Create Guide
Picture of Quito, Ecuador

Travel Guide for
Quito

Ecuador

Mild, spring-like year round, rainy season

Introduction

Quito, Ecuador’s high-altitude capital, sits dramatically at 2,850 meters surrounded by Andean peaks. This UNESCO-listed city blends colonial charm, indigenous culture, and vibrant street life with a lively café scene perfect for digital nomads. November means mild, spring-like days (15-20°C), occasional rain showers, and fresh mountain air, making it ideal for both city exploration and cozy laptop sessions.

Historic plazas, affordable coworking spaces, and excellent Wi-Fi create a welcoming work environment, while local markets, rich museums, and rooftop restaurants offer rewarding breaks. Quito is an inspiring, budget-friendly base for remote work and adventure.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleDigital nomad

Dates07-14 November 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel, hostel

Interests and Activities:

arts and culturenightlife and entertainmentoutdoor adventuressightseeing and toursfestivals and eventsgastronomyvolunteering

Not what you're looking for? Create Your Own Guide!

Picture of Quito, Ecuador

Key Facts

Location

Pichincha Province, Andes

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Population

2,800,000

Language

Spanish, Kichwa, English

Electricity

120V, 60Hz, Type A/B

Time zone

UTCECT (UTC-5)

Country code

+593

Internet access

Good availability, 4G/5G, moderate cost

Climate

Mild, spring-like year round, rainy season

See More Ecuador Facts

Language:

Spanish

  • hello

    hola (oh-lah)
  • goodbye

    adiós (ah-dee-ohs)
  • yes

    (see)
  • no

    no (noh)
  • how much

    ¿cuánto cuesta? (kwan-to kwes-tah)
  • please

    por favor (por fah-vor)
  • thank you

    gracias (grah-see-ahs)
  • excuse me

    disculpe (dees-kool-peh)

Map

Logistics

Most travelers reach Quito via direct and connecting flights to Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Ecuador’s main international gateway. Major airlines connect Quito with the U.S., Europe, and other South American cities. The airport is about 45 minutes from the city center, with reliable airport shuttles and taxis available.

Long-distance buses from Colombia, Peru, and major Ecuadorian cities offer budget-friendly alternatives for digital nomads. There are no direct trains or boats to Quito. November is generally dry, but occasional rain can affect local transit; pack accordingly and allow extra time when moving between the airport and your accommodation.

Weather

Quito enjoys a mild, spring-like climate year-round due to its high elevation (2,850 meters/9,350 feet) near the equator. Days are usually comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and nights can get cool. Weather can change quickly, and it’s common to experience sun, showers, and clouds on the same day.

The city’s two main seasons are wet (October to May) and dry (June to September). From November 7 to November 14, expect more frequent afternoon showers and occasional thunderstorms, but generally no extreme weather. Mornings are often bright, making this period great for sightseeing, festivals, outdoor adventures, and tasting local gastronomy.

Food & Drink

Quito’s cuisine blends Andean flavors with Spanish influences. Popular dishes include locro de papa (potato soup), ceviche, and llapingachos (potato patties). Don’t miss trying fresh fruit juices and canelazo, a warm spiced drink. Local markets like Mercado Central or Mercado Santa Clara offer authentic and affordable meals.

Excellent food spots for digital nomads on a budget include Café Mosaico and ZAZU for a relaxed atmosphere, or El Maple for vegetarian options. For coffee and remote work, check out Jervis Café or Botanica. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often added, but locals usually leave a small extra tip if service was good.

Seasonal menus reflect fresh, local ingredients. Many places now cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special diets. Savor Quito’s street food, but stick to popular stands for food safety. Always check local holidays for adjusted opening hours.

A picture of Ceviche

Ceviche

Ceviche is a popular Ecuadorian dish made with citrus-marinated raw fish, shrimp, or other seafood, mixed with onions,...

A picture of Seco de Pollo

Seco de Pollo

Seco de Pollo is a traditional Ecuadorian chicken stew cooked with beer, onions, tomatoes, and spices. The dish...

A picture of Llapingachos

Llapingachos

Llapingachos are delicious Ecuadorian potato patties stuffed with cheese and cooked until golden and crispy. They are often...

A picture of Encebollado

Encebollado

Encebollado is a hearty Ecuadorian fish soup made with albacore tuna, yuca, tomatoes, onions, and spices. This flavorful...

A picture of Ecuadorian Empanadas

Ecuadorian Empanadas

Ecuadorian Empanadas are savory pastries filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, meat, or vegetables. They...

Accommodation

For a digital nomad on an average budget, Quito offers great options in neighborhoods like La Mariscal and the Historic Center. Hotels.com is an excellent place to find mid-range hotels such as Hotel Reina Isabel or Hotel Casa Francisco, both with reliable Wi-Fi and coworking spaces within walking distance.

