Being so close to the border with Colombia, Quito is, for many, a first full flavor of Ecuador.

This city is breathtaking, quite literally. Ecuador's capital is perched high in the Andes at 2,850 meters above sea level. Sitting amid the country's fabled avenue of volcanoes, there's no shortage of outdoor activities on the capital's precipice. Yet, it is in the cobblestoned streets of the city's colonial quarter where Quito's charm really shines through.

It is in the city that you can explore the world's first-ever UNESCO-Listed World Heritage Site — Quito's Old Town, colonial buildings frozen in time, ornate churches, museums, galleries, up-and-coming bohemian hotspots, backpacker meccas, a thriving craft beer scene, some of the best chocolate producers in the world, and so much more.

There's also a lot of history and culture to be found in Quito. The city sits atop the ruins of the northern capital of the Incan Empire. Centuries later, the decisive battle for Ecuador's freedom from Spanish rule was fought high on the slopes of the looming Volcan Pichincha. Today, you can feel the city's captivating and diverse culture everywhere you turn, where a unique blend of indigenous Andean, Spanish, and African influences lies in waiting.

There's so much to do and see in Quito, both in the sprawling city and the mountains beyond. And yet, one of the best things about the city is the warmth and friendliness of its people. Ecuadorians have a reputation for hospitality, and eager travelers will be readily embraced.

Being the capital city, transport links to Quito are excellent, and the city is easy to reach. If holed up in the border town of Tulcan, there are regular buses from the small terminal. The journey from Tulcan to Quito takes about 6 hours and costs under $10. If making your way to Quito after a stint in nearby Otavalo, the journey via bus will only take 2 hours and will cost about $5.

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission should you use them, for which we are incredibly grateful. However, the recommendations are still our own and intended to advise on the very best experiences Quito has to offer.

Explore Quito’s Old Town

Stepping into Quito's Old Town — the world's first UNESCO World Heritage site — will feel like stepping back in time. A colonial past, narrow cobblestoned streets, bustling plazas, and eye-popping markets form the crux of Ecuador's capital city. Despite a devastating earthquake in 1917 and a period of modernization, this historical part of Quito remains authentic and well-preserved. It is also home to some of the capital's biggest attractions, including:

• La Merced Church: A historical white-washed church built in the Baroque style during the 18th century. La Merced church is popular with locals and tourists. It is famed for its intricate interior decoration, 400-year-old religious artifacts, paintings, and sculptures. Free entry makes it well worth a couple of minutes of your time.

• La Compañia de Jesus: Regarded as the most beautiful church in Ecuador - or if you ask the locals in all of South America, La Compañia de Jesus is incredibly ornate, with an alter entirely gilded in gold and the rest of the interior equally as decadent. The church took 160 years to build and combines Baroque, Moorish, Churrigueresque, and Neoclassical styles. If you want to check it out, know there is a $5 entry fee.

• Plaza San Francisco: Found in the heart of old town Quito, Plaza San Francisco is a lively and historic square surrounded by colonial buildings and landmarks like the San Francisco Church and Monastery – Quito's oldest church, the City Museum, and the Palace of the Archbishop. It's popular amongst locals and tourists, with street vendors, musicians, and performers. There is also a weekly Indigenous Market for traditional handicrafts and food.

• San Francisco Church and Monastery: The heart of Plaza San Francisco, ****Quito's oldest church features a blend of Spanish, Moorish, and indigenous architecture and has an unusually understated yet beautiful interior. The monastery's underground catacombs, which contain the remains of over 25,000 people, are a popular attraction. The site is open for tours, worship services, and events.

• Plaza Grande: Arguably the centerpiece of Old Town Quito, Plaza Grande offers travelers a window into the daily life of Quito. Here you'll find busy businesspersons alongside indigenous peoples and an array of street food carts, shoe-shiners, and more. It's also home to Centro Cultural, a museum dedicated to the country's history focusing on indigenous populations, not to mention the presidential palace, which you can organize a free tour of.

