Hotels in Quito

Quito: Andean Capital at 2,850 Metres

Quito sits in a narrow valley flanked by the Pichincha volcano at 2,850 metres above sea level, making it the second-highest capital city on Earth. Founded by the Spanish in 1534 on the ruins of an Inca settlement, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 — the first city to receive that designation. The preserved colonial core, Centro Histórico, stretches across 320 hectares and holds over 40 churches, convents, and plazas. The Compañía de Jesús church, completed in 1765, draws historians and architects for its gilded baroque interior. La Ronda, a narrow cobblestoned street dating to the 17th century, anchors the neighbourhood's café and crafts scene.

Where to Stay

Hotels cluster in three main zones. Mariscal Sucre (locally called La Mariscal) holds the highest density of mid-range and budget hotels, plus the bulk of international restaurants and bars along Calle Calama. La Floresta, roughly 1 km east, attracts travellers preferring quieter streets and independent galleries. For proximity to colonial churches and government palaces, hotels inside or adjacent to Centro Histórico offer the shortest walking distances to the main sights.

Practical Tips

• Altitude: Arrive a day early to acclimatise before long excursions; 2,850 m affects most visitors.
• Climate: Quito sits on the equator — temperatures stay 10–20 °C year-round with afternoon rain common October through May.
• Airport: Mariscal Sucre International Airport lies 37 km northeast; allow 45–75 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.
• Currency: Ecuador uses the US dollar; ATMs are widely available in Mariscal Sucre.