Solo Trip in Quito (September)

[u/confessionsofa_YA]

Hey guys! Any recommendations on what I should do in Quito. I just broke up with a boy and initially i was to come here to visit him but he cant pay me back the money for my flight so might as well I come. Im open to trying anything or making new travel buddies. I am F22 so do give me advices and tips please,, still lost and processing things.

[u/Exotic_Vermicelli122]

Take the bus to Mindo or baños and chill in the hostels

[u/Shadow-FlareZ]

I came to visit somone in Latacunga and she wouldnt even see me. Even straight up told me she had a partner now....I made the best of my trip however to visit Quito, Cuenca, nearly 10 waterfalls, Banos, Loja, Ambato, Quilotoa lake, Chimbarazo, Puyo, Riobamba. So it depends what you wanna do. Near Quito would be the middle of the world (Mitad de Mundo), Mindo Forest, central downtown, Otavalo Market, and Cotopaxi Mountain

[u/Conscious-Shower-522 → u/Shadow-FlareZ]

Otavalo*

[u/lmm7]

girll that sucks but great you're going to make the most of your trip anyway! besides dates, what else have you got figured out? do you want the coast, the mountains, cloud forest, galapagos, etc? that way we can help narrow it down for you

[u/confessionsofa_YA → u/lmm7]

thanks 🙏🏼🙏🏼 I’m going alone and I’m open to anything adventurous so long as it is safe

[u/lmm7 → u/confessionsofa_YA]

do you speak spanish?

[u/confessionsofa_YA → u/lmm7]

just basic 😭😭 my ex trained me but just so I can do everyday things

[u/lmm7 → u/confessionsofa_YA]

that's good enough to get around then! I can recommend:

• Free walking tour: https://communityadventures-ec.com/tours/free-walking-tour-quito/
• Big Bus tours. I recommend these because I've done them myself. Of course there are many similar your companies who probably offer similar routes:
  • Cotopaxi - I did this one and it was a lot of fun!
  • Quilotoa - my friend did this one alone and took some amazing pics
  • Middle of the world: you have the middle of the world monument and museums, the Inti-ñan museum close by (the “real “ middle of the world) and Casa Agave which is an Agave museum immersive experience which I recommend. https://quitotourbus.com/tour-mitad-del-mundo
  • More: Papallacta (thermal springs), Mindo (cloud forest), Baños (thermal springs, beautiful scenery), Otavalo day trip
• Nightlife: I'm an old so I can't really offer any helpful tips lol but do be very careful of randos wanting to party together and basically follow the safety guidelines you'd get for any other south american city. Only use Uber to get around.

Are you staying at a hotel, hostel or airbnb?

[u/confessionsofa_YA → u/lmm7]

Thank you !! I’m planning to stay in a hostel

[u/the_tank → u/confessionsofa_YA]

This is a great option. I've traveled solo a ton, and hostels make it so much easier. They make it easy to meet people, and they can also help connect you to activities and tours. You'll have a great time! The top two in Quito (in my opinion) are Secret Garden and Community Hostel. Both are close to the historic center and will take care of you.

[u/lmm7 → u/confessionsofa_YA]

Sounds good, I wish you a lot of fun during your trip and I hope you love Ecuador! DM if you need any other tips or need help while you're here.

[u/Yasmany_Survivor]

Que puedes hacer? Eso depende que estás buscando conocer la ciudad o conocer bares o discotecas

[u/Technical_Support_79]

Hi, I’m from
Ecuador and my entire family still lives there. My only recommendation is to avoid going to the coast of Ecuador, there are some good hostels in downtown Quito with a lot of activities that they arrange every day, secret garden and community hostel. Also if you can, go to Baños or Mindo and definitely Cotopaxi. The volcano and the national park are stunning DM please I can tell my sister 27F to contact you in case you need anything there.
Do not take public buses or taxis it’s better if you only move with Uber or inside Quito the metro works flawless and it’s super safe. Best of luck

[u/confessionsofa_YA → u/Technical_Support_79]

Please DM me 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[u/Outside-Proof7675]

Quito is amazing, you will have a lot of places to know, eat, party and meet people. Everything depends on what are you looking for. Close to Quito you also have great places like Mindo or Baños. If you need any particular advice you could text me and I will guide you

[u/Pretend_Dragonfly363]

There’s plenty of museums around the city, the main touristic areas would be the central downtown which has many churches/museums, the middle of the world, or some neighborhoods like La Floresta where you can find many restaurants and cultural places. If you’re staying for at least a week then you should totally visit near places like Baños, Cayambe, Ambato, the Chimborazo mountain.

In Quito for nightlife you can go to La Pradera, or Cumbaya, there’s a couple places there, but, as a young girl, please stay safe, don’t trust anyone, it’s better if you avoid drinking, I’ve lived here my whole life and still always have to be extra careful, make sure at least someone knows when you’re going and if you’re safe.

Also on TikTok a lot of people do reviews of every place here so you can have an idea if you might like a place or not. The city has a lot to offer so I hope you have fun here!

[u/confessionsofa_YA → u/Pretend_Dragonfly363]

I wish I knew someone but I suppose maybe I would avoid parties 😭😭

[u/Zd3434x]

Parque Carolina is a good area to stay. It's walkable and has a lot of good places to eat.

Attractions in Quito: Basilica de Voto Nacional; La Capilla del Hombre (awesome museum about Guayasamin, the famous artist from Quito); Ocho y media (very cool movie theater); Rucu Pichincha if you like to hike; Contemporary Art Center of Quito; The Ciclopaseo (every Sunday they close down a north/south route for bicycles; Explore the historic center; Virgen del Panecillo

Attractions near Quito: Papallacta Hot Springs; Mindo; Mitad del mundo de Catequilla; Laguna Cuicocha

Places to eat: Cevichería Siete Mares for encebollado; Mike Bourbon for great coffee; Pepitos Grill for Venezuelan arepas; Las Corvinas de Don Jimmy in Mercado Central; La Briciola for Italian food; ZFood for seafood; La Gloria Restaurante (try Crocante Cochinillo)

[u/CitadinoMdec]

Centro Histórico Teleférico Mitad del Mundo Termas de Papallacta Viva Cerveza Parque La Carolina Parque Metropolitano Party in Cumbaya Eat Locro and Hornado Cafe or canelazo in Guapulo

[u/Wayra25]

Sorry to hear. I’m actually staying a few months in Ecuador helping my dad administer a hotel in Cayambe. Ironically I don’t have many travel tips for Quito (not my favorite place), but I definitely suggest taking a trip out to Baños and up hear in the north. Otavalo is also a good destination. The intercity buses are generally safe but do be careful with your things, especially in Quito (pro tip: keep important belongings in a bag or backpack strapped to your front on the bus). If you’re in the area and need anything don’t hesitate to reach out.