Quito
Neighbourhoods of Quito
Centro Histórico
Compact historic centre of churches and cobbles, ideal for museum and architecture lovers on foot.
Dining: Street Food Nightlife: Cultural Shopping: Markets Stays: Mid-Range
- Plaza Grande (Plaza de la Independencia): Political and social heart, good for people-watching and historic façades.
- Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús: Gilded baroque interior that frequently astonishes visitors.
- Basílica del Voto Nacional: Tower climb for one of the city’s best panoramic views.
- Calle La Ronda: Restored colonial lane with cafés, artisan shops and evening music.
La Mariscal
Lively, practical base for late-night food, bars and budget to mid-range hotels.
Dining: Diverse Nightlife: Lively Shopping: Artisan Stays: Mixed
- Plaza Foch: Epicentre for bars, restaurants and late-night atmosphere.
- Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal: Casual market for textiles, silver and small souvenirs.
Bellavista
Northern hillside neighbourhood for modern art, views and relaxed sunset watching.
Dining: Cafés Nightlife: Quiet Shopping: Limited Stays: Mid-Range
- Capilla del Hombre: Striking museum by Guayasamín focusing on Latin American humanity and art.
- Casa Museo Guayasamín: Artist’s former home museum displaying original works and offering views.
- Miradores north of Bellavista: Walkable viewpoints catching sunset over the city and surrounding mountains.
La Carolina
Modern central area with wide avenues and big park, good for families and business travellers.
Dining: Cafés Nightlife: Calm Shopping: Malls Stays: Mid-Range
- Parque La Carolina: Large central park for jogging, paddleboats and casual people-watching.
- Jardín Botánico de Quito: Botanical garden inside the park showcasing native plant collections.
- Quicentro Shopping: Major shopping mall with shops, cinemas and multiple restaurants.
Currently it is the shoulder season, with temperatures ranging from 7-19°C (45-66°F).
November
November brings the cleanest air of the year and steady shoulder-season weather. Days feel cool to mild with regular, middling rain and almost no truly clear skies, so expect damp afternoons. Crowds are thin and prices are friendlier; stick to central Quito for museums, dining and cover, and avoid relying on mountain views or late-afternoon walking tours when showers tend to roll in.
Next 3 Months
December and January stay much the same - shoulder-season drizzle and easy availability. By February conditions shift: expect one of the wetter, more oppressive months, so book flexible accommodation and plan indoor activities.
Quito at a Glance
Costs: Budget $30-60, mid $60-120 - hostels and street food are cheap; guided tours and restaurants increase daily costs.
Safety: Moderate - watch for petty crime - pickpocketing and occasional muggings happen; avoid isolated areas, protests, and late-night walking alone.
Best Time: June-September (driest months) - cooler, sunnier weather ideal for city walks and mountain excursions.
Ecuador’s high-Andean capital - home to the best-preserved colonial old town in the Americas, strung along a narrow valley at 2,850 metres beneath volcanoes, right on the Equator.
Quito stretches long and thin down an Andean valley; the UNESCO Centro Histórico sits at the heart, with the modern, restaurant-filled La Mariscal and La Floresta districts to the north.
Why go / don’t miss: the UNESCO colonial old town and its gilded churches, the view from El Panecillo, the TelefériQo cable car, the Mitad del Mundo (Equator line), and the nearby volcanoes and markets.
Neighborhoods: the Centro Histórico for colonial splendour; La Mariscal for nightlife (with care); La Floresta for hip cafés and culture; and the north for modern comforts.
Getting around: the Metro, trolleybuses and apps (Uber/Cabify) cover the long city; the old town is walkable.
When to go: spring-like year-round; Jun - Sep is driest.
Where to stay: the Centro Histórico for atmosphere; La Floresta or the north for hip cafés and safety.
Dining: locro potato soup, hornado roast pork, ceviche, llapingachos, and street empanadas.
Local tips: mind the altitude, take normal city precautions (La Mariscal at night especially), use apps, and it’s a great base for the highlands and the Galápagos flight.
Why Visit Quito?
