I went to Quito, Ecuador for two simple reasons:
- I’d never been before
- I found a one-way ticket for $170 from Washington, DC
That was enough for me. I arrived with the intention of taking Spanish classes and actually living somewhere for a month—not bouncing around, not sightseeing nonstop. Just settling into a routine and seeing what Ecuador felt like.
I’d heard very little about Ecuador beyond the fact that it’s a popular retirement destination for Americans (especially places like Cuenca). But I chose Quito, mostly because it’s the capital — and because I wanted something… normal? Below is a recap of my time in Quito, also check out my proposed itinerary and best activities in a separate blog post.
Jump To
- Where I Stayed + Cost of Living in Quito
- Studying Spanish in Quito (Why It Works)
- Ecuador’s History & Demographics
- What to Do in and Around Quito
- Casa Agave & Miske Tasting
- Chocolate Making Class in Quito
- Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World)
- Day Trip to Mindo Cloud Forest
- Quilotoa Crater Lake Guide & Ecuadorian Rodeo Experience
- Best Restaurants in Quito
- Secret Garden Hostel
- Arts & Cool Neighborhood
- Shopping & Ecuadorian Fashion Brands
- Final Thoughts on Living in Quito
Where I Stayed + Cost of Living in Quito
I I found a 2-bed, 2-bath Airbnb in Quito for $700/month with a sweeping city view, in a good upscale neighborhood. My friends later told me the rate should have been $400, just an FYI.
Overall, Quito is affordable in a very livable way—not “shockingly cheap,” but comfortable day to day. Typical costs looked like this: hair blowouts for $9, acrylic nails $20, lunch specials (soup, rice, protein) about $3, and private Spanish lessons for $10/hour.
One surprise: clothing is expensive. I somehow paid $80 for a very basic cotton shirt at a mall (still questioning that decision), though I did find some solid local brands later on.
Another thing I didn’t know before arriving: Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar. The country officially dollarized in 2000 after a financial crisis, and USD is now used nationwide.
Studying Spanish in Quito (Why It Works)
I’ve studied Spanish in Mexico, Bogotá (Colombia), Lima (Peru), and Quito (Ecuador)—and honestly, Quito might be one of the best places to study Spanish if you’re serious about real progress.
Quito isn’t flashy. There’s no beach, no wild nightlife, and the weather is EXTREMELY cloudy. (kind of in a sexy way?) Every afternoon, the clouds literally sweep over the city. Like a misty hug.
English isn’t widely spoken, and tourism is relatively low. What you get instead is a real metropolitan city that’s calm, functional, and easy to build a routine in.
Because group classes weren’t available while I was there, I took private Spanish lessons in Quito—2 hours a day – $10/hr – so $400 for the month I was in Quito. My Spanish improved quickly, taking me from survival basics to speaking beyond the present tense, which felt like a huge milestone.
A Bit of Context: Ecuador’s History & Demographics
Ecuador sits directly on the equator (hence the name) and has a deeply layered history shaped by Indigenous civilizations, Spanish colonization, and later political instability tied to global commodity markets—especially oil.
Today:
- Population: ~18 million
- Major ethnic groups include Mestizo (mixed people), Indigenous, Afro-Ecuadorian, and European-descended communities
- There’s also a noticeable Asian population, particularly of Chinese descent, which helps explain Quito’s surprisingly solid Asian food scene
Ecuador’s economy relies heavily on oil, agriculture (bananas, cacao, flowers), and increasingly tourism — especially the Galápagos IslandsThe cost of living remains low compared to the U.S., but local wages are also much lower—which is something to be mindful of as a visitor.
What to Do in and Around Quito
El Panecillo Mountain peak
El Panecillo offers one of the best panoramic views in Quito, with a clear look at both the historic center and the modern skyline. At the top stands the iconic Virgin of Quito statue.
Casa Agave: Miske and Ecuador’s Agave Spirit
I did an agave tasting and educational tour at Casa Agave in Quito, definitely the most interesting things I did in the city.
The experience focuses on mishki (or miske), Ecuador’s traditional agave spirit. It’s more than just a tasting—you learn about agave species native to Ecuador, how the plant has been used historically, and how miske is produced today.
Miske is often compared to tequila or mezcal, but it’s its own category. Made primarily from Agave americana grown in the Ecuadorian highlands, it has a cleaner, greener profile. Ecuador is actively working to position miske as a world-class agave spirit, with an emphasis on small-batch production and regional identity.
Because it’s still relatively unknown outside the country, miske makes a great gift to bring home—unique, culturally rooted, and easy to talk about once you explain what it is.
