Has anyone travelled to Quito, Ecuador?

Question

We are going in April and staying there for 3 days before heading to the Galapagos, then staying another 3 days after coming back. Is it safe to wander around during the day - any places you suggest we see locally (other than the market - we've been told about it). Any sightseeing trips you might suggest?

Thanks for any suggestions you might have.

Answer 1

Quito, is a great city.  We spent a few days there in December.  Base yourself around gringoland, its safe there, lots of tourist police etc. and good places to eat and chill out.  We liked the Magic Bean, and also there were some "national" restaurants where you can sample the delights of gineau pig, seviche etc.  Otovala market is definitely worth a visit - with loads of traditional ecuadorian products plus much more (cheaper to but your galapogos Tshirts and souveniers from here.  A trip to the top of the Quito telepherique to see the view over the city is worth a trip, but busy on the weekend.  But you can make a day of it and go walking up easy trails to the top...      An overnight trip to the base of cotopaxi and overnight at the tambopaxi hostel is worth it if you have the time and money.  The Cotopaxi volcano is awesome...see www.tambopaxi.com.  There are loads of companies who will organise trips and have trips running around gringoland so you can sort things out when you get there.  we went through a company called surtrek, and they were very good.

Have fun - and enjoy swimming with sealions in the galapagos...they swim up so close, but they         won't harm you!

ps - if you do go to mittal del mundo (the equator) go to the museum, not the monument, its much better, and you can learn about the correolis effect, either side of the equatorial line and balance an egg on a nail, as well as find out more about the indigenous people.

Answer 2

I live in Ecuador for about 5 years, In Quito to be exact.  You should take a trip to Banos for the day you can take a bus from the bus terminal to get there it is about a 2 hour ride or so it has Hot spring bathing and a beautiful cathedral - it is famous for being a great area for horseback riding and sightseeing...

In Quito itself there is El Mitad del mundo - there are touristy shops and a great restaurant right on the equator it is pretty cool, or Otovalo or old Quito you can walk along Calle Guayaquil Shop and go see the Presidential palace, there is so much to do I really cannot list it all... there are trips to the volcanoes if you like to hike...  Quito it is pretty safe during the daytime just do not wear any type of jewelry and try to keep your money safely hidden...  you should be careful on the buses but for the most part it is pretty safe.

Have fun in the Galapogos - just remember that you cannot touch the animals.. and believe me that is harder than it sounds because they are not scared of people and say hello to solitary george for me..  I loved it there when I went...

Answer 3

Yeah..

quito.. is soo beautiful..

well... it's pretty safe in ecuador in general. they make the most money with tourist.. so they can't really afford anything happening there.

there are a lot of restaurants and hostels and stuff in what they call "gringolandia" ...... it has really good andd cheap public transportation...

probably just stay away from the ghetto.. but everything else is just fun... especially around the amazonas.... a big street there.

http://www.ecuadorexplorer.com/html/quit...

a fun place to visit is el mitad del mundo.

as well... make a daytrip to banos.

just take the bus.. takes about 4 hours. just leave really early, hang out the day in banos and come back late at night. they have great termal bathes... and it's just awesome. the whole city is worth a visit.

have a great time in ecuador.

fall in love with this country like I did.

it's just amazing.

Answer 4

I wouldnt walk around the old city at night. In the day is ok. I walk around the New city at night alone but you have to be careful. It is probably wise to be careful at night