High in the Andean cloud forest, Quito offers a rare mix of well-preserved colonial architecture and lively urban culture that makes history feel immediate. Its UNESCO-listed Centro Histórico and the atmospheric La Ronda street anchor a compact, walkable core, while the TelefériQo cable car puts páramo trails and panoramic views within easy reach. Food is soulful - try locro de papa or fresh ceviche at neighborhood markets - and annual events like the Fiestas de Quito fill streets with music, parades and indigenous traditions.
Who's Quito For?
Couples
Quito’s Centro Histórico and La Floresta offer intimate cobblestone streets, candlelit restaurants and boutique hotels. Take the TelefériQo for sunset above the city or stroll La Ronda’s music-filled lanes. Dinner for two at a mid-range spot runs ≈$25-40.
Families
Quito has family-friendly spots like the TelefériQo cable car, Parque La Carolina playgrounds, Museo Interactivo and the Mitad del Mundo complex. Watch younger kids for altitude effects; many museums and parks are affordable, but exercise caution in busy La Mariscal at night.
Backpackers
Backpackers will find budget hostels clustered in La Mariscal and Centro Histórico, dorm beds ≈$8-15. Cheap street food and chicken buses connect to day trips like Quilotoa, Cotopaxi and Mindo. Stay alert for pickpockets in crowded markets and night streets.
Digital Nomads
Quito has decent cafes and coworking spaces concentrated in La Floresta and La Carolina, reliable 4G and cable in most neighborhoods, rents lower than US/Europe. Short tourist visa (90 days) and occasional power/outage issues make long-term stays a little trickier.
Foodies
Food lovers get rich Andean flavors: hornado, locro, llapingachos, fresh ceviche and hearty soups at Mercado Central. Hip restaurants and craft-cocktail bars in La Floresta and Guápulo push creative cuisine; expect mid-range dinners $8-20, high-end tasting menus cost more.
Adventure Seekers
Quito is the gateway for high-adrenaline Andes trips - Cotopaxi climbs, Quilotoa crater hikes, mountain biking and climbing at Pichincha after the TelefériQo. Day-trip logistics are easy via local agencies; be prepared for altitude and rapidly changing weather above 3,000 m.
Party Animals
For nightlife head to La Mariscal / Plaza Foch where bars, salsa floors and late-night clubs cluster. Music nights and expat crowds are common, but club quality varies and neighborhoods can feel touristy; expect cover charges at popular venues.
Nature Buffs
Nature fans have options: Mindo cloud forest birding two hours away, Pululahua crater right outside Quito, large Parque Metropolitano trails and the nearby Cayambe-Coca and Antisana reserves. For Amazon biodiversity you’ll need longer transfers to Tena or Coca.
Plan Your Visit to Quito
Best Things to Do in Quito
Building
Historic Center of Quito
Well-preserved colonial center with churches and plazas
Monument
Ciudad Mitad del Mundo
Monument marking the equator with ethnographic exhibits
Mountain
Pichincha (volcano)
Active volcano overlooking Quito, popular for hiking
Stadium
Atahualpa Olympic Stadium
Multi-use stadium in Quito named after Atahualpa
Mountain
Corazón (volcano)
Andean volcano near Quito offering alpine climbs
Mountain
Atacazo
Stratovolcano near Quito popular with hikers
Volcano
Pululahua
Large volcanic caldera with inhabited agricultural terraces
Mountain
Rumiñahui (volcano)
Stratovolcano near Quito popular with hikers and panoramas
Quito Bucket List
Don't Miss
Quito Historic Center (Centro Histórico) - Largest and best-preserved colonial center in Latin America, full of churches and plazas.
La Compañía de Jesús - Gold-covered interior with intricate Baroque plasterwork; a highlight of Quito’s churches.
Basílica del Voto Nacional - Neo-Gothic basilica where you can climb towers for panoramic city and volcano views.
TelefériQo (Cruz Loma) - Cable car lifts you high on Pichincha for chilly air and excellent viewpoints.
Plaza Grande (Plaza de la Independencia) - Central square flanked by the Presidential Palace, cathedral, and municipal buildings.
Mitad del Mundo (Monument and Intiñan Museum) - Stand on the equator line and explore nearby museum experiments about Earth’s rotation.
