Quito, Ecuador – A Great Place To Visit!

Ecuador has always been on my list of places I wanted to visit.  I was lucky enough this year to embark on Virgin Vacations’ Quito Escape and I got a great taste of what this capital city had to offer.  I’m splitting this blog into two sections.  The first part will include travel tips for travel in Quito and the second part I will provide you with a great list of places to visit.

Quito has been deemed a World Heritage City and at 10,000 feet, it is the second highest capital city in the world.  Beyond the breathtaking views, Quito offers religious monuments, historic sites, fantastic culture and so much more!

Another great aspect of Quito is the spring like temperatures, thanks in part to the high altitude.  Be sure to visit during the ‘dry season’ for the most amiable traveling conditions.

Travel Tips

  • Two mountain ranges surround Quito, and with the high altitude of 10,000 feet, you’ll want to give yourself a day to become adapted to the change in altitude.  I know I found that it took me a few hours to feel like my breathing was regulated and my eyes were itchy and irritated because of the air pollution (the buses spew terrible exhaust!)

  • If you don’t know Spanish, it would be worth your while to learn some basic phrases before you go.  Except for the more touristy spots, very few residents speak fluent English.  No need to be fluent in Spanish, but it helps to be able to ask for directions, rent a hotel room, understand the menu and exchange basic pleasantries like please, thanks etc.

  • If you are flying into Quito, then you’ll fly into the Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre, located about 8km from the city center.  The airport is quick and easy way to get to Quito.  On the other hand, the Terminal Terrestre bus terminal is a scary, dark and dirty place.  If you are traveling with loads of bags, most travel guides recommend steering clear of the public transportation system and taking a cab to your accommodation (very reasonably priced).  If you are coming into Quito by bus, it is helpful to know that most drivers will let you off at any spot along the route, so you could get off at your destination instead of heading into the bus terminal.

  • Quito has a trolley system that follows north/south right through Quito.  It is very reasonable and very clean!  The Metrobus is another option, check out the map for its routes.  Don’t bother renting a car as it just isn’t worth it since buses and taxis are so cheap.  In addition, with no traffic rules, you could be very stressed out navigating the streets in your rental!  If you are getting a taxi, be sure to only use the yellow ones that have a number on the door because these ones use meters.  If they don’t, be sure to negotiate your price before setting off.

Check out the blog in a few days, to see my posting of some of the many amazing things to do when you are visiting Quito!

Posted by on 07/30 at 12:46 PM

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