Hostels such as Community Hostel and Selina Quito in La Floresta are popular with digital nomads, offering communal kitchens, social events, and flexible workspaces. November marks the run-up to Quito’s festive season, so book as early as possible for the best rates and availability. Aim for central neighborhoods to enjoy vibrant cafés and easy transit.

Itinerary

Ease into Quito's vibrant atmosphere, explore its modern urban spaces, and get acquainted with the city’s energy as you settle in for your week-long adventure.

Stroll Through Parque La Carolina

Ease into Quito by wandering the vibrant Parque La Carolina, the city’s central urban park. Enjoy locals jogging, skateboarding, and relaxing. This is a great spot to people-watch, stretch your legs after your flight, and get a first impression of local life.

Explore Plaza Foch & La Mariscal District

Experience Quito’s youthful nightlife energy by exploring Plaza Foch and the La Mariscal district. Discover lively bars, street art, and dining options to suit every mood. It's perfect for evening mingling and sampling Ecuadorian and international flavors.

Full Day Quito City Tour: Middle of the World & Teleférico

Full Day Quito City Tour: Middle of the World & Teleférico

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover Quito’s best in one unforgettable day on this private full-day tour. Ride the Teleférico to 13,000 feet (4,000 m) for breathtaking views of the Andes, stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its colonial plazas, churches, and vibrant markets, and stand on both hemispheres at the Middle of the World Monument for an iconic photo. Unlike large group tours, this experience offers personalized attention, a flexible itinerary, and insider tips from your expert local guide. Whether it’s savoring a local snack, taking extra time at a viewpoint, or exploring hidden corners, the pace is yours to set. Enjoy private transportation, hotel pickup/drop-off, and a seamless itinerary that combines Quito’s top highlights with authentic cultural moments perfect for travelers who want comfort, flexibility, and a deeper connection to Ecuador’s capital.

5.0 (7 reviews)

From $100 USD

View Details

Attractions

4.9 (8 reviews)
Cotopaxi Volcano from Quito - Private Tours

Cotopaxi Volcano from Quito - Private Tours

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Cotopaxi is an active stratovolcano in the Andes Mountains, we will enjoy the view since we depart from Quito, it is 2 hours far. Cotopaxi Volcano is the second highest summit in Ecuador, reaching a height of 5,897 m (19,347 ft). It is one of the world's highest volcanoes. Also we can enjoy downhill in roll skates or bike in the National Park.

From $100 USD

View Details
5.0 (26 reviews)
Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito - Private Tours

Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito - Private Tours

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Quilotoa Lagoon is a beautiful place in Ecuador that you must visit. The landscape is amazing. The caldera was formed by the collapse of a volcano following a catastrophic eruption about 600 years ago. We can go down walking, do kayac and return by mule, it is an awesome experience.

From $100 USD

View Details
4.9 (50 reviews)
12-Day The Best Of Ecuador & Galapagos

12-Day The Best Of Ecuador & Galapagos

MANUAL

Unique lifetime adventure blending the fascinating geography of Ecuador's mainland, made of active volcanoes, big canyons, large tropical rainforests and huge waterfalls, with the mythical Galapagos Islands, where the magic diversity of fearless animals and the stunning landscapes of the volcanic islands create a unique atmosphere. This is a perfect combination that includes a wide variety of outdoor activities, while discovering the highlights of Ecuador

From $3896 USD

View Details
5.0 (91 reviews)
8-Day Ecuador Trekking the Avenue of Volcanoes from Quito

8-Day Ecuador Trekking the Avenue of Volcanoes from Quito

MANUAL

Trek in the Ecuadorian Andes while you discover a magical world of stunning landscapes, rural hidden villages, local indigenous communities, and massive volcanoes. These features and more come together to shape the famous AVENUE OF VOLCANOES in the Ecuadorian highlands. This trekking adventure through the narrow trails used by the local mountain people will take you deep into the heart of the Andean culture, enabling you to experience the local way of living. Trek for 3 days to reach QUILOTOA volcano, hike down the base of the Quilotoa crater-lake and swim in the volcanic waters. Hike up to the 5000m glacier of CHIMBORAZO, highest volcano in Ecuador. Discover legends and secrets of the Gods' ¨volcanoes¨ through the local knowledge of the people "Unique Experiences:" Kayak inside Quilotoa crater lake and discover the hidden activity of this mythical volcano Admire the stunning glacier of the highest summit measured from the center of the world

From $1750 USD

View Details
4.9 (143 reviews)
Mindo Cloud Forest Adventure: Birds, Nature & Waterfalls

Mindo Cloud Forest Adventure: Birds, Nature & Waterfalls

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy a fully customized adventure in one of Ecuador’s top nature destinations. Explore the Mindo Cloud Forest, an impressive Biosphere Reserve in the western Andes that protects orchids, birds, mammals, amphibians, and lush vegetation. This evergreen forest also features waterfalls, rivers, trails, ravines, and archaeological sites. Located just 2 hours from Quito, Mindo offers a peaceful rural atmosphere and a wide range of activities: visit a hummingbird sanctuary, hike to waterfalls, cross the forest by cable car, explore a butterfly garden, discover orchids, enjoy a chocolate tour, go ziplining, visit the Yumbos museum, or try tubing on the Mindo River. All experiences are customizable to match your interests, creating a personalized itinerary designed just for you.

