Introduction to Tourist Information about Quito
Discover Quito, the cultural jewel of Ecuador that will captivate you with its historical and natural magic. Located at the foot of the majestic Pichincha volcano, this heritage city invites you to explore its cobblestone streets and colonial squares that hold centuries of history.
Can you imagine strolling through the Historic Center best preserved in Latin America? In Quito, this experience becomes a reality. The Ecuadorian capital perfectly combines:
- Spanish colonial architecture
- Traditional Andean cuisine
- Vibrant cultural life
- Amazing mountainous landscapes
To make the most of your visit, it is essential to have accurate and up-to-date tourist information. This guide will provide you with all the necessary details about information points, main attractions, and available resources to make your stay an unforgettable experience.
Get ready to discover the best-kept secrets of this UNESCO city, where tradition and modernity meet at every corner.
Tourist Information Centers in Quito
Discover the places designed to make your visit to Quito more enjoyable and organized. The city has a network of tourist information centers located in key areas, ready to provide you with personalized assistance and essential resources.
Historic Center – Quito Store
In the heart of the old town, the Quito Store of the Municipal Palace awaits you with its doors open. This information center is located at the intersection of Venezuela and Espejo streets, a nerve center of the Historic Center.
Opening hours:
- Open every day
- 08:30 to 18:00 hours
- Uninterrupted service
Available free services:
- Detailed maps of the city
- Informative brochures about tourist attractions
- Cultural event guides
- WiFi internet connection
- Secure lockers for luggage
The bilingual staff is trained to:
- Recommend personalized tourist routes
- Provide information about public transportation
- Suggest accommodation options
- Resolve doubts about safety and medical services
- Guide on restaurants and nightlife
The privileged location of this center allows you to immediately start your exploration of the Historic Center, with the Church of La Compañía, Plaza Grande, and other emblematic monuments just a few steps away.
La Mariscal – Quito Store
Explore the vibrant neighborhood of La Mariscal in modern Quito, where you’ll find the Tourist Information Center conveniently located in Plaza El Quinde (Reina Victoria and Foch). This lively area is full of energy and excitement, making it the ideal starting point for your urban adventures.
Hours of Operation:
Available Services:
- Free high-speed WiFi connection
- Tourist maps and brochures
- Secure storage lockers
- Local artisan crafts shop
- Multilingual staff assistance
- Event booking services
- Restaurant recommendations
- Transportation guidance
The center is situated in the heart of La Mariscal, surrounded by trendy cafes, international restaurants, and vibrant nightlife spots. You’ll be just a short walk away from popular attractions such as the Artisanal Market and Foch Plaza, where street performers and local artists showcase their talents.
The friendly staff at the center are experts in helping you explore Quito’s modern attractions. They can assist you with booking cultural tours, finding the best places to enjoy authentic Ecuadorian cuisine, and even coordinating day trips to nearby destinations. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, they have all the information you need to make your visit unforgettable.
Mariscal Sucre International Airport – Tourist Point
The tourist information point at Mariscal Sucre International Airport welcomes you to Quito upon your arrival. Strategically located in the international arrivals area in Tababela, this center provides personalized assistance:
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 06:00 – 22:00
- Saturdays and Sundays: 07:00 – 19:00
In this space, you will find essential resources to start your adventure in the Ecuadorian capital:
- Detailed maps of Quito and its surroundings
- Updated tourist guides
- Informative brochures about:
- Main attractions
- Transport routes
- Recommended accommodations
- Cultural events calendar
The bilingual staff is trained to answer your questions about transfers to the city center, hotel reservations, and personalized recommendations based on your interests. This tourist information point stands out as your first reliable source of information upon stepping foot in Quito.
Quitumbe Land Terminal – Tourist Information Point
The tourist information point at the Quitumbe Land Terminal is strategically located in the VIP area, specifically at the intersection of Av. Cóndor Ñan and Av. Mariscal Sucre. This space offers personalized assistance every day from 09:00 to 17:30.
Available services:
- Detailed maps of Quito and its surroundings
- Informative brochures in Spanish and English
- Public transportation guides and land routes
- Recommendations for nearby accommodations
- Information on connections to national destinations
The privileged location of the tourist information point allows it to assist travelers using interprovincial land transportation. The trained staff helps plan routes, identify accommodation options, and connect with local transportation services to reach the city center or specific points of interest.
Visitors can take advantage of the modern facilities at the terminal while consulting tourist information, including comfortable waiting areas and access to basic services such as cafeterias and restrooms.
Main Tourist Attractions and Activities in Quito
Quito invites you to discover a cultural treasure where every street tells a story and every square holds centuries-old secrets. The city offers a wide range of unique experiences that combine colonial charm with vibrant modern life.
