Guidebook for Quito
Parks & Nature
This is our natural refuge within the city for our trail running and mountain biking activities.
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Parque Metropolitano de Quito
GuanguiltaguaThis is our natural refuge within the city for our trail running and mountain biking activities.
Great for a Walk or a Jog at the Running Track. Ask for the Public CrossFit Gym, the Lake, or you can join a Basketball or Soccer play if feeling confident!
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La Carolina
Great for a Walk or a Jog at the Running Track. Ask for the Public CrossFit Gym, the Lake, or you can join a Basketball or Soccer play if feeling confident!
Food Scene
"mains $18-33, One of Quito’s best restaurants, Zazu serves beautifully prepared seafood dishes, grilled meats and ceviches in a stylish setting of light brick, ambient electronica and an inviting backlit bar. The Peruvian chef seamlessly blends east with west, with dishes like pistachio-crusted tuna, Wagyu tartar with gorgonzola mousse and seafood bouillabaisse." Lonely Planet
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Zazu
331 Mariano Aguilera"mains $18-33, One of Quito’s best restaurants, Zazu serves beautifully prepared seafood dishes, grilled meats and ceviches in a stylish setting of light brick, ambient electronica and an inviting backlit bar. The Peruvian chef seamlessly blends east with west, with dishes like pistachio-crusted tuna, Wagyu tartar with gorgonzola mousse and seafood bouillabaisse." Lonely Planet
Cultural Experience. Variety of fruits, and typical dishes on a low scale but popular ambience.
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Iñaquito-Markt
IñaquitoCultural Experience. Variety of fruits, and typical dishes on a low scale but popular ambience.
www.facebook.com/cafeteriamodelocentrohistorico ; Sucre 391 near García Moreno; mains $4-6.25; h 8am-7:30pm Mon-Sat, to 6pm Sun) Opened in 1950, Modelo is one of the city’s oldest cafes and a great spot to try traditional snacks such as empanadas de verde (empanadas made with plantain dough), quimbolitos (sweet, cake-like corn dumplings) and tamales. It’s also a popular spot for ice cream.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 3451-3461).
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Modelo
Oe4-85 C. Sucrewww.facebook.com/cafeteriamodelocentrohistorico ; Sucre 391 near García Moreno; mains $4-6.25; h 8am-7:30pm Mon-Sat, to 6pm Sun) Opened in 1950, Modelo is one of the city’s oldest cafes and a great spot to try traditional snacks such as empanadas de verde (empanadas made with plantain dough), quimbolitos (sweet, cake-like corn dumplings) and tamales. It’s also a popular spot for ice cream.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 3451-3461).
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 02-254-2871; https://cafemosaicoecuador.com ; Samaniego N8-95 near Antepara; mains $10-17; h 4-11pm Mon-Wed, 1-11pm Thu-Sat, 1-10:30pm Sun) Serving up a mix of Ecuadorian and Greek fare near Parque Itchimbia, vine-covered Mosaico is famed for its magnificent views. The open-sided terrace is great for a sundowner. There’s a selection of vegan options available and live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30pm.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 3617-3629).
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Cafe Mosaico
N8-95 Manuel Samaniego( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 02-254-2871; https://cafemosaicoecuador.com ; Samaniego N8-95 near Antepara; mains $10-17; h 4-11pm Mon-Wed, 1-11pm Thu-Sat, 1-10:30pm Sun) Serving up a mix of Ecuadorian and Greek fare near Parque Itchimbia, vine-covered Mosaico is famed for its magnificent views. The open-sided terrace is great for a sundowner. There’s a selection of vegan options available and live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30pm.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 3617-3629).
P. 02-295-1401; http://vistahermosa.ec ; Mejía 453, 5th fl; mains $13-29; h 1pm-midnight Mon-Sat, noon-8pm Sun) A much-loved spot in El Centro, Vista Hermosa (Beautiful View) delivers the goods with a magnificent 360-degree panorama over the Old Town from its open rooftop terrace. Live music on Friday and Saturday from 10pm adds to the magic. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 3699-3710).
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Vista Hermosa
Oe4-45 MejíaP. 02-295-1401; http://vistahermosa.ec ; Mejía 453, 5th fl; mains $13-29; h 1pm-midnight Mon-Sat, noon-8pm Sun) A much-loved spot in El Centro, Vista Hermosa (Beautiful View) delivers the goods with a magnificent 360-degree panorama over the Old Town from its open rooftop terrace. Live music on Friday and Saturday from 10pm adds to the magic. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 3699-3710).