Hidden Gems
Calle La Ronda - Narrow colonial street lined with artisan shops, cafés, and evening live music.
Casa del Alabado - Small museum with an intimate collection of pre-Columbian sculpture and ceremonial objects.
Capilla del Hombre (Guayasamín Museum) - Powerful modern art complex showcasing Oswaldo Guayasamín’s work and social commentary.
Parque Itchimbía and Centro Cultural Itchimbía - Green hill with walking paths and a glass cultural center facing the historic center.
Mercado Central de Quito - Bustling market offering Ecuadorian snacks, fresh produce, and traditional lunchtime dishes.
La Floresta neighborhood - Creative neighborhood filled with murals, independent galleries, craft beer bars, and design shops.
Day Trips
Cotopaxi National Park - Drive to view the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano and hike páramo trails around the refuge.
Otavalo Market (Plaza de los Ponchos) - Famous indigenous market selling textiles, jewelry, and lively Saturday traders and musicians.
Mindo Cloud Forest - Biodiverse reserve for birdwatching, waterfalls, tubing, and cool forest trails.
Papallacta Hot Springs - Thermal baths nestled in the Andes, ideal for soaking after a mountain drive.
Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve - One of the world’s few inhabited volcanic craters with farming and lookout trails.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Quito
Quito is best visited during the dry season (June-September) for the clearest skies and the best mountain views. Sitting high in the Andes, temperatures stay mild year-round but afternoons are often stormy during the long rainy season (October-May).
Dry Season
Sunny mornings and crisp air make Quito dazzling; best time for clear volcano views, open-air markets, and longer treks without afternoon downpours.
Rainy Season
Frequent afternoon showers and low cloud can hide the mountains, but the city feels lush, crowds thin, and festival atmosphere (Carnival, Easter) is lively.
Cool Season
Chilly, crisp mornings and very clear skies reward early risers; daytime sun warms quickly but evenings plunge cold-pack layers and a warm jacket.
Quito's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 7°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1126 mm/year), wettest in April.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 7° - 19° | 13° | 98 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.0h |
| February | Acceptable | 7° - 19° | 13° | 124 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.0h |
| March | Acceptable | 8° - 19° | 13° | 141 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.0h |
| April | Acceptable | 8° - 19° | 13° | 155 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.0h |
| May | Acceptable | 8° - 19° | 13° | 104 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.0h |
| June | Good | 7° - 19° | 13° | 46 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.0h |
| July | Very Good | 7° - 19° | 13° | 22 mm | overcast | 77% | 3.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.0h |
| August | Good | 7° - 20° | 13° | 34 mm | overcast | 74% | 3.5 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.0h |
| September | Good | 7° - 20° | 13° | 77 mm | overcast | 75% | 3.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.0h |
| October | Acceptable | 7° - 19° | 13° | 120 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.8 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.0h |
| November | Acceptable | 7° - 19° | 13° | 108 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.0h |
| December | Acceptable | 7° - 19° | 13° | 97 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.0h |
How to Get to Quito
Quito is served by Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) just outside the city; most international visitors arrive there. Long-distance travel to and from Quito is mostly by bus - the city has two main intercity terminals (Quitumbe in the south and Carcelén in the north) and no regular commuter rail.
Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO): The city’s main airport is Mariscal Sucre (UIO), located in Tababela about 18 km east of central Quito. Taxis and rideshares (Uber/DiDi) to the historic centre normally take 30-45 minutes depending on traffic and cost roughly $20-35; official airport taxis are on the higher end of that range. There are also shared/private airport shuttles and hotel transfer services (book in advance) typically costing $8-15 and taking 35-50 minutes. Local public buses serve routes between the airport area and Quito neighbourhoods for much less (under $2) but they are slower and involve transfers, so they are best only for budget travellers familiar with the city.
Train: Quito does not have regular intercity passenger rail service. Ecuador’s railway network is largely inactive for daily transport and operates only occasional tourist trains; if you plan to travel by rail check Tren Ecuador for seasonal or tourist departures.