• La Ronda: Known as the most picturesque street in the capital, La Ronda is a picturesque row of colorful architecture, artisanal shops, museums, art galleries, and restaurants. If you're heading out into the crisp Quito night with some newfound friends, La Ronda is a great drink spot at one of the many bars. Be sure to try the local tipple of choice, Canelazo.

Despite the many attractions in Quito's Old Town, perhaps the best way to explore it is to spend an afternoon wandering the backstreets, stopping at cute cafes, eating great local food, and finding your own hidden gems. And an even better way to do that is in the company of a local tour guide.

City walking tours are one of the best ways to get a good feel for somewhere new, especially with locals with that extra insight you won't find anywhere else. If a city walking tour through Old Town Quito appeals to you, we recommend this tour run via Viatour. Alternatively, check out this tour from Get Your Guide, which incorporates a visit to Mitad del Mundo (more on that in a bit).

Climb the Iconic Towers of La Basilica del Voto Nacional

This is the place to go for Quito's Instagram money shot. It is an incredible and unique attraction, one of the most popular in Ecuador's capital.

La Basilica del Voto Nacional is the oldest neo-gothic church in the Americas, modeled in the image of the Notre Dam in Paris, but with a distinct Ecuadorean twist, such as the presence of turtles and iguanas replacing more traditional gargoyles.

Inside, the church is typically pretty, but the real attraction here is the magnificent twin towers rising 115 meters into the skyline.

These towers can be climbed for an unbeatable view of the city below and an uncannily central vista of Virgen del Panecillo, a giant statue of the Virgin Mary standing on the Panecillo hill in the distance.

As one of the most popular attractions in Quito, the basilica towers can get busy. However, getting to the top is not straightforward. To reach the towers, you must catch a lift to the rooftop, from which you must walk a gangplank to reach the towers. From there, you have to ascend a rickety-looking set of metal stairs to the top of the towers. Those with a fear of heights may well struggle throughout the journey.

While entrance to the church is completely free, there is a small $2 fee to climb the towers. If you are set on climbing the towers, it is also worth getting to the church as early as possible to beat the crowds. If you get to the church later, remember that the entry to the towers closes a little sooner than entry to the church itself, you must get there before 4 PM.

Discover La Mariscal

The La Mariscal district is the polar opposite of Quito's old town. It's bustling, noisy, and filled with pubs, bars, and Western-style restaurants. If you hope to see more of Quito's stunning cathedrals and picturesque colonial architecture, you'll leave La Mariscal disappointed. It feels a little tacky, but that's not to say tacky can't come with its charms.

La Mariscal is the place if you're a backpacker craving a taste of home or a good night out. In particular, we highly recommend checking out Plaza Foch, a go-to for backpackers lined with bars and restaurants and live music and entertainment in the center of the square.

Wander La Floresta

Known as the beating heart of Quito's creative community, La Floresta is a picturesque, community-driven neighborhood in the capital.

Visiting the neighborhood will see you exploring art studios, galleries, fiercely independent coffee shops, stunning street art, and mouth-watering restaurants.

As a word to the wise, many of La Floresta's gems are only open during the week, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly. If you do find yourself in La Floresta, be sure to check out some of the following:

• Trude Sojka Cultural House: A visit to this memorial to Czech artist Trude Sojka is sure to be a moving experience. Trude Sojka was a holocaust survivor who settled in Ecuador after the second world war. After passing away, her daughters converted Trude's home into a memorial showcasing the paintings and sculptures she created to attest to the atrocities she saw and endured.

• La Cleta: A certified hipster hotspot in La Floresta, La Cleta pitches itself as a bicycle café but serves up some incredible pizzas and a great selection of craft beers. A word to the wise, it gets pretty busy in the evenings and is perhaps a better spot for lunch while exploring the neighborhood.

• Libertina Tienda Galería: A fiercely independent boutique, Libertina Tienda Galería is a space for independent designers to sell their wares, with clothing, art, and furniture all up for grabs. There's also a pretty great in-house coffee shop.

