Dagmar and Christof`s Guidebook for Quito
Essentials and supermakets
TÍA Alameda
Avenida Gran Colombia The closest small supermarket. You will find only some basics.
For stall after stall of some of Quito’s most traditional (and cheapest) foods, head straight to the Mercado Central, between Esmeraldas and Manabí, where you’ll find everything from locro de papas (potato soup served with avocado and cheese) and seafood, to yaguarlocro (potato and blood-sausage soup) and fritada (fried chunks of pork, served with hominy).
Fruits and veggies, not to mention butchered meats, fresh fish, flowers and pharmaceuticals are available too, all congregated together in their clearly signposted sections.
9 paikallista suosittelee
Keskusmarkkinat
Avenida PichinchaFor stall after stall of some of Quito’s most traditional (and cheapest) foods, head straight to the Mercado Central, between Esmeraldas and Manabí, where you’ll find everything from locro de papas (potato soup served with avocado and cheese) and seafood, to yaguarlocro (potato and blood-sausage soup) and fritada (fried chunks of pork, served with hominy).
Fruits and veggies, not to mention butchered meats, fresh fish, flowers and pharmaceuticals are available too, all congregated together in their clearly signposted sections.
Around 5 min in taxi, you will find almost everything in groceries. A lot of imported products like wines, cheese and others.
Av 12 de octubre, la floresta
Supermaxi
Around 5 min in taxi, you will find almost everything in groceries. A lot of imported products like wines, cheese and others.
Av 12 de octubre, la floresta
Sightseeing around our location
Independence Square (Spanish: Plaza de la Independencia, or colloquially as Plaza Grande) is the principal and central public square of Quito, Ecuador. This is the central square of the city and one of the symbols of the executive power of the nation. Its main feature is the monument to the independence heroes of August 10, 1809, date remembered as the First Cry of Independence of the Royal Audience of Quito from spanish monarchy. The square is flanked by the Carondelet Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Plaza Grande Hotel.
The square is surrounded by the following four streets: Calle Venezuela (east), Calle Chile (north), Calle Gabriel García Moreno (west) and the pedestrian segment of Calle Eugenio Espejo (south).
85 paikallista suosittelee
Itsenäisyydenaukio
N5-16 García MorenoIndependence Square (Spanish: Plaza de la Independencia, or colloquially as Plaza Grande) is the principal and central public square of Quito, Ecuador. This is the central square of the city and one of the symbols of the executive power of the nation. Its main feature is the monument to the independence heroes of August 10, 1809, date remembered as the First Cry of Independence of the Royal Audience of Quito from spanish monarchy. The square is flanked by the Carondelet Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Plaza Grande Hotel.
The square is surrounded by the following four streets: Calle Venezuela (east), Calle Chile (north), Calle Gabriel García Moreno (west) and the pedestrian segment of Calle Eugenio Espejo (south).
The Church and Monastery of St. Francis (Spanish: Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco), commonly known as el San Francisco, is a 16th-century Roman Catholic complex in Quito, Ecuador. It fronts onto its namesake Plaza de San Francisco. The imposing structure has the distinction of being the largest architectural ensemble among the historical structures of colonial Latin America and for this reason is sometimes known as "El Escorial of the New World"[by whom?]. The style evolved over almost 150 years of construction (1534-1680) through earthquakes and changes in artistic fashion. The Church houses the city's beloved Virgin of Quito (1734).
25 paikallista suosittelee
Plaza San Francisco
The Church and Monastery of St. Francis (Spanish: Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco), commonly known as el San Francisco, is a 16th-century Roman Catholic complex in Quito, Ecuador. It fronts onto its namesake Plaza de San Francisco. The imposing structure has the distinction of being the largest architectural ensemble among the historical structures of colonial Latin America and for this reason is sometimes known as "El Escorial of the New World"[by whom?]. The style evolved over almost 150 years of construction (1534-1680) through earthquakes and changes in artistic fashion. The Church houses the city's beloved Virgin of Quito (1734).
The Basilica of the National Vow is a Roman Catholic church located in the historic center of Quito, Ecuador. It is the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas.
Entry to the basilica’s sanctuary will cost you the small amount of $2 which allows you to visit some rooms of the church. A further $2 – ($4 in total) will give you access to the rest of the famous church. Visitors are even allowed to climb to the top of the basilica’s towers. We strongly recommended to splash out a little and pay the extra cost. The view from the glass window is simply stunning, giving a panoramic view of all of Quito.