Bus: Interprovincial buses operate from the main terminals: Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe (south) and Terminal Terrestre Carcelén (north). Key routes include Quito-Guayaquil (about 7-9 hours, roughly $8-$12), Quito-Cuenca (about 8-10 hours, roughly $10-$18) and Quito-Otavalo (about 1.5-2 hours, roughly $1.50-$3). Local city buses (many routes and frequent departures) charge about $0.25 per ride for most trips; buses to/from the terminals connect to the metro/BRT/taxi network and typically take 20-40 minutes to reach downtown depending on traffic.
How to Get Around Quito
Quito’s transport mix works best when you combine the Metro or BRT for longer corridor trips and taxis or rideshares for short or uphill journeys. The historic centre is compact and most enjoyable on foot, while intercity travel is dominated by reliable bus services from the Quitumbe and Carcelén terminals.
- Quito Metro ($0.40) - Line 1 of the Quito Metro provides a fast, reliable north-south spine connecting stations like El Labrador and Quitumbe with central transfer points. It’s a good option for avoiding surface traffic for trips along the metro corridor; frequencies are regular during peak hours. Note that last-mile connections often require a short bus or taxi ride.
- Trolebús & Ecovía (BRT) ($0.25) - The city’s bus rapid transit lines (Trolebús and Ecovía) run on dedicated lanes through busy corridors and are efficient for many central routes. They integrate with the city’s fare system and reach major stops such as La Mariscal, Plaza Foch and Avenida Amazonas. Expect crowded vehicles at peak times but generally faster trips than regular buses.
- Interprovincial & Long-distance buses ($2-$18) - Use the main terminals - Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe (south) for most southern and central-south destinations, and Terminal Terrestre Carcelén (north) for northern routes. Buses vary from basic to executive (with reclining seats); ticket prices depend on distance and comfort class. For popular routes (e.g., Guayaquil, Cuenca, Otavalo) it’s wise to book ahead during holidays and weekends.
- Taxis & Rideshares (Uber/DiDi) ($1.50-$25) - Metered taxis are plentiful and rideshare apps operate in Quito; rideshares can be a bit cheaper and easier for language-limited travellers. Short inner-city trips often cost a few dollars; fares rise with distance and during heavy traffic. For airport transfers use official airport taxis or prebook a private transfer for peace of mind and fixed pricing.
- TelefériQo (Cable car) ($8-$12) - The TelefériQo takes you up the slopes of Pichincha from near the eastern edge of the city to high-altitude viewpoints and hiking trails - a quick way to access mountain scenery without a long drive. It’s popular with tourists and locals alike; take warm clothing (it gets cold at the top) and be mindful of altitude. The ride itself is short (around 10-15 minutes) and is best combined with a hike or a visit to the Cruz Loma viewpoint.
- Walking - Much of the historic centre of Quito is compact and best explored on foot - narrow streets, plazas and heritage sites are pedestrian-friendly though often uphill. Wear comfortable shoes: Quito is high-altitude and hilly, so plan routes that allow for gradual climbs and regular breaks. Walking is the best way to soak up the old town atmosphere and discover side streets and market stalls.
Where to Stay in Quito
Budget
La Mariscal - $12-45/night
Cheap hostels and guesthouses concentrate in La Mariscal and Old Town, offering dorms and small private rooms with basic amenities and lively social scenes.
Selina Quito - Hostel-style rooms and coworking spaces
Hostal Santa Rita - Simple, affordable rooms near Mariscal
Mid-Range
La Floresta / Old Town - $50-140/night
Mid-range hotels offer comfortable rooms, on-site breakfast, and central locations - good value for visitors wanting reliable service without premium prices.
Hotel Patio Andaluz - Charming colonial courtyard in Old Town
Hotel Dann Carlton Quito - Reliable mid-range comfort near business areas
Luxury
Old Town / La Carolina - $180-450/night
Upscale hotels and refined boutique options in central Quito provide attentive service, quality dining, and easy access to cultural highlights and business districts.
Casa Gangotena - Top boutique service facing Plaza San Francisco
Swissôtel Quito - Five-star amenities near La Carolina Park
Best for First-Timers
Old Town & La Mariscal - $60-220/night
Choose central Old Town or La Mariscal to be near plazas, museums, and guided tours - hotels here make sightseeing straightforward for first visits.
