Why visit
Quito is an Andean capital at high elevation, with a major colonial old town, volcano views, markets, and easy routes to the equator line and cloud forest.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Quito is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Ecuador. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Quito, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Ecuador better matches the trip style.
Quito at a glance
City population
1.9 million
Metro: 2.8 million
Elevation
2,850 m
9,350 ft
Time zone
UTC-5
America/Guayaquil
Airport
UIO
Mariscal Sucre International
Founded
1534
Getting around
Metro de Quito (1 line, opened 2023), Trolebús + Ecovía BRT, buses, taxis
Signature dish
Locro de papa, hornado, encebollado, llapingachos, ceviche de camarón
Neighborhoods for travelers
Centro Histórico (largest in Americas, UNESCO)La MariscalLa FlorestaCumbayá
Ecuador at a glance
Country center
-2.0°, -77.5°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
276,841 km²
106,889 mi²
Country population
18.2 million
66/km²
Subregion
South America
Currency
United States dollar ($)
USD
Dial
+593
Language
Spanish
Demonym
Ecuadorean
Internet
.ec
UN
Member state
ISO code
EC / ECU
Where in the world
-2.0° - -77.5°
Ecuador
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Quito's historic center was the very first UNESCO World Heritage Site (1978), alongside Krakow.
- The equator passes 26 km north of Quito. You can stand on the Mitad del Mundo with one foot in each hemisphere.
- At 2,850m, Quito is the second-highest capital in the world (after La Paz).
- Ecuador's Galápagos Islands inspired Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection: the islands are home to 9,000+ species found nowhere else.
- The equator runs through the country: the "Middle of the World" monument stands 26 km north of Quito.
Bordering Ecuador
Traveler notes
- Quito's historic center is UNESCO-listed
- TeleferiQo lifts visitors toward Pichincha volcano views
- Mitad del Mundo is the classic equator-line outing
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Quito
What currency is used in Quito?
Quito uses the United States dollar ($), ISO code USD.
What languages are spoken in Ecuador?
The primary language is Spanish.
What is the international calling code for Ecuador?
The calling code is +593.
When is the best time to visit Quito?
Jun–Sep. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Quito?
Mariscal Sucre International (IATA: UIO).
Is Quito at high altitude?
Yes, Quito sits at 2,850 m (9,350 ft). Give yourself a day or two to acclimatize.
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