La Purisima
E2-27 JunínLocal food, gourmet style. Local Favorite
Located at Quicentro Shopping. P. 02-250-0658; http://crepesywaffles.com.ec ; mains $7-14; h noon-10pm Mon-Sat, 9:30am-9pm Sun; W c ) Mouthwatering and stomach-enlarging sundaes, as well as more than two-dozen varieties of sweet and savory crepes, waffles, salads and more conventional vegetarian, meat and seafood dishes are on the menu at this South American chain with several other locations in Quito. It has an upscale feel with very warm and welcoming service.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 3980-3994).
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Crepes & Waffles
N26-249 La OrellanaLocated at Quicentro Shopping. P. 02-250-0658; http://crepesywaffles.com.ec ; mains $7-14; h noon-10pm Mon-Sat, 9:30am-9pm Sun; W c ) Mouthwatering and stomach-enlarging sundaes, as well as more than two-dozen varieties of sweet and savory crepes, waffles, salads and more conventional vegetarian, meat and seafood dishes are on the menu at this South American chain with several other locations in Quito. It has an upscale feel with very warm and welcoming service.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 3980-3994).
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 02-256-3180; www.urko.rest ; Isabel La Católica N24-862 near Zaldumbide; small dishes $10-15, tasting menu per person $65; h 1-4pm & 7-11pm Tue-Sat, tasting menu 7-11pm Thu-Sat; W ) S Traditional Ecuadorian cuisine is given a contemporary twist at this sophisticated new restaurant. Dishes from across the country are prepared with fresh, ethically sourced local ingredients, including herbs and veg from the restaurant’s own rooftop garden. Order two small dishes per person in the casual downstairs ‘barra’, or book a spot upstairs to sample the tasting menu. Wash it down with a cocktail made with in-house licor de caña , a sugarcane-based liquor infused with local herbs.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 4176-4192).
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URKO Cocina Local
449 y Mallorca( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 02-256-3180; www.urko.rest ; Isabel La Católica N24-862 near Zaldumbide; small dishes $10-15, tasting menu per person $65; h 1-4pm & 7-11pm Tue-Sat, tasting menu 7-11pm Thu-Sat; W ) S Traditional Ecuadorian cuisine is given a contemporary twist at this sophisticated new restaurant. Dishes from across the country are prepared with fresh, ethically sourced local ingredients, including herbs and veg from the restaurant’s own rooftop garden. Order two small dishes per person in the casual downstairs ‘barra’, or book a spot upstairs to sample the tasting menu. Wash it down with a cocktail made with in-house licor de caña , a sugarcane-based liquor infused with local herbs.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 4176-4192).
This historic hotel’s terrace provides front-row seats to Plaza San Francisco.
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Casa Gangotena Posse
CuencaThis historic hotel’s terrace provides front-row seats to Plaza San Francisco.
This is a restaurant with seafood that has many locations around the city.
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Los Cebiches de la Rumiñahui
MañoscaThis is a restaurant with seafood that has many locations around the city.
Nuema
N34-127 SuizaFirst World 50 best restaurants Latin America recognition to an Ecuadorian Restaurant
La Burguesa
1158 MurosBest Burger in town
Essentials
You will find everything there, including Pharmacy products, and best of all, just in front of our place!
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Megamaxi
Avenida 6 de DiciembreYou will find everything there, including Pharmacy products, and best of all, just in front of our place!
Drinks & Nightlife
P. 02-256-2846; www.zincquito.com ; Rivet N30 near Whymper; mains $13-22; h noon-midnight Tue-Thu, noon-2am Fri, 7pm-2am Sat, 10:30am-3:30pm Sun) Equal parts restaurant and bar, Z(inc) features a multi-level industrial-chic interior of untreated timber, dark metals, exposed brick and a well-dressed clientele. Sip a lychee-infused cocktail on the front patio before heading inside for brick-oven flatbread pizza, burgers, tempura prawns and other dishes ideal for sharing.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 4118-4129).
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Zinc
N30-136 Avenida Paúl RivetP. 02-256-2846; www.zincquito.com ; Rivet N30 near Whymper; mains $13-22; h noon-midnight Tue-Thu, noon-2am Fri, 7pm-2am Sat, 10:30am-3:30pm Sun) Equal parts restaurant and bar, Z(inc) features a multi-level industrial-chic interior of untreated timber, dark metals, exposed brick and a well-dressed clientele. Sip a lychee-infused cocktail on the front patio before heading inside for brick-oven flatbread pizza, burgers, tempura prawns and other dishes ideal for sharing.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 4118-4129).
Vértigo Rooftop
N34-349 del SalvadorA new Rooftop with excellent reviews, close to home.
Our favorite viewpoint over Quito's Old Town. Ask for a reservation over Balcony Table. Check their open hours. Only reachable over UBER or Taxi
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Cafe Mosaico
N8-95 Manuel SamaniegoOur favorite viewpoint over Quito's Old Town. Ask for a reservation over Balcony Table. Check their open hours. Only reachable over UBER or Taxi
Ananké
781 Cam. de OrellanaAnanké In bohemian Guápulo, a splendid setting for a night out.
Arts & Culture
Museo Numismático - Banco Central del Ecuador
yA complete guide over Ecuadorian history.