Casa Gangotena - Excellent location for exploring Old Town
Hotel Patio Andaluz - Walkable to museums and historic sites
Best for Families
Cumbayá / La Carolina - $80-240/night
Family-friendly hotels with larger rooms, quiet streets, and easy access to parks, museums, and day-trip logistics - convenient and comfortable for kids and parents.
Swissôtel Quito - Spacious rooms and on-site family facilities
Hotel Dann Carlton Quito - Family-friendly rooms near shopping and parks
Best for Digital Nomads
La Floresta - $30-120/night
Look for hotels and hostels offering fast Wi‑Fi, communal workspaces, and nearby cafés in La Floresta and Mariscal for productive stays.
Selina Quito - Coworking, reliable Wi‑Fi, social spaces
Be Inn Quito - Small hotel with work-friendly common areas
Unique & Cool Hotels
Quito has several converted colonial mansions and boutique hotels concentrated in the Old Town, plus design hostels in La Mariscal and La Floresta for creative stays.
Casa Gangotena - Restored historic mansion facing Plaza San Francisco.
Hotel Patio Andaluz - Intimate colonial courtyard hotel in Old Town.
Swissôtel Quito - Modern skyscraper hotel with panoramic city views.
Selina Quito - Design-forward hostel with coworking and events.
Where to Eat in Quito
Quito eats like the Andes: hearty, potato-forward and built around market produce. Start your day with locro de papa at Mercado Central, nibble empanadas de viento on La Ronda, and don’t miss a plate of llapingachos or a bowl of caldo at a neighborhood comedor. For street-theater food, head up the TelefériQo - vendors at the summit sell helados de paila and warming soups that pair perfectly with the chilly air.
If you want a more polished take on Ecuadorian ingredients, book Zazu or the restaurant at Casa Gangotena for creative tasting menus. For international flavors, Quito’s Plaza Foch and Avenida Amazonas pack sushi, Italian and fusion options; La Mariscal mixes backpacker energy with restaurants that cater to vegetarians and vegans too. In short: eat with your feet on the street for the classics, and treat yourself to a table for modern takes.
Local Food
Quito’s classics are all about Andean potatoes, pork and fresh mountain flavors - think locro de papa, llapingachos and fritada; try them at markets and old-town stalls.
- Mercado Central - Locro, hornado, llapingachos at lively market stalls.
- La Ronda - Historic street with fritadas and empanadas de viento.
- TelefériQo vendors - Summit vendors selling helados de paila and caldo.
- Zazu - High-end tasting menus highlighting Ecuadorian produce.
International Food
Quito’s expat and tourist hubs (Plaza Foch, La Mariscal, Avenida Amazonas) host solid international options - from sushi and Italian to fusion tasting menus.
- Plaza Foch - Plaza Foch: sushi, tapas, and late-night bars.
- Avenida Amazonas - Restaurant strip with international chains and steakhouses.
- Casa Gangotena (hotel restaurant) - Elegant hotel restaurant mixing local flavors and technique.
- La Mariscal - Eclectic neighborhood for global street food and dining.
Vegetarian
Vegetarian and vegan options are easy to find: markets, old-town cafés and several restaurants in La Mariscal adapt traditional dishes without meat.
- Mercado Central vegetarian stalls - Vegetable soups, grilled corn, and fresh juices.
- La Ronda cafés - Cafés serving vegetarian llapingachos and empanadas de queso.
- La Mariscal vegetarian cafés - Several vegan-friendly restaurants and baking cafés.
- TelefériQo options - Highland soups and potato dishes, many vegetarian.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Quito’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Quito
Quito’s nightlife is concentrated in a few clear pockets: La Mariscal/Plaza Foch for clubbing and late-night bars, La Ronda and the Centro Histórico for more traditional music and relaxed evenings, and La Floresta and Guápulo for bohemian, craft-focused nights. Most bars are casual, but hotel lounges and upscale cocktail spots expect smart-casual attire-no flip-flops or athletic shorts in higher-end venues. Weekends are busiest; midweek evenings are quieter and easier to get a table.