Chocolate Making Class: Ecuadorian Cacao From Bean to Table
I found a chocolate-making class in Quito through Airbnb, and it was unexpectedly great. The experience took place in a local home, where we crushed cacao beans by hand and made fresh chocolate sauces. The class cost $60 and lasted a full evening.
Ecuador is one of the world’s most important cacao producers, especially known for Arriba Nacional cacao, a variety prized for its floral, complex flavor.
The host was a longtime exchange student host, so the house was full of young students from around the world (and multiple dogs). The class was a mix of Spanish and English. We were the only native English speakers that night, which made it feel more like a cultural exchange – Love.
The Middle of the World (Mitad del Mundo)
One of the main attractions in the city is the equator monument, marking latitude 0°. There’s some debate about whether it’s the exact spot, but it’s still worth visiting—it’s iconic and very Quito.
TeleferiQo Cable Car
Take the cable car up for hiking trails, great views, and the chance to ‘swing in the clouds.
Quilotoa: A Crater Lake Worth the Tour
This was one tour I did book—and it ended up being just me and my then-boyfriend, because no one else booked it.
Quilotoa is a volcanic crater lake located in Ecuador’s Andes, formed by the collapse of a volcano thousands of years ago. The lake sits at nearly 13,000 feet (3,900 meters) and is famous for its unreal turquoise-blue color, which changes depending on the light and minerals in the water.
The tour itself was undeniably touristy—we drove up into the mountains, had lunch nearby, took photos with a llama, and rode horses down to the crater and back—but the scenery is gorgeous.
On the drive back to Quito, we made an unplanned stop at a traditional Ecuadorian rodeo, known as a rodeo montubio or chagra rodeo. They’re Ecuador’s rural cowboys in the highlands, where chagras (Andean cowboys) have a long history of horseback skills, cattle work, and horsemanship.
Unlike American rodeos, these are more about tradition and technique than competition — demonstrations of riding and roping.
It was one of those moments you likely wouldn’t experience without being on a guided tour.
Day Trip to Mindo Cloud Forest
I skipped organized tours this time, and took a bus instead. I went to the bus station, asked for the next bus to Mindo, and waited. I heard buses ran every hour, so I figured worst case I’d wait an hour. I waited about 40 minutes.
Once in Mindo, I went zip lining through the cloud forest and a very large Canopy Route – for $20. Lush, green, misty— completely different from Quito’s city feel.
Food in Quito (Hits I Loved)
- Somos — Hands down the best restaurant I ate at in Quito. Thoughtful dishes, great execution, and the kind of place you remember after the trip is over.
- De La Llama — Exactly what it sounds like: llama-themed dishes, and surprisingly good. It’s casual and fun.
- Tributo — A polished fine-dining spot with excellent steak, standout service. They’ll take you upstairs to see their dry-aging and prosciutto-style curing room.
- QUITU | Identidad Culinaria – A private dinner at a woman’s home (booked via WhatsApp) That last one was especially memorable. She cooked four courses, paired with wine. Since then, it seems like it’s evolved into more of a restaurant—but when I went, it was literally her house.
Secret Garden Hostel
I visited Secret Garden Hostel toward the end of my month stay —which was a mistake. It’s such a cool place to hang out, especially if you want to meet other travelers. It’s in Quito’s historic center, and most people passing through are on their way to hike or explore more of Ecuador.
I wish I’d gone earlier and maybe could have met other travelers. In my 4 weeks there, I didn’t meet anyone new outside of my tutor. The view at sunset was gorgeous!!
Arts & Cool Neighborhood Energy
- Ocho y Medio area – is a Small independent cinema in the La Floresta neighborhood, which is very bohemian and where I did a lot of shopping.
- Casa Museo Guayasamín – former home of Oswaldo Guayasamín, one of Ecuador’s most important artists, whose work focuses on Latin American identity, pain, and resistance. This museum gave me much more emotional context for Ecuador’s history than any plaque or tour ever could.
Shopping & Ecuadorian Fashion
- Azzar Ecuador – beautiful Ecuadorian fashion brand
- I bought two outfits and a leather purse
- Pricey by local standards (~$150 per item), but really well made
- Libertina Tienda – bought a plaid jacket I still love in the La Floresta neighborhood.
Final Thoughts on Quito
Quito isn’t flashy. It doesn’t try to impress you. It’s an extremely cloudy city, that’s just real life. It’s calm, affordable, grounded, and incredibly effective if what you want is routine, learning, and depth.
For studying Spanish, slowing down, and actually living somewhere—not just visiting.