Quito: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

Quito, officially San Francisco de Quito, is the capital and second-largest city of Ecuador, with an estimated population of 1.7 million in the city and 2.8 million in its metropolitan area.

Quito · CC BY-SA 4.0

Map of places

Now in the cityQuito+12°CCloudy · sunset 06:01 PMupdated 07:37 AM

EntryPick a passportThe answer depends on the passport.

Places on the map19

Exchange rate$1.00per 1 $USD — the local currencyas of Nov 2, 2026

Safety and health

Safety · official adviceour data as of Nov 3, 2026

UK Foreign Office (FCDO)Essential travel only to partsEssential travel only, and only to part of the country.

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Updated information about heavy rain and flooding on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos. (Warnings and insurance)

Source: UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice

US State DepartmentLevel 2Watch your surroundings and belongings more closely than usual.

terrorism
kidnapping

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Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to risk of crime , terrorism , unrest , and kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. U.S. government employees working in Ecuador are not allowed to travel to these areas due to safety risks: In Guayaquil, Nueva Prosperina and Pascuales districts, and all areas south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue.

Source: US Department of State Travel Advisory

Source: UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice · US Department of State Travel Advisory

Quito: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

Places on the map19

Getting there and staying

Visa and practicalities

Safety and health

Getting here