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Quito, the capital of Ecuador
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Quito

Quito, officially San Francisco de Quito, is the capital and second-largest city of Ecuador, nestled in a valley on the eastern slopes of the active stratovolcano Pichincha in the Andes. This historic city serves as the capital of Pichincha province and is a major cultural and administrative hub for the nation.

Photo: Asamblea Nacional del Ecuador (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Quick facts

Population
2,671,191 (city)
Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
Spanish
Timezone
-05 (UTC-5)
Local time now
04:36:02

Hotels in Quito

Quito offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors, including established hotels such as Hotel Auca Continental, Patio Andaluz, Hotel San Francisco de Quito, and Hotel Viena Internacional. Whether you're staying near the historic Plaza Grande or elsewhere in the city, these properties provide convenient lodging choices for your visit to Ecuador's capital. See all hotels →

Airports in Quito

Quito is served by the Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Antonio José de Sucre, the primary international gateway for Ecuador's capital. The airport connects travelers to destinations throughout the region and beyond. See all airports →

Car Hire in Quito

Quito offers several car hire options for visitors and residents. Companies such as ALFUNBOY Car Rental, Localiza Alquiler de Autos, Fermaq, Hydrocar, and Transporte Turístico provide vehicle rental services throughout the city. See all car hire →

Things to Do in Quito

Quito offers a wealth of historic and cultural attractions for visitors. From the Catedral Metropolitana Quito and Palacio de Carondelet to the Monumento a la Independencia, the city's landmarks reflect its rich heritage and architectural beauty. 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 offers a variety of dining experiences with restaurants like Cafetería Fabiolita, Los Sanduches De La Grande, Manabiss restaurante, Menestras del Negro, and DiosoloPay. Whether you're looking for casual meals or traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, the city's restaurant scene provides options for every taste. 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 pools and aquatic facilities for residents and visitors. Options include Piscina Sauna, Club La Playa, Piscina de Guápulo, piscina Daysi, and Casa Lumbisí, providing various recreational and leisure swimming opportunities 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 dynamic nightlife scene with venues ranging from energetic dance clubs to intimate bars. Experience the city's after-dark culture at established spots like Hot Party Discoteca, Night club 122, El Swing, Blush, and Ramsés Discoteca. 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 vibrant bar scene offers something for every visitor, from casual hangouts to lively nightspots. Explore popular venues such as Sinners, La Oveja Negra, Green Go Bar, BAJO EL PUENTE, and Sereno moreno to experience the city's diverse drinking culture. 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 scene offers a variety of spots to enjoy local coffee culture. From traditional establishments like Dulcería Colonial Coffee and La Tradición to unique venues such as Querubín and Las Espumillas de La Michelena, the city provides welcoming spaces for locals and visitors alike. 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, from historic centro retailers like Almacenes MONTERO and Palacio Arzobispal to modern commercial centers such as Centro Comercial Galerias Sucre. Whether exploring local boutiques or established department stores, the capital provides options for every shopper. 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 parks where visitors can experience green areas throughout the city. From Parque Iglesia Inmaculada to Plaza Huerto San Agustín, these venues provide opportunities to connect with nature while exploring the capital. 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 climate is influenced by its high-altitude location in the Andes valley, resulting in relatively mild and consistent temperatures year-round with cooler conditions typical of mountainous regions. The city experiences a tropical highland climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, though temperature variations between seasons are modest compared to lowland areas.

Interesting Facts About Quito — Weird & Wonderful

  • Quito sits in a valley on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano, making it uniquely positioned within the Andes Mountains.
  • As the capital of both Ecuador and Pichincha province, Quito serves a dual administrative role in the nation's governance.
  • The metropolitan area of Quito is home to approximately 2.8 million people, making it one of Ecuador's largest urban centres.

Frequently Asked Questions About Quito

What is the currency used in Quito?

Ecuador uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency, which is also used throughout Quito.

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 eastern slopes of Pichincha in the Andes Mountains, giving it a high-altitude mountain setting.

How large is Quito's population?

Quito's metropolitan area has an estimated population of approximately 2.8 million people, making it Ecuador's second-largest city.

What is Pichincha?

Pichincha is an active stratovolcano in the Andes on whose eastern slopes Quito is situated, and it is also the name of the province of which Quito is the capital.

Map of Quito

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