Capital city in Pichincha, Ecuador
Quito
High-altitude colonial capital with a UNESCO old town, a new metro, good food and easy trips to volcanoes, markets and cloud forest. Altitude, rising crime and thin air quality in rush hour are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,400–2,000Comfortable, one person · $1,400–2,000Details
- Value for money39/100Better value than 38% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJun–SepWarmest: Aug, 18°CDetails
- Air quality18 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2013) · PollutedDetails
- Internet219 MbpsFixed broadband, Ecuador medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilQuito treats its water, but most people drink bottled or filtered; use bottled in hostels and for brushing teeth if you are sensitive.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$30–70Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in malls, hotels and many restaurants; cash for markets, almuerzos, buses and taxis.Details
Where to stay in Quito
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| La Mariscal | First-timers: hostels, restaurants, nightlife; avoid empty streets late |
| La Floresta | Nomads and long stays: cafés, galleries, calmer streets |
| Centro Histórico | Colonial sights by day; poor choice to stay at night |
| González Suárez–La Carolina | Safer, upscale, parks and malls |
| Cumbayá | Suburban expats; cars needed, far from the center |
Apps that work in Quito
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- ECU 911: Emergency calls and panic button
- Taxis: Prefer apps over street taxis, which carry express-kidnapping risk. Agree the fare first if you must hail one; meters are often off.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Ecuador.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in malls, hotels and many restaurants; cash for markets, almuerzos, buses and taxis. Carry small notes, since $50 and $100 bills are often refused.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs take foreign cards but charge a fee and have modest limits. Use machines inside banks or malls.
- Tipping: Sit-down restaurants usually add a 10% service charge; extra is optional. Tip guides, drivers and Galápagos boat crews.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and phone wallets work in chains; local QR apps like DeUna need an Ecuadorian bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Arriving overland from Colombia or Peru, bring an apostilled criminal record certificate or accept a database check; air arrivals are exempt.
- Galápagos: get the USD 20 Transit Control Card online before the flight and pay the USD 200 park fee in cash on arrival.
- Galápagos visitors must show a hotel booking or host letter, a return flight and travel health insurance.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Claro or Tigo stores in malls sell prepaid SIMs with passport registration; Claro has the widest coverage. Tigo also sells eSIMs. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Ecuador
Going to Quito solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.