Ecuador & Galapagos Islands Quito

When is the best time to visit Quito?

The capital is an all-year destination. Lying at 2,850m on the Equator, Quito has a year round spring-like climate.  Most days have a sunny morning but there may be rain in the afternoon. Feb-Mar are the wettest months, Jul the driest.

For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.

What language is spoken in Quito?

The main language spoken in Quito is Spanish.

What currency will I need in Quito?

The US dollar is the main currency used in Quito. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card.

What is the time difference between Quito and the UK?

The time difference between Quito and the UK is GMT -5 hrs.

What places combine well with Quito?

A visit to Otavalo market in the northern highlands, 58km (1-2hrs by road); the bird-filled cloud forest in the Mindo region, 100km (1hr 40mins by road); the Avenue of the Volcanoes, 77km (2hrs by road); the Galapagos Islands, (2-3hrs by air).

How do you get to Quito from the UK?

Average flight time is 15 hrs. There are no direct flights from the UK to Ecuador, popular routes to Quito involve a change of plane in Amsterdam, Paris or Madrid.

What are the festivals, cultural and sporting events in Quito?

Dia de Quito: Quito, 6 Dec. The city’s own festival is actually celebrated from 1st Dec, with parades, street music and bullfights, right up until the fiesta’s climax on 6th. It can be quite boisterous.