Closing times vary: many bars wind down around 2-3am, while clubs and the late-night strip around Plaza Foch stay open until 3-5am on peak nights. Practical safety: stick to well-lit, populated streets (La Mariscal, Plaza Foch, La Ronda) after dark, avoid walking alone in unfamiliar alleys, and use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps (Cabify/Uber) rather than hailing on the street. Quito sits at high altitude-drink slower, hydrate, and be mindful of how alcohol affects you. Keep valuables secure and carry minimal cash and a copy of ID.
Rooftop & Cocktail Bars
Best for a more polished night: expect craft cocktails and hotel lounges with dress-smart policies; price range $$-$$$. Reservations recommended on weekends.
- Casa Gangotena (hotel bar) - Elegant hotel bar with classic cocktails; upscale prices.
- Hotel Plaza Grande (lounge) - Refined hotel lounge in Plaza Grande; smart-casual.
- Zazu (restaurant bar) - Contemporary dining spot with focused cocktail menu.
Live Music & Clubs
Live shows range from traditional Ecuadorian sets to indie bands and DJs; expect cover charges at clubs and shows, typically $-$$.
- Teatro Nacional Sucre - Historic theater hosting concerts and cultural events.
- La Ronda - Cobbled street with old-school pubs and live music.
- Bandido Brewing - Microbrewery in Mariscal; casual, affordable beers.
- Plaza Foch - Central square lined with bars and late-night options.
Casual & Local Bars
Relaxed, wallet-friendly options and neighborhood hangouts; most spots are casual but some popular places fill up quickly. Expect prices $-$$.
- La Floresta (neighborhood) - Bohemian neighborhood with craft bars and art spaces.
- La Mariscal (neighborhood) - Main nightlife district; busy bars and dance clubs.
- Centro Histórico (Old Town) - Old-town streets with tapas-style spots and lounges.
Late Night & After Dark
If you plan to stay out late, stick to Mariscal/Plaza Foch zones; venues often run until 3-5am on weekends. Carry cash for cover fees.
- Plaza Foch area clubs - Cluster of late-night clubs, peak hours until 3-5am.
- Avenida Amazonas strip - Major avenue hosting pubs and late-night eateries.
- Guápulo (weekend bars) - Hillside arts neighborhood; relaxed bars, occasional live music.
Shopping in Quito
Quito is best for artisanal textiles, Ecuadorian toquilla (often called “Panama”) hats, alpaca and wool garments, and silver filigree - and you’ll find everything from chaotic food markets to tidy mall shops. The Old Town and neighborhoods such as La Floresta and La Mariscal concentrate crafts and independent designers; Plaza Foch is where trendier boutiques and nightlife merge with shopping.
Bargain aggressively at open-air markets: start around 30-40% below the asking price and work up, but be polite - many vendors are small-scale producers. Use small US dollar bills (Ecuador uses the US dollar) for easier change, inspect fibers and hat weave closely for quality, and prefer cash at market stalls while using cards at larger malls. Practical advice: markets and stalls are busiest in the morning, pickpockets can be active in crowded areas so keep valuables secure, and expect boutiques and malls to have more consistent pricing and receipts.
Markets & Bazaars
Lively open-air markets and neighborhood bazaars where locals shop for food and handicrafts; best for spontaneous finds and inexpensive souvenirs.
- Mercado Central - Huge food market; cheap souvenirs and local eats
- Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal - Traditional stalls selling textiles, hats, silverwork, leather goods
- La Ronda - Historic cobbled street with artisans, galleries and stalls
Shopping Malls & Modern Retail
Malls around the city serve international labels and air-conditioned comfort; Plaza Foch is the place for independent fashion and trendier boutiques.
- Quicentro Shopping - Major mall with international brands, cinemas, restaurants
- Quicentro Sur - Southern shopping center with local stores and cinemas
- Plaza Foch - Square with trendy boutiques, cafés and evening scene
Local & Artisan Shops
Small artisan shops, gallery stores and museum boutiques concentrate here - perfect for higher-quality crafts and locally made pieces.
