Quito Liveaboard Diving

Quito is Ecuador's capital, tucked into an Andean valley in the country's north-central highlands, just south of the equator. It's also the main gateway city most Galapagos-bound travelers pass through before their flight to the islands.

Quito sits at about 9,350 ft (2,850 m) above sea level, making it one of the world's highest capital cities, second only to La Paz, Bolivia. That altitude is why many travelers spend a day or two adjusting before heading to the Galapagos or the Andes.

Nearly everyone flies — flights from Quito to the Galapagos take about 2.5 hours, often with a brief stopover in Guayaquil, landing at either Baltra or San Cristóbal airport. As of 2026, carriers including Avianca and LATAM operate the route, with a mandatory $100–$200 park fee and a $20 Transit Control Card required for entry.

Quito's high Andean elevation, around 9,350 ft (2,850 m), keeps temperatures mild to cool year-round, typically 50–66°F (10–19°C), regardless of its near-equatorial location. Altitude, not latitude, is what drives the city's spring-like climate.

Quito's UNESCO-listed Old Town has some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in South America, and the TelefériQo cable car climbs the slopes of Pichincha volcano for panoramic city views. Many visitors also take a day trip to the Mitad del Mundo equator monument or the cloud forests of Mindo before flying on to the Galapagos.

Quito's Fiestas run in the days leading up to December 6, marking the anniversary of the city's Spanish founding in 1534, with bullfights, parades, and street parties across the city. It's one of the liveliest times to be in Quito, though also one of the busiest for hotels and flights.

Most travelers spend one to two days in Quito, enough to explore the Old Town and adjust to the altitude before flying on to the Galapagos. Those adding Andean side trips like Cotopaxi or Mindo often extend their stay to three or four days.

Quito sits just about 15 miles (25 km) south of the equator, close enough that the Mitad del Mundo ("Middle of the World") monument just outside the city marks the line. Despite this proximity, the city's high altitude keeps temperatures far cooler than you'd expect at the equator.

Mariscal Sucre International Airport sits about 18 miles (29 km) from downtown Quito, roughly a 40-minute drive, with taxis typically costing $25–30 USD as of 2026. Pre-arranged hotel transfers and rideshare options are also widely available.

Quito's metropolitan area is home to roughly 2.8 million people, making it Ecuador's second-largest city after Guayaquil despite being the national capital. Most of the city's tourist activity centers on the historic Old Town and the newer La Mariscal district.