What to expect in... Quito, Ecuador
- by Tori Johnson
13. Dogs
Strays are everywhere. They're pretty tame around pedestrians, so don't worry.
Strays are everywhere. They're pretty tame around pedestrians, so don't worry.
12. Exotic fruit
Enjoy tangy maracuya, granadilla, rambutan, and guayaba.
Enjoy tangy maracuya, granadilla, rambutan, and guayaba.
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| Although these things look like little viruses, they taste really good |
11. Vendors at every stoplight
Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up, or they be all up in your face.
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| But you can't say no to the fedora |
10. No public bathrooms
Unless you count the side of the road.
Ignore the sign and feel free to make "pis"—it's a free country.
Unless you count the side of the road.
Ignore the sign and feel free to make "pis"—it's a free country.
9. Awesome bags and stuff
Such great designs and colors! Makes you feel all warm inside.
8. Price extremes
All items made outside of Ecuador receive a very high import tax, so don't come planning on buying any clothes, makeup, electronics, etc.
All items made outside of Ecuador receive a very high import tax, so don't come planning on buying any clothes, makeup, electronics, etc.
Parking, flowers and produce are super cheap, though.
Stop at any restaurant and get a "plato" for around $4 USD. This includes delicious soup, meat, a side, drink and dessert. Food poisoning is not uncommon, so eat meat at your own risk. Welcome to not America.
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| Ceviche!!!!!!!! mmmmmmmmmmmmm |
7. Ridikalus views
The city lies in the shadow of massive mountains and volcanoes.
For $8 USD, you can take a cable car up the jagged peak of Pichincha.
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| The back of that hill is ridikalus |
6. Friendly people
Ecuadorians are very friendly (except when driving) and use polite Spanish (ex. they'll ask if you'd "care to please take your receipt.")
Ecuadorians are very friendly (except when driving) and use polite Spanish (ex. they'll ask if you'd "care to please take your receipt.")
5. Beautiful parks
Quito has lots of parks that offer sweeping vistas of the city.
Quito has lots of parks that offer sweeping vistas of the city.
4. Pico y Placa
Due to traffic problems, cars with certain numbers on their license plates aren't allowed to drive in the city during rush hour. The less crazy Quito drivers on the road, the better.
Due to traffic problems, cars with certain numbers on their license plates aren't allowed to drive in the city during rush hour. The less crazy Quito drivers on the road, the better.
3. Perfect weather ALL YEAR
Despite lying on the equator (hence the name Ecuador), the temp stays near 60 degrees year-round. It's one benefit of being high up in the mountains.
Despite lying on the equator (hence the name Ecuador), the temp stays near 60 degrees year-round. It's one benefit of being high up in the mountains.
2. Altitude sickness
Stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep. Altitude sickness can kill, and it starts with a nasty headache and even nastier nausea.
Stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep. Altitude sickness can kill, and it starts with a nasty headache and even nastier nausea.
1. Rich culture
Long, dark hair, baby strapped on back, bright skirts, and velvety fedoras—you'll find native people all around the city, especially at fruit stands.
Ecuador is full of indigenous tribes with their own languages and ancient traditions. Please don't ever change, Ecuador!
Long, dark hair, baby strapped on back, bright skirts, and velvety fedoras—you'll find native people all around the city, especially at fruit stands.
Ecuador is full of indigenous tribes with their own languages and ancient traditions. Please don't ever change, Ecuador!
And just in case you're not sold yet on coming to Quito...
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