Quito Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Practical tips for Quito

• Rest at 2,850 m altitude 24h before hiking or Pichincha cable car — coca tea (legal) + hydration help most travellers.

• Use Uber + Cabify + InDriver for all city trips — cheap (US$2–6) + safer than street taxis, especially after dark.

• Old Town free walking tour 10:30am + 2pm from Plaza Grande (tip US$10–15) — the fastest orientation to colonial Quito.

Staying safe and comfortable

Local emergency number: 911.

• Old Town + La Carolina safe by day; take taxis + apps after dark.

• La Mariscal nightlife area has petty theft + occasional violent robberies late — Uber after 10pm.

• Avoid El Panecillo hill on foot — walk with a guide or taxi to summit + back.

• Emergency 911.

Visas and entry

Entry policy: mixed, typically up to 90 days. Visa-free 90 days per calendar year for US/UK/EU/Canada/Australia/most Latin America (extendable to 180). Yellow-fever certificate required if arriving from a risk country.

Budgeting your trip

Accommodation is the largest controllable cost in Quito. Compare live rates for your dates and neighbourhood shortlist before locking in flights — the difference between areas is often larger than the difference between travel weeks.