# Quito, Ecuador

> August is an ideal month to visit Quito—dry-season sunshine and celebrations marking Ecuador's independence are in full swing. Join street parades in the historic district, then catch the Teleférico for breathtaking views of Cotopaxi.

## Key stats

| Metric | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Region | South America |
| Backpacker cost | $25/day |
| Digital nomad cost | $65/day |
| Luxury cost | $250/day |
| Internet download | 80 Mbps |
| Internet upload | 35 Mbps |
| Safety score | 7/10 |
| Backpacker score | 7.8/10 |
| Digital nomad score | 7.4/10 |
| Luxury score | 5.5/10 |

**Safety:** Quito requires standard urban caution, especially at night in La Mariscal and crowded bus terminals. Most tourist areas are fine; avoid walking alone after dark.

## Neighborhoods

- **La Mariscal**: The classic traveler hub packed with hostels, rooftop bars, and budget eats. It's noisy at night and filled with souvenir shops, but it's the easiest place to meet backpackers. (low price)
- **Centro Histórico**: A UNESCO maze of colonial churches, cobblestones, and artisan markets. Stay here for sunrise photos and a more local experience; accommodation is sparse but atmospheric. (medium price)
- **La Floresta**: Quito's artsy, quiet alternative with murals, indie cafés, and tree-lined streets. Perfect for nomads and creative travelers looking for calm. (medium price)
- **Cumbayá**: Upscale suburb with gated communities, modern malls, and excellent security. Best for nomads who prioritize comfort and easy airport access. (high price)

## Pros

- Insanely cheap daily costs for a capital city
- Historic center: best-preserved colonial old town in South America
- Stunning Andes backdrop, day trips to Cotopaxi, Quilotoa
- Safe tourist neighborhoods with visible police presence
- Excellent street food and hearty local markets
- Easy 90-day visa-free entry for many passports
- Great opportunities to meet travelers and locals
- Dry-season August offers clear skies and cool temps
- Cultural festivals with parades and live music around Independence Day
- Good internet in central zones; growing coworking scene

## Cons

- Altitude (2,850 m) can cause headaches and fatigue; need time to acclimatize
- Street pickpocketing is common in crowded areas; be careful at night
- Public transportation can be confusing; over-regulation of taxis
- Air pollution in the valley on some days
- Not a huge five-star luxury scene; limited upscale dining choices
- Nomad community is smaller than Medellín or Mexico City
- Evening safety drops outside of famous squares
- Weather swings: sunny to chilly within hours, bring layers
- Bank cards can have fees; cash dependency for small purchases
- English is not widely spoken beyond tourist zones

## FAQs

**Is Quito safe for tourists?**

Quito is safe in daytime tourist areas, with visible police in the old town and La Mariscal. Pickpocketing and phone snatching happen in crowded markets; avoid walking alone late at night in quiet neighborhoods. Keep valuables in a zipped pocket and use reliable taxis.

**What's the best time to visit Quito?**

June through September is the dry season with clear skies and great volcano views—perfect for festivals like August independence parties. March to May brings rain and can obscure mountain views, while December's Fiestas de Quito is lively but cold.

**Do I need a visa for Quito?**

Many nationalities including the US, Canada, and EU countries enter Ecuador visa-free for 90 days. You can apply to extend or leave and re-enter to start a new period. Check with the Ecuadorian consulate for your specific passport.

**What's the internet speed like in Quito?**

Fiber connections in the city centre range from 60-100 Mbps download, with average upload around 35 Mbps. The reliability is good during the dry season, but possible rain-related outages occur west of the city. Use a coworking space or café for backup.

**Can I work remotely in Quito?**

Yes, digital nomads can stay up to 90 days visa-free and use coworking spaces and cafés in La Floresta and La Mariscal. Costs are extremely low—an apartment can be found for $500-800/month. The main barriers are altitude and occasional internet fluctuations, both manageable.

**What's the backpacker scene like in Quito?**

It's active but not as intense as Cusco or Buenos Aires. La Mariscal is still a hub for hostel-hopping, free walking tours, and weekend meetups. Head to Secret Garden or Community Hostel for social energy with a mix of European and American travelers.

**How much does it cost to visit Quito?**

Backpackers can live on $22-28/day with dorms and street food; nomads typically budget $1,200-1,400/month for rent, coworking, and eating out; luxury travelers will spend $250+/day for boutique hotels and fine dining. All are dramatically cheaper than in North America or Europe.

## Links

- [Web page](https://www.cheaptraveldestination.com/ecuador/quito)
- [City JSON](https://www.cheaptraveldestination.com/data/cities/quito.json)
- [Ecuador overview](https://www.cheaptraveldestination.com/ecuador)