• La Floresta Mercado Agroecológico: A supremely welcoming green space with an even better food selection. La Floresta Mercado Agroecológico is a small market with 20+ food vendors serving delicious three-course lunches for as little as $3.

• Ocho y Medio: A small indie movie theatre showcasing international blockbusters alongside local independent films. The theatre even has its own film festival.

Put One Foot In Each Hemisphere at Mitad del Mundo

If you've ever wanted to stand on the equator, visiting Mitad del Mundo is your chance. Sort of. The Ecuadorian government commissioned a monument to be built on the site in 1979. Except they got it wrong, which is a little embarrassing when you've built a 30-foot, 5-ton monument for something that's not there.

The advancement of GPS technology has since revealed that the actual location of the equator is 250 meters down the road. Oops. Still, this is one of the most popular backpacker tours in Quito, and there's a whole bunch of things to do besides visiting the poorly positioned monument.

The monument is 26 kilometers from the center of Quito, and there are a couple of ways to get there. Visiting independently, you could opt for a taxi which will set you back by $30 for a round trip; alternatively, a bus will cost around $1 each way. Getting to the site independently will take about an hour and a half. Alternatively, you could opt for a guided tour of the middle of the world, such as this one incorporating a city walking tour around Quito's UNESCO-listed old town.

However, you get there when arriving at the monument, you'll be asked to pay a $5 entrance fee. A great big yellow line leads up to the monument, supposedly marking the equator line. Once you get inside, you'll find that the monument is a small museum dedicated to the indigenous cultures of Ecuador.

Once you've explored the mini-museum and grabbed a few pics of the – admittedly very pretty – monument, there isn't much more to do at Mitad del Mundo — though you can get a special passport stamp commemorating your visit to the center of the world which is pretty cool. If, however, you wonder 250 meters down the road to the true location of the equator, Quitsato Sundial, you'll be able to put one foot in each hemisphere and engage in some cool science-y shenanigans. Such shenanigans include balancing an egg on the edge of a pin and watching how water spins in a different direction depending on which hemisphere you stand in — it's a novelty, but it is cool.

Once you've got your true equator experience, we recommend heading to the solar museum, a few minutes away. The solar museum is open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM and will cost you an extra $4. If you've got time to kill, it nicely rounds off your visit with several exhibitions explaining the science behind it all.

If you have even more time to kill before returning to Quito, you could catch another bus taking you slightly further from Quito and up to Reserva Geobotánica Pululahua, home to the 4-kilometer wide, 300 meters-deep extinct Pululahua volcano, considered the biggest crater in South America.

Mitad del Mundo is one of the most popular attractions in and around Quito, and it can get pretty busy. If you are planning to visit, try to avoid weekends and, if you can, try and get there early in the morning — it'll ensure you all but have the place to yourself.

Visit Museo del Banco Central

One of the most notable museums you can explore in Quito, the Central Bank Museum boasts a stunning collection of Pre-Incan and Pre-Columbian artifacts, from ceramics to gold. The museum also has exhibits of colonial and contemporary pieces, the latter focusing on Ecuadorean artists. The museum also features a library and auditorium. Entry costs $2.

Explore the Shrine to Ecuador’s Greatest Artist

Part museum, part monument, Capilla del Hombre celebrates the life and works of Ecuador's most famous artist Oswaldo Guayasamín. This three-story complex, a recreation of a Pre-Columbiun temple, is his crowning glory.

Inside you'll find a great collection of his politically charged pieces that make statements against racism and inequality. You could double up your trip to Capilla del Hombre with a visit to Casa Museo, a museum of guayasamín's studio and art collection.

The cost to visit both is $8 with a guided tour, and the museums are easy to access via public transport and are located in the north of the city.

