THE AMAZING CITY of Quito is the second-highest capital in South America, and at 9,350 feet above sea level, you may find it takes your breath away in more ways than one. Some business travelers visiting Ecuador head to the financial hub of Guayaquil in the south, but Quito remains the seat of political and cultural power. It’s not unusual for visitors arriving at the city’s Mariscal Sucre Airport to feel a touch of altitude sickness, although it’s nothing some coca leaf tea or Diamox can’t fix for most travelers.
After opening in 2013, about 25 miles east of the city center, the airport became one of the busiest in South America, accommodating a steady increase in visitors. The ride to city center takes one to two hours depending on traffic; taxis cost $25–40, depending on time of day and your destination. Another good option, the Aeroservicios coach, runs 24 hours a day to the Quito bus terminal and offers free onboard WiFi. Book online before you arrive for $8 each way.
Riding into town, you’ll notice the city is surrounded by imposing volcanic peaks which form part of the Ring of Fire that runs along the edge of the Pacific tectonic plate. Despite its small size, Ecuador features a wide range of landscapes and its own set of environmental issues. Perhaps its most challenging project is the Condor Bioreserve — 5.4 million acres of public protected areas, farms, ranches and indigenous territories that encompass snow-capped volcanoes, cloud forests, high-altitude grasslands, rain forests and waterways. The Bioreserve’s creeks and rivers supply Quito with drinkable water. In 2000 The Nature Conservancy teamed up with the U.S. Agency for International Development and local partners to create a water conservation fund to achieve sufficient water quantity and quality to meet the needs of the people of Quito and provide long-term protection of water sources in the Bioreserve.
Alongside the natural wonders, you’ll find plenty of evidence of human ingenuity. The biggest attraction in Quito is its Old Town, one of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites ever declared and the best-preserved colonial city in the whole of the Americas.
In the middle of the historic center, the Hotel Plaza Grande boasts one of the most distinguished addresses in Quito. The first building to be constructed by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, it sits on Independence Square surrounded by the cathedral, city hall and government palace. It’s a truly sumptuous place to stay or invite clients to dine.
Make an impression over dinner at the hotel’s La Belle Époque restaurant, serving up French and international cuisine in a distinguished atmosphere. While the food is incredible, the live opera performances while you eat are bound to make the night a memorable one. What good is entertaining clients if you take them somewhere eminently forgettable?
If you need an early start, get proceedings under way with a power breakfast at Europa Café. Found inside the Hotel Dann Carlton, this charming spot provides everything you need to begin the day. Great coffee, a wide selection of baked treats and freshly pressed juices make this an ideal place to get off to a productive start.
For a private lunch meeting, book a table at Zazu. For more than 10 years this spot has carved out a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Latin America, serving up local dishes with a gourmet twist. Think stone crab ceviche washed down with one of the thousands of bottles of wine from what is touted as the largest wine cellar in town.
After a long day of meetings, take your clients for a few relaxing cocktails at La Naranjilla Mecanica. This trendy spot is packed with hip locals who come to listen to live music while enjoying drinks prepared by expert bartenders. After the old-world glamour of the Old Town, La Naranjilla Mecanica provides a window into what contemporary Quito is all about.
If you want to seal the deal over a few more drinks, head to famed jazz bar El Pobre Diablo. Here you can sip on a stiff drink, take in some of the best jazz Ecuador has to offer and let your hair down. Other options for late-night fun include the chic Oceana Club Lounge in the Mariscal district, where locals go to party.
To clear your head, take the time to ride the cable car to the top of Cruz Loma, from which you can take in views of the city and the valley beyond. It really puts everything in perspective when you’re looking down from 13,000 feet above sea level, and it’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area around Quito.
Show your clients your appreciation for history by leaving them a gift of a toquilla hat. While most people call them Panama hats, these elegant straw creations actually come from the town of Manabi on the Ecuadorean coast. The best examples are so fine they can be folded into your pocket, and the level of craftsmanship makes them a gift to remember. Head to Homero Ortega if you want to treat your contacts to the best that money can buy.
Read This Next
All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 28, 2024New Adriatic Yacht Cruise and Tour Itineraries Unveiled for 2025
Set sail through crystal-clear waters and explore ports, islands and more on three new yacht cruise and tour itineraries in the Adriatic Sea from Riviera River Cruises. New 2025 itineraries combine yacht cruises with onboard accommodations and land extensions with hotel stays in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Itineraries also include tours of charming coastal towns and stops in national parks and swimming hole locations.
Sponsored Content
L’Ermitage Beverly Hills: A Discreet Hideaway Awaits
Nestled between the palm-lined boulevards of residential Beverly Hills, L'Ermitage evokes a sense of refined elegance and unparalleled service. This Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond haven continues to captivate discerning travelers and Angelenos with its unwavering dedication to personalized hospitality.
March 2024
Mar 28, 2024Cruise Lines Elevate the Onboard Fine-Dining Experience
It’s been a long time since the food on cruise ships resembled the bland, uninspired fare that gave onboard dining a bad name. These days, cruise passengers can look forward to menus created by Michelin-starred chefs made with top-quality ingredients served in stunning spaces. Choices abound as well. In addition to elegant main dining rooms, cruise ships have created a huge array of specialty restaurants that focus not only on perfectly executed traditional European and North American dishes but flavors and experiences from around the globe as well. In fact, meals served aboard cruise vessels have gotten so good, they’re drawing passengers onto ships: According to a recent report by luxury travel planning network Virtuoso, advisors report after Europe (specifically Italy and France), the No. 2 dining destination for travelers is aboard an ocean or river cruise. “This shows how cruise lines have really stepped up their culinary game, with consulting chefs and new restaurants and making that a focal point,” said Misty Belles, vice president, Global Public Relations, Virtuoso.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024Athens’ National Museum of Contemporary Art Opens What if Women Ruled the World? Exhibition
National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens was founded in 1997 and is supervised and subsidized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. The museum began its operation in 2000, when it acquired the first artwork of its collection and the first temporary exhibition took place.
Sponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
Daily
Mar 28, 2024AmaWaterways Debuts Specialty Summer Cruises in Europe
AmaWaterways recently unveiled its lineup of experiences and exclusive offers for its 2024 Summer European river cruise season, and the list includes 20 Celebration of Wine Cruises, with two hosted by Samantha Brown and Chef Joanne Weir; and three Loyalty Appreciation Cruises.
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 27, 2024Japan Airlines Purchases 32 Airbus, 10 Boeing
eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024China Airlines Expands North American Network with Non-Stop Flights to Seattle
China Airlines will begin offering non-stop flights to Seattle (SEA) from Taipei (TPE) starting July 14. The new route expands the carrier’s passenger services to the northwestern United States by offering five weekly flights via the Airbus A350-900.
Sponsored Content
Revel in a European Summer with AmaWaterways
Pedal through sun-drenched vineyards, hike amidst blooming wildflowers and take a refreshing dip in your ship's sun-deck whirlpool. Indulge in the flavors of the region with delectable dishes featuring luscious Wachau Valley apricots and succulent Serbian plums. As night falls, watch as the cities along the rivers come alive, pulsating with an irresistible electric energy. The sun-soaked days and vibrant nights offer a compelling reason to embark on an AmaWaterways river cruise during the upcoming summer months.
eFlyer Deals
Mar 27, 2024Sleep Sanctuary at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
In West Florida, indulge in a stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This season, the hotel’s Sleep Sanctuary offer promises premium, beachfront accommodations; and sleep-enhancing amenities. Amenities include two aroma bracelets, a handmade soap, a bath bomb and foaming sugar scrub from Artful Soap Co.
ShareThis