Quito

Quito is the capital of Ecuador. It was established in 1534 on the ruins of an ancient Inca city. Today, two million people live in Quito. It was the first city to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 (along with Kraków in Poland).

Districts

Quito lies between two mountain ranges and its altitude is 2,850 m (9,350 feet). It may take you a couple of days to get accustomed to the altitude.

Quito is roughly divided into three parts: the Old City at the centre, with southern and northern neighborhoods to either side. The greatest concentration of tourist facilities is in the North. Quito's Old City is the largest in the Americas. It has undergone a huge restoration and revitalization program, mainly financed by the Inter-American Development Bank. It boasts no fewer than 40 churches and convents, 17 squares and 16 convents and monasteries. It's been called the 'Reliquary of the Americas' for the richness of its colonial- and independence-era architecture and legacy. It's a great quarter to wander, with several excellent museums and plenty of restaurants and terrace and courtyard cafes for a rest while sightseeing.

Modern, northern Quito (on a map, up until the southern tip of the old airport - now called Parque Bicentenario) is a fun place to explore, with plenty of museums, urban parks, restaurants, and dining. The southern and northern (from Parque Bicentenario up) neighborhoods of the city are more working class and seldom visited by tourists.

Quito Halal Travel Guide

Be prepared to speak some basic Spanish in order to get along. Quito is an excellent city in which to learn Spanish before heading off to other places in South America. The Spanish spoken in Quito is very clear and it is spoken slowly as compared to coastal areas. There are many excellent Spanish schools, where you can obtain private or group lessons very economically. These schools will also arrange homestay accommodation which is convenient, affordable and a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the culture and try the local food.

Very few local residents speak English except in the tourist areas of North Quito which includes "La Mariscal" quarter, where most tourist businesses are located. La Mariscal occupies several square blocks in North Quito and is the place to be if you wear a backpack. Bars, restaurants, hostels and internet cafes abound. Young people from many countries tend to congregate there.

Ecuador, especially the Sierra region that includes Quito, is culturally a very conservative society. This is reflected in manner of dress. People of all socio-economic backgrounds tend to dress up in Ecuador. For men, this means a pair of trousers and a button down shirt. For women, slacks or dresses are acceptable. Men and women seldom wear short pants in Quito, although casual clothes have become somewhat more accepted especially among the young and on very hot days. Some popular late night restaurants and restaurants enforce a dress code. Lastly, remember that Quito is said to have "all four seasons in a day". Once the sun goes down it can get downright cold. Dressing in layers is a good idea.

How is the Climate in Quito

The standard weather forecast just doesn't suit Quito. It's tropical location, altitude, and surrounding mountains make it a city of microclimates and intra-day variations. If you see rain forecast for every day of your visit, it doesn't usually mean a full day or rain, or even that it will rain in the part of the city you are visiting. Take an umbrella - dress in layers.

Tourist office

The South American Explorers Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping independent travellers in Ecuador and South America. Their office, at Jorge Washington 311 y Leonidas Plaza (in the Mariscal neighborhood of Quito right off of 6 de Diciembre) is a great place to stop by, meet people, and get the latest information on where to go, what to avoid, and on adventure travel. You can find out more about the services they offer on their website. There is an annual membership fee for this non profit organization.

The Quito Visitors' Bureau has several information centres around the city. These include at the International Arrivals terminal at the airport; the small Parque Gabriela Mistral, on Reina Victoria in the Mariscal quarter; the Banco Central Museum in the Mariscal District; and finally, in the Old Town, on the ground floor of the Palacio Municipal on one side of Plaza Grande - their main centre. This includes helpful staff, lockers for leaving bags, maps, leaflets and books for sale, a store of Ecuadorian crafts. This offices offers subsidised guided tours, with various routes available. The contacts for the main office are: +593 2 2570 - 786 or 2586 - 591,

The Ministry of Tourism has offices in their building on Avenida Eloy Alfaro and Carlos Tobar, close to the El Jardin shopping mall which cater to tourists.

• The Visitors' Bureau publishes a useful A3-size map with all the city's attractions. You can pick it up at their information offices. They also publish a number of pocket guides on various themes, including walking guides, a guide to the city's viewpoints, a guide to the Mariscal, routes north, south and northwest. Their website has an interactive map, listings of hotels and restaurants, videos, etc.

