Quito, Ecuador’s capital, sits on the equator at 2,850 meters and offers a unique blend of
history, culture, and nature. Its cobblestone streets, colonial churches, lively plazas, and
stunning Andean views make it feel like stepping back in time. Recognized as UNESCO’s first
Cultural Heritage Site (1978), Quito is an architectural gem where traditions thrive and stories
are ever-present.
Quito’s central location makes it ideal for exploring Ecuador. Take day trips to volcanoes like
Cotopaxi or Rucu Pichincha, visit historic towns such as Otavalo, relax at Papallacta hot
springs, or use Quito as your gateway to the Galápagos Islands and Amazon rainforest.
Nearby areas offer hiking, birdwatching, and visits to indigenous communities.
Getting to Quito is easy thanks to its modern airport, good roads, and strong regional
connections. Below you’ll find the main ways to reach Quito—by air or land—plus tips for
starting your adventure smoothly.
Getting to Quito by Air
The simplest way is by plane via Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), 40 km from
downtown. This modern airport is one of Latin America’s best, with excellent service,
amenities, tourist help desks, and medical facilities.
International Flights
● From the US: Direct flights from Miami, Houston, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, and New York
(American Airlines, Delta, United).
● From Europe: Daily direct flights from Madrid (Iberia and LATAM).
● From South America: Frequent direct flights from Bogotá, Lima, Panama City, Santiago de
Chile, Buenos Aires.
With many international connections and frequent flights—even for tight schedules—Quito is
easily accessible globally. Airlines often provide helpful arrival services like tourist info and
city transport options.
Domestic Flights
● Guayaquil: Over 10 daily flights (40 minutes).
● Cuenca: About 1 hour.
● Manta & Esmeraldas: Under 1 hour—ideal for quick trips to the coast.
These routes make it easy to explore Ecuador’s diverse regions quickly.
Connection with Galápagos
Daily flights depart from Quito (with a stop in Guayaquil) to Baltra and San Cristóbal in the
Galápagos Islands. Many airlines offer tour packages including transfers and excursions for
easier travel.
Getting to Quito by Land
Traveling by land lets you see Ecuador’s landscapes up close and experience local life along
modern roads connecting the Sierra, Coast, and Amazon regions.
Within Ecuador
● Guayaquil: 8–10 hours via E40 route; enjoy changing scenery from coast to Andes.
● Cuenca: About 8 hours through mountains and villages.
● Amazon cities (Tena/Puyo/Lago Agrio): 5–7 hours; watch landscapes change from jungle
to mountains.
Main bus terminals in Quito:
● Quitumbe (south): Long-distance buses south/east.
● Carcelén (north): Buses northward (Otavalo/Ibarra/Tulcán/Colombia border).
From Neighboring Countries
● Colombia: Via Rumichaca bridge between Ipiales (Colombia) and Tulcán (Ecuador). Show
passport at border; check visa/COVID-19 requirements; crossing usually safe but stay alert.
○ From Tulcán: About 5-hour bus ride to Quito through mountain towns.
○ Taxis ($5–$10) or buses ($2–$4) available from Tulcán terminal.
● Peru: Enter via Huaquillas/Machala route; about 12 hours by bus/car to Quito.
Traveling by land takes longer but offers incredible scenery—from beaches and mountains to
rainforests—making your arrival part of the adventure.
Getting to Downtown Quito
Upon landing at Mariscal Sucre Airport:
● Express Airport Bus: Regular service (~45 minutes), comfortable with luggage space.
● Authorized Taxis: Fixed rates; safe; available 24/7.
● Private Transfers: Booked in advance—ideal for groups or extra comfort.
● Rental Cars: Available at airport; perfect for exploring beyond Quito.
Options suit every budget and style for a smooth arrival in the city.
Why Start in Quito?
Quito’s central location in the Andes puts all of Ecuador within easy reach:
● Galápagos Islands: Daily flights from Quito.
