Quito (Ecuador)

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Country Info (Ecuador)

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Located in the Andes, Quito is the perfect base for exploring the mountains. Big mountains like Pichincha, Cayambe and Cotopaxi are very close by and also Andean towns like Otavalo and Papallacta are popular daytrip destinations. Some travel agencies in Quito organise guided trips to the national parks like Cotopaxi. Hiking and climbing gear can be rented in Quito.

Many travel agencies organise trips to the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands are world famous for its wildlife (penguins, many beautiful birds, reptiles, turtles, sea lions, dolphins etc.). Darwin was already fascinated by the Galapagos wildlife and did research here. A trip to the Galapagos is not cheap: expect to pay roughly a 1000 dollars for a four-day trip.

The jungle at the west of Quito (el Oriente) is another popular destination. Jungle expeditions can be organised at the spot or booked in one of Quito's travel agencies . Trips can include guided tours, white water rafting or boat trips. Make sure you know all the details before you book.

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Quito, the capital of Ecuador , has many attractions for all kinds of visitors. The Andean City, at an altitude of 2850 metres, is located in a valley at the foot of the active volcano Pichincha. Although Quito lies only 13 km south of the equator, it always has a springlike climate.

Visit Quito's old city (El Centro historico), which has been declared a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO. Old Quito has many colonial buildings and a huge market with a lot of hustle and bustle. Go north and you end up in the new centre (La Mariscal), where tourists will find most hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and nightlife.

As a capital city befits, Quito has a wide variety of hotels and hostels (in Spanish also called hospedaje or hosteria). Most hotels can be found in the new city centre. The area around the Amazonas/Colon-junction, which is called La Mariscal, is the place where most foreigners hang out, since it also has many restaurants, internet cafes, travel agencies and bars. For this reason La Mariscal has 'Gringolandia' as a nickname.

Quito has many first class hotels with luxury and business facilities. Many cheap hotels can be found in the old city, but many foreigners prefer to stay in La Mariscal for safety reasons. This area has also many hostels for the budget traveller. Expect to pay 3 or 4 dollars for a reasonably clean hostal with shared bath. Add a dollar or two for a private bath. Sometimes it is possible to negotiate a lower price if you're staying longer than a week.

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Population: 13.363.600
Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua, other Amerindian lang
Currency: US dollar
Currency code: USD
Local Times:
Ecuador - Quito

Ecuador - Guayaquil

Country Dialling Code: +593
Voltage: 120/127V - 120/240V 60Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 parallel flat prongs

2 Parallel flat prongs with an earth connector

2 parallel circular prongs with an earth connector

Situated on the equator, Ecuador is the smallest country in the Andean Highlands. Despite its size it is probably the world's most bio-diverse country, crammed with an astounding variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation existing in the contrasts of climatic zones. Within a short time the traveller can experience dramatic changes in scenery, temperature and altitude, journeying between Pacific coast beaches and the sweltering, mosquito-ridden rainforest; to the charming capital city of Quito surrounded by ice-covered volcanoes; and to colourful highland markets that add character and warmth to the windswept highlands of the Andes Mountains.

The people, their cultures and traditions have also been formed, and are influenced by, their geographical environment. The backbone of the country is the Andean highlands, made up of two mountainous chains and over 30 volcanoes. Between them lies the central highland valley or sierra, the Avenue of the Volcanoes, at about 8,960ft (2,800m) above sea level. This is the heartland of agricultural activity, punctuated by dozens of remote communities, and is where the bulk of the population live. Larger towns like Saquisilí and Otavalo swell on market days when villagers come to sell their produce and handiwork in a vibrant and colourful atmosphere of festivity. The sierra is also home to most of the old and historically important cities, including Quito.

With its beautiful colonial architecture, magnificent panoramic scenery, vibrant indigenous groups and welcoming people it is one of the most enticing and rewarding countries to visit in South America. And, as if it needed anything further, one of the world's greatest treasures of natural history lies in the bewitching Galápagos Islands, famed for its fearless and unique wildlife, and is the highlight of most trips to Ecuador.