Best Hotels in Quito: Where to Stay in Each Neighborhood 2026
Quito sits at 2,850 meters above sea level, making it the second-highest capital city in the world. Getting off the plane, you feel it immediately: shortness of breath, a dull headache, a peculiar fatigue that requires acclimatization. After a day it usually passes. Then a city opens up that was declared the first UNESCO World Heritage City in South America for its colonial old town.
Centro Histórico is mandatory. But where do you sleep? The center is touristy and not always safe after dark. La Mariscal is the backpacker district. La Floresta and González Suárez are the modern, quality neighborhoods. This guide explains the differences.
Which Neighborhood Fits Your Trip?
Centro Histórico: UNESCO World Heritage, colonial architecture, churches. For culture seekers and first-timers who want historic Quito.
La Mariscal (Gringolandia): Hostels, restaurants, nightlife, backpackers. For budget travelers and anyone seeking a social atmosphere.
La Floresta: Boutique hotels, cafés, galleries, foodie scene. For anyone wanting modern Quito with style.
González Suárez/Modern Quito: Business hotels, shopping, safer. For business travelers and those prioritizing comfort and security.
Cumbayá (suburb): Quiet, warmer, greener. For families and long-term stays.
Centro Histórico: Historic Quito
Quito’s historic center is the best-preserved colonial city center in Latin America. The Plaza Grande with the Presidential Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace is the hub. La Compañía de Jesús (Jesuit church with gold leaf interiors) is one of the most impressive religious buildings on the continent.
The Centro is safe and tourist-active during the day. After 8 PM, traveling by taxi is recommended. Solo walks at night in the Centro Histórico are not advisable. The official tourism authority ecuador.travel provides safety tips and neighborhood guides.
Who fits here: Culture seekers, first-timers, architecture enthusiasts, daytime visitors.
Nightly rates: Budget 30-60 USD, mid-range 60-140 USD, boutique 130-250 USD.
Top picks: Hotel Plaza Grande (luxury boutique hotel right on the main square, colonial grandeur), Casa Gangotena (historic boutique hotel, very well known), Hotel Real Audiencia (good value, central location). Over 200 hotels in Quito are on Booking.com with neighborhood filters.
La Mariscal: International District
La Mariscal (sometimes called “Gringolandia” by expats) is the backpacker and tourist hub in modern northern Quito. Hostels, international restaurants, travel agencies for Galápagos tours, bars and clubs. Plaza Foch is the meeting point.
Cheaper than Centro Histórico and more internationally oriented. Not the “real” Quito, but practical and social.
Who fits here: Backpackers, solo travelers, anyone seeking social atmosphere and good connections.
Nightly rates: Hostel 15-40 USD, budget 50-100 USD, mid-range 90-180 USD.
Top picks: Swissôtel Quito (reliable, well-positioned in Mariscal), Hotel Sebastian (boutique, well-reviewed), Nu House Hostel (boutique hostel, very popular).
Our Ecuador and Galápagos travel guide is essential reading before a Quito visit.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Quito?
Quito has an “eternal spring climate”: 14-22 Celsius year-round. Two seasons: dry season (June to September) with little rain and sunny days, and rainy season (October to May) with afternoon showers.
Best time: June to August (dry, clear, ideal for day trips and Galápagos tours). But Quito is visitable year-round. The altitude (2,850m) is the biggest adjustment, not the weather.
La Floresta: Modern Quito With Flair
La Floresta is Quito’s up-and-coming trendy neighborhood: boutique hotels, craft cafés, galleries, organic restaurants. La Ronda (a historic alley) borders the district. Mercado La Floresta has top-level street food and local products.
Hotels here are mid-priced and independent. The neighborhood is safer than Centro Histórico and more authentic than La Mariscal.
Who fits here: Foodies, culture lovers, couples, anyone wanting modern Quito with style.
Nightly rates: Boutique 80-200 USD, budget 50-90 USD.
Top picks: Casa Joaquín Boutique Hotel (stylish colonial building, very well reviewed), El Relicario del Carmen (historic, quiet), Illa Experience Hotel (modern, sustainability-certified).
Where Should You Book in the End?
For Quito, Booking.com is well stocked:
- 200+ hotels with clear neighborhood filters
- Free cancellation on most listings
- Safety reviews are very useful for Quito (location matters in this city)
- For Galápagos combination trips: La Mariscal hotels close to tour agencies
For historic atmosphere: Centro Histórico. For comfort and security: La Floresta or González Suárez. For budget and social life: La Mariscal.
Tell Zercy what you want in Quito: colonial flair, Galápagos base camp, or modern boutique. Just describe what you need. Save your favorites in your Zercy Logbook to have everything ready when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Quito neighborhood is best for first-time visitors?
La Mariscal offers the safest and most practical base for first-timers: good infrastructure, international restaurants, tour agencies for day trips. Centro Histórico is for anyone who wants historic Quito as their main experience. La Floresta is the best choice for couples and foodies.
How dangerous is Quito for tourists?
Quito is safe in tourist neighborhoods during the day. Nighttime activities outside busy areas require caution. Leave the Centro Histórico by taxi after 8 PM. Pickpockets are present so wear bags in front. La Mariscal and González Suárez are safer for evening hours.
How high is Quito and what helps with altitude sickness?
Quito is at 2,850 meters. Most visitors experience mild symptoms in the first 24 hours (headache, shortness of breath). Recommended: take the first day slow, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol, skip strenuous activity. Severe cases: Soroche pills (available in pharmacies) or coca leaf tea help.
How far is the equator from Quito?
The equator is about 25 km north of Quito at Mitad del Mundo. The monument and complex are one of Ecuador’s most visited tourist sites. Reachable by taxi or tour in 30-40 minutes. The actual GPS equator line is also nearby at the Intiñan Museum.
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