Catch Quito’s Best Sunset Views at Vista Hermosa

If you want to watch the sun setting over Quito, a visit to the Vista Hermosa rooftop bar is the place to see it. The name literally translates to 'beautiful view,' With 360-degree views of the city below, it's not hard to see why. Although drinks are a little pricey – beers cost between $3.50 and $7, and the food is a little meh, it still comes highly recommended if you have the time for a visit.

Get Beery in Quito’s Craft brew Scene

Quito's craft beer scene is blossoming into one of the best in the world, with over 20 microbreweries dotted around the vast city. If you're looking for a well-priced cheap night out exploring that scene, we recommend visiting Bandido Brewing. The brewery-come-pub is based in a picture-perfect 1850s colonial building and serves up a great range of beers at $3 a pint. The pizza is also delicious, and the place has a great vibe.

Sample Some of the Best Chocolate in the World

Ecuador is renowned across the world as being one of the best exporters of Cacao and chocolate. Quito is a great place to get out and see what all the fuss is about.

If you are hunting for great chocolate, we recommend visiting Pacari, one of Ecuador's most famous chocolate producers. The company has been going for over 20 years and prides itself on working with small-scale farmers, paying fair-trade prices, and producing a range of products that, more often than not, are vegan.

Pacari has two stores in Quito, one in La Floresta and one in the Old Town. We recommend visiting the store in the La Floresta neighborhood, which positions itself as more of an 'experience' store than the one in Old Town.

Relax in the Papallacta Hot Springs

Visiting Termas Papallacta means going a little out of your way; the springs are about 65 kilometers outside Quito. However, a visit could be the perfect antidote to your adventures if you've been out and about for a few days. Temperatures in the springs range from an exceptionally toasty 93-102ºF.

Getting to the springs is fairly easy, with a direct bus departing from Quito's Terminal Quitumbe every 30 minutes and at the cost of just $3 – just be sure to tell the driver you want to get off at 'Las Termas' to be dropped off in the nearby town of Papallacta. It's also worth noting that owing to some winding mountain roads, getting there by bus can take as long as two hours.

Once you reach the town of Papallacta, you have a few options to reach the spring. The first is to hail a taxi in town to take you there, which will cost about $2. the second is to follow the river and walk up, which will take about half an hour. Your third and final option is to tackle the 17-kilometer Virgen de Papallacta hiking trail, making a dip in the springs at its conclusion all the more satisfying.

Once you finally arrive at the springs, entry will cost you $8. Although you can up that to $22 in return for access to private pools, jacuzzis, and even a massage.

Take In The Views from El Panecillo Hill

Located between central and southern Quito, El Panecillo Hill is steeped in history, once home to an Incan temple and then a Spanish fortress. Today, it is home to the world's largest aluminum statue of The Virgin Mary — a gift from Spain in exchange for gold.

From Monday to Wednesday, the hill is open from 9 AM to 5 PM; from Thursday to Sunday, it closes later at 9 PM. If you plan to visit, try to go early before cloud cover sets over the city. It's also a great spot to watch the sunset on a clear day.

While it is possible to walk up to El Panecillo from Old Town Quito, the route has a reputation for muggings. You may be better off getting a taxi for a $2 fee. Entrance to go up the hill will cost a further $1.

Take the Telefériqo to Pichincha Volcano

Ascending into the clouds on Quito's famous cable car is another of the capital's most popular activities. Embarking on the journey sees you soar 1,150 meters to an altitude of 4,100 meters at the Cruz Loma summit.

The journey to Cruz Loma takes about ten minutes, and once you get there, there's a fair bit to do. The views are incredible, given that Rui Pichincha is the largest mountain around Quito. To take in the panorama before you, stop at the Cruz Loma Café and admire the city below with a coffee while looking out from the café's glass-paneled wall.

After warming up in the café, there's a big swing to give you a beautiful, if slightly nauseating, view of the city below. It's also possible to horseback ride around the Cruz Loma viewpoint. Finally, there is the option to ascend further still to the Rucu summit of the Pichincha volcano, located 4,680 meters above sea level.

