altitude is thinner in oxygen and is not recommended for those suffering from breathing difficulties.
Another beautiful viewpoint of the city is located on the Panecillo hill, upon which stands a 45-meter-tall aluminum statue of the Madonna.
Ecuador is an exporter of bananas, cacao, and coffee, and it is worth tasting chocolate at a chocolate workshop and drinking their fine coffee.
Five short videos about Quito:
Star Trips from Quito
It is worthwhile to take star trips from Quito to the surrounding areas with drives of several hours in each direction. The advantage is that you don't need to look for a new hotel every day; additionally, the selection of hotels in Quito is larger, so you can choose a place that suits you in terms of quality and price.
The destinations for trips around Quito are the towns of Otavalo, Mindo and its surroundings, Cotopaxi Volcano, and visiting the Equator.
Details on these trips can be found in the article: Star Trips from Quito.
Guided Tour in Ecuador
I recommend traveling in Ecuador on a guided tour. Since this country is inexpensive, it is best for a family to travel with a local guide and their car. This is the best way to learn about local customs, culture, history, and food, and to rely on their navigation for all the attractions worth visiting.
Our articles on Ecuador:
Destinations and attractions in Ecuador travel
Trips in the town of Otavalo and its surroundings
Trips and attractions in the Galapagos Islands
Trip to the Ecuadorian Amazon
Trips on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos
Trips on San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos
Trip to Isabela Island in the Galapagos
Attractions and trips in the town of Baños in Ecuador