• The Vibe: A blend of ancient history and modern city life, all surrounded by jaw-dropping volcanic peaks. It feels both historic and surprisingly contemporary.
• Population: Roughly 2 million in the city, with around 3 million in the metro area.
• Language: Spanish is the official language. English is spoken in tourist-heavy areas, but knowing some basic Spanish will make your life a lot easier.
• Currency: US Dollar (USD). This is a big one! Ecuador adopted the USD in 2000. Get ready to see a lot of Sacagawea dollar coins and other old US currency you probably haven't seen in years.
• Famous For: Being the highest constitutional capital in the world (at 9,350 ft / 2,850 m), its incredibly well-preserved colonial center (the first-ever UNESCO World Heritage site), and its location right on the Equator.

1. Old Town (Centro Histórico): This is non-negotiable. It's one of the largest and best-preserved colonial centers in the Americas, and it feels like stepping back in time. Don't miss the Plaza de la Independencia, the heart of the city, surrounded by the Presidential Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral.
2. Basílica del Voto Nacional: A breathtaking neo-Gothic church with a unique twist—instead of traditional gargoyles, it features Ecuadorian animals like iguanas, tortoises, and armadillos. The absolute best part is climbing the towers for insane panoramic views of the city.
3. TelefériQo: This cable car whisks you up the side of the Pichincha Volcano to a viewpoint at over 13,000 ft (4,000 m). On a clear day, the views are absolutely spectacular. Go in the morning for the best chance of clear skies before the clouds roll in.
4. La Carolina Park: Located in the modern part of Quito, this park is the city's green lung. It's huge, modern, and a great place to see how locals live. The area around it is clean, safe, and packed with great restaurants and cafes.
5. Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World): The famous monument where you can straddle the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Honest take: It's a bit of a tourist trap, and the monument isn't even on the exact equator. The nearby Intiñan Solar Museum claims to be on the true line and offers fun, interactive experiments. It's something you almost have to do once, but be prepared for it to feel a little gimmicky.
6. El Panecillo: A hill topped with a massive aluminum statue of the Virgin of Quito, visible from almost anywhere in the city. You can go to the top for a great perspective looking back over the Old Town. Take an Uber or taxi to the top, as walking up is not recommended for safety reasons.
7. Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús: If you think you've seen ornate churches, think again. The interior of this one is covered in seven tons of gold leaf. It's jaw-droppingly opulent and a prime example of Spanish Baroque architecture.

• ☀️
  Jun–Sep

  Dry Season

  This is your best bet. You'll get sunnier days and clearer skies, which are perfect for exploring the city and getting those epic volcano views. August is especially great as it's known as the 'month of the arts' with lots of cultural events.

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  ⛅️
  Oct–Feb

  Shoulder Season

  A solid choice with fewer crowds. You might get some rain, but the weather is still generally pleasant and mild. December is festive with holiday decorations adding extra charm.

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  🌧️
  Mar–May

  Rainy Season

  These are the wettest months, especially April. If you don't mind the rain, you can still enjoy indoor activities and the lush, green landscapes.

Quito is long and narrow, but getting around is straightforward.

Metro: The new metro system is fantastic—it's clean, modern, and a super-efficient way to travel between the north (like La Carolina) and the south (the Historic Center), bypassing all the traffic.

Rideshare Apps: Uber and Cabify are widely used, affordable, and generally the safest way to get around, especially at night.

Taxis: Registered yellow taxis are plentiful. Make sure they use the meter ("taxímetro"). To be safe, it's always better to book a taxi through your hotel or a known service rather than hailing one on the street, especially at night.

Walking: The Historic Center is very walkable, but be prepared for steep streets! The high altitude will make you feel the burn. In modern areas like La Carolina, walking is pleasant and easy.

I'm going to be upfront about this because the situation in Ecuador is a bit complicated right now. As of August 2025, the country is in a state of "internal armed conflict," a government declaration to combat gang-related crime. This means you will see a heavy presence of police and military in the streets, and you should check for any active curfews before and during your trip.