Travel to Quito

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Quito

• Mariscal Sucre International Airport IATA Flight Code: UIO Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre | -0.135556, -78.365556 is located on the Oyambaro plain near the town of Tababela, about 18 kilometers (11 mi) east of Quito - Mariscal Sucre International Airport Aeropuerto Internacional AJS - Ecuador. There are (almost) daily flights serving Amsterdam, Atlanta, Houston, Madrid, Miami, New York, Buenos Aires, Bonaire, Caracas, Bogotá, Lima, Medellín, Cali, Panama City, Punta Cana, Santiago de Chile, and San Jose (Costa Rica) | San Jose. Airlines include KLM-Airline, United Airlines, Copa Airlines, AeroGal, TAME, SAéreo, Aeropostal, AirPlus Comet, Delta Air Lines, LATAM, Avianca Holdings - Alianza Summa (which includes Avianca, VIP & Aerogal), Iberia, Santa Barbara, and American Airlines. Some of these flights continue to or originate from Guayaquil. Some of these airlines also feature charter Flights to/from San Andrés, Cartagena (Colombia) | Cartagena, Santa Marta, Havana, Aruba, Curaçao, Cancún, Rio de Janeiro, Puerto Plata, and Santo Domingo. It has one of the longest runways in Latin America at 4,100 m long.

The airport is modern and well organised, with domestic and international sections all contained within the one terminal building. Checkin Zones A and B generally lead through to domestic, and zones C and D to international. All arrivals (domestic and international) are funnelled into the baggage claim and landside area and have to clear security before joining another flight.

There is a single large VIP lounge upstairs in the international area, airside. It has partnership agreements with some airlines, and paid admission. It has showers, and a rest area, choice of soft-drinks and selection of food. There is a restaurant airside in each of the international and domestic segments, and a selection of shops. There is a TGI Friday's (Please do not support TGI Friday's as TGI Friday's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant) landside.

Across the road from the terminal is an airport centre. There is a broader and affordableer selection of restaurants here, and a food court. There is some souvenir shopping and a handful of general shops, and retail outlets where you can buy SIM cards from Claro and Tuenti (on the ground level). There is a layover lounge that's small and expensive (US$38), but has showers and some refreshments.

The whole terminal and adjacent airport centre has fast and free Wi-Fi.

There is a taxi kiosk to the left of the information desk on the arrival floor. Inside the terminal building, but landside after exiting baggage claim. Destinations are listed with fares. The kiosk can tell you which zone is for you hotel and the right fare for you. Fare should be between $25-45. The fare to the Centro Historico is $29 (Jan 2022), and you get a card that entitles you to a $38 fare back to the airport. You'll get a slip of paper, that you take to the rank controller, and you'll pay the taxi driver on arrival.

There is an airport express bus (look for the red signs on the ground floor or of the terminal) that will take you into the city for $8, or $14 return (Jan 2018).

There are some public transport buses, that connect to the bus terminals outside Quito.

Travel on a Bus in Quito

The old "Terminal Terrestre," which was located in Cumandá (center of the city) has been replaced by two new terminals.

• Terminal Quitumbe (located in the far south of Quito), services all the buses that go to any destination south of Quito: Basically all of the coastal provinces, all of the Amazonian provinces, and all of the mountain region (sierra) provinces except two: Carchi and Imbabura (where Otavalo and other tourist attractions are located). This terminal can be visited by local buses (which often leave La Marin in Old Town) or by the Trolebus and Metro trolleys.
• For Carchi and Imbabura (where Otavalo and other tourist attractions are located) two you need to go to Terminal Carcelén (located in the far north of Quito). This terminal can be visited by local buses (which you can catch at La Marin in Old Town or El Ejido in New Town) or by Ecovia, Trolebus and Metro
• Some bus companies have their own terminals near La Mariscal. These include TransEsmeraldas (just past la Colon), Flota Imbabura (above El Ejido), and Reina del Camino (also above El Ejido). However, Reina del Camino buses are among the nation's most dangerous, and are either too warm or too cold. A number of English tourists and many Ecuadorians have died in Reina bus crashes.

Complete bus schedules, as well as trains and domestic flights, are at EcuadorSchedules.com. Fares depend on where you're going. Long distance bus fares in Ecuador cost around $1 per hour, but generally the price is already established. So if for some reason, your bus trip takes double the time to get to your destination, for whatever reason (damaged road, too much traffic, etc.) you don't have to pay the extra hours.

Still and the same safeguards apply: as long as you hold on to your belongings and don't hang around there at odd hours, it is safe. People will probably shout at you asking where you are going. They either work for a bus company and want to get you to buy a ticket with that company or want to help you find the bus you are looking for in exchange for a tip. If you arrive with a lot of luggage it's best to avoid the public transportation system in Quito and take a taxi to your hotel. Ecuadorian long-distance buses will generally let passengers off anywhere along their route.

How to get around in Quito

Taxis and buses are everywhere and affordable.

Travel on a Bus in Quito

There are 3 independent systems of buses, that have enclosed stations - the stops are roadside platforms, covered with entrances where you pay your fare on the way in. There are a few transfer stations, buy most transfers involve exiting the station. They are very affordable ($0.25 for a single ride (Feb 2018)). These lines follow north-south-lines down through the heart of Quito, and they have stations close to La Mariscal where most hotels are located. There is no tradition of waiting for people to disembark before people board, so this may take some getting used to. The buses are among the cleanest of South America.

