Updated 2026
Overview and Things to Consider
Quito's elevation creates perpetual spring-like temperatures (10-22°C) with little seasonal variation - weather depends more on rain patterns than time of year. The Old Town (Centro Histórico) occupies steep hillside streets with 16th-18th century colonial architecture, religious sites, and museums. Modern neighborhoods like Mariscal offer restaurants, bars, and contemporary commerce. La Floresta neighborhood bridges both, with tree-lined streets, independent cafes, and artistic energy. The city sprawls north-south along a valley, making orientation straightforward. Around 1.8 million people inhabit the metro area, but downtown Quito maintains manageable scale. The equator passes through Ecuador 22 kilometers north of Quito - many travelers visit the Monument to the Middle of the World. Quito serves as a gateway to Amazon expeditions (eastern slope), Galapagos flights (airport hub), and cloud forest lodges. The city's elevation requires 1-2 days acclimatization - altitude sickness (soroche) affects some visitors. Public transportation is cheap and extensive; safe navigation requires caution in certain districts.
Getting There and Around
Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) sits 18 kilometers east of downtown and handles most domestic and regional flights. LATAM, TAME, and budget carriers connect Quito to Lima, Bogota, other South American capitals, and Galapagos. The airport has improved significantly with better restaurants and facilities. Taxis from airport cost 8-12 USD; ride-sharing apps (Uber, Beat) operate at slightly lower rates. Buses serve the airport but navigating luggage and unfamiliarity makes taxis preferable. Downtown Quito is walkable in sections - Old Town requires 2-3 hours minimum exploration. The steepness of colonial streets can be tiring at altitude. Modern neighborhoods like Mariscal are flat and easily navigated on foot. The Metro system opened recently, providing fast transit between key areas. Buses are cheap (0.25-0.30 USD) but crowded and confusing for new arrivals. Taxis are abundant, cheap, and reliable. Many hotels arrange airport transfers. Organized tours cover colonial sites, equator monument, cloud forest day trips, and Amazon lodge transfers. Night travel by public transportation is inadvisable - use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps.
What's Changed Since 2016
Quito has transformed substantially over the past decade. The Metro rapid transit system opened in phases, dramatically improving city transportation and reducing pollution. Tourism infrastructure expanded significantly - new boutique hotels, craft breweries, and international restaurants proliferated in La Floresta and Mariscal. Old Town saw restoration investment with cobblestones repaired and churches refinished. Restaurant quality and international options increased. Craft beer culture emerged; multiple breweries now operate where none existed before. Digital infrastructure improved - WiFi and mobile coverage became reliable citywide. The equator monument area received visitor facility upgrades. Security improved in tourist zones through increased police presence. However, inflation pressured the dollarized economy; prices rose substantially. Gang activity in certain outer neighborhoods increased, requiring heightened caution. The airport opened international routes for premium carriers. Uber and ride-sharing apps transformed transportation. Air quality deteriorated in summer months (June-August) due to increased pollution and regional fires. Some colonial sites underwent restoration, others require ongoing maintenance.
Ideas to Consider for Your Visit
The Basílica del Voto Nacional dominates the skyline - climbing its towers provides panoramic Old Town views. The Monastery of San Francisco showcases Quito School art style with exceptional craftsmanship. Plaza de la Independencia anchors colonial downtown with the Cathedral and Government Palace. The Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana presents indigenous art and music. El Panecillo viewpoint south of downtown offers city vistas (but visit by taxi rather than hiking). The Equator Monument 22 kilometers north is genuinely touristy but worth seeing; there's actually a science-based alternative location (Intinan Museum) that's more precise. La Floresta neighborhood rewards wandering - independent cafes, art galleries, bookshops, and vintage clothing stores line residential streets. TierraMía offers excellent traditional Ecuadorian food. Cafés like Elysium serve quality espresso in tree-lined squares. The Indigenous Market (Mercado Indígena) in Old Town displays crafts, textiles, and produce. For modern neighborhoods, Mariscal has restaurants ranging from street food to fine dining. Cable Car rides toward Pichincha volcano provide valley views. Day trips to cloud forest lodges (2-3 hours driving) offer nature immersion and exotic birds. Many travelers book multi-day Amazon lodge trips departing Quito, though Iquitos (Peru) offers better Amazon experiences.
Realities to Be Aware Of
Altitude sickness affects some visitors within the first day - symptoms include headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Spend first nights at lower elevation if possible, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol initially. Many pharmacies sell altitude medication; consult a doctor beforehand. Rain occurs frequently even in dry season; plan accordingly. Petty theft targets tourists, especially pickpocketing on buses and in crowded areas. Avoid expensive displays of jewelry, cameras, or electronics. Certain districts (outer areas around Rio Coca, northern suburbs) are genuinely dangerous - tourists have no reason to visit these areas. Old Town can feel sketchy at night despite increased security. Use registered taxis for evening transit. Police presence in tourist zones is reassuring but corruption occurs. Some restaurants listed in old guidebooks have closed or relocated. Prices are higher than other Andean cities due to dollarization - budget 30-40 USD daily for reasonable mid-range accommodation and meals. Restaurant bills sometimes inflate for tourists - verify prices upfront. Water is potable in most neighborhoods but many travelers stick to bottled water. The weather is unpredictable - bring layers regardless of season. Equator monument area has aggressive vendors and pickpockets; maintain alertness. Some colonial churches charge admission; hours vary and some close unpredictably.