● Amazon towns: Few hours by road for jungle adventures.
● Andean Highlands: Cotopaxi volcanoes/Otavalo market/Papallacta hot springs/Mindo—all
under two hours away.
● Pacific Coast: Esmeraldas/Manabí beaches reached in 6–8 hours.
Quito isn’t just a destination—it’s the perfect base for exploring Ecuador’s diverse regions
with excellent tourist services for every traveler type.
Tips for Arriving in Quito
● Altitude Adjustment: At 2,850 meters elevation—take it slow on arrival; rest, hydrate, eat
lightly.
● Best Season: Year-round mild weather (“eternal spring”). Dry season (June-Sept) is best for
sightseeing; rainy season (Oct-May) has afternoon showers.
● Plan Connections: For Galapagos trips get a transit control card (TCT) and pay park fees
ahead of time; consider adding Amazon/coast/highlands trips.
● Embrace Local Culture: Enjoy the mix of old/modern traditions—open-mindedness enriches
your visit.
Try Local Food Early: Sample coffee, fruit juices, Andean snacks from arrival onward for an
authentic taste of Ecuadorian culture.
● Rental Cars: Available at airport; perfect for exploring beyond Quito.
Options suit every budget and style for a smooth arrival in the city.
Why Start in Quito?
Quito’s central location in the Andes puts all of Ecuador within easy reach:
● Galápagos Islands: Daily flights from Quito.
● Amazon towns: Few hours by road for jungle adventures.
● Andean Highlands: Cotopaxi volcanoes/Otavalo market/Papallacta hot springs/Mindo—all
under two hours away.
● Pacific Coast: Esmeraldas/Manabí beaches reached in 6–8 hours.
Quito isn’t just a destination—it’s the perfect base for exploring Ecuador’s diverse regions
with excellent tourist services for every traveler type.
Tips for Arriving in Quito
● Altitude Adjustment: At 2,850 meters elevation—take it slow on arrival; rest, hydrate, eat
lightly.
● Best Season: Year-round mild weather (“eternal spring”). Dry season (June-Sept) is best for
sightseeing; rainy season (Oct-May) has afternoon showers.
● Plan Connections: For Galapagos trips get a transit control card (TCT) and pay park fees
ahead of time; consider adding Amazon/coast/highlands trips.
● Embrace Local Culture: Enjoy the mix of old/modern traditions—open-mindedness enriches
your visit.
Try Local Food Early: Sample coffee, fruit juices, Andean snacks from arrival onward for an
authentic taste of Ecuadorian culture.
● Rental Cars: Available at airport; perfect for exploring beyond Quito.
Options suit every budget and style for a smooth arrival in the city.
Why Start in Quito?
Quito’s central location in the Andes puts all of Ecuador within easy reach:
● Galápagos Islands: Daily flights from Quito.
● Amazon towns: Few hours by road for jungle adventures.
● Andean Highlands: Cotopaxi volcanoes/Otavalo market/Papallacta hot springs/Mindo—all
under two hours away.
● Pacific Coast: Esmeraldas/Manabí beaches reached in 6–8 hours.
Quito isn’t just a destination—it’s the perfect base for exploring Ecuador’s diverse regions
with excellent tourist services for every traveler type.
Tips for Arriving in Quito
● Altitude Adjustment: At 2,850 meters elevation—take it slow on arrival; rest, hydrate, eat
lightly.
● Best Season: Year-round mild weather (“eternal spring”). Dry season (June-Sept) is best for
sightseeing; rainy season (Oct-May) has afternoon showers.
● Plan Connections: For Galapagos trips get a transit control card (TCT) and pay park fees
ahead of time; consider adding Amazon/coast/highlands trips.
● Embrace Local Culture: Enjoy the mix of old/modern traditions—open-mindedness enriches
your visit.
Try Local Food Early: Sample coffee, fruit juices, Andean snacks from arrival onward for an
authentic taste of Ecuadorian culture.
