It’s rainy season in Quito. When we landed at Mariscal Sucre Airport, in the midst of a dense cloud bank, it was raining lightly. Tomorrow the forecast is for rain. The day after, rain. The following day, more rain. And so on for the entire week, 80% to 100% chance of rain daily.
As it turned out, rain was not a major problem. There was only a light rain for a short time each day. Low clouds, however, were a constant presence. No blue sky, no sunsets. The mountain tops surrounding Quito were largely obscured for the entire week.
The low clouds, not the rain, prompted a slight change in our plans. We did not ride the TelefériQo cable car or visit Itchimbia Park. A potential day trip to Quilotoa Lake was scrapped. There was no point going up in the mountains with these clouds.
Instead, we took advantage of having additional free time to plan trips to Europe later in 2022.
Quito reportedly has a problem with thieves targeting tourists, especially after dark in Centro Histórico (old town). Out of an abundance of caution we chose not to stay in old town, we generally do not go out at night, and we do not wear jewelry, watches, or carry expensive cameras. Cell phones and wallets are kept in front pockets.
The most common things seen in Quito: armed guards and police. That being said, we felt perfectly safe our entire time here.
As in most large cities, some neighborhoods are better than others. If you are coming to Quito, do some research into the various neighborhoods and you should be fine.
Our Airbnb is in La Carolina, an upscale neighborhood of condominiums and shopping centers. We are on the 18th floor of a modern high rise (with a gym, sauna, pool, playground, and rooftop deck, among other amenities) directly across the street from Parque La Carolina (large city park), Jardín Botánico de Quito (the botanic gardens), and a shopping center anchored by McDonald’s.
Temperatures in Quito range from low-50s to mid-60s year round. Our Airbnb has neither air conditioning nor heating. Want to cool off? Open the balcony door. Too cool? Close the door.
Jardín Botánico de Quito is at the southern end of Parque La Carolina. Without a doubt it is one of the best botanical gardens we have visited, if not the best. After much consideration, though, I cannot decide if Jardín Botánico de Quito is better than Jardines Botánico Vallarta.
There are dedicated greenhouses for orchids (hot and cold), tropical plants, and carnivorous plants, along with numerous gardens featuring roses, fuchsias, and native plants. One section is dedicated to a Japanese Garden and Bonsai Museum.
I learned that I’m not a fan of Bonsai trees.
Quito’s Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana (House of Ecuadorian Culture) houses four museums: Museo Nacional del Ecuador (the national museum); Museo de Arte Moderno (modern art); Museo Traversari (musical instruments); and, Museo Etnográfico (ethnographic). The facility also includes the Teatro CCE (theater), Cinemateca Nacional (cinema hall), and Biblioteca Pública (library).
Sounds like a decent place to spend half a day. With four museums there must be something for everyone. Unless three of the museums are inexplicably closed and the fourth is only partially open (because new exhibits are being prepared).
Our planned half day trip ended up being about thirty minutes wandering around the first floor of the Museo Nacional del Ecuador. Thankfully the museum was free. The taxi ride to get there, however, was not. I was mildly aggravated by the whole ordeal.
The second most common thing seen in Quito: taxis. It seems there are multiple taxis on every street corner.
The places to see in Quito are spread out across the city. Our Airbnb is central enough that we can get to any place of significance in about 15 to 20 minutes. Fortunately taxis here are inexpensive. It costs us ballpark $2.50 to $4.00 each way (including tip) to go most anywhere in Quito.
Ecuador still has a mask mandate, indoors and outdoors. Folks here are very compliant, including us. Well over 95% of the people we see are wearing masks, including those exercising in the park. In addition, many places, such as grocery stores and museums, require proof of vaccination prior to entry. We quickly learned to carry our vaccination cards at all times.
English is not widely spoken in Quito. As in Spain, we stumble through butchered Spanish well enough to get by. We use Cabify (think Uber or Lyft) to call taxis, saving us the frustration of explaining to the driver where to go. The map in the app takes care of it.
In Memphis we typically buy either Busch Light or Natty Light beer. Unfortunately, most of the beer sold in the local Supermaxi grocery store is fancy craft beer, $8 and up for a 6 pack. No thanks. Luckily we found Pilsener Light. Yes, that is its real name. Very succinct and to the point. Only the finest Ecuadorian beer for us, at about $11 for a 12 pack.
Next week we will share our experiences attending an Ash Wednesday service at the Basílica del Voto Nacional and exploring Centro Histórico.
Garrett and Stephanie
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That’s great, I’m glad you are there. Have lots of fun.