Are you planning a trip to Quito, Ecuador, but only have one or two days and need a place to stay close to the airport? Do you want to know which are the best hostels with easy access to Quito’s main airport, Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)?
Quito is a peculiar South American capital, often overshadowed by more famous names such as Lima in Peru or Buenos Aires in Argentina, but…
There is more to discover in one of the oldest cities on the American continent than you can imagine.
It is also possible to stay in a hostel with easy access to the airport.
Quito is one of the least expensive capitals in South America, and there are plenty of nice places to stay.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the best hostels near Quito airport, but don’t forget to look at our other suggestions as well! So let’s get this party started.
Where is Quito
Quito is the capital city of Ecuador, one of the smallest countries in South America, and is in the country’s northwestern region. It is located in a valley on the slope of an inactive volcano, Pichincha. Quito is located only about 30 kilometers south of the Equator line.
The climate of Quito varies according to its location. Because the city is in a valley in the Andes mountains, there is a wide altitude range, with the city center at 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level. As a result, the climate is mild all year, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). It is not as hot as Puerto Rico or Thailand, for example.
The climate in the city’s northern outskirts is highland subtropical. The southern part has a tropical climate and can receive up to 90 inches (2,300 millimeters) of rain per year. The average temperature is 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
What Is Quito Known For
Quito is a modern metropolis set in a stunning Andean landscape. The city has maintained its historic center, known as the Centro Historico or Old Town, a place declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978. Quito is known for its rich art and culture, and there are many museums and art galleries that showcase the city’s impressive history.
Ecuador is well-known for its numerous plants and animals that are found nowhere else on the planet. Many of these plants and animals can be found in the Galapagos Islands, which inspired Charles Darwin‘s theory of evolution.
Ceviche is the first dish that comes to mind when we talk about food. This raw seafood dish is popular throughout the Andean countries, but it is said to have originated in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s northern port city (Peruvians and Chileans will disagree!). Citrus juice is used to marinate the fish, which “cooks” it and gives it a pink color. Then it’s seasoned with salt, onions, peppers, and cilantro before being served with corn. Ceviche is served as an appetizer at some of the best restaurants in the city.
Encocado de Camarón, a shrimp stew, is another dish from Ecuador’s coast that can be found in Quito. Shrimps are cooked in coconut milk, tomato sauce, and rice sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, thanks to nutrient-dense coconut milk.
How Long to Stay In Quito
The answer: it depends.
It depends on what you want to see, how much time you have in Ecuador, how many days you want to spend in other parts of this country like the Amazon, Guayaquil, or the Galapagos Islands, and also how your personal travel rhythm is.
If this is your first time visiting South America, I would recommend spending at least 3 days in Quito, so you can get familiar with the city and get used to the altitude. If not, 2 days would be enough to explore most of Quito’s main attractions.
During these days, you can visit some of the city attractions such as:
Mitad del Mundo
“Middle of the World” is a park with a large monument in the middle. It is located just north of Quito at the latitude 0º0’0″. It has been rebuilt several times but never exactly in the center. There is a newer museum there that has an accurate depiction of where the equator really is.
Catedral de Quito
This church was built between 1562 and 1806 in an area that was called El Panecillo or “little bread”. The church was built on top of an Inca temple after the arrival of the Spanish conquerors. This church has a mix of architectural designs including Roman, Moorish, Gothic, and Baroque styles.
Basílica del Voto Nacional
This church is considered to be one of the largest neo-Gothic basilicas in the Americas. It is located near El Teatro Sucre in Old Town. Construction started in 1892 and it took multiple decades to complete.
For several years, donations were accepted from believers who provided money, labor, or construction materials in exchange for having their names engraved on the stones.
Although decorative details are still missing, the building, as it is known today, can be said to have been completed in 1924, when masses began to be celebrated in the central nave and the bells of the towers began to ring.
Best Hostels in Quito
These are the top hostels near Quito International Airport. In this scenario, proximity is not required in a geographical sense, but rather in terms of convenience in accessing the airport AND visiting the city. Quito Airport itself is very far from the city center (42 kilometers), so it is better to stay somewhere in the center, with easy access to public transport connections and taxis.
Minka Hostel
Whether you’re just passing through or staying for a while, you’ll feel at home at Minka Smart Hostel.
They are a nice hostel located in the historic core of Quito, about 600 meters from the government palace. They offer three lounge rooms, a rooftop, and a patio, as well as a high-speed 5G WIFI connection (100 Mbps). They are all automated, making them the city’s first Smart Hostel.
If you need assistance planning your vacation to Quito or Ecuador, they would gladly assist you and make recommendations based on your time and budget. You may also download their app, which contains a list of all the tourist attractions both inside and outside of the city. How to get there, things to do, places to visit nearby, recommendations, and more.
Community Hostel
Do you want to meet new people? That’s what they’re good at!
This is the hostel to meet with other travelers, centered on their enormous community table and everyday events ranging from Quiz and Karaoke nights to informal candlelight dinners, not to mention the one and only Bar Crawl Quito. They promise you’ll depart with one-of-a-kind experiences built with new friends in an incredible city.
In addition to regular activities, they provide tasty handmade breakfasts and dinners cooked by in-house chefs. The menu changes every day, and they guarantee that you will be satisfied and satisfied after each and every dinner with us. There are always vegetarian and vegan choices available! If the daily menu does not appeal to you, they can gladly recommend alternative places in the vicinity.
Do you require a good night’s sleep? Come sleep on their comfy beds with huge fluffy pillows. Each bed has a lockable drawer integrated into the frame.
The Presidential Palace, Basilica, La Ronda, Central Market, and a wealth of museums are all within a 5-minute walk of the hotel, which is located in the center of Quito’s Historic Center. All of these locations are accessible via their Free Walking Tour.
The Secret Garden Quito
The Secret Garden is a welcoming Australian/Ecuadorian-run hostel ideally located in historic colonial Quito on a quiet, classic cobblestone alley. The rooftop patio offers breathtaking views of the city. It’s a fantastic location to meet other travelers. Enjoy the delicious cuisine and drinks, or simply unwind with a book or the free high-speed wi-fi.
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Levi Borba is the founder of the Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel Small Business Hacks and the channel The Expat, and a best-selling author. Some of the links in the article may be affiliate links, which means the author receives a commission on any purchases made by readers.