134 paikallista suosittelee
Kansallisen äänestyksen basilika
11-263 y CarchiThe Basilica of the National Vow is a Roman Catholic church located in the historic center of Quito, Ecuador. It is the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas.
Entry to the basilica’s sanctuary will cost you the small amount of $2 which allows you to visit some rooms of the church. A further $2 – ($4 in total) will give you access to the rest of the famous church. Visitors are even allowed to climb to the top of the basilica’s towers. We strongly recommended to splash out a little and pay the extra cost. The view from the glass window is simply stunning, giving a panoramic view of all of Quito.
Standing grandly over a broad plaza, Santo Domingo Church represents one of Quito's most important religious structures. Dominicans built the original structure in 1540, which Italian priests later modified in the 19th century; the result is a visible mixture of styles throughout.
27 paikallista suosittelee
Iglesia de Santo Domingo
Standing grandly over a broad plaza, Santo Domingo Church represents one of Quito's most important religious structures. Dominicans built the original structure in 1540, which Italian priests later modified in the 19th century; the result is a visible mixture of styles throughout.
Otavalo’s beauty lies in its people and surroundings, the Otavaleños and the towering volcanoes that surround the andean town.
The Otavalo Market, which makes this market town famous, is undoubtedly one of the most important and spectacular markets in all of Latin America.
Located just 1.5 hours via car or 2 hours via bus from Quito, Otavalo can be visited in a single day from Quito.
78 paikallista suosittelee
Otavalo
Otavalo’s beauty lies in its people and surroundings, the Otavaleños and the towering volcanoes that surround the andean town.
The Otavalo Market, which makes this market town famous, is undoubtedly one of the most important and spectacular markets in all of Latin America.
Located just 1.5 hours via car or 2 hours via bus from Quito, Otavalo can be visited in a single day from Quito.
You can go up to the Pichincha mountain with a cable car.
We recommend to get there early morning in order to have the best view on the surrounding volcanos as in the afternoon normally it get's cloudy.
149 paikallista suosittelee
Teleférico de Quito
You can go up to the Pichincha mountain with a cable car.
We recommend to get there early morning in order to have the best view on the surrounding volcanos as in the afternoon normally it get's cloudy.
Sitting right in the center of the Northern and the Southern Hemisphere, the Mitad del Mundo is truly the middle of the world. It is literally a place like no other! After all, where else can you stand with each foot in a different hemisphere?
You can take a public bus to the monument, while this is without a doubt the most time-consuming means of travel taking well over 2 hours, at $0.25 a bus, it is also without a doubt the cheapest. In order to get the bus here, you will need to first catch the bus to Ofelia station. Quito has a very comprehensive bus station with signs and maps at every stop.
Since Ofelia is one of the main bus stations in Quito, it will be clearly written on the front of a bus. If you need to change lines to get on the right line, We suggest asking at your hotel or the bus driver. Use this phrase to help: “Donde cambio por Ofelia?” (Where do I change for Ofelia?).
Once you arrive in Ofelia, ask your bus driver to again point out the bus for the Mitad del Mundo. There are plenty of buses with signs, but not all of them visit the monument. By asking, you can be dropped off directly outside the park. If you opt for the bus, make sure that you leave as early as possible to avoid being stuck out in the dark on your way back home.
By Taxi
Your final option is to take a taxi. A taxi will cost anywhere between $10 and $20, depending on both your Spanish and your haggling skills. It will also drop you off right at the door and will take an awful lot less time than the bus, as it will take the faster route around the city. It also won’t stop lots of times on the way, so that’s a bonus.
Often when visiting places outside of the city, you can be tempted to ask the driver to wait for you. There’s little point doing that at the Mitad del Mundo, as there are usually plenty of taxis around. If not, wait patiently at the roadside and flag one down. It’s a busy road so you shouldn’t be waiting for too long.
213 paikallista suosittelee
Maailman keskipiste
SN Av. Manuel Córdova GalarzaSitting right in the center of the Northern and the Southern Hemisphere, the Mitad del Mundo is truly the middle of the world. It is literally a place like no other! After all, where else can you stand with each foot in a different hemisphere?
You can take a public bus to the monument, while this is without a doubt the most time-consuming means of travel taking well over 2 hours, at $0.25 a bus, it is also without a doubt the cheapest. In order to get the bus here, you will need to first catch the bus to Ofelia station. Quito has a very comprehensive bus station with signs and maps at every stop.