While the buses can be extremely crowded, pickpocketing is a rare occurrence and can be avoided with common sense.

• El Trole (green stations, buses of different colors) run from station La Y in the north to El Recreo in the south. In the Centro Historico, it has the closest stations to Plaza Grande. Many buses that run on the route are not trolley buses, but are diesel-fueled.
• Metrobus (Blue stations marked with a Q, buses of different colors) run from Universidad Central in America Avenue, next to Prensa Ave, and then to Diego de Vasquez Ave. until Carcelen last station, this is the best bus service for visitors who wants to visit the Mitad del Mundo Monument, because at Ofelia station the public service buses that go to Mitad del Mundo monument wait to make the transfer and carry visitors to Mitad del Mundo, $0.25 until Ofelia station, $0.35 to Mitad del Mundo Monument ($0.15 if you come from/go to the Metrobus).
• Ecovia (Red buses and stations marked with an e) run from Rio Coca Station (north) to La Marin Station inside the Quito historic downtown. Serves stations close to Casa de la Cultura and Estadio Olímpico and Quicentro mall. 25¢, change available at the stations.

The Quito Metro is scheduled to open in June 2019, and will travel from Quitumbe bus terminal through the Centro Historico and La Mariscal to the old airport in 30 min. This will likely cause changes to the Trolebus, Metrobus and Ecovia services.

Best way to travel in Quito by a Taxi

Taxis are generally an easy and affordable way to travel around Quito. In the main city areas you won't wait more than a few seconds for a taxi, and if they see you by the roadside they will flash their lights as they approach if they are available. However, Quito traffic can make them a slow way to travel at times.

A taxi ride costs a minimum of $1 during the day and a minimum of $2 at night. No more than $5 will usually get you to any of the main tourist sites.

Safety is a much discussed issue with Quito taxis, and the local authorities are trying their best to improve their reputation, by installing cameras and tracking in taxis. However, some care should be taken. Most hotels, restaurants and tourist establishments will call you a taxi that they have approved as safe and legitimate. You won't wait more than a minutes or so. It is a standard service for tourists, and you won't get a second look for asking. If unsure about a taxi, call your hotel and they can generally have a safe taxi dispatched to your location. Easy Taxi is the most used app for taxis in Quito, and identifies the taxi you are using. Uber also operates in Quito.

If you decide to flag down taxis on the street and then only use official taxis (yellow with a number painted on the door). Make sure the driver turns on the taxi meter if you don't want to get ripped off and find another taxi if they claim it's broken (taxímetro). Some taxi drivers yamper with the meters to cause them to run faster than they should (e.g. when turning corners). If you observe this, tell the driver to stop, get out, and get another taxi. At night or if they refuse to use the meter, negotiate the price before getting in, or wait for the next.

Carry small denominations of money and have exact change for your taxi fare. If you do not have exact change, taxi drivers conveniently won't be able to make change for you and will try to convince you to make the change a tip instead. When taking a taxi be sure you are aware of the fastest route; if a driver is using the meter he may take the scenic route.

There have been instances of taxi drivers pulling weapons on tourists and steal their money, cameras, etc. Secuestro express (express kidnapping) is a crime that taxi drivers have committed. It may make you feel safer knowing that in most parts of Quito Marsical and Old Town during the day the taxi will rarely go much faster than walking pace, and would struggle to make a rapid getaway.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Quito

The train station is at the south end of the old city, close to the El Trole route. It's best to check with the Visitors' Bureau on the most recent timetable.

By car

You can rent a car in Quito, but it's not recommended for getting around the city. It's not worth the effort with taxis so cheap. Renting a vehicle is a possibility for adventuring further afield, to the Cotopaxi or Otavalo or Papallacta areas, for instance, but is only recommended for those who speak a bit of Spanish and can handle the tension of Ecuador's 'lax' driving rules.

What to see in Quito

• Conjunto monumental San Francisco - The church dates to the 1570s and was devoted to San Francis, since the Franciscan order was the first to settle in the area. Hence the city's official name: San Francisco de Quito. The church contains masterpieces of syncretic art, including the famous "Virgin of Quito" by Legarda. The sculpture represents a winged virgin stepping on the devil's head (in the form of a serpent) and is displayed in the main altar. The virgin would later be inaccurately replicated on top of Panecillo hill. The museum next door to the church is arranged through the monastic compound and includes access to the choir.

