Quito, Ecuador

Nestled in the Avenue of Volcanoes, Quito is clearly divided in two parts, the new and the old. The old city is by far the more impressive with a maze of winding streets leading to grand plazas, beautiful cathedrals and rickety colonial town houses hinting at their former glory. The best way to spend an afternoon in Quito is undoubtedly to venture into the old town without a map and simply wander, stopping for the occasional cafecito, to watch people cooling their feet in the grand fountains and to have a bit of a chat with the shoe shine boys about why flip-flops don't especially need a spit and polish!

For fantastic views over the city stretching for miles north and south enclosed by sheer green peaks, climb El Panecillo, a hill which is home to the magnificent statue La Virgin de Quito. This is a lovely way to spend an afternoon and offers breathtaking sunrise or sunset views from what feels like the top of the world.

The Mariscal area which is just entering the new town, is where the traveller will find everything they need to get up to speed for a couple of days. With streets of cheap internet cafes and international phone booths, it's the perfect opportunity to reassure worried relatives that you are having a fantastic time! There are also language schools, salsa clubs, excellent laundry facilities, the best restaurants and cafes and tour agencies to wherever you might like to go, including the Galapagos islands.

Hostels...
Blue House Hostel
Joaquin Pinto E8-24 y Diego de Almagro
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Casa Kanela
Juan Rodriguez E8-46
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Secret Garden Quito
Calle Antepara E4-60 y Los Rios
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Hostal San Blas
Caldas E1-38 Y P.F. Cevallos
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El Cafecito
Cordero 1124
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L'Auberge Inn
Avenida Colombia 1138 y Yaguachi
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Wiphala Hostel
Juan Rodriguez E8-87 y Av 6 de Diciembre
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Hostal Tutamanda
Av. Colón Oe2-56 & Versalles
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Tourist Inn
Francisco Salazar 134 E10 & Tamayo Esquina
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El Centro del Mundo
Lizardo Garcia E7-26 y Reina Victoria
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Hostal Huauki
Joaquin Pinto E 7-82
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Casa Helbling
General Veintimilla E8-152
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Hostal Backpackers' Inn
Juan Rodriguez 245 y Reina Victoria
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La Casona de Mario
Andalucia 213 y Galicia
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Spanish Schools...
Cristobal Colon Language School
Av. Colón Oe2-56 & Versalles
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Don't miss...
Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesús - One of South America's grandest churches containing an estimated 7 tonnes of Gold! Entry $2
Calle de las Siete Cruces - A beautiful street which passes seven of Quito's finest churches all under the constant view of the Virgin de Quito.
Basílica del Voto Nacional - As one of the focal points of old town Quito, this monument is well worth the climb. The belfry offers amazing 360 degree views of the city but bear in mind that the basilica remains unfinished and the latter sections of the climb can be somewhat nerve-wracking! Don't miss the reasonably priced cafe about half-way up! Entry $2
Mitad del Mundo - 22km North of Quito and easily accessed by regular buses from Avenida Americas or by taking the Metrobus to the end of the line then changing to clearly marked Mitad del Mundo buses. Although a little on the tacky side, this mini town and museum dedicated to the middle of the world is an entertaining and educational day trip. Entry $2 plus $3 for museum entry

Apparently the fake Mitad del Mundo museum is much better and a really informative exhibition. From the gate of the official museum, go left and follow the road round for about 5 minutes to find the signposted entrance.
Teléferico de Quito - This brand new cable car system makes the popular climb of the Pichincha volcano a more manageable day trip and offers spectacular views over quito and the Avenue of Volcanoes.
Calle La Ronda - Historically a neighbourhood of artists and musicians, this area in the 'old town' has recieved a makeover and now provides a great selection of bars, restaurants, shops and hosts a wide range of cultural events.








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You might need...
Bus Terminals: Quito introduced a new system for intercity buses in July 2009 to reduce traffic congestion in the center. Now there is a bus station in the south (Quitumbe) which stations all the buses coming from or going to the south of the country, one in the north (Carcelen) for the northern routes and one in the northern center (Ofelia) which accommodates secondary routes to smaller destinations like Mindo for example. A taxi to any of these terminals from the center should cost between $7 and $10. It takes about 45 minutes to go between the Northern and Southern terminal on the 'Metrobus' and costs just $1.

The Mariscal comes as quite a surprise to many backpackers as it has all of the home comforts you could possibly need. Internet cafes line every street as do coffee shops, restaurants and cheap call centres.

The English Bookshop On the corner of Calama and Diego de Almagro in the Mariscal area, this is a great spot where you can choose from a wide selection of books, from novels to guidebooks. They also buy second hand books and have a rental section.

Internet - Papayanet, located on Calle Juan Leon Mera with Calama has fast internet, cheap international calls and serves good snacks and drinks. This cafe is a popular backpacker hangout.

Banks - ATM's are dotted all over the Mariscal and the Old town - most will accept all major cards. A handy ATM Vestibule with a row of different machines is located on Calle Amazonas and Calama.

Laundry - One of the cheapest and yet decent laundry services is offered by the HI hostel on Pinto with Reina Victoria. They even offer a handy same-day service.

Restaurants -Quito and particularly the Mariscal area is full of restaurants of varying price and quality. There's a great choice of international cuisine too.
Tours...
Moggely Tours
Calama E4 -54 & Amazonas
La Mariscal
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Happy Gringo
Foch E6-12 y Reina Victoria
La Mariscal
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Dracaena
Joaquin Pinto No. E4-453 y Av. Amazonas
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Sierra Nevada Expeditions
Joaquin Pinto E4-150 y Cordero
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Galapagos Options
Amazonas Av. N31 - 132 & Moreno Bellido
3rd Floor, Office # 301
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Information
Whilst in Quito, one of the best resources for backpackers is the South American Explorers who have a central clubhouse full of information about backpacking in Ecuador and South America. Their information is extensive and up-to-date and their membership scheme can save you a stack on hostels and tours.

SAE Quito Clubhouse
Jorge Washington 311 y Leonidas Plaza
Tel: 02 222 5228
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