The trail to climb to the Rucu summit is slightly west of the Cruz Loma viewpoint. While not technically challenging in good weather, it is only possible to do the 10-kilometer round trip to the summit with a certified guide. Tours with a certified guide are only available up until 11 AM.

To spare the disappointment of not finding a guide when you get to Cruz Loma, we recommend pre-booking a guided tour up to the summit, such as this one priced at $80.

If you plan to summit the volcano, bring warm clothes, plenty of water, good walking shoes, and some snacks. The views from the summit are insane, offering an unbeatable view of Quito amidst a backdrop of the avenue of volcanoes.

Before making your trip up the Telefériqo and beyond, there are a couple of important need-to-knows. First, a round trip up the Telefériqo will cost you $8.50. Second, the Telefériqo opens from 9 AM Tuesday-Thursday, and an hour earlier from Friday-Monday.

Finally, the altitude at the Cruz Loma viewpoint (4,100 meters) and at the Rucu Pichincha summit (4,680 meters) is very extreme; you must spend plenty of time acclimatizing to Quito's altitude (2850 meters) before attempting to head up the Telefériqo and beyond, failure to do so will see you fall foul to a nasty experience with altitude sickness.

Wander Parque Metropolitano

Parque Metropolitano in Quito is a vast 1,433-acre park with camping sites, cafes, barbecue pits, scenic viewpoints, mountain biking, and hiking trails. The marked trails include a 6mi (10km) route with plenty of side trails for an adventure.

Visitors can enjoy views of the whole city and the Cumbayá Valley and see exotic birds like the Crimson-Mantled Woodpecker. The park is located in the northern Batan Alto neighborhood. It also has some great views of the volcanoes Cotopaxi, Cotacachi, Cayambe, and Antisana.

The Secret Garden Quito

Set in a quiet corner of Quito's UNESCO-Listed Old Town, The Secret Garden is one of the capital's most beloved hostels and is highly recommended for solo travelers. The hostel even won the title of Best Hostel in Ecuador in Hostelworld's 2014 'Hoscars.'

Located in Quito's historic Old Town, The Secret Garden is just a short walk from many of the capital's best attractions, including churches, museums, art galleries, markets, and more; the hostel even arranges free city walking tours to help travelers get a feel for the place.

Inside is a vibrant and sociable atmosphere, with dizzying murals littering the walls and modern furnishings. Then, there is the hostel's famous rooftop terrace, with sweeping views of the city and El Panecillo hill, complete with a bar, restaurant, seating, an open fire pit, and an infinity hammock — it's a great place to spend the evening with friends made at the hostel.

The Secret Garden is also pretty loaded regarding facilities, packing in any backpacker may need. The hostel offers speedy free WiFi throughout the building, a communal self-catering kitchen, a library, a common room, a games room, unlimited baggage storage, and meals served throughout the day courtesy of the on-site restaurant.

Speaking of the restaurant, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served, with an a la carte menu for dinner that changes daily, with a conveyor belt of different cuisines being served. Dinner starts from $4, though if you book in before 11 AM, you'll be eligible for free dessert; delicious. The restaurant also hosts a daily happy hour, with the offer covering every drink on the menu.

Then there are the rooms. The Secret Garden offers a mix of dorms and private rooms for weary travelers to rest their heads. All rooms have super comfy mattresses, bedside lamps, and USB charging points.

Regarding dorms, you can choose to stay in a four-bed, six-bed, eight-bed, 12-bed, or 16-bed room. The four-bed dorm is the most expensive, costing you $15-ish dollars per night. At $14, the 6-bed dorm is only slightly less. After that, the 8-bed dorm ($9.3), 12-bed dorm ($8), and 16-bed dorm ($6) all come in at under $10 per night.

There is less choice if you've got your eye on staying in a private room at The Secret Garden, but the rooms you can get are pretty good value for money. The cheapest is a twin room with access to a shared bathroom, costing you $37.9 per night.

