Fares shown are modelled estimates, not live quotes.
When to go to Quito and what it costs
The next twelve months. Weather and crowds are from our destination research; the fare is the lowest round trip we observed for that month on any US route we check.
- October 2026no observation yet
- Weather
- 66°F high, 46°F low, 12 rain days
- Crowds
- low
Transitional month as rains return — you'll get a mix of clear days and rainy afternoons. Good value month with fewer tourists and most attractions operating normally. - November 2026no observation yet
- Weather
- 66°F high, 46°F low, 12 rain days
- Crowds
- low
Wet season is back, with the Quito Founding Day celebrations on December 6th beginning to ramp up. Rain is manageable with smart timing and mornings are often clear. - December 2026no observation yet
- Weather
- 65°F high, 46°F low, 12 rain days
- Crowds
- high
The Fiestas de Quito (first week of December) is the city's biggest party with concerts, bullfights, and street celebrations — absolutely worth timing a trip around. Prices spike the first week then drop before Christmas. - January 2027no observation yet
- Weather
- 66°F high, 46°F low, 14 rain days
- Crowds
- medium
Wet season begins with afternoon showers most days, but mornings are usually clear and great for sightseeing. Temperatures are stable — Quito barely varies year-round due to its equatorial location. - February 2027Worst month per researchno observation yet
- Weather
- 65°F high, 46°F low, 15 rain days
- Crowds
- low
Peak wet season with heavy afternoon downpours. Morning tours are essential since skies often cloud over by noon. Streets in the historic center can flood briefly during hard rains. - March 2027Worst month per researchno observation yet
- Weather
- 65°F high, 46°F low, 16 rain days
- Crowds
- low
The rainiest month in Quito — expect daily afternoon showers and frequent overcast mornings. Budget travelers benefit from lower hotel prices, but pack good rain gear. - April 2027Worst month per researchno observation yet
- Weather
- 65°F high, 46°F low, 15 rain days
- Crowds
- medium
Still solidly wet season with regular rain. Easter week brings Semana Santa processions that are worth witnessing, with the historic center packed with both pilgrims and tourists. - May 2027no observation yet
- Weather
- 66°F high, 46°F low, 13 rain days
- Crowds
- low
Transitional month — rain is tapering off and you start getting more fully clear days. A good value window with fewer crowds and reasonable prices before the dry season peaks. - June 2027Best month per researchno observation yet
- Weather
- 66°F high, 45°F low, 7 rain days
- Crowds
- high
Dry season begins in earnest — consistently sunny mornings and minimal afternoon rain. Inti Raymi (sun festival) celebrations happen in late June, and the Cotacachi and Otavalo area markets are spectacular. - July 2027Best month per researchno observation yet
- Weather
- 66°F high, 44°F low, 5 rain days
- Crowds
- very high
Peak dry season and peak tourist season — clear skies, perfect hiking weather for Cotopaxi and Pichincha, and the best visibility for Galápagos trips. Book accommodations well in advance. - August 2027Best month per researchno observation yet
- Weather
- 67°F high, 44°F low, 5 rain days
- Crowds
- very high
Second-best month to visit alongside July — sunny, dry, and clear. The Quito Festival of Light often happens in August, projecting art onto colonial buildings in the historic center. - September 2027Best month per researchno observation yet
- Weather
- 67°F high, 45°F low, 8 rain days
- Crowds
- medium
Dry season begins winding down but still very pleasant. Crowds thin from the summer peak, prices ease slightly, and weather remains largely cooperative with only occasional afternoon showers.
Observed fares from Wildly's daily check, snapshot Oct 27. Round trip, economy, for the sample dates shown; not an estimate and not a bookable offer. How we check fares
Weather, crowds and best months: Wildly destination research.
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Estimated prices from all US cities (estimate)
Estimate: modelled from route distance and region, not an observed fare. Observed fares, where we have them, are in the sections above.
| From | Airport | Est. Price | Flight Time |
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About Quito
Quito sits at 9,350 feet above sea level in a narrow Andean valley, which means two things: you'll be breathless when you arrive (literally — altitude hits hard), and the views are spectacular. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, is the best-preserved colonial old town in Latin America — better than Cusco, better than Cartagena. The gold-laden churches, the painted ceilings, the tile rooftops cascading down volcanic hillsides — this is the real deal, and it's surprisingly uncrowded compared to what it deserves.
