Travel to Quito, Ecuador – The Wanderer’s Take on Latin America

Adventurer Steve Barrymore is a frequent voyager and expert on travel to South and Central America and the Carribean. Steve blogs regularly as The Wanderer and has generously agreed to tell us a little about his favorite destinations in Latin America. Today’s post on Quito, Ecuador, is the final in a series covering Steve’s top five travel cities. Thanks for reading.            -Charlie

Everyone has their favorite part of the world.  Mine happens to be Latin America, which includes Mexico, Central and South America. I realize that certain cities have characteristics that may be appealing to me, but not to others. Since this is a list of MY top 5 Latin Cities, I will point out what I like about each one, and hope some of those things may appeal to you as well. – Steve Barrymore

This is a fantastic city!! You need at least a week in Quito to enjoy all it has to offer.  It may take a day or two to get used to the altitude because you are at 9,200 feet! 

This city is gaining popularity because of the close proximity of many other attractions in the area, which typically are just a short bus trip away. 

The most popular tourist area of Quito is referred to as “Gringolandia” on Avenida Amazonas.  Plenty of large (and expensive) hotels from which to choose. This area is also a great shopping district with the Mercado de Artsenias as the cornerstone. Don’t forget to check out the very high quality crafts in the retail stores in this area. The prices are reasonable. If you are female, you will definitely want to buy some “river pearls.”

There are many different types of restaurants in Quito, and plenty of inexpensive locally owned places that are very reasonable, such as lunch at the Hotel Calima for about $3.  If you want to eat the traditional dish of Ecuador, the Guinea Pig, then head over to Mama Clorindas, just off Avenida Amazonas. Unless you are really hungry, the roasted half Guinea Pig will probably suffice. In Ecuador they call it “Cuy.” Just point to the photo in the menu and they will know exactly what you want. 

The “Museum of the Equator” is just outside Quito and a great place to spend three hours. Make sure you have your photo taken while you are straddling the equator. 

If you want a little different kind of experience, catch a bus to Otavalo on Saturday and go to the animal market. Take your camera and don’t get too attached to the Guinea Pigs!