After that, similar rooms are available in a double, twin, or quad bed configuration for $46.4 per night — again with access to a shared bathroom. Finally is the double bed private bathroom, which will cost you $49.90 per night. While you shouldn't expect the Ritz with the hostel's private rooms, they are very comfortable and ideal for those traveling in a pair or as part of a small group.

Selina Quito

Another of the ever-popular Selina hostels dotted across South America and beyond. Located in the La Mariscal neighborhood, the hostel is surrounded by hip bars and restaurants yet remains within walking distance of some of Quito's most popular attractions.

As is so often the case with Selina's hostels, this is more than just a place to rest your head; it's a community. One that feels like staying at a boutique hotel at that.

Selina feels crisp and modern inside, and the hostel is stacked with amenities. Travelers staying here will benefit from free WiFi throughout the building, an on-site restaurant open from 7 AM to 11 PM, an expansive terrace, a bar, meeting rooms, co-working spaces, a games room, a movie room, a library, wellness areas, and even a dedicated on-site barbers shop.

The on-site restaurant plates up an awesome mix of Ecuadorian cuisine and creature comforts. Meals will cost you between $6.50 and $16. The restaurant also has a great range of cocktails priced between $5 and $9 and beers from $3.50 to $ 5. Come the morning after the night before, you can also indulge in a hearty breakfast priced between $5 and $8.

Selina also runs weekly tours, including tours of the Floresta and La Mariscal neighborhoods and visits to Mitad del Mundo, Papallcta Springs, and Pichincha Volcano. The hostel also runs on-site activities, including cooking classes on Ecuadorian cuisine, yoga sessions, Jiu-Jitsu, dance classes, open mic nights, and jazz and wine nights.

As for the rooms, there's a lot to choose from at Selina Quito. The hostel has six different configurations of private rooms, not to mention a selection of 14-bed, eight-bed, and four-bed dorms. Whatever you opt for, all rooms have bedside reading lights, charging points, and security lockers.

Dorms will appeal to those who want the full backpacker experience of staying at Selina, no doubt making new friends along the way. All bed's in Selina's dorm rooms are twin-size bunk beds. Everyone staying in a dorm will get their own storage locker and access to a shared bathroom Four-bed dorms are the most expensive, priced at $25 per night. Next up is the eight-bed dorms, priced at $22 per night. Finally, the enormous 14-bed dorms will cost you $21 per night.

Moving on to the cheapest private room brings us to the Micro rooms, like a ship cabin. Everyone staying in a micro room will get a twin bed, wardrobe, and access to a shared bathroom. The Micro room is priced at $35, though a bunk bed Micro room is available for an extra $5. One up from the Micro Room privates is the Standard Private. These are great to sit back and unwind if you want a little privacy and consist of a double bed, a wardrobe, and a private bathroom. Standard privates are priced at $57 per night.

One up from the standard private is the standard triple, perfect for those exploring Ecuador as a small group — or with an unfortunate third wheel. The standard triple consists of 1 bunk bed and one twin bed, boasting an en-suite bathroom and a balcony. These rooms are priced at $86 per night, which is pretty reasonable if you split the cost between the three of you.

Selina offers the Suite for those who enjoy the odd lap of luxury on their travels, which is also priced at $86 per night. Staying in the Suite means finding an impeccably furnished and comfortable room boasting a private bathroom, a great set of amenities, a balcony, a wardrobe, and a desk.

Finally, there is the Suite +, the creme de la creme of rooms at Selina Quito. The Suite + is an expansive space with amenities, a sofa, desk, private bathroom, and wardrobe. A stay in the Suite + will cost you $109 per night.

Viajero Quito

Tucked away in an 18th-century colonial house in the heart of Quito's UNESCO-Listed Old Town, Viajero is a firm favorite of backpackers making a stop in Ecuador's sprawling capital. Staying at Viajero Quito means being mere minutes away from the capital's most celebrated museums, art galleries, and churches.