Since Ofelia is one of the main bus stations in Quito, it will be clearly written on the front of a bus. If you need to change lines to get on the right line, We suggest asking at your hotel or the bus driver. Use this phrase to help: “Donde cambio por Ofelia?” (Where do I change for Ofelia?).
Once you arrive in Ofelia, ask your bus driver to again point out the bus for the Mitad del Mundo. There are plenty of buses with signs, but not all of them visit the monument. By asking, you can be dropped off directly outside the park. If you opt for the bus, make sure that you leave as early as possible to avoid being stuck out in the dark on your way back home.
By Taxi
Your final option is to take a taxi. A taxi will cost anywhere between $10 and $20, depending on both your Spanish and your haggling skills. It will also drop you off right at the door and will take an awful lot less time than the bus, as it will take the faster route around the city. It also won’t stop lots of times on the way, so that’s a bonus.
Often when visiting places outside of the city, you can be tempted to ask the driver to wait for you. There’s little point doing that at the Mitad del Mundo, as there are usually plenty of taxis around. If not, wait patiently at the roadside and flag one down. It’s a busy road so you shouldn’t be waiting for too long.
La Ronda is a captivating addition to Quito‘s Unesco-listed historical district – and the long, curving street has become one of the Ecuadorian capital’s most treasured attractions over the years.
126 paikallista suosittelee
La Ronda
N24-96 Av. Río AmazonasLa Ronda is a captivating addition to Quito‘s Unesco-listed historical district – and the long, curving street has become one of the Ecuadorian capital’s most treasured attractions over the years.
Plaza San Blas, 170136 Quito, Ecuador
Coffee or a drink & Nightlife in Quito
One of the best Self brewed beer in town.
SPECIAL DIETs Vegetarian Friendly
$$ - $$$ Brew, Pub, Bar, Pizza
Jose J. Olmedo E 1-136 San Blas, Quito 170150 Ecuador
49 paikallista suosittelee
Bandido Brewing
Jose J.OlmedoOne of the best Self brewed beer in town.
SPECIAL DIETs Vegetarian Friendly
$$ - $$$ Brew, Pub, Bar, Pizza
Jose J. Olmedo E 1-136 San Blas, Quito 170150 Ecuador
Self brewed beers. On friday they have a small concerts.
A cozy bohemian spot in the historic center of Quito with a bar, lounge, and auditorium. We serve craft beer, free salsa classes on Thursday and live music on Saturday.
Jose De Antepara and Los Rios and Los Rios, Quito 170150 Ecuador
21 paikallista suosittelee
La Oficina
E4-55 José de AnteparaSelf brewed beers. On friday they have a small concerts.
A cozy bohemian spot in the historic center of Quito with a bar, lounge, and auditorium. We serve craft beer, free salsa classes on Thursday and live music on Saturday.
Jose De Antepara and Los Rios and Los Rios, Quito 170150 Ecuador
Self brewed beers, and good snacks/food, and good dishes for a low price USD 5.00
6 paikallista suosittelee
Sereno Moreno
E3-110 EsmeraldasSelf brewed beers, and good snacks/food, and good dishes for a low price USD 5.00
Plaza Foch is a very busy place where you will find restaurants, Bars, and Nightclubs. We recommend if you go there to take care with pickpockets and come back taking a taxi.
180 paikallista suosittelee
plaza foch
Plaza Foch is a very busy place where you will find restaurants, Bars, and Nightclubs. We recommend if you go there to take care with pickpockets and come back taking a taxi.
The perfect terrace to drink something evening s at 3 minutes walk form the loft. Backpacker ambience. Food is not so good.
Secret Garden
E4-60 José de AnteparaThe perfect terrace to drink something evening s at 3 minutes walk form the loft. Backpacker ambience. Food is not so good.
FANKØR Coffee
This cafe restaurant has a very nice view over the Quito old town.
Perfect at 17h00 to drink a chocolate and see the sun going down.
66 paikallista suosittelee
Cafe Mosaico
N8-95 Manuel SamaniegoThis cafe restaurant has a very nice view over the Quito old town.
Perfect at 17h00 to drink a chocolate and see the sun going down.
Small cozy bar in la Floresta to have a drink, they serve also pretty good pizza. Alternative ambience.
14 paikallista suosittelee
La Cleta
N24-250 LugoSmall cozy bar in la Floresta to have a drink, they serve also pretty good pizza. Alternative ambience.
Food garden near to parque la Carolina, you will find there almos everything, from arepas, pizza, burger, sushi, arab and others.
