Why stay in Quito?
photo: lumierefl
Quito is the capital city of Ecuador, and today's Quito sits on the ruins of an ancient Inca city. Quito also happens to lie less than an hour from the monument marking the equator. Unfortunately, the monument is slightly off the mark, and it's the Intiñan Solar Museum which is on the right spot.
In the city of Quito, you can learn about the area's history in the Museo del Banco Central and Museo de le Ciudad. Both are in the Old Town, which is a lovely area to wander and just admire the architecture. Quito's many churches are nice places to visit, and during religious holidays the celebrations spill out into the surrounding streets as well.
If it's nightlife you're looking for, you'll want to find a hostel in the new town so you won't have far to walk after a late night. The old town is better if your goal includes more sightseeing than partying. Keep in mind that "hostels" are not just for the young backpacking crowd (even if the property has the word "backpacker" in the name!) - they're ideal for any budget traveler who's interested in meeting other travelers. And if you see the word "hostal" - with an "a" - it's not a typo. A hostal is a different kind of accommodation, usually somewhere between a hotel and hostel in price, and generally more akin to a guesthouse. A few Quito hostels worth mentioning are highlighted below.
The Secret Garden is in the old town and the building it is in is registered as a historical building. Hostal Jhomana is close to Quito's sights but in a quiet area where you can also relax.
Chicago Hostal is on the border between old and new Quito, giving easy access to both. Hostal Jardin Del Sol has 25 rooms and is in the tourism zone.
If none of these hostels sounds like it's the right one for you, don't worry. There are other Quito hostels listed here which you can choose from. Just keep browsing the descriptions until you find the one that suits your needs.
Need anything else for your trip? You can look for the best deals on international airfare to Quito and book your ticket now. You can also learn more about the area in our Quito Travel Guide.
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