The Basics
City Name: Quito
Where is it located?: Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is just a few miles south of the equador.
Why do people go there?: Travelers tend to visit the Old Town of Quito, which is on UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a great place where you can organize and plan any of your activities in Ecuador.
How do travelers get there?: Those who can afford it fly to Quito, while more backpackers fly into Lima and then overland to Quito.
Currency: US Dollar
City Code: 2
Population: 1.5 million
Languages: Spanish
Travel Information
Neighborhoods: Old Town, New Town, Mariscal Sucre
Attractions: El Panecillo, Monastery of San Francisco, Avenida Amazonas
Accommodations: Quito Hostels
Tourist Office: Ecuador Tourist Information
Off-the-beaten-path: Statue of the Virgin of Quito, Otavalo
Health Issues: Lower elevations of Ecuador are considered Malaria zones. High altitude areas my cause altitude sickness. The only known cure for altitude sickness is to go down in elevation. Food poising is common, make sure cooked food is served hot and thoroughly cooked. Drink tap water at your own hazard. Amoebas and other micro-organism are abundant in much of the countries drinking water. Beware the dreaded yet inevitable bout of diarrhea; it can easily cause dehydration. Health care is available in most major cities. Health care in the larger cities is said to be good, but standards may be different from those of your home country. There are always unforeseen dangers in travel, be aware in all situations. Always, the best medicine is not to get sick.
Tips for Visiting
When to go: There is no extremely bad time to visit Ecuador. It hosts travelers all of the year.
Common Phrases: Chao = Goodbye. Ch�vere = Cool. Cuanto cuesta? = How much?. Donde esta? = Where is?. Como se llama? = What is your name?. Me llamo = My name is, Chuta! = Shoot!
City Specific Events: Founding Day of Quito: December, Carnaval: February
How to get around?: Trolleys, taxis and buses can help a traveler explore Quito. Most are very affordable.
Good to know: Quito has a great preserved old town.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Quito is the Mariscal Sucre International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Quito travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