• Museo del Banco Central - across from the Casa de la Cultura and adjacent to the Parque El Ejido. Casa de la Cultura station in Ecovía bus. Opening Hours: Closed for renovations in February 2017 $1 Perhaps Ecuador's most renowned museum with different rooms, devoted to pre-Columbian, Colonial and Gold works of art, among other topics. Some of the famous pieces include whistle bottles shaped like animals, elaborate Gold headdresses and re-created miniature scenes of life along the Amazon. The museum is well-organized, and it takes about 3–4 hours to see everything. Entrance $2. Guides who speak several different languages including English, French and Spanish are available for a small fee. Do not confuse this museum with the Banco Central which is a small exhibition downtown, across from La Compañía church. This exhibit usually shows currency or stamps.

• Casa de la Cultura - 0.21027, -78.49527 Casa de la Cultura station in Ecovía bus Opening Hours: Closed for renovations until May 2018 Free entrance - Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana Shows a patchwork of local artists.

• Museo de la Ciudad - Garcia Moreno street -0.22305, -78.51498 In the Old Town, directly opposite the Carmen Alto monastery A lovely museum with two floors encircling two quiet courtyards and the "Museo de la Ciudad" provides more of a social history of Ecuador than other museums in Quito. Re-enacted scenes from daily life of Ecuador's citizens through the years include a hearth scene from a 16th-century home, a battle scene against the (Spanish), and illustrations of the building of Iglesia de San Francisco church.

• Botanical Gardens - Jardin Botanico - located on the southwest side of Parque La Carolina $10 for adults, $5 students It's a wonderful escape from the city, with all of Ecuador's ecosystems represented with a wide variety of flora. You can take a guided tour or just wander. The highlight for many people are the two glassed-in orchidariums.

• Museo Etnohistorico de Artesanias del Ecuador Mindalae - Ethnohistoric Museum of Handicrafts of Ecuador Mindalae - Reina Victoria N26 – 166 y La Niña ☎ +593 2 2230609 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09:30–17:30; Saturday 10:00–17:30 $3 An extremely original project in the north part of the Mariscal District, this museum provides an 'ethno-historical' view of Ecuador's amazingly rich cultural diversity. You can find out about the nation's different peoples, from the coast to the Andes to the Amazon, and their crafts in a specially-built and designed structure. The museum has a large fair-trade shop that sells handicrafts and natural products.

• Itchimbia cultural complex and park to the east of the Old Town - This hill provides stunning views of central and northern Quito, as well as the distant peak of Cayambe to the northeast. The hillside was made into a park and an impressive cultural centre established here in 2005. The centre holds temporary exhibitions. At the weekends and there are workshops and fun for children. Pim's restaurant is open at the complex. The complex closes at 18:00. Once it closes, you can head to the nearby Cafe Mosaico to watch the sunset until about 19:00. It's a great spot to watch the fading of the light on the mountainside with the floodlights of the Old Town's churches.

• Museo Guayasamin and Capilla del Hombre - Guayasamin Museum and Chapel of Man - Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-17:00 Adults $8; students, seniors, people with disabilities $4; children under 12 free This museum houses the collection of Ecuador's most renowned contemporary artists, Oswaldo Guayasamin. It has a fine collection of pre-Columbian, colonial and independence art, and houses many of the artist's works. The adjoining Chapel of Man was built posthumously to house some of Guayasamin's vast canvases on the condition of Latin American Man.

• Calle de la Ronda - This street in the Old Town was restored by Municipality and FONSAL in 2007. It was transformed with the help and cooperation of the local residents. It's a romantic cobbled street just off the Plaza Santo Domingo (or it can be visited via Garcia Moreno by the City Museum). There are shops, patios, art galleries and modest cafe restaurants now, all run by residents. Cultural events are common at the weekends. It lacks the liveliness and buzz of the adjacent streets. Go in the late afternoon to find the most shops open and people wandering the laneway.

• La Vírgen del Panecillo - 0.2289, -78.5186 Adjacent to the Old City - El Panecillo is a large hill on top of which is La Virgin del Panecillo, a large statue of the 'winged' Virgin Mary. She can be seen from most points in the city. Local legend has it that she is the only virgin in Quito. Never walk up the hill, always take a taxi or a bus as the walk up can be dangerous.

• Museo Casa del Alabado - Casa del Alabado Museum - Cuenca N1-41, Bolívar ☎ +593 2 228 0940 | Opening Hours: Thursday - Tuesday and holidays 09:00-17-30 (last entry 17:00); West 13:30-17:30 (last entry 17:00) Price Adults $6, children 4-12 $2, children up to 3 free - The permanent collection is made up of pre-Columbian archaeological pieces, from most societies that once inhabited all regions of what is now Ecuador. The Alabado is organized thematically and not chronologically or geographically to allow visitors to generate their own visual and cultural connections about the pieces, in an innovative cultural framework. The works are displayed beautifully in a restored colonial building just off the Plaza San Francisco. Tours in (Spanish), English or French every day, at 10:30, 12:00 and 15:30. Services for visitors with reduced mobility: ramps, lift, bathroom and wheelchair.

