Where to Stay in Quito 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Quito is the world's second-highest capital (2,850m) and one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the Americas. The UNESCO-listed old town dazzles with baroque churches and Spanish colonial architecture. The city stretches north in a long valley with distinct neighborhoods offering different experiences. Altitude affects most visitors initially - take it slow.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
La Mariscal
The practical tourist base with the safest streets, most tour agencies, and full traveler infrastructure. Book Galápagos trips, acclimate to altitude, and explore the historic center by day from this comfortable base. Yes, it's touristy, but Ecuador's adventure tourism hub exists for good reasons.
Centro Histórico
La Mariscal
La Floresta
González Suárez
North Quito
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Historic center is NOT safe at night or on Sundays - use registered taxis
- • Altitude sickness affects most visitors - take first day easy, stay hydrated
- • Express kidnappings occur - use only registered taxis or apps (Cabify, inDrive)
- • Don't flash phones or cameras in crowded areas - opportunistic theft is common
- • New Quito Airport is 1.5-2 hours from center - factor into flight planning
Understanding Quito Geography
Quito sprawls through a narrow Andean valley running north-south for 40+ km. The historic center (Centro Histórico) occupies the southern portion. La Mariscal tourist zone lies north. La Floresta and González Suárez are east of Mariscal. Modern North Quito extends toward the new airport area (now 1.5 hours from center).
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Quito
Historic Center (Centro Histórico)
Best for: UNESCO churches, plazas, colonial architecture, budget accommodation
"One of the world's largest preserved colonial centers"
Pros
- UNESCO World Heritage
- Cheapest prices
- Most atmospheric
Cons
- Safety concerns at night
- Altitude (2,850m)
- Far from modern amenities
La Mariscal (Gringolandia)
Best for: Backpacker scene, nightlife, tour agencies, international dining
"Tourist-friendly party zone with full traveler infrastructure"
Pros
- Safest for tourists
- Best nightlife
- Tour booking ease
Cons
- Not authentic Ecuador
- Party noise
- Tourist prices
La Floresta
Best for: Hip cafés, art galleries, local dining, creative scene
"Bohemian neighborhood with Quito's creative and culinary scene"
Pros
- Best food scene
- Local atmosphere
- Quieter than Mariscal
Cons
- Walk to main sights
- Limited hotels
- Less tourist infrastructure
González Suárez / Guápulo
Best for: Valley views, upscale dining, luxury hotels, architecture
"Upscale ridge with stunning Andes valley views"
Pros
- Best views
- Upscale options
- Beautiful Guápulo village
Cons
- Steep hills
- Taxi required
- Far from center
North Quito (Carolina Park Area)
Best for: Modern malls, parks, business hotels, Ecuadorian upper-middle class
"Modern Quito with parks, malls, and business infrastructure"
Pros
- Modern amenities
- Safe areas
- Good transport
Cons
- No historic character
- Far from old town
- Generic feel
Accommodation Budget in Quito
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
Community Hostel
La Mariscal
Social hostel with rooftop bar, tours desk, and prime Plaza Foch location. The backpacker hub for Galápagos planning.
La Casona de la Ronda
Centro Histórico
Charming heritage hotel on Quito's most atmospheric street. Colonial courtyard, excellent breakfast, and pure old-town magic.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel & Spa Casa Gangotena
Centro Histórico
Elegant mansion hotel overlooking Plaza San Francisco with refined service and historic atmosphere. Old town's finest address.
Nu House Boutique Hotel
La Floresta
Hip design hotel in trendy neighborhood with excellent restaurant and local art. Quito's creative scene headquarters.
Illa Experience Hotel
Centro Histórico
Restored colonial mansion with contemporary design, courtyard pool, and gastronomic restaurant. Modern luxury in historic heart.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Casa Gangotena
Centro Histórico
Quito's most prestigious hotel in a restored 1920s mansion with city views, refined dining, and impeccable service.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Mashpi Lodge
Cloud Forest (2.5 hr)
Award-winning eco-lodge in the Chocó cloud forest with glass walls, naturalist guides, and otherworldly biodiversity.
Smart Booking Tips for Quito
- 1 Quito is commonly a 1-2 day gateway to Galápagos - book islands first, then Quito
- 2 Book Galápagos tours here for 30-50% savings over booking from home
- 3 June-September is driest but Quito has mild weather year-round
- 4 Most visitors need 1-2 days to acclimate before heading to higher altitude
- 5 Sunday is dead in historic center - plan activities elsewhere
- 6 Many hotels include excellent breakfast - factor into price comparisons
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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Best Time to Visit
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Things to Do
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Quito: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.