• Now, for the important context: this is not a reason to cancel your trip, but it is a reason to be smart. The bulk of the serious issues are concentrated in specific regions, particularly along the coast. Quito's situation is different, with a significantly lower violent crime rate than other parts of the country, and tourists are not being targeted. For travelers, the reality on the ground in safe areas of Quito feels much calmer than the headlines might suggest. I experienced this heightened state of conflict my trip and it by no means was a deal breaker, just something to work around.
• Your primary concern will be the same as in any major city: petty crime. Use your street smarts, and you'll be fine.
• General Awareness: Pickpocketing and bag snatching are your biggest risks, especially in crowded places like the Historic Center, on public transport, and at bus terminals. Don't flash expensive jewelry or your brand-new phone. Keep your bag zipped and in front of you in crowds, and just stay aware of who's around you.
• Neighborhoods to Be Cautious In: The main tourist areas are well-policed during the day. However, be extra cautious at night, especially in the Historic Center, which gets very quiet after dark. La Mariscal, once a bustling nightlife spot, also requires more awareness. Crucial tip: Do not walk up to El Panecillo hill. The view is amazing, but the route is known for muggings. Take an Uber or a registered taxi directly to the viewpoint at the top and back down.
• Common Scams: Be wary of the classic "distraction scam." Someone might "accidentally" spill something on you (mustard, fake bird poop, a drink) and then try to pick your pocket while "helping" you clean up. If this happens, just firmly say "no, gracias," hold onto your belongings, and walk away.
• Solo Female Travelers: Quito is manageable for solo female travelers who take the right precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, use reputable ride-sharing apps or have your hotel call a taxi, share your location with someone back home, and trust your instincts. Staying in well-regarded neighborhoods like La Carolina or La Floresta is a solid choice.

Historic Center (Old Town): Best for first-timers who want to be surrounded by history and major attractions. It's charming and walkable during the day but can get very quiet at night.

La Carolina: The modern financial and business hub. It's safe, clean, and full of great restaurants, high-rise apartments, and hotels. The park itself is a huge plus. A great choice for families or those who prefer a more urban, contemporary feel.

La Floresta: The city's bohemian and foodie neighborhood. It's packed with cool cafes, independent art galleries, and some of the best and most innovative restaurants in the city.

• Day 1: Colonial Heart & Epic Views. Spend the morning exploring the Historic Center. Start at Plaza de la Independencia, then visit the gold-leafed Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús and the massive Basílica del Voto Nacional, making sure to climb the towers. In the afternoon, take the TelefériQo up Pichincha Volcano for stunning city views.
• Day 2: The Equator & Modern Quito. Head to Mitad del Mundo in the morning to stand on both hemispheres. In the afternoon, explore the modern side of the city. Stroll through the massive La Carolina Park, and maybe check out the botanical garden inside.
• Day 3: Art, Hills & Day Trips. In the morning, take a taxi up to El Panecillo for a photo op with the Virgin statue and a great view of the Old Town. For the afternoon, consider a day trip. Popular options include the stunning Cotopaxi National Park (a massive active volcano), the lush Mindo Cloud Forest, or the beautiful Quilotoa Crater Lake.

• Layers, Layers, Layers: Quito's weather is like "eternal spring." It can be sunny and warm one minute and cool and rainy the next. Pack sweaters, light jackets, and t-shirts.
• Rain Jacket: A non-negotiable item, as afternoon showers are common year-round.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: You'll be walking on hilly, cobblestone streets.
• Sun Protection: Because you're on the equator and at a high altitude, the sun is incredibly strong. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. You can get sunburned even on a cloudy day.
• Power Adapter: Ecuador uses Type A and B plugs, the same as in the US.

• Altitude Sickness is Real: Quito is at 9,350 ft (2,850 m). Give yourself at least a day or two to acclimatize. Take it easy, drink lots of water (coca tea also helps), eat light meals, and avoid alcohol for the first couple of days.
• Power Cuts: There is a good chance you may experience scheduled power outages, especially if there is a drought as the country is so dependent on hydroelectric power. Many hotels and modern apartment buildings have generators, but it's something to be aware of. Ask your accommodation about their situation.
• Tipping: A 10% service charge is often included in the bill at mid-range and upscale restaurants. Tipping beyond that isn't required but is appreciated for great service. For taxis, rounding up the fare is fine.
• Water: Don't drink the tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water. It's generally fine to use tap water for brushing your teeth, but be careful not to swallow it.
• US Dollar Quirks: Since Ecuador uses the US dollar, you don't have to worry about exchange rates. However, you'll get a lot of $1 coins (Sacagawea and Presidential) instead of bills. Also, try to break larger bills ($50s and $100s) when you can, as smaller shops might not have change.

• eSIM: Airalo Quito - The e-SIM I used in Quito. It worked great throughout the whole city. Having coverage from the airport makes it super handy to just hop in your ride and head to your accommodation.
• Travel Insurance: SafetyWing - Recommended travel medical insurance for nomads. Not a legal requirement for Ecuador, but for peace of mind it's nice to have. Especially for those of you doing the more adventurous hikes.
• Accommodation: Expedia Quito - Find hotels, serviced apartments, hostels, or whatever you prefer. I was in an apartment in La Carolina and it was great.

• Quito Official Tourism Site