• Mitad del Mundo - 0.00222, -78.45583 To go to the Mitad del Mundo, you can take a bus from Occidental or Av. America for $0.40 and have "Mitad del Mundo" clearly written large on the front. You can also take the Metrobus northbound to its last stop: La Ofelia, and then take a bus from there to the monument ($0.25 + $0.15). It takes at least 1 hour to get there by public transport. You can also go with a tour ($15) or hire a taxi driver by the hour. The hourly rate should be in the $12 or less range.. Just outside of Quito is where the measurements were first made that proved that the shape of the Earth is in fact an oblate spheroid. Commemorating this is a large monument that straddles the equator called Mitad del Mundo or middle of the world. The entrance for the park is $3.50 (included entrance to small museums - April 2022). Visit here if you're interested in learning some alternative facts and seeing some souvenirs. Because it's not on the equator itself, and it's not a serious cultural or educational experience. No and the water doesn't really go down the plughole the opposite way in the hemispheres, and if you want to take it seriously you won't enjoy your time here. For some of the attractions like the planetarium and the price is $7.50. You can also go to the Intiñan Solar Museum which is right next to the monument, on the other side of the north fence. The museum is actually on the equator. For $4 you can obtain a tour of this little museum. Ciudad Mitad del Mundo

• Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesus - 0.220833, -78.513889 In the Old City - Compañía de Jesús, Quito La Compañía, Quito - 4 This church is regarded by many as the most beautiful in the Americas. Partially destroyed by fire, it was restored with assistance from the Getty Foundation and other benefactors. Stunning.

Best things to do in Quito

• Explore the Old Town With its gorgeous mixture of colonial and republican/independence perioid architecture (late 1500s to 1800s), relaxing plazas and a stunning number of churches. If you happen to be there during Christmas or Easter, you'll be amazed at the number of events, masses, and processions that bring out the crowds. You'll find craft shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels across its grid of streets.
• A recommended walking tour that could enhance your vision of the Historic Center is as follows. Take the trolley (watch your belongings) south until "Cumanda" stop. Get down, you are on Maldonado street. There you will have an impressive view of what once was the "Jerusalem" ravine, which stands between Panecillo and the core. Walk north past the trolley stop and go down a narrow stairway that brings you to La Ronda street, of Pre-Columbian origins. Walk up picturesque La Ronda until you reach Av. 24 de Mayo. This boulevard was built on top of this section of Jerusalem ravine to connect the two sides of town. On Garcia Moreno Street turn north and you will arrive to the Museo de la Ciudad, which provides an easy and interactive history of Quito. Then walk on Garcia Moreno street until Sucre, which is a pedestrian street. La Compania is at the junction and if you go up Sucre street you will reach San Francisco. If you continue on Garcia Moreno you will reach the Main (independence) Plaza. If you go to San Francisco and then walk to La Merced and down to the Main Plaza. This itinerary follows a chronological and logical sequence of sites. Most people do it backwards, turning La Ronda and Museo de la Ciudad as distant points where you're usually worn out by the time you get there. In any event and the Historic Center is so vast that you need more than one visit to see it all. The recommended walk provides you with a good overview if you're short of time or want to see as much as feasible on a first day.
• La Floresta is Quito's artsy neighborhood, and home to many of Quito's most beautiful murals. In La Floresta, you can find everything from 150-year-old colonial houses to creative relaxing cafe's. Also known for great restaurants and street food (Parque de las Comidas), La Floresta is worth a visit for people looking for Quito's hidden gems.
• Explore Quito Off the Beaten Path (Quito Street Tours, quitostreettours.com, ☎ 0998860539, ) For those interested in an off-the-beaten-path look at Quito, Quito Street Tours offers walking tours that explore art, food, and daily life in some of Quito's beautiful, safe, and underrated neighborhoods. Their top-rated free walking tour leaves Monday-Friday at 10:30 from the junction outside of Swissotel (Av. 12 de Octubre and Av. Luis Cordero).
• Watch The old men play Ecuador's version of bocce at Parque El Ejido. You can also see some serious games of Ecua-volley and the local version of volleyball, on a Saturday or Sunday.
• Bicycle Ride the Ciclopaseo takes place every Sunday. 30 kilometers (20 miles) of roads running north-south through the city are completely closed to traffic. People cycle, run and blade the route. Up to 30,000 people take part. Several bike shops rent bikes for visitors to be able to take part.
• The TelefériQo is the world's second-highest cable car. It's on the eastern flanks of the Pichincha Volcano which overlooks the whole city. It hoists visitors up to an amazing 4,000 m (12,000 feet). On clear days, you can spot half-a-dozen volcanoes and see the entire city below. The 18-minutes cable vehicle trip costs $4 for local residents, but $8.50 (Jan 2018) for foreigners ($6.50 for children and seniors, $9.80 for large dogs (!), and $4.90 for small dogs). There is also an express lane option for more money. Take a taxi to the base of the TelefériQo ($4-6 from La Mariscal) or ask your hotel about buses. Don't let the taxi driver make you pay for parking. They don't pay, so it is just a scam.
• Hike Pichincha Volcano You can hike from the upper TelefériQo station to the Guagua Pichincha Volcano, which is active. You should set out from the upper cable vehicle station before 10:30. This is not an easy hike, and there have been reports of robberies. Do your research. Hiring a guide is recommended.

