Heading to Quito? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip:
TL;DR
- Perfect for: 1–2 days
- Best for: Adventurers, history buffs, architecture lovers, culture vultures, city wanderers
- Why visit: Dazzling colonial charm and Andes views; solo-friendly historic sights
QUITO AT A GLANCE
- Population/size: About 2.8 million; long, thin city snaking through Andean valleys
- Historical note: Founded 1534 atop Incan ruins; UNESCO World Heritage haven since 1978
- Famous for: Exquisite colonial center, sky-high cathedrals, bustling markets, “Middle of the World” equator line
- Nickname: The Light of America (La Luz de América)
- Solo vibe: Locals are warm; city is vibrant but heed real safety cautions
ESSENTIAL INFO
- 💰 Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
- 🗣 Language: Spanish (English in touristy spots)
- 🌦 Best time to visit: June–September (brightest skies, festival season)
- ✈️ From airport:
- Cheapest: Taxi/Uber, $25–35 (40 min to center)
- Other: Hotel shuttle (pre-arrange for safety)
- 🧳 Safety: Only use authorized/ride-hail transport. Stay ultra-alert with valuables. Avoid public buses if possible.
- 🎭 Cultural calendar tip: Independence Day (August 10) brings parades, fireworks, and festive street life
- 🎦 What to watch on the plane: “The Dancer Upstairs” (captures Quito’s intrigue); bonus: “Narcos” for Andean drama
WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)
- 🛏️Best hostel: Hostel Revolution. A cozy, no-frills spot right in Quito’s historic center with comfy beds, a chill vibe, and a rooftop view. Sandra’s hospitality makes you feel at home, plus it’s super quiet for great sleep. One of the most in-demand hostels in Quito!
- 🏘️ Best neighborhood for hotels/Airbnb: La Mariscal – Bustling backpacker heart, nightlife, eateries, and hostels; super social, but watch your bag!
- 🧭 Alt neighborhood: Historic Center (Centro Histórico) – Sleep in a living museum; atmospheric and close to everything iconic, quieter at night
- Tip: Always check for 24/7 front desk/security and stay inside touristed zones (especially after dark)
TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION
- 🚶♂️ Walkability: Old Town is delightfully walkable by day; stick to crowds, avoid empty alleys and after-dark strolls alone
- 🚌 Bus/local transit: Extensive system ($0.25/ride, Metro runs N–S); but risk of pickpocketing is high
- 🚋 Metro/Tram: New, clean, efficient Quito Metro links key areas; use for main tourist sites, avoid at rush hour
- 🚖 Taxi: Official taxis or Uber only; fares $2–5 locally, always confirm price first
- 🚲 Bike rental: BiciQuito (public bikes), best for La Carolina park area; avoid city streets (traffic & theft risk)
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE
- 🏛️ La Basílica del Voto Nacional: Climb the towers solo for city-and-volcano panoramas. Gothic, gargoyle-lined, and safe (great photo ops!)
- 🌿 Teleférico and Pichincha hike: Soar 4,000m above Quito, then walk scenic trails; easiest/safest with lots of people around (don’t do it in solitude if cloudy or late)
- 🧠 Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila: Unique immersion in indigenous culture and art; a tranquil, offbeat escape
- 🧭 Stroll Plaza Grande & Calle La Ronda: Daytime wander among historic squares, local musicians, empanada stands, and artisanal shops
- 🎨 Casa del Alabado Museum: Peaceful, compact pre-Columbian art collection; great for quiet reflection and history buffs
- 🔀 Wildcard: Mitad del Mundo (Equator Monument): Stand on the equator, snap that classic feet-on-both-hemispheres shot; easy & safe day trip by taxi/Uber
WHAT TO SKIP
- ❌ Plaza Foch nightlife – Fun for groups, but pickpocketing and hassling common for solo travelers after dark
- ❌ Walking to El Panecillo – The statue’s views are epic, but routes on foot are unsafe. Always taxi!
- ❌ Street food stalls – Tempting, but established restaurants are safer for both belly and belongings
EATING & DRINKING
- 🧍♂️ Solo-friendly spot: Café Mosaico – Killer terrace views, casual vibe, global menu; popular with solo diners
- 🥃 Quiet pub/bar with character: El Pobre Diablo – Funky jazz, local legend, low-key crowd for solo sipping
- 🍽️ Try these local foods: Llapingachos (potato-cheese cakes), empanadas, hornado (roast pork) at Café Quito or found on daily set menus
- 💸 Best cheap eats: Comedores in La Mariscal – Local lunch menus (~$3-5), hearty and authentic
- 🥦 Veg/vegan options: El Maple – Chill, veggie-focused, well-loved by locals and travelers alike
- 🍸 Cocktails or nightcap: La Ronda’s tiny taverns – Order a canelazo (citrusy hot spiced rum), cozy and tradition-packed
BEST OF QUITO IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY
- Sunrise: Start at Basílica del Voto Nacional – climb for misty city views
- Morning: Walk the Historic Center: Plaza Grande, San Francisco church, street musicians
- Lunch: Traditional set lunch in La Mariscal; try llapingachos at a trusty comedor
- Afternoon: Cable car ride (Teleférico) + stroll up Pichincha for the best city-and-Andes selfie
- Evening: Sunset at Café Mosaico with a drink & the best panoramas
- Dinner: Hornado and empanadas in Old Town (try Café Quito)
- Night: Chill at El Pobre Diablo for jazz or nightcap in La Ronda if you feel safe, Uber back
LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM
- 🎉 Festival/seasonal tip: Independence Day (August 10) pulses with lively parades—downtown is extra colorful, but crowded
- 📍 Hidden gem: Parque Itchimbía – Grassy hilltop, glass pavilion, epic skyline snaps; locals lounge, few tourists
- 📷 Photo spots: Basílica towers, El Panecillo (via taxi), Plaza San Francisco, and hilltop Café Mosaico
- 🧠 Etiquette tip: Greet with a “buenos días”; locals appreciate friendliness. Bring small change for purchases.
- 🚩 Safety reminder: Be “hyper-aware”—never flash valuables, use Uber, avoid solo walks after dark
- 👀 One last thing: Don’t rush Quito—linger with a café con leche and watch the Andes clouds swirl!