Situated in the heart of Ecuador is the city of Quito. Once the focal point of the Inca empire, the city that was once the capital of Inca is now serves as the capital of Ecuador. Within the city walls you’ll find a series of incredible Inca ruins, many of which have received very little alteration over the years. The city of Quito has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Center and for good reason. It’s full of incredible monuments, museums, monasteries, and churches. No matter where you end up you’re bound to find something engaging to explore.

The Best Time to Visit Quito

While Quito’s southern hemisphere yet close to the equator location might lead you to believe you’re getting ready to visit a tropical climate you will be pleasantly surprised to find that Quito isn’t the warmest place on earth. As a matter of fact, it can be downright cool there, mainly because of its elevation more than 9,000 feet above sea level. The average temperature in Quito is between 68 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 25.5 degrees Celsius) during the day and 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12 to 13 degrees Celcius) in the evenings.

The summer months, which last from June through September, are relatively dry and the winter months, or the rest of the year, are considered to be the rainy season. There are sunny days during the winter but you’ll want to pack accordingly for the weather and make sure you save some indoor diversions for those rainy days.

Safety Precautions in Quito

The city of Quito is relatively safe compared to many other large cities and the odds of you running into problems are relatively low. You should, of course, take some standard safety precautions when traveling, such as making sure you leave your valuables locked up in your hotel room and making sure you don’t whip out large amounts of cash in public.

Another mistake that many visitors make is getting excited about some of the dining establishments that offer wireless internet access. We recommend against using these as your source of internet access as displaying your laptop in public will only make you a target for any dishonest person nearby. Wait until you get back to your Quito hotel room, and practice the same safety precautions no matter where your hotel in Ecuador is located.

Finding a Tourist Center in Quito

As a UNESCO World Heritage Center, the city is well developed and features a number of helpful locations where visitors can search for information about local attractions. The main tourist site, Official Quito, can be found online, and there are several physical satellite locations scattered throughout the city itself as well.

One of the most popular tourist centers can be found in the Historic Centre section of the city. This particular location features lockers where visitors can store their bags and free guided tours of the Old Town section of the city. Other popular tourist information centers can be found near the Mariscal Sucre Airport and near the Museo Nacional del Bakco Central, amongst other locations.

Popular Attractions in Quito

There are dozens of amazing attractions scattered throughout the city of Quito but if you visit you must make sure to include at least a few of these incredible sites on your itinerary.

Start by taking a trip to the Old City section of Quito. Founded in 1534, the Old City section sits on what was once the town of Shyris in ancient times. The Old City section is full of amazing cobblestone streets, vendors, and amazing local markets. You’ll also find four of the area’s most incredible monasteries – the Santo Domingo, La Merced, San Fancisco, and San Agustin.

In the New City you’ll also be presented with a number of amazing sites. The Museo Amazonico, for example, is an art gallery featuring a collection of artwork and artifacts gathered from ancient Amazonian cultures. The Parque El Ejido is one of the largest parks in the city and is full of amazing playgrounds, spur of the moment theater performances, and art exhibitions. The park is an amazing place to visit during the day and one that should be avoided at all costs in the evenings.

Finally, don’t forget to take a trip out to Teleferigo. After taking a trip through the foothills in a gondola car you’ll find yourself at a height of 13,300 feet at the base of the Volcan Pichincha. Here you’ll find a shopping center, restaurant, an amusement park, and an oxygen station for those not acclimated to the change in altitude. Most important, though, are the views of the city below.

Quito is a gorgeous city full of history, culture, and incredible activities and adventures. Pack your best walking shoes, make sure you have extra camera batteries, and prepare for an adventure you’ll always remember.