Quito

Quito is one of the highest capital cities in the world at 2,850 m (9,350 feet), built on the ruins of an ancient Inca city. Its Old City is the largest colonial city center in the Americas and was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site (1978), containing over 40 churches and 16 convents. The city offers a unique blend of colonial architecture, excellent museums, vibrant nightlife in the La Mariscal district, and easy access to volcanoes and equatorial landmarks. Most visitors will experience some altitude sickness initially, so pacing activities is recommended.

Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) is located near the town of Tababela, about 25 km from the city center. Daily flights connect Quito to Amsterdam, Atlanta, Houston, Madrid, Miami, New York City and other major hubs. From the airport, travelers can take a taxi (approximately $12 per hour rate) or consider accommodations in Tababela or Puembo for early departures. Bus stations connect Quito to destinations throughout Ecuador and neighboring countries.

Taxis and buses are everywhere and very inexpensive. The Trolebus system runs through the city with most stations offering free WiFi. Local buses cost around $0.25, while taxi rides within the city typically cost $2-5. The historic trolleybus runs north-south through the city - watch your belongings on these. Walking is the best way to explore the Old Town's grid of streets.

Located on the equator, Quito has almost no variation in daily temperatures year-round. The altitude makes it cooler than expected - temperatures range from the low 50s°F (10°C) at night to roughly 70°F (21°C) during the day. There are two seasons: dry (June-September) and rainy, though it often sprinkles even in the dry season. Carry an umbrella or poncho regardless of the forecast. Microclimates exist throughout the city due to altitude and surrounding mountains.

Most backpackers stay in La Mariscal district in northern Quito, which has the greatest concentration of tourist facilities, hostels, bars, restaurants and internet cafes. Hostel prices range from $5.60-10 per night for dorms, with private rooms from $23-50. For early airport flights, consider Tababela or Puembo. The Old Town has charming converted colonial houses but can be noisy. In the Old Town, it's hard to judge hotel quality from the exterior - many best hotels have only innocuous entries.

Quito offers excellent variety: basic chicken and rice for $1.50 to international cuisine at higher prices. Local specialties include churrasco (Ecuadorian-style Brazilian dish), tripa mishqui (grilled beef or pork intestines) at La Floresta evening market, and chaulafan (fried rice) at Chinese "Chifas" restaurants. Seafood ceviche is popular - seek out well-known restaurants with many locals to ensure freshness. Plaza El Quinde (Foch) in Mariscal has dozens of restaurants; La Floresta up the hill has fine dining and street food.

Explore the Old Town's colonial and independence-era architecture, relaxing plazas, and stunning churches including San Francisco (1537) and La Compañía de Jesus (considered the most beautiful church in the Americas). Visit the TelefériQo - the world's second-highest cable car - for views from 4,000 m. The Mitad del Mundo monument lies just outside the city where equatorial measurements were first made. Hiking to Guagua Pichincha Volcano is possible but hire a guide and start before 10:30. Museums worth visiting include Museo Nacional (free), Museo de la Ciudad ($4), and Museo Guayasamin ($8 adults).

Old Town has significant police presence including military and national police, particularly around Independence Plaza due to the Presidential residence. However, the southern districts and areas beyond Parque Bicentenario are more working-class and less visited by tourists - exercise caution. Never walk up Panecillo hill - always take a taxi or bus as the walk can be dangerous. Beware of taxi drivers asking you to pay for parking they don't owe. Mountain hikes have reported robberies - research carefully and consider hiring a guide.

Most Trolebus stations provide free WiFi. At the airport, SIM cards are available: Movistar offers $65 for unlimited calling, texting and internet for a month, or $55 for a lighter package. Claro has a shop in the Airport Center. Tuenti sells a $25 SIM with 30 days service, 4 GB data, 75 minutes calling, and 60 texts. Hotels and cafes generally offer WiFi.

Daily budget for backpackers: $25-40 covers hostel dorms ($6-10), meals ($5-15 for street food to restaurants), local transport ($2-5), and attractions ($10-20 for museums and cable car). Street food and basic restaurants can be very cheap ($1.50-3), while international restaurants run $7-15 per meal. Museums cost $2-8, TelefériQo is $9 for foreigners.

Otavalo (2-3 hours north) has a world-famous indigenous market with quality crafts - don't forget to haggle. Mindo to the northwest is a subtropical rainforest paradise with waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and butterfly farms ($3 entry). Take a taxi to Ofelia bus station ($5-6), then bus to Mindo ($2.50, about 2 hours). Papallacta to the east offers thermal hot springs ($7 entry) and trout dishes ($5). Buses to Papallacta depart from Cumbaya bus station ($2.50 after a taxi from Mariscal, ~$8).

To the north, visit Imbabura province with beautiful lakes (Yaguarcocha, San Pablo) and Otavalo's famous indigenous market. Hikers can explore Cayambe National Park. To the northwest, Mindo offers cloudforests and wildlife. To the east, Papallacta provides thermal hot springs. The region is well-connected by bus, with routes to the Amazon, Galapagos (via flight), and Peru.