Top 5 Quito Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Planning to visit Quito, Ecuador for the first time? Here are the top five travel tips that will help you make the most out of your trip:
1. Plan your trip around Quito’s weather patterns.
Quito’s weather patterns can change significantly depending on the time of year. Therefore, it’s important to plan your trip accordingly. For instance, the best time to visit Quito is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. During this period, you can enjoy the city’s outdoor attractions without worrying about rain and mud. On the other hand, the wet season lasts from October to May, with rains more frequent in the last months. Although the weather may be inconvenient at this time, you can still explore Quito’s indoor attractions, such as the city’s museums, galleries, and theaters.
2. Learn some basic Spanish before you arrive.
Although Quito’s residents are generally bilingual, knowing some basic Spanish phrases will help you communicate effectively and better enjoy the local experience. Knowing Spanish will also come in handy when you’re trying to order food, ask for directions, or engage in small talk with locals. We recommend learning at least a few key phrases, such as “hola” (hello), “por favor” (please), “gracias” (thank you), and “adiós” (goodbye).
3. Take advantage of Quito’s public transportation system.
Quito has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses, trolleybuses, and taxis. To save money and time, we recommend taking advantage of this network by purchasing a Quito Tourist Bus ticket, a Transport Card or a Metrobus card. These cards allow you to easily transfer between different modes of transportation, including buses, trolleybuses, and taxis, thus making your travel around the city faster and more convenient. Additionally, you should know that taxis in Quito aren’t metered, so you’ll need to negotiate the fee before starting your trip.
4. Try Quito’s local cuisine.
Quito’s local cuisine is unique and delicious, and you’ll find plenty of amazing dining options throughout the city. We recommend trying some of the local delicacies, such as locro de papas, a creamy soup made of potatoes, cheese, and avocado, and ceviche, a traditional seafood dish marinated in citrus juice. Also, be sure to try some of the local desserts, such as churros, a pastry dusted in sugar, or tres leches, a sponge cake soaked in three types of milk.
5. Explore Quito’s historic district.
Quito’s historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is worth exploring. The district is characterized by its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, and is home to many attractions, including the La Compañía de Jesús Church, the Independence Square, the Plaza San Francisco, and many museums. To make the most out of your visit, we recommend taking a walking tour or joining a guided tour. You can also get a bird’s view of the city by going up to the top of Basilica del Voto Nacional.
Conclusion
Quito is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture worth exploring. By following these travel tips, you’ll be able to make the most out of your trip and experience all that Quito has to offer. Remember to plan your trip by season, learn some basic Spanish phrases, take advantage of public transportation, try local cuisine, and explore Quito’s historic district. Have a great trip!
