Quito: first World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO
Discover Ecuador’s capital, the colonial city of Quito. It is the first city worldwide to be named a World Heritage site by UNESCO, and in 2016 winner of the World Travel Awards’ Leading destination in South America for the 3rd time.
Immerse yourself in the charm that can be witnessed in every plaza, church, and museum while you stroll down the streets of downtown Quito and to the Middle of the World located outside the city.
How to get there
As with most places in South America, it is best to book your airplane ticket in advance to get reasonable prices! I recommend using Expedia to find the best rates.
Book a tour in Quito
Quito is a vibrant city, and booking a tour will ease communication barriers and avoid the hassles of planning and logistics in this big city in South America. Book ahead of your tour in Quito, and visit the Middle of the World Monument, the historic center, and more, here.
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Transportation in the city
Once you arrive in Quito, you can easily see the old part of town, a fine example of Spanish colonial architecture. The best way of getting there, as well as the fastest one, would be taking a taxi. Of course, you need to be ready to bargain, offer at least 1/3 of the price you are asked for and try to get a taxi from your hotel or the main malls or shopping centers in the city. Ask the taxi driver to take you to “la Plaza grande.”
Once you arrive at the main square, “Plaza grande,” in the middle of the downtown area, you can easily stroll along the streets and get immersed in all its colonial charm.
Here are some of the pictures I have gathered during my other visits there that I hope to inspire you when it comes to planning your next trip:
To enjoy the vibrant nightlife in my city, visit one of the lovely, cozy restaurants, pubs, or cafés in the Mariscal area. This is the meeting point for tourists and locals, the place where we all meet at night for a nice cup of coffee, enjoy live music, play some billiards, and dance.
Take a look at some activities you can enjoy in the city and surroundings while you are in Quito.
Why choose Quito to live, and study Spanish?
Where to stay
We often have friends, family, and also work-related visitors coming to Quito; together with my family, we have our top recommendations here:
Hacienda Jimenita is the place to escape to nature, relax and connect with history near Quito Airport. We tell you all about our visit to this enchanting hacienda and book your stay.
Hotel Las Cuevas Terra Lodge to spend the perfect getaway in a cave hotel near Quito. You can read all about our unique experience here and book your stay.
Hotel Finlandia has a great location in the modern part of Quito, near the main shopping centers and Parque La Carolina. It offers good food, fair prices, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable rooms and the staff is helpful and friendly.
Hotel Vieja Cuba This is a cozy small hotel with comfortable rooms, and friendly and helpful staff. The hotel offers a fresh-made breakfast consisting of eggs, granola, toast, ham, cheese, yogurt, and tea or coffee. The location is also great, not far from Plaza Foch, within walking distance you have one of the nicest areas for locals and tourists alike. Minutes away from shops, restaurants, pubs, bars, and more.
and if you want to go camping but without abandoning some comfort, you can go Glamping at Urkuwayku Organic Farm in Ilalo, it connects you with Nature and is located near Quito.
What to eat
Check our gastronomy option on the menu, to discover many of the traditional dishes, street food, and fruit available in Ecuador, to delight your palate with the flavors of the country.
Have you been to Quito already? Which place or activity did you enjoy the most in downtown Quito?
You can read more about Quito here.
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