Quito Ecuador, the nation's capital city high up in the Andes. It's heavily influenced by a vibrant Quichwa indigenous culture which brings character to the city. With often cool and dreary mountain weather as a detraction; Quito rates moderately well overall on the travel scale from 1-5.
Travel Score = 3.5Affordability= 4
Food= 3
Culture = 4
Safety = 3.5
Activities = 3.5
Hotel Value= 3.5
Transportation = 3.5
Travelers often stay in La Mariscal part of the city. I do not prefer that part, it's a bit overpriced, touristy, and near bars and discos with loud music playing all night. I stay at David Alejendro Hotel a couple blocks north of Parque Ejido. The owner will negotiate down to about 10 dollars a night if you're staying a few nights. It's not the best place I've stayed but it's safe, I like the location, and it's a good deal for Quito.
You can find private rooms throughout most the city for about 15-25 dollars a night. It may take a little extra work finding a good deal on hotels but they are around. Many places will try to charge $35 and up especially boutique style hotels. The Mariscal area you can find a dorm for as little as 5 dollars a night.
If you are traveling as a couple they will often try to charge you double for the room, 15 dollars per person for example. This is common practice in Central and South America. Just tell them that won't work for you, but you can pay 5 more dollars for your friend. They'll almost always accept that.
The food in Ecuador is nothing to brag about. Similar to most Central and South American Countries. Plantains, rice, potatoes, beans, a little piece of grilled meat and a slice of avocado. However I must say the Ecuadorians love their soup and have it almost every day.
Here is decent almuerzo "carne a la plancha" a thin cut grilled steak. The city offers some pretty good set lunches or Almuerzos. They can be found at every restaurant all over the country between 11:00 and 2:30. The cost is usually between two and five dollars.
Steer clear of eating in open air markets, we foreigners don't have the stomachs they do. You're better eating on Amazonas Avenue, where there are many 4 dollar almuerzos at good clean places. My favorite restaurant is an authentic Indian restaurant Chandani Tandoor. It has great food and prices, it's on Juan Leon Mera st. near Colon.
Quito is generally a safe place to visit. However I recommend staying out of the south side of the city. It's largely residential neighborhoods ranging from bad to worse. From Old town north is much nicer and safer. Staying on well lit popular streets when going out late at night is always a smart thing to do.
Transportation is pretty good throughout the city, but during rush hour things can get a little hectic. Do not ride the public buses at this time, they can be overly packed and it's just not fun. Then again being in a taxi watching the meter run stuck in traffic is not fun either. Other than rush hour madness. Taxis are cheap, they have public bicycles to use and a network of bike paths, the bus system overall is effective and functional.
Ecuador is 2,850 meters above sea level and is the second highest capitol in the world beside La Paz, Bolivia. So whatever activity you may find yourself doing here, you may find yourself getting winded easily. Combined with mountain weather that can change on a dime, often cool nights and dreary days with morning sun are common.
Taking the Teleferico (gondola) up to Mt. Pichincha makes for a fun afternoon. Once off the gondola you can hike way up further until it turns into rock climbing, you can also ride horses and mountain bike down back into the city.
Another great way to spend the afternoon is wandering the streets of old town; here you will feel as if you stepped back in time. Visiting the old markets and cathedrals is a great way to take in the Quichwa culture.
Carolina Park is right in the middle of the city; between botanical gardens and a reptile museum, you can spend a whole day here. If you do get bored just walk north and do a little shopping at the nicest mall Quito has to offer, Quicentro.
Overall I recommend anyone visiting Ecuador to spend at least a few nights in Quito. Whether you're into historic architecture and cathedrals or just want to party, Quito has something for everyone.
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