Quito is a great place to work remotely: it has cultural life, good food, and a city that can be explored by areas. The only real difficulty is the altitude (2,850 m), so it’s best to take it easy on the first day and let your body adapt.
In this guide, you will find the most practical neighborhoods to stay in, cafés to work in Quito, coworking spaces where you can really make progress in your work, safety tips for digital nomads without exaggeration, and a realistic budget of living costs in Ecuador to plan your month in the city.
Where to Live in Quito if You Work Remotely: Recommended Neighborhoods
Choosing the right neighborhood is key to a good experience as a nomad. Quito is a long city with variable traffic, so it’s ideal to stay close to cafés, parks, supermarkets, transportation, and places where you can easily walk. The most well-known places to stay are the Historic Center and areas like La Mariscal, La Floresta, La Carolina, Bellavista (and near the airport depending on the type of trip).
La Carolina: Practical and Modern Base
If you like to combine work with routine and be close to a park, La Carolina is an excellent option. It is located in the financial and business center, is modern, and has many cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers around the park.
Perfect for digital nomads in Quito who enjoy walking, running in the mornings, and having everything at hand.
La Floresta: creative, quiet, and full of cafes
La Floresta is a more residential and creative neighborhood with galleries, cinemas, cafes, and a relaxed atmosphere. If you need to concentrate and prefer to walk on quiet streets away from the main noise, this is usually a good option. It is also close to several coworking spaces and cafes with a good atmosphere.
Ideal for designers, creatives, writers, and those who love working with good coffee.
La Mariscal: social life
For digital nomads, it is a good option if you want to socialize and be active, but it is better to stay on main streets, use taxis or apps at night, and avoid walking alone on dark streets.
Ideal for short stays or for those who want to meet people quickly.
Cumbayá: guaranteed fun
If you are affected by the altitude or prefer a milder climate, Cumbayá, a valley located at about 2,200 m, has a more temperate climate than Quito.
Perfect for those seeking tranquility, nature, and a less urban lifestyle.
Where to work: cafés with Wi-Fi and coworking spaces by day or month
In Quito, you can work in two ways: in cafés with Wi-Fi ideal for individual work and in coworking spaces for calls, meetings, and long days. The best option is to combine both: go to the coworking space 2-3 times a week and use cafés the rest of the time to save money and be more productive.
Cafés to work in Quito
If you are looking for places with Wi-Fi where people usually work with laptops, there are updated lists of “cafés with Wi-Fi in Quito” that include popular options like Café Mosaico, El Cafecito, Coffee Factory, and Nero Café.
- Coffee Factory is a frequent choice with good Wi-Fi and many people work there.
- Ocho y Medio / OchoCafe (in La Floresta) combines a café with a very neighborhood cultural atmosphere.
Tips for making the most of the café as an office:
- Arrive early to get a better table, more outlets, and less noise.
- Order something every once in a while; in many cities (including Quito), cafes appreciate it when customers make regular purchases.
- For long video calls, it’s better to use coworking spaces, as it can be intrusive and noisy in cafes.
Coworking in Quito: when it is worth it and how much does it cost
If you are looking for a stable place with a good chair, silence, and meeting rooms, coworking is worth it. There are many options in Quito with different prices. On coworking platforms, you can see spaces and prices, some starting from $125/month.
- There are full-time plans for about $150/month (according to Coworking La Mariscal).
- For using only a few days, there are daily passes starting from $35/day in central or financial areas.
Option for nomads
There are hybrid formats like Qworks (in a shopping mall) that offer fast Wi-Fi, coffee, and outlets, ideal if you want to work without moving around much.
Internet in Quito (what to expect)
In general, the internet speed in Quito is sufficient for remote work and video calls.
The main providers are Claro, Movistar, and CNT.
Practical advice
Before renting for a month, ask the host for a speed test or the name of the provider (and if they have fiber). This way you can avoid surprises.
If you are a digital nomad and want to stay longer or save money, consider doing work exchange or volunteering.
Practical safety for digital nomads
Safety improves with good habits, not with fear. The U.S. Department of State recommends exercising “extra caution” in Ecuador due to crime risks and other factors, noting that some areas are more risky.
This does not mean you cannot live in Quito; as in many large cities, it is important to move around carefully.
Habits that reduce risks without affecting your experience
Walk on avenues at night
In areas like La Mariscal, it is best to avoid dark streets and use a taxi or apps to return late.
Don’t work on the street
If you are in terraces near the sidewalk, do not leave your laptop at the edge or hang your phone on the table. To concentrate, choose indoor tables or coworking spaces.
Choose where to stay wisely
If it is your first time in Quito, it is easier to start in areas like La Carolina (more modern and with many options near the park) or La Floresta (more residential and creative).
Mini golden rule
When you walk, do it with a purpose. If you are going to look at the map, go into a local place. It may seem small, but it makes a big difference.
Costs in Quito: realistic budget per day, week, and month
Quito can be very economical compared to other large capital cities. The cost of living for one person is around $550 per month (excluding rent), and for a family of four, about $2,065 (excluding rent).
Regarding rent, a 1-bedroom apartment costs approximately $475 per month in the city center and $327 outside the center, although prices can vary.
Quito is a good base for digital nomads if you choose the neighborhood wisely, combine cafes with coworking spaces, and follow simple safety habits. La Carolina offers comfort, La Floresta creative tranquility, La Mariscal social life (with caution), and Cumbayá a break away from the noise. With an adequate budget and an organized routine, you can work well and enjoy a city that always has something new to offer.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Quito offers a rich cultural life, varied cuisine, and areas suitable for different lifestyles. With an altitude of 2,850 m, it has cafes and coworking spaces with good internet connection, ideal for remote work.
The recommended neighborhoods include La Carolina (financial area with cafes and restaurants), La Floresta (residential and creative with galleries and cafes), La Mariscal (nightlife and accommodation), and Cumbayá as a quieter alternative at an altitude of 2,200 m.
In Quito, there are coworking spaces that offer stability, comfortable chairs, and quiet environments, with prices starting from $125 per month, ideal for digital nomads looking for a professional place to work.
The broadband speed in Quito is sufficient for remote work and video calls. It is recommended to ask the host or provider for a speed test and confirm if the connection is fiber optic for greater stability.
Due to recommendations from the U.S. Department of State regarding crime, it is advised to take precautions such as moving along main avenues at night, avoiding dark streets, not working facing the street, and choosing safe indoor tables or coworking spaces.
The estimated monthly cost is around $550 per person excluding rent; the average rent can vary between $327 outside the city center and $475 in the center. For a family of four, without rent, the approximate cost is $2,065.