For Americans, Quito is an exceptional value play right now. The US dollar is Ecuador's official currency, so there's no exchange rate anxiety — your $20 bill works exactly like a $20 bill. A solid hotel in the historic center runs $60-90/night. A three-course lunch at a local restaurant (almuerzo) costs $3-5. You can eat and drink well for under $40 a day if you try. That said, Quito is not just a budget destination — La Mariscal and González Suárez neighborhoods have genuinely excellent restaurants and cocktail bars that punch above their price point.
The city is the logical base for Ecuador's greatest hits: the Galápagos Islands (2-hour flight from UIO), the Cotopaxi volcano (1.5 hours south), the cloud forests of Mindo (2 hours west), and the indigenous markets of Otavalo (2 hours north). You can fly into Quito, spend 2-3 days in the city, then branch out for any of these day trips or multi-day excursions. Most Galápagos cruises and tours book their passengers through Quito, making UIO the de facto gateway to one of the planet's most remarkable wildlife destinations.
Altitude is the real practical consideration. At 9,350 feet, Quito is higher than Denver, higher than most Colorado ski resorts, and higher than Bogotá. Expect headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath for the first 24-48 hours. Drink water constantly, avoid alcohol the first day, and take it slow. Pharmacies sell soroche pills (acetazolamide equivalent) over the counter, and coca tea is available everywhere. Once you acclimatize, the altitude becomes irrelevant — but ignore it on day one and you'll waste the first part of your trip in bed.
Best Time to Fly to Quito
Click any month for the destination guide's weather, crowd, and festival notes.
Airport to City: How to Get There
Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre (UIO) is located 45 minutes northeast of the city center in Tababela. **Option 1 (Cheapest): Aeroservicios public bus** — $2 per person, runs every 30-45 minutes from the airport terminal to La Marín bus terminal in Old Town; takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. **Option 2 (Best value): Taxi/rideshare via InDriver or Cabify** — app-based rides cost $12-18 to Mariscal/New Town or $15-22 to Old Town; always use the app rather than hailing at the curb to avoid being overcharged. **Option 3 (Hotel shuttle): Most mid-range and luxury hotels offer airport transfers for $20-35** — book in advance, worth it if arriving at night since the road from Tababela to the city is dark and unfamiliar. Avoid the unofficial 'yellow cab' touts at arrivals who charge $30-50 for the same ride.
Neighborhoods & Where to Stay
The UNESCO-listed historic center is where Quito earns its reputation — La Compañía de Jesús church alone is worth the flight. Stay at Hotel Plaza Grande ($120-180/night) for the splurge, or the reliable Hostal San Blas ($40-60) for value. Noise and street vendors can be intense, but nothing beats walking to the major sights before the tour buses arrive at 9am.
The gringo district — not meant as an insult, just accurate. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels, travel agencies booking Galápagos trips, English-language menus, and the Foch Plaza bar scene. Hotel Finlandia and Nu House are solid mid-range picks at $65-100/night. Safe to walk at night in the core plaza area, but get in a cab or app ride after midnight.
Where Quiteños with money actually eat and live. González Suárez has dramatic views of the Cumbayá valley from its clifftop restaurants, and La Floresta has the city's most interesting independent restaurants and craft cocktail bars like Bandido Brewing. JW Marriott and Swissôtel are here at $150-250/night. This is the area for your splurge meal — try Zazu restaurant for modern Ecuadorian cuisine.
Residential neighborhood around Quito's largest urban park — good for families and runners who want to experience actual Quiteño daily life. The weekend markets in Parque La Carolina sell food and crafts at local prices. Hotels here like the Dann Carlton ($70-100) are solid value, though you're a cab ride from the historic center.
Daily Budget: What to Expect
$10-15 hostel dorm in La Mariscal, $10 food (almuerzo lunch $3-4, street food breakfast $2, cheap dinner $4), $3 local bus transport, $5-10 activities (most colonial churches are free or $2-4)
$60-80 hotel in Old Town or New Town, $30 food (nice breakfast $8, almuerzo $5, sit-down dinner $15 with drinks), $10 Uber/Cabify around the city, $20 activities (Teleférico $8.50, museum entries $3-5)
$180-220 at Hotel Plaza Grande or Swissôtel, $50 food (breakfast included, lunch $15, dinner at Zazu or Astrid & Gastón $35), $20 private transfers, $30 guided tours or spa treatments
What to Eat in Quito
Ceviche de camarón at any marisquería in Mercado Central — Ecuadorian ceviche is served with toasted corn (maíz tostado) and chifles (plantain chips), and the lime-tomato broth is thinner and more acidic than Peruvian versions. $4-6 for a massive bowl.