10 paikallista suosittelee
La Pradera Food Garden
Avenida de la RepúblicaFood garden near to parque la Carolina, you will find there almos everything, from arepas, pizza, burger, sushi, arab and others.
Cafe Zular, just a 1 block from our house. The best speciality coffee in Quito. You can also buy fresh grind and roasted coffee.
Coffee Zular
Cafe Zular, just a 1 block from our house. The best speciality coffee in Quito. You can also buy fresh grind and roasted coffee.
Arts & Culture
Guayasamin was one of the most important artist in Ecuador. (Painter, Sculptor, Prints.)
41 paikallista suosittelee
Fundación Guayasamín
E18-94 y Lorenzo Chávez Guayasamin was one of the most important artist in Ecuador. (Painter, Sculptor, Prints.)
Built in 1878, this stately building anchoring one side of the lively Plaza del Teatro hosts Quito’s best theater, dance and music performances; there’s also a top-notch restaurant on the 2nd floor.
63 paikallista suosittelee
Teatro Sucre
& ManabiBuilt in 1878, this stately building anchoring one side of the lively Plaza del Teatro hosts Quito’s best theater, dance and music performances; there’s also a top-notch restaurant on the 2nd floor.
Contemporary Art center.
You can find there many exibitions and other cultural events. http://www.centrodeartecontemporaneo.gob.ec
34 paikallista suosittelee
Nykytaiteen keskus
MontevideoContemporary Art center.
You can find there many exibitions and other cultural events. http://www.centrodeartecontemporaneo.gob.ec
Metropolitan Kulttuurikeskus
& Sebastián de BenalcázarCasa de Teatro Malayerba
345 Av. 6 de DiciembreParks & Nature
The best time in the day to get to Pichincha mountain with the cable car is early morning when it's not cloudy. The advantage is that you will observe several volcanoes as Cotopaxi, Cayambe and Antisana.
The TelefériQo, or TelefériQo Cruz Loma, is a gondola lift in Quito, Ecuador, running from the edge of the city centre up the east side of Pichincha Volcano to lookout Cruz Loma. It is one of the highest aerial lifts in the world, rising from 3,117 m to 3,945 m.
149 paikallista suosittelee
Teleférico de Quito
The TelefériQo, or TelefériQo Cruz Loma, is a gondola lift in Quito, Ecuador, running from the edge of the city centre up the east side of Pichincha Volcano to lookout Cruz Loma. It is one of the highest aerial lifts in the world, rising from 3,117 m to 3,945 m.
Itchimbia is just behind the loft on the top of the hill. 12 hectares to have a walk or do you morning footing. Very nice view over the city and when the weather is clear you can see the 5 volcanoes.
34 paikallista suosittelee
Itchimbia-puisto
Itchimbia is just behind the loft on the top of the hill. 12 hectares to have a walk or do you morning footing. Very nice view over the city and when the weather is clear you can see the 5 volcanoes.
Entertainment & Activities
This Floresta film house shows great art films (often in English) and has occasional dance, theater and live music. There’s a cafe attached.
90 paikallista suosittelee
Ochoymedio Ecuador
ValladolidThis Floresta film house shows great art films (often in English) and has occasional dance, theater and live music. There’s a cafe attached.
Considering how close Papallacta is from Quito, you should definitely try to squeeze a day there, or at least an evening, into your itinerary.
The most popular establishment is called “Termas de Papallacta,” which offers clean pools in an aesthetically pleasing setting.
From Quitumbe, grab a bus to Baeza or Tena. If taking bus to Baeza, once you arrive, you’ll need to take another bus to Tena that passes by Papallacta. If you got on a bus that goes all the way to Tena, just get off at Papallacta.
52 paikallista suosittelee
Termas de Papallacta
Considering how close Papallacta is from Quito, you should definitely try to squeeze a day there, or at least an evening, into your itinerary.
The most popular establishment is called “Termas de Papallacta,” which offers clean pools in an aesthetically pleasing setting.
From Quitumbe, grab a bus to Baeza or Tena. If taking bus to Baeza, once you arrive, you’ll need to take another bus to Tena that passes by Papallacta. If you got on a bus that goes all the way to Tena, just get off at Papallacta.
Shopping
Food store where you will find everything / imported wines/beer/other products.
137 paikallista suosittelee
Supermaxi
N16-114 Av. de la RepúblicaFood store where you will find everything / imported wines/beer/other products.
Market with traditional Handicraft, ideal for gifts.
154 paikallista suosittelee
Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal
611 Jorge WashingtonMarket with traditional Handicraft, ideal for gifts.
CASA KIKI