• Go Mountain Biking - Biking Dutchman mountain biking tours - Foch E4-283 corner of Av. Amazonas in La Mariscal ☎ +593 2 2568 323 There are many outfits offering one- to multi-day mountain biking trips to the surrounding volcanos, lakes, and valleys. Biking Dutchman is one of the oldest and most well-regarded.

• Green Horse Ranch - Quito, Ecuador - The Pululahua Crater is one of the most amazing places to ride, but chances are you will not find anything about it in your guide book. Astrid and the owner of the ranch who moved to Ecuador from Germany about 15 years ago, will pick you up in Quito and bring you to the ranch (about 45-minutes drive). Rides of various lengths are available and she has a wide variety of horses ready for novices and experts. Her and her staff are incredibly friendly and everything is included in the price.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Quito

There are lots of artisans working on unique crafts in the capital. These include guitar-makers, candle makers, tanners and leather-workers, silversmiths, ceramicists and woodcarvers. You can find them at their workshops, published in a guide by the Visitors' Bureau.

There are also several fair-trade shops in Quito which promise to pay the craftspeople fairly for their products. The ones at the Tianguez (Plaza San Francisco), El Quinde (Plaza Grande), and Museo Mindalae are all very good.

There are many shopping malls in Quito such as Quicentro, Mall el Jardin, CCI, CC. El Bosque, Megamaxi, Ventura Mall, Ciudad Comercial el Recreo, San Luis, etc. and every street corner has several small "Mom and Pop" shops or stands where only a couple of items are for sale. If your shopping list is very long, you may spend all day looking around for the stores that have the items on your list.

There are many casual wear stores like MNG, Benetton, Lacoste, Guess, Fossil, Bohno, and Diesel. So if you need some items Quito is in fact a very good place to buy nice clothes at relatively fair prices.

Ecuador's indigenous peoples include many highly skilled weavers. Almost everyone who goes to Ecuador sooner or later purchases a sweater, scarf or tapestry. In Quito vendors are found along the sidewalks of more tourist neighborhoods. You should also consider travelling directly to some of the artisen markets, such as the famous one in Otavalo. If you haven't got time for Otavalo, you can find virtually the same gear at the market on Jorge Washington and Juan Leon Mera in the Mariscal neighborhood. The Mariscal is replete with dozens of souvenir, craft and T-shirt stores which make shopping for a gift very easy.

• Zapytal Foch E4-298 v Av Amazonas ☎ +593 2 528 757 Hand-made shoes. A wide selection in stock plus made to measure if you have 8 days to spare. A selection of correspondant (spectator shoes), riding boots and womens shoes $80.

• Guitarras Guacan - Chimborazo y Bahia ☎+593 2-2583-475 - Master Luthier Cesar Guacan's quaint guitar workshop at the base of the Virgin del Panecillo - great guitars for both professionals and budget-conscious.

Art galleries

• Hotel Mariot Avenida Orellana 1172 Y Avenida Amazonas ☎ +593 (02) 297-2000 Art gallery and retail outlets off the lobby. Hotel Mariot is one of the best hotels in Quito and is located in the bustling buzzy Mariscal neighborhood, this conference hotel is 2 kilometers from the Centro de Exposiciones Quito and 4 kilometers from Plaza de la Independencia.

• Galeria de Arte Creacion Amaonas N24-03 y Wilson ☎ +593 (02) 223-3550 Art studio, located on Amazon and Wilson, very close to the Mariott and the Hilton. Lessions in art, painting and watercolor, oil painting, modern art classes, Monday to Saturday.

• Hotel Quito Art Gallery Av. González Suárez N27 142 ☎ +593 2 3964-900
• Swiss Hotel 1820, Torre Boreal, Avenue 12 De Octubre N24-739 ☎ +593 2 256-7600 Art gallery and retail outletsoff the lobby. This upscale hotel is 3 kilometers from Parque La Carolina and 4 kilometers from Plaza de la Independencia square.

• El Jardin Av. Amazonas N6-114 y República Esquina Art galleries and shopping.

