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.
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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).
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
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
Highly-rated social hostel in Quito's Historic Center featuring a panoramic rooftop bar and family-style dinners. Famous for its walking tours and central location near Plaza Grande, it's a top hub for meeting travelers.
Hotel Reina Isabel
La Mariscal
Modern comfortable hotel in the heart of the vibrant La Mariscal district with rooftop pool, restaurant, and excellent location near restaurants, bars and shops – great value for money.
$$ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Cantuña
Centro Histórico (steps from Plaza San Francisco)
Restored 240-year-old colonial property (former convent) with original décor, courtyards/terrace spaces, and refined, old-world atmosphere right in the heart of Quito's UNESCO-listed historic district.
Nü House Boutique Hotel
La Floresta
An avant-garde boutique hotel in the heart of the vibrant La Mariscal district, featuring minimalist design and soundproof rooms steps away from Plaza Foch's nightlife.
$$$ Best Luxury Hotels
Illa Experience Hotel
Centro Histórico
Restored colonial mansion with contemporary design, courtyard pool, and gastronomic restaurant. Modern luxury in historic heart.
Casa Gangotena
Centro Histórico
Quito's most prestigious hotel in a restored 1920s mansion with city views, refined dining, and impeccable service.
Swissôtel Quito
Commercial District
Modern 5-star hotel with Swiss-precision service, indoor/outdoor pools, full spa, and convenient location for business and city exploration.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
La Casona de la Ronda Hotel Boutique Patrimonial
Centro Histórico
Charming heritage hotel on Quito's most atmospheric street. Colonial courtyard, excellent breakfast, and pure old-town magic.
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
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Quito.
Updated: February 25, 2026
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Quito: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.