At 2,850 metres above sea level, Quito, Ecuador is the ideal fusion of old and new. The city is divided into two main districts. The historic centre, more commonly referred to as the Old Town is a collection of preserved plazas and cobbled streets bustling with Andean women selling anything from chochos, a popular bean snack, to shoelaces by the dozen. Before the arrival of the Spanish, Quito reigned as an important Inca city. Today, no reminders or structures remain of the Inca Empire except in the faces of the working class people.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stark contrast to Quito’s New Town, referred to as the Mariscal, where tourists flood the bars until early morning. The Mariscal is where non-Spanish speakers congregate over a litre of beer for $1 USD, take salsa classes and rent bikes. It comforts travelers to know that everyone speaks English and your vegetables were washed in purified water, but muggings and theft are a common occurrence day and night. Police aren’t always eager to step in and help so avoid dangerous situations at all times and opt for well lit and busy streets.
Walking from the Old Town to the Mariscal is a pleasant 30-40 minute walk, however there is an overwhelming assortment of public transportation to get you around the city for cheap. The Trole system is the most popular mode of transportation among locals and travelers. The Trole runs south to north and has colored lines that branch off into different suburbs. A one way ride across all colored lines costs $0.25 USD but guard your bags and count yourself lucky if you find a seat.
Quito Transport
There are also local bus routes that spread throughout Quito like a spider web. Ask locally which route to take as there are often dozens of buses leading to the same destination. Quito has strategically built two bus terminals – the Northern Terminal handles buses that head to destinations like
Mindo,
Otavalo and
Colombia. The Southern Terminal is more modern than Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport and handles bus travel to southern destinations like Cotopaxi,
Baños,
Cuenca and
Guayaquil. Making the trek from the Southern Terminal to the Northern Terminal is a hectic combination of bus, Trole and even taxi, avoid rush hour at all costs.
Quito Travel
Quito is a picturesque city embraced by majestic volcanic peaks, but make no mistake, poverty and petty theft plague all areas of the city and tourists are targeted especially in the Mariscal and on public transportation. With physical similarities to a European city, Quito is far more rough and dirty than
Europe, but just as rich in culture and history. The congested streets are in constant disarray with irate drivers and speed-hungry trolley drivers, bars that open early and close late, but the juxtaposition with slow Andean culture makes Quito the perfect place to sightsee and party in the same day.
Quito Attractions
Most of the historical tourist attractions in Quito are located in the Old Town which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easy to navigate on foot. Old plaza, cobble stone streets and historic buildings are plenty here. Further in the old city you can learn about Quito’s History and find Information about the Inca Empire.
TeleferiQo – Also known as Teleferico, this popular tourist attraction gives you sprawling views of Quito from an aerial tram 4,100 metres above sea level. Once at the top of Cruz Loma there are restaurants, lookouts and gift shops. Avenida Occidental and Avenida La Gasca. It’s definitely worth a look and considered one of the fun things to do in Quito.
Cycling in Quito – There are designated bike paths that run throughout the city. You can rent a bike at one of the many Mariscal bike shops that double as tour agencies and pedal your way from the Mariscal to the Old Town. On selected Sundays of every month, roads in the Mariscal are closed to vehicles and open to cyclists, joggers and skateboarders. A 10 km route is blocked off from 9AM to 3PM. Inquire at tourism information centre for dates or consult
Ciclopolis for more information.
Mountain biking around Quito – For daily mountain biking excursions to Cotopaxi or the Laguna Quilotoa visit one of the many tour agencies in the Mariscal district. Shop around and compare quality of bikes and the routes offered. Prices are lowered for group bookings.
Biking Dutchman at Calle Foch, 714, Mariscal, Quito. Tel. (593) 2-256-8323
Salsa Dancing in Quito – If you are beginner, advanced or have two left feet, there is a salsa class for you. Quito’s salsa academies are concentrated in the Mariscal district and offer group lessons for $5 USD or private lessons for $6 - $10 USD per hour.
Ritmo Tropical is one of Quito’s top dance schools. Teachers are easygoing yet professional and the collection of music is the best of classic salsa. Reservations are recommended. Amazonas, N24 -155, Mariscal, Quito. Tel. (593) 2-255-7094
Academia de bailes tropicales: Sylvia Garcia is a good school for beginner dancers. The young teachers mix hip hop with salsa and teach modern salsa with a New York street-feel. Foch, E4-246, Mariscal, Quito. Tel. (593) 2-222-0427
Quito Nightlife
For theatre or cultural events, the Old Town offers an array of nightly performances. The best nightlife in Quito is centered around Mariscal Plaza, which is the epicentre of Quito’s lively nightlife any day of the week. Girls rarely pay cover fees to bars and clubs however men can expect to dish out $2 USD to $10 USD for cover which includes a free drink. Below are some Quito Nightlife tips:
Plaza Foch – Start the night at this swanky Mariscal plaza surrounded by modern resto-bars and clubs. In the heart of the Mariscal on Foch.
Mayo 68 – This small salsa club is frequented by serious salsa dancers. The crowd is older than most Mariscal venues, but beginner dancers are always welcome and encouraged to practice among the locals. L Garcia, 662, Mariscal, Quito.
No Bar – A rowdy spot to forget your worries. J Calama, 380, Mariscal, Quito.
Teatro Sucre – Manabi, N8-131, Old Town, Quito. Tel. (593) 2-228-2136
Teatro Bolivar – On Espejo between Flores and Guayaquil, Old Town, Quito. Tel. (593) 2-258-2486
Budget Hotels Quito
Blue House Quito - This simple hostel is in the heart of the Mariscal. Some of the best rates in the tourist zone and offers many areas to lounge before and after bar hopping. Joaquin Pinto, E8-24, Mariscal, Quito. Tel. (593) 2-222-3480
Secret Garden Quito - If you need a break from the Mariscal, head to this hostel in the Old Town. The Secret Garden offers free accommodation and food in exchange for volunteer hours working reception or the bar. Calle Antepara, E4-60, Old Town, Quito. Tel. (593) 2-295-6704
Midrange Hotels Quito
Hotel Plaza del Teatro - Ask for a room with a balcony and take advantage of the great views this hotel has to offer. Calle Guayaquil, N8-75, Old Town, Quito. Tel. (593) 2-295-9462
Café Cultura Complete with fireplaces, gardens and inviting bedrooms. Robles, 513, Quito. Tel. (593) 2-222-4271
Luxury Hotels Quito
Quito Marriott - One of Quito’s largest hotels catering to tourists and business travelers. Avenida Orellana, 1172, Quito. Tel. (593) 2-297-2000
Hilton Colon A short walk to both the Mariscal and the Old Town, close to restaurants and shops. Avenida Amazonas, N 1914, Quito. Tel. (593) 2-256-0666
Quito Hotel – Beautiful hotel & spa located on Av. González Suárez N27 142. Tel: (593)2 254 4600