Don’t go see the Galápagos Islands without spending some time in Quito
Basílica del Voto Nacional, Quito, Ecuador (ISO 6400, 10 mm, f/11, 1/32 s)
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If you’re headed to the famous Galápagos Islands just (about 900 km) off the coast of Ecuador, you will most likely fly into the capital city of Quito first. If you’re keen to see all the animals and to learn about the evolutionary history and significance of the islands themselves, then you’ve come to the right place. But carve some time out for checking out Quito as well. (Blog post here on seeing the Galápagos Islands)
The city is friendly, easily walkable, and there is much to do. You can find a Google map of the places I will discuss at the end of this post. Also, if you’re coming from teh US or have some american dollars lying around after a visit, feel free to bring them to Ecuador as the american dollar is the national currency.
How to Get to Quito
Most visitors to Quito arrive by air via its international airport, which is well-connected to major cities in the Americas and Europe.
Fly - The most convenient way to reach Quito is by flying into:
Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) – Located in Tababela, about 43 km (27 miles) east of Quito’s city center.
Major airlines: Avianca, LATAM, Copa Airlines, American Airlines, KLM, and United
Direct international flights are available from Miami, New York, Houston, Bogotá, Lima, Madrid, and Panama City.
From the Airport to Quito City Center
Airport Shuttle (Aeroservicios)
Route: Airport → Quito (Terminal Quitumbe or Terminal Carcelén)
Duration: ~45–60 minutes depending on traffic
Cost: ~$8 USD (one way)
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Tickets: Available at the airport or online
Public Bus (Bus "Metropolitano" with transfer from Tababela terminal)
Route: Tababela → Quitumbe or Carcelén via transfer stations
Duration: ~1.5–2 hours
Cost: ~$2 USD total
Note: Budget-friendly but not ideal with heavy luggage
Taxi or App-Based Ride (Cabify, Uber)
Duration: ~45 minutes
Cost: ~$25–35 USD
Tip: Agree on fare beforehand if using a regular taxi
By Land (Alternative for Regional Travel)
If you’re already in Ecuador or coming overland from Colombia or Peru:
From Otavalo or Tulcán (Colombian border)
Buses run regularly to Quito’s northern terminals (Carcelén)
Duration: ~2–6 hours depending on starting point
Cost: ~$3–10 USD
From Baños or Guayaquil
Buses to Quitumbe Terminal (south Quito) are frequent
Duration: ~3–10 hours
Cost: ~$5–15 USD depending on route
Travel Tips
Altitude: Quito is at high elevation. Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity the first day.
Airport Name Confusion: Be sure to search for UIO – Mariscal Sucre International Airport (not the old city airport).
Transport Apps: Cabify and Uber are widely used and often cheaper than traditional taxis.
Bus Terminals:
Terminal Carcelén (north) – for routes to the north and Colombian border
Terminal Quitumbe (south) – for buses to the Amazon, coast, and southern Ecuador
On the flight into the city, you will notice how VAST Quito is. There are pockets of neighborhoods, at different elevations, strung together around the city center. Perhaps the best view of the entire city (not on an airplane) is by taking The TelefériQo, or the Teleferico Quito (furnicular). Here you are guaranteed to see the wide expanse that is this capital city.
Quito, Ecuador (ISO 800, 10 mm, f/11, 1/125 s)
Since the predominant religion in the entire country is catholicism, you can alwyas expect to see a church or a cathedral in as high a frequency as seeing a Starbucks in any american city. One church of note is the Basilica del Voto Nacional. The vaulted cielings and the stained glass inside makes this church extremely special. It has an aged look to it, without sacrificing aesthetics on design and decor. This church is on the shortlist as one of my favorites.
Quito, Ecuador (ISO 800, 10 mm, f/11, 1/8 s)
La Ronda is located in Quito’s historical district dating back to the time of the Incan Empire, replete with structures built in the Andalusian style. It is considered a ‘bohemian barrio’ and it lives up to its name with artsy stalls and galleries, craft shops, and bars and restaurants. While taking in the sights, be sure to pop into a bar and have the local Canelazo drink. What also makes this place special is the abundance of entertainment in the form of street performers and live music.
Carolina Park is a massive green space that will make you forget that you’re in the middle of this bustling city. The park is about 165 acres filled with botanical gardens, walking and biking paths, tennis courts and a skate park, a library, auditorium, and plenty of food stalls. There is even a printmaking museum there located inside the remnants of a 1940s Douglas DC-6 Ecuadorian Air Force plane.
Iglesia de San Francisco is a 16th Century Roman Catholic church in the city. The interior is absolutely stunning; so full of color which is the complete opposite of what you would expect while looking at the white facade on the building’s exterior. It’s still not my favorite church in the city but it’s worth seeing!
Basílica del Voto Nacional, Quito, Ecuador (ISO 3200, 10 mm, f/11, 1/8 s)
El Panecillo is the location of a hill that overlooks the entire city. If you don’t like heights, or funiculars for that matter, take a walk to this viewpoint which is decorated with a statue of the ‘Virgen of Quito’.
Basílica del Voto Nacional, Quito, Ecuador (ISO 800, 24 mm, f/11, 1/128 s)
La Floresta is a little different than La Ronda and is considered the ‘chic’ neighborhood in the city. The name itself is inspired by the large concentration of wild flowers that are known to flourish in the area. Decades ago, the area became home to incoming artists and writers which gave rise to art galleries. The art then spilled over into city streets as you can also view many large murals on many surrounding buildings. Take some time to check out the farmers market, various cafes, and theaters while you’re at it.
Quito, Ecuador (ISO 3200, 17 mm, f/11, 1/25 s)