If Quito Is Part of a Longer Trip
Quito serves as a hub for multiple regional journeys. Colombia connections run north to Bogota (flights or buses through Ecuador's border). Peru connections head south via Amazon routes (Iquitos flights) or overland (Cusco, Machu Picchu) requiring 30+ hours travel. Galapagos departs exclusively from Quito (3-hour flights). Cloud forest day trips or multi-day lodge stays are easily arranged (2-4 hours from city). Amazon lodges are accessible but Iquitos-based trips offer better rainforest experiences. Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile are too distant for typical Quito combinations - most travelers focus on Ecuador (Quito-Galapagos-Amazon axis) or use Quito as a South America entry point. A typical Ecuador itinerary runs Quito (3-4 days) - Galapagos (4-7 days) - Iquitos Amazon (3-5 days) - return to Quito for flight home. The Ecuadorian Andes offer hiking opportunities near Quito (Cotopaxi, Chimborazo) but require acclimatization and equipment. Southern Ecuador (Otavalo markets, Cuenca colonial town) are accessible by bus but represent 2-3 day extensions. Most international travelers spend 2-4 days in Quito as gateway hub rather than destination.
Yearly Things to Consider
Quito's high elevation creates consistent temperatures year-round with seasonal rain patterns defining weather:
Season | Months | Rainfall | Temperature | Highlights | Challenges
Dry Season (June-August): 10-18°C, minimal rain, clearer skies ideal for trekking and outdoor activities, air quality degrades July-August due to agricultural fires in Amazon. Wet Season (September-May): 12-22°C, regular afternoon rains (usually brief), cloudier mornings with afternoon clearing typical, September-October and April-May transition periods have afternoon downpours. December-January can be very wet; expect frequent rain. February-March represents late wet season with persistent moisture. June-August offers best visibility for mountain activities, though wildfire smoke affects air quality. September-October provides green landscapes and fewer tourists. Avoid July-August for air quality concerns despite good weather. December-January brings heavy rains but smaller crowds and lower prices. February-March offers similar wet conditions. April-May delivers excellent trekking weather before June rains ease.
Ideas for Itineraries
3 Days
Day 1: Arrive, altitude acclimatization, settle in La Floresta or Mariscal, light exploration, early dinner. Day 2: Full Old Town walking tour (Basílica, monasteries, plazas), equator monument half-day trip, return for dinner in Mariscal. Day 3: Cable Car and Pichincha viewpoint, cafe time, evening flight onward or return next morning.
5 Days
Day 1: Arrival, neighborhood exploration, acclimatization. Day 2: Colonial Old Town intensive, churches, museums, plazas. Day 3: Equator monument, return afternoon or full-day cloud forest lodge trip. Day 4: Mariscal neighborhood, craft brewery, independent cafes, handicraft markets. Day 5: Rest day or day trip to nearby volcano, prepare for next destination.
1 Week
Days 1-2: Comprehensive Old Town, museums, colonial architecture, plazas, markets. Days 3-4: Modern neighborhoods (Mariscal, La Floresta), restaurants, cafes, craft beer, galleries. Days 5-6: Cloud forest day trip or Amazon lodge multi-day journey. Day 7: Equator monument, cable car, rest and prepare for Galapagos flight or onward destination.
2 Weeks or More
Days 1-3: Quito deep exploration - Old Town, modern neighborhoods, multiple museums, street markets, acclimatization. Days 4-5: Galapagos flights (3-7 day stay on islands). Days 6-9: Amazon lodge expedition (depart Quito or fly to Iquitos for extended rainforest time). Days 10-12: Return to Quito, rest, final activities, extended exploration of cloud forest or Andean villages. Days 13-14+: Leisurely cafe time, shopping for crafts, departure logistics, or extension to southern Ecuador (Otavalo, Cuenca).
Quito Travel FAQ
Altitude sickness affects some visitors but not all. At 2,850 meters, symptoms range from headaches and nausea to fatigue. Spend your first day resting, avoid alcohol, drink water constantly, and eat light meals. Mate de coca (coca leaf tea) provides modest relief. If symptoms worsen, descend to lower elevation. Most people acclimatize within 24-48 hours.
LATAM and TAME operate daily flights from Quito to Galapagos (3-4 hours). Most tourists book tours before arriving in Ecuador, as availability fills quickly November-January. Hotel concierges can arrange last-minute availability. Flights cost 300-500 USD round-trip. You'll need a Transit Control Card (TCC) for entry.
Tourist zones (Old Town, Mariscal, La Floresta) are generally safe with police presence. Avoid displaying valuables, don't use phones while walking, and avoid certain outer neighborhoods entirely. Take taxis after dark rather than public transport. Petty theft and bag-snatching occur on crowded buses. Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps for security.
Budget travelers: 25-35 USD (hostels, street food, free attractions). Mid-range: 40-70 USD (comfortable hotels, restaurant meals). Higher-end: 100+ USD. Prices are higher than other Andean cities due to dollarization. Craft items and local goods are reasonable. Flight costs to Galapagos and Amazon expeditions dominate overall spending.
The main monument is touristy but iconic. The nearby Intinan Museum (more scientifically accurate) provides better context on the equator's geography. Combination visit takes 2-3 hours from downtown. Petty vendors and pickpockets frequent the area - maintain alertness. It's a worthwhile half-day trip despite commercialization.