Almuerzo del día anywhere with a handwritten chalkboard sign — the set lunch (soup, rice, protein, juice) for $3-4 is the single best food deal in South America and how working Quiteños eat daily. Try the ones on Calle Guayaquil in Old Town.
Fritada at Fritadas Amazónicas on Av. Amazonas — slow-braised pork served with hominy, fried plantains, and mote (giant white corn). It's heavy but extraordinary, and this spot has been serving it for decades to locals, not tourists.
Canelazo at any bar in the historic center at night — hot sugarcane liquor mixed with naranjilla fruit juice and cinnamon, served in little clay cups. At 9,000+ feet on a cold Andean evening, this drink makes complete sense. $2-3 per cup.
Chocolate from República del Cacao on García Moreno in Old Town — Ecuador grows some of the world's finest cacao (Arriba Nacional variety), and this Quito-based chocolatier does it justice. Buy the 75% dark bar and the chocolate tea; both are exceptional and make great gifts.
Flying from the US to Quito
Airlines & Routes
- →United nonstop from Houston (IAH) — most frequent service, typically 5-6 flights per week
- →American nonstop from Miami (MIA) — strong option from the East Coast with daily service
- →Delta nonstop from Atlanta (ATL) — seasonal, check availability
- →LATAM via Bogotá (BOG) or Lima (LIM) — good option from West Coast cities with competitive pricing
- →Avianca via Bogotá (BOG) — often the cheapest fare from many US cities, 3-4 hour layover in BOG
- →Copa Airlines via Panama City (PTY) — solid option with short layovers, serves many US cities
- →Spirit from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) — ultra-low-cost with baggage fees, watch for sales under $200 roundtrip
Flight Duration
Safety Tips
Quito is safer than its reputation suggests for tourists who take basic precautions. The historic center is generally fine during daylight hours — the city has heavily invested in tourist police (always visible in Old Town). **Don't walk around Old Town after 8pm** unless going between clearly lit areas or taking an app ride. La Mariscal around Plaza Foch is active and safe until midnight, but the surrounding streets get sketchy. Use Cabify or InDriver for all night transport — never hail a street taxi, as express kidnappings (forced to ATM) involving unmarked taxis still occur. Leave your good camera and expensive jewelry at the hotel. Keep your phone in your pocket in markets and crowded areas — phone-snatching is the most common tourist crime. If you get into a taxi and a 'friend' of the driver gets in later, exit immediately. The TelefériQo cable car area has had some mugging incidents on the trail — go with a group or guide, not alone. Finally, altitude sickness can mimic alcohol impairment — drink water aggressively and recognize that one beer at 9,350 feet hits like two.
The Quito Airport departure tax and Galápagos fees are unavoidable, but here's what most tourists miss: the free Sunday ciclovía. Every Sunday, major arterial roads in Quito close to cars from 8am to 2pm and fill with cyclists, joggers, and families — the city rents bikes cheaply at Parque La Carolina (around $3/hour) and the route goes through residential neighborhoods and parks you'd never see otherwise. It's genuinely the best free activity in the city and shows you Quito the way locals actually experience it. Pair it with the Sunday artisan market at Parque El Ejido right afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Quito?
June, July, August, September per Wildly destination research, based on weather and crowd levels rather than airfare. The months it rates worst are February, March, April.
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Quito?
US passport holders get 90 days visa-free entry to Ecuador — no application, no fee, no advance paperwork. You'll fill out a digital migration form (Sistema de Migración) online before departure or at the airport, and immigration will stamp your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. There's a $1 tourist card fee collected at some airports, usually folded into your ticket. If you want to extend past 90 days, you can apply for an extension at the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores in Quito, though most travelers simply do a border run to Peru or Colombia. US citizens can also use Ecuador as a base for Galápagos trips — note the Galápagos National Park fee ($200 per person, paid on arrival to the islands) and the INGALA transit card ($20) are separate from the mainland entry. Source: Wildly destination research; verify with the destination's official immigration authority before booking.
How long is the flight from the US to Quito?
East Coast: 4-5 hours nonstop from MIA or ATL / 7-9 hours with connection via BOG or PTY. Midwest: 6-7 hours nonstop from IAH / 8-10 hours with one connection. West Coast: No nonstop from West Coast — 9-12 hours via Houston, Miami, Bogotá, Lima, or Panama City. Source: Wildly destination research.
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