Mighty Colonial Curch filled with history and gold leaf.
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Kirche der Jesuiten
N10-43 García MorenoMighty Colonial Curch filled with history and gold leaf.
A recognized museum run by a local Private University
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Pre-Columbian Art Museum House of Praise
N1-41 CuencaA recognized museum run by a local Private University
Stadtmuseum Quito
García Morenoan excellent place to learn about Quito’s development.
Museo Interactivo de Ciencia
Science museum ideal for kids.
Carondelet Palace
García MorenoEcuador's Presidential Palace.
P. 02-226-1965; www.casadelamusica.ec ; Valderrama N32-307 near Mariana de Jesús; h box office 9am-1:30pm & 2:30-5pm Mon-Fri) Top-flight orchestras, including Quito’s own philharmonic, and musicians from around the world perform at this contemporary hall with great acoustics.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 4561-4568).
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The House of Music
170509 Av. Mariana de JesúsP. 02-226-1965; www.casadelamusica.ec ; Valderrama N32-307 near Mariana de Jesús; h box office 9am-1:30pm & 2:30-5pm Mon-Fri) Top-flight orchestras, including Quito’s own philharmonic, and musicians from around the world perform at this contemporary hall with great acoustics.
Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands (Kindle Locations 4561-4568).
Ochoymedio Ecuador
ValladolidAlternative local and international film house
Entertainment & Activities
Supercines
Avenida 6 de DiciembreA few steps from home.
Botanical Garden with native habitats covering páramo (high-altitude Andean grasslands), cloud forest, wetlands and other areas, plus an orquideario (orchid greenhouse), ethnobotanical garden (exploring the plants used by indigenous groups) and Amazonian greenhouse. There’s also a kids' play/discovery area.
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Botanischer Garten Quito
E6-264 Y Av. de los ShyrisBotanical Garden with native habitats covering páramo (high-altitude Andean grasslands), cloud forest, wetlands and other areas, plus an orquideario (orchid greenhouse), ethnobotanical garden (exploring the plants used by indigenous groups) and Amazonian greenhouse. There’s also a kids' play/discovery area.
Run by the city tourism authority, these double-decker hop-on hop-off bus tours stop at 12 key locations, including La Compañía, the Basílica, Parque La Carolina, El Panecillo and the TelefériQo. You can purchase tickets and pick up a schedule at the Quito Tourism office in the Old Town, at We Help in the Mariscal or on the bus. Also runs a trip to Mitad del Mundo and the Pululahua volcano crater viewpoint on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 6pm (adult/child $25/12 includes entrances to all attractions, bus transport and guide).
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Quito Tour Bus / Bulevar Naciones Unidas
Run by the city tourism authority, these double-decker hop-on hop-off bus tours stop at 12 key locations, including La Compañía, the Basílica, Parque La Carolina, El Panecillo and the TelefériQo. You can purchase tickets and pick up a schedule at the Quito Tourism office in the Old Town, at We Help in the Mariscal or on the bus. Also runs a trip to Mitad del Mundo and the Pululahua volcano crater viewpoint on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 6pm (adult/child $25/12 includes entrances to all attractions, bus transport and guide).
Amusement Park located at the foot of El TelefériQo. A ride up the TelefériQo and visit to the fun park makes for a fun morning or afternoon with the family.
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Vulqano Park
Amusement Park located at the foot of El TelefériQo. A ride up the TelefériQo and visit to the fun park makes for a fun morning or afternoon with the family.
Bike Rental for Quito's Sunday's Biking Route. Every Sunday some Avenues are open only for bikes. You can go to Quito's Downtown by bicycle.
Cicleadas el Rey
E6-43 Luis CorderoBike Rental for Quito's Sunday's Biking Route. Every Sunday some Avenues are open only for bikes. You can go to Quito's Downtown by bicycle.
Provide fodder for your jungle fears with a visit to the Vivarium, home to 40 species of reptiles and amphibians including snakes, iguanas, turtles, frogs and caimans. It’s a herpetological research and education center, and the staff periodically give close demonstrations with one of the snakes.
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Vivarium
Avenida Río AmazonasProvide fodder for your jungle fears with a visit to the Vivarium, home to 40 species of reptiles and amphibians including snakes, iguanas, turtles, frogs and caimans. It’s a herpetological research and education center, and the staff periodically give close demonstrations with one of the snakes.
Quicentro Einkaufszentrum
yArcade & Game for Kids
Shopping
The best market for local crafts and touristic souvenirs
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Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal
611 Jorge WashingtonThe best market for local crafts and touristic souvenirs
Quicentro Einkaufszentrum
yAll the world recognized brands