From $139 USD

View Details
5.0 (83 reviews)
City tour Quito -All main attractions + all tickets covered

City tour Quito -All main attractions + all tickets covered

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This is the most complete QUITO day tour you have ever imagined! We are covering a lot and will never feel rushed! It might end up being a private tour but if we have other potential participants, this might include one or more participants. -TELEFERICO (cable car) to reach the 4000 meters / 12000 feet (geat view of Quito) -SWING IN THE CLOUDS. we will hike for about 15 minutes until we get there - MITAD DEL MUNDO ( equator line) We are visiting the real equator line where there is a very interesting museum -BASILICA DE QUITO which is the biggest neogotic church in south America, We are planning to visit all inside - LUNCH TIME. (optional) -OLD & HISTORICAL CITY: - EL SAGRARIO CHURCH (inside) - PLAZA DE LA INDEPENDENCIA - IGLESIA DE LA COMPANIA (from outside) - SAN FRANCISCO CHURCH (inside) - SAN FRANCISCO SQUARE -CHOCOLATE TASTING. Depending how we are going with our timing. We can include a delicious experience as an appetizer previous to lunch.

From $110 USD

View Details
4.8 (103 reviews)
Mindo Cloud Forest Day Tours PRIVATE by Richard Hernandez

Mindo Cloud Forest Day Tours PRIVATE by Richard Hernandez

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

We do offer: Richard Hernandez as your licensed naturalist English/Spanish speaking local guide Private tour JUST YOU can be customized Toyota 4Runner as ground transportation enjoy the nature wonders at your own pace. pick up and drop off from/to Quito. natural history, birding for beginners to amateur level, botanizing in its natural habitat, nature hikes from Easy to moderate-difficult level, sustainable and local support. Street Dog affection:) OR WE CAN EVEN CUSTOMIZE THE TOUR FOR YOU.

From $150 USD

View Details
5.0 (7 reviews)
Private Sightseeing Tour of Mitad del Mundo from Quito

Private Sightseeing Tour of Mitad del Mundo from Quito

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy this this private 4 to 5 hours guided tour, where you will find yourself at the exact location of the Equator. Visit the Middle of the World City and the Middle of the World Museum, recognized for being the first place where the equator line was marked, even from this line the name for the country is taken, discover all the history shared by your tour guide, then we invite you to enjoy an unforgettable visit to the Intiñan museum where you can experience being on the true equinoctial line And to complement your experience at the end of the tour we will visit the only inhabited volcano in the world, also one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world, and a beautiful landscape just at the entrance of the cloud forest. This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop off from centrally located hotels in Quito. 

From $70 USD

View Details
5.0 (51 reviews)
Let me show you Quito! Complete Private City Tour

Let me show you Quito! Complete Private City Tour

INSTANT

This tour is focused on showing you Quito in the right context based on the geography, history, culture, and structure of the city. We will visit the most important places and in chronological order to the history of the city for you to have the right idea and enjoy one of the most beautiful and better-preserved cities in South America. We will know the importance of being located in the middle of the world, the history of the inhabitants, and walking through its streets the most traditional places for our culture, legends, and ways of living. It is the best, safe and cheap way to get to know the whole city of Quito in one day, with exclusive private transportation, ambient traditional music, and local walking experiences. Accompanied by a certificated local open-minded tour guide and driver, a cultural mindset and comfortability of its car. For customized service. Find me on media as MUFI TOURS. Feel free to ask! LGBTIQ 420 friendly.

From $77 USD

View Details
4.7 (3 reviews)
Private middle of the world monument tour + Pululahua volcano

Private middle of the world monument tour + Pululahua volcano

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Visit the middle of the world during this 3-hour tour to the equatorial line from Quito. Explore the Intiñan Museum to learn more about how the line was discovered before heading to the Middle of the World Monument  (Ciudad Mitad del Mundo), where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

From $75 USD

View Details
5.0 (1 reviews)
Mindo Tour

Mindo Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Mindo is a very quiet place located in a valley, in this tour we can see birds like the rooster of the rock, bright red, toucans, owls, hummingbirds, wild ducks, quetzales, blackbirds, carpenters among others. It also has approximately 2000 endemic plant species from Ecuador, including a wide variety of wild orchids and around of 40 different types of butterflies. Additionally, you will have the possibility to visit beautiful waterfalls where you can practice adventure sports or hiking, don't miss it!

From $64 USD

View Details

FAQ

Find quick answers to your Quito travel questions with our travel guide chatbot. Your questions will be added to this section to help other travellers.

Travel Essentials

Primary hero image

Ready to plan your trip?

Share your travel insights or create a new guide for fellow adventurers!