Inside, the history and character of the building shine through, as do the hostel's wealth of amenities: A stunning garden, a self-catering kitchen, free WiFi, a roof terrace bar, a barbecue, a cinema, common rooms, and laundry facilities.

Adding to the very sociable feel throughout Viajero is the wealth of on and off-site activities they run for guests. On-site, you can sign yourself up for Salsa classes or try your hand at making empanadas. Off-site, the hostel runs a highly recommended walking tour of the city that sees you take in landmarks such as Plaza Grande, Basilica del Voto Nacional, and more.

When it comes to rooms, there are a lot of options at Viajero.

Those preferring the social aspect of a dorm room can choose between four-bed, six-bed, and eight-bed configurations. Viajero also offers female-only six-bed dorms. Regardless of setup or price, all dorms will include a bedside reading light, plugs, and a security locker. The four-bed dorms are priciest at $16 per night. Six-bed dorms cost $15 (although, inexplicably, the female-only option is $16). Eight-bed dorms are the cheapest at $14 per night.

For those who prefer the privacy of a private, Viajero has a room to suit every budget — and breakfast is included in the price of all the hostel's private rooms.

Starting with the cheapest of Viajero's private rooms brings us to the Standard Double, priced at $55 per night and including a bare-bones room with a private bathroom.

Following the Standard Double, the Superior Double costs an extra $10, costing $65 per night. Price aside, there's little difference between the standard and superior double bar a bit more room and fancies finishes. Like the standard double, the superior double boasts a private bathroom. Not fancying sharing a bed with your traveling companion? Viajero also has superior doubles with two single beds for the same price of $65 per night.

Next up is the Superior Triple — aimed at three people sharing a room, costing $80 per night. Like the two previously mentioned rooms, the superior triple has its own bathroom for guests to use.

Viajero has the Junior Suite for $80 per night for those who enjoy the occasional splurge. The Junior Suite includes a massive double bed, a private bathroom, and a terrace.

Next up is the Triple Studio, priced at $95 per night. Comprised of a double bed, a single bed, and a private bathroom, the Triple Studio is ideal for those traveling as a small group who want a little more comfort than the superior triple can offer.

Finally, at $110 per night, the most expensive room at Viajero Quito is the Quadruple Studio. The quadruple studio is a great option for those traveling in a group. It is designed for groups of four and comprises a double bed, two single bunk beds, and a private bathroom.

De La Llama

Located near Parque Metropolitano in Quito's Bellavista district, De La Llama is a cozy little establishment serving authentic Ecuadorian cuisine with a twist.

A lot of the restaurant dishes have a distinct Asian influence to them. Still, the love of using locally cultivated Andean ingredients remains.

Those who visit the restaurant quickly commend the presentation and quality of their meals and the atmosphere, which makes you feel like you're eating in someone's home instead of a restaurant.

Appetizers at De La Llama will cost you somewhere between $4.60 and $15.50. Of the range of options available, the steamed buns are raved about. This dish consists of two roasted pork or mushroom buns served with hoisin sauce, crispy sweet potatoes, and homemade pickles.

Mains sit between $12 and $19.25, with the slow-grilled swordfish topped with chili garlic sauce and served with peanut and roasted pepper fried rice, plantain chips, and tomatoes, a menu highlight. If fish isn't your thing, De la Llama's signature dish, Llama Q – a pork shoulder cooked for 24 hours in a coffee barbecue marinade – is equally delicious.

If you have room for dessert, it'll cost you between $4.50 and $5.50. We recommend the humorously named Chocopaxi Volcano, a chocolate volcano served with goldenberries and llama cookies.

As for drinks, beers are priced between $4.50 and $7, while a bottle of wine will cost you $17-33. Whatever food you choose, you'll want to eat out at De Le Llama again and again. The food is unique, with dishes you won't find elsewhere. If you plan to visit, just be sure you don't aim to go on a Monday, when the restaurant is closed.