- La Floresta neighborhood - Bohemian area filled with indie boutiques and artisan workshops
- Museo de la Ciudad (gift shop) - Museum shop with books, prints and local crafts
- Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal - Handmade textiles, toquilla hats and silverwork from local artisans
Fashion, Jewelry & Boutiques
From independent designer labels to traditional jewelers, Quito mixes contemporary fashion with classic Ecuadorian silver and textile traditions.
- Plaza Foch boutiques - Independent designers and small fashion labels nearby
- La Floresta boutiques - Local designers, vintage finds and contemporary accessories
- Centro Histórico jewellers - Traditional silver and filigree shops near the Old Town
Living in Quito
Most visitors enter Ecuador on a 90-day tourist permit (length and entry conditions vary by nationality). For longer stays, common options include the Pensionado (pensioner) visa for retirees with a guaranteed lifetime pension, the Rentista or Investor visas for people with verifiable passive income or investment, and work visas sponsored by local employers; document and income thresholds depend on the visa class and consulate requirements. Housing ranges from shared rooms ($150-300/month) to one-bedroom apartments ($300-900+/month) depending on location - La Floresta and La Carolina trend higher, Centro Histórico and parts of La Mariscal are more budget-friendly. Private healthcare is widely available and relatively affordable compared with North America: private doctor visits typically run $25-50, routine dental work and diagnostics are lower-cost, and private health insurance can start around $40-120/month depending on coverage. If you plan to stay long-term, register with the appropriate immigration office and consider local health insurance or IESS enrollment if eligible.
- La Floresta - Creative hub, cafes and galleries, $400-700/mo
- La Mariscal / Plaza Foch - Touristy nightlife, many short-term rentals, $350-650/mo
- La Carolina / González Suárez - Parks and condos, upscale shops, $500-900/mo
- Centro Histórico - Colonial core, affordable studios, $300-600/mo
- Cumbayá (east valley) - Expat suburb, quieter, $450-850/mo
- Hospital Metropolitano - Private hospital, modern specialists, emergency care
- Clínica Quito - Private clinic network, bilingual staff possible
- IESS (social security) hospitals - Public care for contributors, subsidized services
- La Carolina Park - Large green space, jogging paths, outdoor classes
- Private fitness studios - Boutique gyms and yoga, classes $5-10
- Rent (1BR, city centre) - $400-700/month, varies by neighborhood
- Utilities & Internet - Utilities $30-70/mo, fiber 100 Mbps $25-40
- Groceries - $150-300/month, local markets cheaper
- Eating out - Local meal $2-5, mid-range $8-15
- Transport - Bus $0.35-0.40, taxis $2-6 typical
Digital Nomads in Quito
Quito has a growing digital-nomad scene concentrated in La Floresta, La Mariscal and parts of La Carolina; you’ll find coworking spaces with day passes ($8-15) and monthly memberships ($80-180). Expect apartment listings that advertise reliable fiber; in fiber-served buildings typical speeds are 50-100 Mbps and home plans often cost $25-40/month. Cafés with Wi-Fi are common and meetups happen regularly via Meetup and Facebook groups. Costs for a comfortable nomad budget (coworking, decent apartment, eating out occasionally) are commonly $900-1,600/month depending on housing choices and lifestyle.
- Urban Station (Quito) - Chain coworking, daily passes and memberships
- Impact Hub Quito - Community events, startup-focused, flexible plans
- Selina Quito (Centro Histórico) - Cowork + hostel, good for short stays
- Regus / Spaces locations - Business centres, professional meeting rooms available
- CNT (fiber) - State provider, fiber plans commonly 50-100 Mbps
- Claro (fiber & mobile) - Home internet and mobile data bundles
- Movistar (mobile) - Nationwide 4G, prepaid and postpaid plans
- Typical apartment setups - Fiber in newer buildings, 50-100 Mbps common
- Meetup & Facebook groups - Expat and digital-nomad groups, event listings
- Impact Hub events - Startup meetups, networking nights, workshops
- Language exchanges - Frequent meetups, practice Spanish and English
- Plaza Foch evenings - Informal networking, many cafes and bars
Demographics