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Quito

Quito, officially San Francisco de Quito, is Ecuador's capital and second-largest city, nestled in a valley on the eastern slopes of the active Pichincha volcano. This historic Andean city blends colonial architecture with modern amenities, making it a compelling destination for cultural and mountain tourism.

Quick facts

Population
2,671,191 (city)
Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
Spanish
Timezone
-05 (UTC-5)
Local time now
17:25:14

Hotels in Quito

Quito offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from historic colonial-style properties to modern hotels. Notable establishments include Hotel Auca Continental, Patio Andaluz, Hotel San Francisco de Quito, and Hotel Viena Internacional, providing diverse choices for travelers exploring Ecuador's capital. See all hotels →

Airports in Quito

Quito is served by the Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Antonio José de Sucre, the main international gateway to Ecuador's capital city. The airport connects travelers to destinations across South America and beyond. See all airports →

Car Hire in Quito

Quito offers several car rental options for visitors looking to explore the city and surrounding regions. Local providers such as Localiza Alquiler de Autos, ALFUNBOY Car Rental, Hydrocar, Fermaq, and Transporte Turístico operate throughout the capital, giving you flexibility to discover Ecuador at your own pace. See all car hire →

Things to Do in Quito

Quito offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions for visitors to explore. From the iconic Catedral Metropolitana Quito and Palacio de Carondelet to religious landmarks like La Iglesia de El Sagrario and the Monumento a la Independencia, the city's historic center is filled with architectural treasures and sites that reflect Ecuador's rich heritage. See all things to do →

Monumento a la Independencia
28 m from centre
Catedral Metropolitana Quito
42 m from centre
Palacio de Carondelet
57 m from centre
La Iglesia de El Sagrario
68 m from centre
Ciudad de Quito
72 m from centre
Museo Alberto Mena Caamaño
81 m from centre

Restaurants in Quito

Quito's restaurant scene offers a variety of local dining experiences. From casual spots like Cafetería Fabiolita and Los Sanduches De La Grande to establishments like Manabiss restaurante and Menestras del Negro, there are options to suit different tastes and occasions. See all restaurants →

Cafetería Fabiolita
56 m from centre
Los Sanduches De La Grande
sandwich · 69 m from centre
Manabiss restaurante
77 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Quito

Quito offers several swimming pool facilities where locals and visitors can enjoy aquatic activities. Options include Piscina Sauna, Club La Playa, Piscina de Guápulo, piscina Daysi, and Casa Lumbisí, each providing access to swimming and water-based recreation throughout the city. See all swimming pools →

Piscina Sauna
3.7 km from centre
Club La Playa
4.2 km from centre
Piscina de Guápulo
5.0 km from centre

Spas in Quito

We're still gathering spas listings for Quito — check back soon.

Nightlife in Quito

Quito offers a diverse nightlife experience with clubs and venues scattered throughout the city. From Hot Party Discoteca to El Swing and Blush, there are plenty of options for those looking to enjoy an evening out in Ecuador's capital. See all nightlife →

Hot Party Discoteca
1.3 km from centre
Night club 122
2.2 km from centre
El Swing
2.3 km from centre

Bars in Quito

Quito's bar scene offers a diverse range of venues for locals and visitors alike. From established favorites like Sinners and La Oveja Negra to newer spots such as Green Go Bar, BAJO EL PUENTE, and Sereno moreno, the city's nightlife caters to various tastes and atmospheres. See all bars →

Sinners
342 m from centre
La Oveja Negra
483 m from centre
Green Go Bar
581 m from centre

Cafes in Quito

Quito's cafe culture offers a blend of traditional and contemporary venues where visitors can enjoy local coffee and pastries. From Dulcería Colonial Coffee to established favorites like La Tradición and Querubín, the city's cafes provide welcoming spaces to experience Ecuadorian hospitality. See all cafes →

Dulcería Colonial Coffee
sandwich · 49 m from centre
La Tradición
65 m from centre
Museo del pernil
72 m from centre

Shopping in Quito

Quito offers diverse shopping experiences across its Centro Histórico and modern commercial districts. From Centro Comercial Galerias Sucre and Pycca to traditional retailers like Almacenes MONTERO in the historic centre, visitors can find everything from local crafts to contemporary goods in Ecuador's capital city. See all shopping →

Palacio Arzobispal
103 m from centre
Pasaje Baca
117 m from centre
Centro Comercial Galerias Sucre
167 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Quito

Quito offers several natural spaces and green areas for visitors to explore, including Plaza de la Independencia, Parque Iglesia Inmaculada, and Plaza Huerto San Agustín. These public spaces provide opportunities to experience the city's relationship with nature and outdoor environments. See all nature & wildlife →

Plaza de la Independencia
27 m from centre
Parque Iglesia Inmaculada
151 m from centre
Plaza Huerto San Agustín
279 m from centre
Plaza del Teatro
438 m from centre
semaforo
648 m from centre
Plaza San Marcos
681 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Quito's highland location in the Andes means it enjoys a mild, spring-like climate year-round, with relatively stable temperatures due to its equatorial latitude. Rainfall varies seasonally, with wetter periods interspersed with drier stretches, allowing visitors to experience the city comfortably throughout the year.

Interesting Facts About Quito — Weird & Wonderful

  • Quito sits in a valley on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes
  • The city is the capital of Pichincha province as well as the entire country of Ecuador
  • Quito's metropolitan area is home to approximately 2.8 million people, making it a major regional hub

Frequently Asked Questions About Quito

What currency is used in Quito?

Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency.

What language is spoken in Quito?

Spanish is the primary language spoken in Quito and throughout Ecuador.

Is Quito at high altitude?

Yes, Quito is located in a valley on the slopes of the Andes mountains, giving it a highland location with temperate climate year-round.

What is Pichincha and why is it important to Quito?

Pichincha is an active stratovolcano in the Andes on whose eastern slopes Quito is situated. It defines the city's dramatic geography and also gives its name to the province of which Quito is the capital.

How large is Quito's population?

Quito has an estimated city population of 1.7 million, with the metropolitan area home to approximately 2.8 million people.

Map of Quito

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