Halal Restaurants in Quito

Limited availabilty in Halal Food. Al Arabi is the only restaurant that have have some dishes Halal.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Quito

Quito - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Quito, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Quito. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Quito and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Quito. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Quito. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inQuito: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Quito.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Quito: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Quito, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Quito.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Quito, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Quito, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Quito and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Quito, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Quito, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Quito without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Quito is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Quito.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Quito is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Quito, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Quito Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Quito

eHalal Group Quito is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Quito. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Quito.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Quito ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Quito. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Quito, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Quito are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Barnard Hotel Quito
• Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel Quito
• Eugenia Hotel Quito
• Hilton Hotel Colon Quito
• Holiday Inn Express Quito
• Hotel Boutique Plaza Sucre Quito
• Hotel Dann Carlton Quito
• Hotel El Crater Quito
• Hotel Quito
• Hotel Rio Amazonas Quito
• Hotel Vieja Cuba Quito
• Howard Johnson Hotel Quito
• JW Marriott Hotel Quito
• Mercure Hotel Alameda Quito
• Nu House Boutique Hotel Quito
• Patio Andaluz Hotel Quito
• Radisson Royal Quito Hotel
• Sheraton Hotel Quito
• Stubel Suites & Cafe Quito Hotel
• Swissotel Quito

Stay Safe

Crime

As in every big city tourists should take special care in certain areas.

Do not travel up El Panecillo on foot; use a taxi even during the day. Not only is the neighborhood bad, but the road leading up the hill has very narrow sidewalks, and sometimes no sidewalks at all. This presents a risk of being, at best, overwhelmed with diesel fumes as busses chug by, at worst, getting run over.

As the Old City becomes quite dead late at night, it is best to avoid walking around alone. However and the central squares of the Old Town are patrolled by police and well-lit, so it is fine for a stroll in a group at night. During the day, it is perfectly fine, bustling with local residents, shopkeepers, hawkers and tourists, and well patrolled by police, especially at the main tourist attractions. Nevertheless, pickpocketing and pursesnatching can be a problem, so take normal precautions. The plaza and doors of the San Francisco church, and the main trolley station near Plaza Domingo are particularly notorious areas for this. Pickpocketing is done by highly skilled groups of 3 or 4 people. You are best off not bringing a wallet at all—just some bills split between various pockets. Also, watch out for the busses and trollies while in old town. On many streets, sidewalks can be very narrow, so it is best to pay attention at all times so you can flatten against the wall and cover your face (diesel fumes!) if you need to let one pass, especially when the sidewalk is crowded.

Mariscal Sucre and all parks among other areas can be unsafe at night so taxis are advised for even short distances. Keep your belongings as close and as secure as feasible, and if you feel in danger, duck into a bar or shop, and then hail a taxi. Beware of credit card fraud, which is an increasingly serious problem in Quito as Muslims are being targeted in the Mariscal area.

Con artists

The main bus station is an area known to target travelers (foreigners or local residents alike). Watch your bags closely, before departure, during departure, even once on the bus. It is best not even to put your luggage in the overhead shelving or under your own seat, as you can be easily distracted and have all your key possessions stolen before realizing it. Watch your bags on top of, or under the bus, at every stop until you arrive at your destination. There are two important sorts of scams that you may encounter on buses:

One common one scam involves a thief impersonating bus staff (this can be easy because those of many companies have no uniforms) who will direct you to a seat and finding some excuse to ask you to put your bag in the overhead compartment or directly under your own seat where you cannot see it; an accomplice seated directly behind you will then slash open your bag and steal the belongings. Having the bag between your legs is not safe either as children are commonly used to climb down under the seat (from behind you), slash the bag, and remove belongings without you ever feeling a thing. Always have your bag on your lap.

Another scam will often have an accomplice who will provide a distraction such as pretending to sell sweets before spilling them all over you, giving their friend the chance to steal your belongings. This can't be emphasised enough: never let your belongings out of sight. If something suspicious is happening like this on a bus, just refuse to co-operate and hold your belongings close to you. Robberies of this kind are common, particularly on buses leaving Quito. It is worth considering paying $3 or $4 more for a trip on a more high-class bus as these often have additional security measures, which can prevent robberies of tourists and local residents alike. On city buses, it is best not bring a backpack. If you absolutely have to bring one, wear it on your chest, not your back.

Finally, several neighborhoods located to the very north and south of the city are infamous among local residents for having gang/delinquent trouble. "La Bota" to the north is specially notorious as it even local residents try to avoid passing through it as much as feasible.

Police

All Ecuadorian citizens and visitors are required to carry ID at all times. If your stay in Ecuador is for a few months or longer, sooner or later, you will encounter a roadside police check and be requested to show ID. You can show your passport; however, carrying your passport around all the time is not advised due to the risk of loss of theft. A better option is to have a copy of your passport certified by your embassy and carry that. Students and long-term residents will be issued an Ecuadorian "censo" card that can also be carried in place of a passport for ID purposes.

