The best months to visit Quito are Jun – Sep. Dry season, clearest skies.
Quick facts
Currency USD (US Dollar) Ecuador uses the US dollar
Language Spanish Limited English outside tourist areas
Timezone ECT (UTC-5) Same as US Eastern Standard
Best Months Jun – Sep Dry season, clearest skies
Daily Budget ~$25–50 USD Budget to mid-range
Visa 90 days visa-free Most nationalities, check before travel
When to go
A UNESCO-listed colonial centre perched at 2,850m in the Andes, straddling the equator with volcanoes, vibrant markets, and cloud forests on the doorstep.
Getting Around in Quito
- Quito's bus system (Trole, Ecovía, Metrobus) is efficient and costs $0.25 per ride
- Taxis are cheap ($1.50–5 within the city), but insist on the meter or agree a price before departure
- Intercity buses depart from two terminals: Quitumbe (south) and Carcelén (north)
For itineraries, costs and practical travel advice, see the full Quito travel guide.
Timezone: ECT (UTC-5) (Same as US Eastern Standard)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Quito?
The best months to visit Quito are Jun – Sep (Dry season, clearest skies), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Quito budget breakdown.