Zazu

Dining out at Zazu falls very firmly into the 'treat yourself' category. This is a fine dining experience, so much as a meal. Even so, the authentic Ecuadorian cuisine, which is lovingly made with locally sourced ingredients, is sublime.

Scanning through the menus, experimentation in both the kitchen and the garden is the name of the game at Zazu, with two 'experience' menus sitting alongside the usual offerings.

The first experience menu, a nine-course selection of the restaurant's finest dishes, will make your eyes water — priced at $95. The second is an exclusively-vegetarian seven-course experience priced at $75.

These are extravagance in the extreme for backpackers on a budget. Still, by all accounts, it's one of the best dining experiences in the capital, and a Michelin star is surely just around the corner for Zazu.

If you can't bring yourself to stomach the price of an experience menu, you can order as you usually would.

At Zazu, starters range from $12-17. If you're feeling brave, try the Ecuadorian delicacy, Cuy – or guinea pig to you and I – served with peanut ravioli, maize ferment, and a dark beer sauce.

Meanwhile, Mains can cost anything from $16 to $48, though the average is around $25. Keep an eye out for the restaurant's catch of the day.

Deserts at Zazu feel strangely conventional, considering the rest of the menu, and are priced between $9 and $12.

Needless to say, the drinks are superb. There is an exquisite, if pricey, wine collection for customers, an expansive selection of cocktails at the bar, and a solid range of local and international beers.

Zazu is open Monday to Friday from 12:30-15:30 and 18:30-23:30 and from 18:00-23:30 on Saturdays.

Casa Nostra Trattoria Pizzeria

A good pizzeria is hard to come by. They're a dime a dozen. Yet, Cosa Nostra Trattoria Pizzeria feels different somehow. This family-run establishment has been delighting locals and backpackers since 2011 with its authentic Italian culinary traditions, and daring takes on old classics.

The restaurant, found near Parque Metropolitano, makes the most of local ingredients. Every day, a fresh batch of organic vegetables arrives at the restaurant alongside fresh cheese from the nearby Cayambe region and extra virgin olive oil.

At first glance, the restaurant's menu is typical of most Pizzeria; pizza and pasta. But look closer, and things aren't so clear-cut.

The pizza menu provides customers with no less than 34 options to choose from. There are red pizzas, white pizzas, faithful classics, and daring reimaginations. Out of the 34 pizzas available, our favorite is one of the restaurant's signature dishes, the Norcina; made with a black truffle sauce shipped fresh from Italy and topped with mozzarella, artisan sausage, and mushrooms. Pizzas at Cosa Nostra will cost anything from $10 to $20.

As for pasta, the restaurant menu is divided into 'shop-bought' pasta and lovingly homemade pasta. Dishes cost between $12.50 and $20, though our pick of the bunch is the beautifully simple homemade tomato and basil gnocchi.

There are a couple of meat dishes priced between $16.90 and $19.90, though they're not the main attraction here.

If you fancy something a little lighter, there is also a delectable range of starters priced between $7 and $14.50 – try the Loin Carpaccio. There are also a few good salad dishes priced between $9.80 and $14.

If you have the room, dessert is also on the menu for $7 to $9. If it were us, we'd eat the incredible Tiramisu made with authentic Italian mascarpone.

Oh, and contrary to what you see on Google saying otherwise, the restaurant has not closed its doors. Just check their Insta page.

Temperatures in Quito don't really change, and you can expect temperatures of 10-21ºC (50-70ºF) year-round. With that said, visits in June to September coincide with clearer skies and sunnier weather — despite the city being famous for regularly being overcast later in the day.

If you visit Ecuador's capital between June and September, be wary that while is the best time to visit for good weather, it is the peak tourist season, and prices for hostels, food, and everything in between may be bumped up a little.

While the dry season is a great time to visit Quito, the shoulder months aren't all bad. You'll still enjoy plenty of sunny days and consistent temperatures — certainly to the extent that you'll find ample opportunities to go out and explore the great outdoors around the city.

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