If you are the victim of a crime it is suggested you report it to the Ecuadorian National Police (by law, you must report within 72 hours of the incident), as well as to your home country embassy and to the South American Explorers Club.

In 2009, two Visitor Safety Service offices were opened or revamped. Their job is to help with filling out forms, embassies and passports, etc. They have two vehicles for further assistance. Some staff speak English or other languages:

Corner of Roca y Reina Victoria, Edif. Relaciones Exteriores (Pasaportes) Opening Times: 24 hours, 7 days a week. ☎ +593 2 254-3983

Historic Centre

Plaza Grande (north side of the square on calle Chile, between Venezuela and García Moreno), Edif. Casa de los Alcaldes. Opening Times: 24 hours, 7 days a week. ☎ +593 2 295-5785

This office is known for its slow responses to crimes that are taking place; it is not uncommon to see local residents yelling at these officers for not doing their jobs.

Telecommunications in Quito

Most Trolebus stations provide free WiFi. - SIM cards at the airport - Expect to be greeted in the arrivals area by someone selling cards for Movistar - $65 for a month of unlimited calling, texting and Internet. There is also a lighter package for $55. In the Airport Center just across the road and there is a shop selling SIM cards for Claro. The Tuenti kiosk will sell you a $25 SIM with 30 days of service, 4 GB of data, 75 minutes of calling, and 60 text messages.

Cope

Embassies & Consulates in Quito

Brazil - Av. Amazonas 1429 y Av. Col ☎ +593 2-2563-142, +593 2-2563-141, +593 2-2563-086

China - Ave Atahualpa 349 and Ave Amazonas ☎ +593 2-2444362 +593 2-2444364

Egypt - Avenida Tarqui E 4-56 Y 6 de Diciembre ☎ +593 22509501 +593 22563521

Travel Next

Quito is surrounded by a variety of places that could interest all kinds of tourists. A couple of hours on a bus ride is all it takes to reach them:

To the north, all tourists should visit the province of Imbabura, which has beautiful lakes such as Yaguarcocha and San Pablo. Hikers and mountain climbers can also ask for adventures in Cayambe National Park, home of the 3rd largest volcano in Ecuador. It's inactive. Otavalo is a town with an Indian market that is famous worldwide for the quality and variety of products on sale. Don't forget to negotiate for your preferred price!

To the northwest of Quito lies the region of Mindo, a subtropical rainforest paradise, full of rivers, majestic waterfalls, unique wildlife and more. The region is home to a variety of animal wildlife sanctuaries, and is famous locally and internationally because of its beauty. At a slightly higher altitude to Mindo is the Cloudforest. The variety of plants, birds and butterflies is wonderful. The guides carry good qulaity binoculars to help you spot some of the many varieties of birds. After each guided walk you can return to the lodge for meals. Near the main buildings there are many humminbird feeders which attract many of the energetic and luminous birds. Accommodation is simple but very clean and pleasant with balconies from which you get stunning vistas into the forest. You can visit the butterfly and hummingbird farm too for $3. The staff will show you around and explain to you in Spanish the life cycle of the butterflies (very worthwhile!) Landslides are known to occur on the roads to and from Mindo. Traffic can be held up for hours if this occurs. Trout (trucha in Spanish) is a specialty of Mindo and a dish of this should cost around $6. To get to Mindo from Quito, catch a taxi to Ofelia bus station ($5-6) and at the North bus terminal buy a ticket to Mindo for $2.50. The frequency of these buses differs between weekdays and weekends and travel guide times may be out of date. The earliest bus on a weekday is at 08:00 (April 2010). The bus trip is around 2 hours in length.

To the east, lies Papallacta which is a thermal water resort city. If you're into spas and relaxation, dipping into one of the natural hotwater pools for a couple of hours is a no brainer. The trucha (trout) dishes that are served here are also exquisite (~$5). Take a taxi to Cumbaya bus station (from Mariscal Sucre it should cost about ~$8) and from there you can catch a bus ($2.50) to Papallacta. Just ask the buses that stop if they are going there. The bus will drop you in the centre of the town or on the main highway just a few minutes walk from the town (be sure to remind the driver to let you out!). You can get on the back of a Ute by hailing it (with wooden seats) for about 50¢ per person to get to the thermal spas (Muslim Friendly). Entry into the thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) is about $7. Be careful with your belongings here. You can hire lockers (50¢ per locker plus a $5 deposit) but staff advise that you leave your expensive valuables behind the counter. The choice is up to you.

By train - There are trains to Latacunga from Thursdays to Sundays leaving at 08:00. The train makes a stop for breakfast and at Cotopaxi National Park. It arrives in Latacunga at 12:00 and heads back to Quito at 14:00, arriving there at 18:00. The price is $10 for the return trip. You can use it as an excursion from Quito or get off at Latacunga and travel on from there by bus.

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