Quito

Overview

Quito is an amazing city: historic, important, interesting and by all accounts of travellers, really quite safe (despite what your guide book might tell you). The capital of Ecaudor, the 2 million inhabitants live about 2800m above sea level in a valley formed by the surrounding volcanos making the city incredibly long compared to its width. Public transport is good but basic and taxi services are excellent. The city is a UNESCO world heritage sight thanks to its beautifully preserved colonial architecture, and the history of the city can be found in the interesting Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum). The main historical sites are all with easy walking distance of each other, The Plaza de la Independecia being the centre, where you can find the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral. A taxi to the statue of the Virgén de la Panecillo on the hillside overlooking the town offers amazing views, while the city is ideally placed for reaching all the highlights of the small country of Ecuador. Otavalo´s indigenous market (Saturdays) and La Mitad del Mundo (the equator line and museum)are both within easy reach of a day trip from the city. The climate, despite being so near the equator, is relatively cool due its height, but the sun is strong and while the city experiences significant rainfall, it is never cold. It is worth leaving some time for acclimatisation in Quito if you are coming from a low altitude: most people recover in 2-3 days, ask your doctor...more

History

Be prepared to speak some basic Spanish in order to get along. The Spanish in Ecuador is regarded by locals as one of the clearest dialects in South America. Very few locals speak English except in the very touristy areas of North Quito and in an area called "La Mariscal" in South Quito. La Mariscal occupies several square blocks in South Quito and is the place to be if you wear a backpack. Bars, restaurants, hostels and internet cafes abound. Young people from many countries tend to congregate there. Ecuador, especially the Sierra region that includes Quito, is culturally a very conservative society. This is reflected in manner of dress. People of all socio-economic backgrounds tend to dress up in Ecuador. For men this means long pants and a shirt with a collar. Short pants are not worn at all in Quito except by athletes playing a sport. Wearing "grungy" clothes, ripped jeans, or sandals is often interpreted by locals as "showing no respect" or being derelict. You need not be a fashion plate; just wear a button down shirt and some long pants and you will encounter better service and fewer hassles in all your interactions. If you cannot bring yourself to dress appropriately for Quito then leave Quito and head down to Ecuador's coast, where more relaxed attire is the norm. The South American Explorers Club is a non profit organization dedicating to helping independent travellers to Ecuador and South America. Their office, at Jorge Washington 311 y Leonidas Plaza (in the Mariscal Sucre district of Quito) is a great place to stop by, meet people, and get the latest information on where to go, what to avoid, and on adventure travel. Their small membership fee also includes a mail-receiving and bag-storage service at all their offices.