Quito

City Guide: Arrival, Transport & Tips

Arrival at the Airport

Quito’s airport is pretty small, so as soon as you land, you’ll find yourself in the arrival hall. There’s a café (expect airport prices) and an ATM right there, but if you need a SIM card or a proper meal, I recommend heading outside. Cross the road and enter the building across from the airport, on the second floor, you’ll find SIM card vendors and some restaurants.

There is a SIM booth inside the arrival hall, but I recommend skipping it and going to the other building instead.

SIM Card Options

I got a Tuenti SIM card with 22GB for 30 days for $22. If you don’t get a SIM at the airport, I recommend getting a Claro or Movistar card elsewhere in the city, as they’re more widely available and potentially cheaper. There are tons of phone shops to visit around the Old Town.

Getting from the Airport to Quito

You have three main options: taxi, Uber, or bus.

• Taxi: You can buy a taxi ride at the official booth inside the arrival hall (big sign saying “TAXI”). They call in a reputable driver, and you can pay by card. It’s pricey, though, $27 for a 40-minute ride to the old town.
• Uber: My travel partner took an Uber for $23, which was slightly cheaper. Just be aware that Uber is technically not legal in Ecuador, so follow the driver’s instructions. You might need to sit in the front to avoid attention from the police, as they sometimes stop cars and fine the driver. The Ubers usually stop in front of the arrival hall, unless they give you other instructions through the app.
• Bus: A much cheaper option, but not ideal if you have a lot of luggage.

Money & Payments

Ecuador uses USD, but be prepared: most hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores only accept cash, especially outside Quito. Some places in Quito do take card, but it’s best to always have some cash on hand.

Most ATMs charge around $4–$5 per transaction for foreign cards, so withdrawing larger amounts at once might save on fees. Just don’t carry too much cash for safety reasons.

Where to Stay in Quito

The historic center of Quito is generally considered the safest area to stay. 

We booked a couple of nights at 'Hostal Jumbo Imperial' located in the Historic Center:

• Price: $5 per night per person (private room, shared bathroom)
• Pros: Right in the historical center, 24-hour reception, friendly owners, small kitchen

After our visit to Mindo, we decided to book another hotel 'Hotel+Arte', located in the New Town:

• Price: $10 per night per person (private bathroom)
• Pros: Located in the modern part of town, bigger grocery stores, better food options, younger vibe, large kitchen and common area

Since Quito is at 2,850m elevation, you might feel altitude sickness or general tiredness. We booked a few extra days to rest after traveling and to adjust to the altitude. However, the city is definitely doable in 2–3 days. 

Getting Around in Quito

The historic center is walkable, so you won’t need transport most of the time. For longer distances, I recommend Uber, it’s super cheap and makes getting around much easier.

Safety in Quito

Overall, we felt very safe! We never felt in danger, though we did get some curious looks, probably because we’re foreigners, and my partner is Chinese, which seemed to intrigue the locals.

I had my phone and Nikon camera out most of the time and never felt like I was being watched. That said, pickpockets exist everywhere, so take basic precautions:

•  Be mindful of your valuables, especially at night.
• Stay alert on local buses or in busy areas, where pickpocketing is more common.
• Avoid empty streets late at night.

Nature Break

We didn't get to it, but we highly recommend going to Antisana Camino as a day trip. There are hiking paths available and if you are lucky, you night spot Andean Condors. There is no public transportation to the area, so a private car or taxi may be required.

Final Thoughts

Quito is a great city to explore, but 2–3 days is usually enough to see the main sights, especially in the historic center. If you need time to adjust to the altitude or just want to take it slow, staying a bit longer can also be enjoyable.