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Quito, the capital of Ecuador
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Quito

Quito, officially San Francisco de Quito, is the capital and second-largest city of Ecuador, nestled in a valley on the eastern slopes of the Pichincha volcano in the Andes. With its metropolitan area home to millions, Quito offers rich cultural experiences and striking high-altitude geography.

Photo: Asamblea Nacional del Ecuador (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Quick facts

Population
2,671,191 (city)
Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
Spanish
Timezone
-05 (UTC-5)
Local time now
15:58:53

Hotels in Quito

Quito offers a range of hotel options for visitors, from historic properties like Hotel San Francisco de Quito and Hotel Viena Internacional to comfortable mid-range choices such as Hotel Auca Continental and Patio Andaluz. Whether you're exploring the city center near Plaza Grande or seeking accommodation elsewhere, Quito's hotels cater to various travel needs and budgets. See all hotels →

Airports in Quito

Quito is served by the Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Antonio José de Sucre, the primary international gateway for Ecuador's capital city. The Base Aérea Mariscal Sucre also operates in the region, providing additional air transport infrastructure for the city. See all airports →

Car Hire in Quito

Quito offers several car rental options for visitors exploring the city and surrounding regions. Companies such as ALFUNBOY Car Rental, Localiza Alquiler de Autos, Hydrocar, and Fermaq provide vehicle rental services to suit different travel needs. See all car hire →

Things to Do in Quito

Quito offers visitors a wealth of historic and cultural attractions to explore. From the Catedral Metropolitana Quito and Palacio de Carondelet to the Monumento a la Independencia and La Iglesia de El Sagrario, the city's colonial architecture and significant landmarks provide insight into Ecuador's rich heritage. See all things to do →

Monumento a la Independencia
28 m from centre
Catedral Metropolitana Quito
42 m from centre
Palacio de Carondelet
57 m from centre
La Iglesia de El Sagrario
68 m from centre
Ciudad de Quito
72 m from centre
Museo Alberto Mena Caamaño
81 m from centre

Restaurants in Quito

Quito offers a diverse dining scene with restaurants serving everything from traditional Ecuadorian fare to contemporary cuisine. Popular establishments like Cafetería Fabiolita, Los Sanduches De La Grande, Manabiss restaurante, Menestras del Negro, and DiosoloPay reflect the city's vibrant food culture and local tastes. See all restaurants →

Cafetería Fabiolita
56 m from centre
Los Sanduches De La Grande
sandwich · 69 m from centre
Manabiss restaurante
77 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Quito

Quito offers several swimming pool facilities for residents and visitors looking to enjoy water recreation. Options include establishments such as Piscina Sauna, Club La Playa, Piscina de Guápulo, piscina Daysi, and Casa Lumbisí, which provide various aquatic amenities throughout the city. See all swimming pools →

Piscina Sauna
3.7 km from centre
Club La Playa
4.2 km from centre
Piscina de Guápulo
5.0 km from centre

Spas in Quito

We're still gathering spas listings for Quito — check back soon.

Nightlife in Quito

Quito offers a dynamic nightlife scene with venues ranging from energetic discotheques to intimate bars. Popular spots like Hot Party Discoteca, Night club 122, El Swing, Blush, and Ramsés Discoteca provide options for an unforgettable evening in Ecuador's capital. See all nightlife →

Hot Party Discoteca
1.3 km from centre
Night club 122
2.2 km from centre
El Swing
2.3 km from centre

Bars in Quito

Quito offers a diverse bar scene with venues ranging from casual hangouts to vibrant nightlife destinations. Popular spots include Sinners, La Oveja Negra, Green Go Bar, BAJO EL PUENTE, and Sereno Moreno, each offering their own unique atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. See all bars →

Sinners
342 m from centre
La Oveja Negra
483 m from centre
Green Go Bar
581 m from centre

Cafes in Quito

Quito's cafe culture offers a mix of traditional and contemporary coffee experiences. From Dulcería Colonial Coffee to La Tradición and Querubín, the city's cafes showcase local flavors and welcoming atmospheres for visitors and residents alike. See all cafes →

Dulcería Colonial Coffee
sandwich · 49 m from centre
La Tradición
65 m from centre
Museo del pernil
72 m from centre

Shopping in Quito

Quito offers diverse shopping experiences across the city, from historic centro options like Almacenes MONTERO and Palacio Arzobispal to modern shopping centres such as Centro Comercial Galerias Sucre. Whether you're browsing local goods at Pasaje Baca or exploring contemporary retail at Pycca, the capital provides plenty of choices for visitors and residents alike. See all shopping →

Palacio Arzobispal
103 m from centre
Pasaje Baca
117 m from centre
Centro Comercial Galerias Sucre
167 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Quito

Quito offers several natural and green spaces where visitors can experience the city's outdoor environment. From the historic Plaza de la Independencia to Parque Iglesia Inmaculada and Plaza Huerto San Agustín, these areas provide opportunities to explore nature within and around the capital. See all nature & wildlife →

Plaza de la Independencia
27 m from centre
Parque Iglesia Inmaculada
151 m from centre
Plaza Huerto San Agustín
279 m from centre
Plaza del Teatro
438 m from centre
semaforo
648 m from centre
Plaza San Marcos
681 m from centre

Climate snapshot

As a city in an Andean valley, Quito experiences a mild, spring-like climate year-round due to its high elevation. Seasons are defined more by rainfall patterns than temperature fluctuations, with a rainy season and a drier period throughout the year.

Interesting Facts About Quito — Weird & Wonderful

  • Quito sits in a valley on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes.
  • It is the capital of both Ecuador and Pichincha province.
  • The metropolitan area of Quito has an estimated population of 2.8 million people.

Frequently Asked Questions About Quito

What is the official name of Quito?

The official name is San Francisco de Quito.

What is Quito's role in Ecuador?

Quito is the capital and second-largest city of Ecuador, as well as the capital of Pichincha province.

What is the metropolitan population of Quito?

The estimated population of Quito's metropolitan area is 2.8 million people.

What geographical feature defines Quito's location?

Quito is situated in a valley on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes mountains.

Map of Quito

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