The Historic Center of Quito
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, the Historic Center of Quito preserves the largest and best-preserved colonial architectural heritage in Latin America. This historic district covers more than 320 hectares and is home to:
Must-see architectural gems:
- The majestic Basilica del Voto Nacional, with its gargoyles inspired by Ecuadorian fauna
- The Church of the Society of Jesus, covered with seven tons of gold inside
- The Metropolitan Cathedral, witness to historical events since 1535
- The Sucre Theater, a cultural gem from the 19th century
Historic squares:
- Plaza Grande – political heart of Ecuador
- Plaza de San Francisco – stage of Quito legends
- Plaza Santo Domingo – cultural meeting point
Flower-filled balconies adorn the cobblestone streets where local artisans keep centuries-old traditions alive. On every corner, you will discover shops selling traditional sweets, workshops for religious art, and cafes serving authentic Ecuadorian coffee.
The heritage houses, painted in pastel shades and adorned with baroque details, house fascinating museums:
- City Museum
- House of the Alabado
- Carmen Alto Museum
- Metropolitan Cultural Center
The golden light of the Quito sunset bathes the domes of the churches, creating a visual spectacle that captures the very essence of this magical city.
Modern Zone La Mariscal
La Mariscal is a neighborhood full of modern energy, turning its streets into a place where unique urban experiences can be lived. This vibrant district, affectionately called “The Zone,” invites you to enjoy its cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Culinary Experiences:
- International cuisine restaurants
- Artisanal coffee shops
Themed barsThe area also hosts boutique hostels and modern hotels, perfect for travelers looking to be in the center of urban action.
Ecotourism and Birdwatching
The slopes of the majestic Pichincha Volcano invite you to discover a natural paradise just minutes away from the bustling city. The Quito cable car takes you up to an altitude of 4,100 meters, where you can explore ecological trails designed to preserve the native flora and fauna.
Top spots for birdwatching:
- Yanacocha Reserve: Home to the endangered Black-faced Ibis
- Mindo Cloud Forest: Hosting over 450 bird species
- Metropolitan Park: Urban refuge for hummingbirds and tanagers
The Environmental Interpretation Center offers specialized guides and observation equipment for beginners and experts alike. Guided tours include:
- Interpretive walks
- Nature photography
- Identification of endemic species
- Environmental conservation workshops
The natural areas near Quito create an ideal ecological corridor for observing species such as the Andean Condor and the Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan in their natural habitat.
Highlighted Cultural and International Events
Quito vibrates with a rich and diverse cultural agenda that attracts visitors from all over the world. The Ecuadorian Turicine Festival stands out as a unique cinematic celebration that combines tourism with the seventh art. This annual festival features documentaries and short films that highlight the natural and cultural wonders of Ecuador, being screened in emblematic spaces of the Historic Center.
The city is preparing to host the 2025 Women’s Copa América, a major sporting event that will transform Quito into the epicenter of South American women’s football. The matches will be held at the renovated Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, offering visitors the opportunity to combine their passion for sports with tourist exploration.
The cultural calendar of Quito includes:
- Performing arts festivals in historic theaters
- Contemporary art exhibitions in modern galleries
- Outdoor concerts in colonial squares
- Culinary fairs celebrating traditional cuisine
Digital Resources for Tourism in Quito
The digital age has transformed the tourist experience in Quito with innovative tools designed to enrich your visit. The Urban-Rural Tourist Information System (SITUR) represents a comprehensive platform that connects:
- Updated data on tourist attractions
- Real-time visitor statistics
- Detailed information on available services
- Interactive maps of urban and rural routes
The mobile application Visit Quito accompanies you as a personal digital guide with:
- Offline navigation around the city
- Alerts for nearby cultural events
- Personalized dining recommendations
- Audio guides in multiple languages
- Direct reservations at restaurants and attractions
These digital tools optimize your time by centralizing essential information, allowing you to discover the hidden treasures of the city from the palm of your hand. The integration of technology with traditional tourism creates a richer and more accessible experience for every visitor.
Practical Tips for Making the Most of Tourist Information in Quito
Maximize your experience in Quito with these practical strategies for the efficient use of tourist resources:
Before your visit:
- Download the Visit Quito app and familiarize yourself with its offline functions
- Save the maps of the Historic Center and La Mariscal on your mobile device. You can consider some alternatives to Google Maps that could offer you a better experience.
- Identify the nearest information points to your accommodation.
During your stay:
- Visit the nearest information center during the early hours of the day
- Request the updated calendar of cultural events and festivals
- Obtain printed maps as a backup for your digital resources
Route optimization:
- Group attractions by nearby geographical areas
- Check the opening and closing hours of places of interest
- Verify available public transportation routes between destinations
Resource utilization:
- Use free lockers in information centers for greater convenience
- Connect to free WiFi to update your information in real time
- Request personalized recommendations based on your specific interests
In addition, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the information about smart cities that can be useful for further optimizing your tourist experience.
Conclusion
Quito awaits you with open arms, ready to reveal its historical and natural treasures to you through a complete network of tourist resources. The tourist information of Quito allows you to discover everything from the colonial churches of the Historic Center to the trails of Pichincha with complete confidence.
Imagine waking up with views of the Andes, exploring centuries-old cobblestone streets, and immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture – all of this is possible thanks to the tourist support available in every corner of the city.
Ready to experience something unique? Information centers, digital applications, and specialized guides are here to transform your visit into unforgettable memories. Discover why Quito is a destination that captivates every visitor who ventures to explore it.
