Roberta Aguirre
If you're looking for things to do around Quito Airport, you may be out of luck—there aren't many options for entertainment in the immediate airport area. However, if you're willing to travel a little further, there are plenty of attractions to discover. The city centre is around a 40-minute taxi ride away, and public transport options are also available, although these can take up to 90 minutes. Once in the city, you can explore Old Town, visit the Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus, a 17th-century church, or take in panoramic views on the Teleferico sky tram. If you're looking for food, Cumbaya, a city 30 minutes away, offers dining options, and there are also restaurants within the airport itself, serving Ecuadorian fare and international options. For accommodation, there are several hotels located within a 12-minute drive of the airport, and for those with longer layovers, the city of Quito is a great option to explore, with its historic centre, museums, and the Middle of the World monument.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance from Quito city centre | 40km |
| Travel time to city centre by taxi | 40-75 minutes |
| Travel time to city centre by public transport | 90 minutes |
| Attractions in Quito | Old Town, Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus, Teleferico sky tram, Guayasamin Museum, Capilla del Hombre Museum, Cumbaya Square, La Scala mall, restaurants and shops in Cumbaya |
| Amenities at Quito Airport | Eateries, shops, lounges, free WiFi |
| Nearby hotels | Wyndham Quito Airport Gran Condor, Holiday Inn Quito Airport, La Palma Polo hotel |
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What You'll Learn
Eat Ecuadorian fare at Amazonia Cafe or Darwin's snack bar
If you're looking for Ecuadorian fare, head to the Amazonia Cafe or Darwin's snack bar. Located in the domestic departures area of Quito Airport, the Amazonia Cafe offers sandwiches, fruits, pastries, soups, and empanadas. It's one of the few places to get a bite to eat at the airport, though some reviews say the food is overpriced. However, others praise the coffee and breakfast options, so it may be a good spot for an early morning pick-me-up.
Darwin's snack bar, also located in the airport, serves Ecuadorian food alongside New York-style pizza, burgers, chicken, and Tex-Mex. If you're looking for a sit-down restaurant, Quito Airport also has Johnny Rocket's, TGI Fridays, and Outback Steakhouse.
If you have a long layover and want to explore beyond the airport, the city centre of Quito is around 50-75 minutes away by taxi and 90 minutes by public transit. Head to the Old Town and check out the Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus, a beautiful and mysterious church that dates back to 1605. For panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, hop on the Teleferico sky tram. Art lovers can visit the Guayasamin Museum, the former home of painter Oswaldo Guayasamin, which showcases his work and personal collections. The adjacent Capilla del Hombre Museum is also worth a visit, as it is considered the artist's crowning achievement. Remember to leave plenty of time to get back to the airport, as it is a long distance from the city centre.
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Visit Cumbaya Square and Cumbaya city
Cumbayá is a rural parish of the Metropolitan District of Quito in the Pichincha Province, Ecuador. It is located east of Quito, in the Tumbaco Valley, only a few kilometres away, so the journey doesn't take long. Cumbayá is a wealthy area, with many expensive and luxurious properties, making it the highest-income area in the country. The city has a semi-tropical climate all year round, with a short rainy season.
Cumbaya Square is a small square with a few trees, similar to others in the country. It is close to the airport and can be reached by taxi. There is a new shopping mall in Cumbaya, but for those seeking traditional restaurants and shops, the Scala Shopping Mall in nearby Tumbaco is also an option.
The city of Cumbayá is known for its upscale ambience and international atmosphere, attracting many foreigners. It offers a culinary experience of the highest quality, with restaurants ranging from food trucks to gourmet-style dining. The elaborate designs of the restaurants and cafes are also well worth seeing.
For those looking to stay close to the airport, there are several options within a 12-minute drive, including the Wyndham Quito Airport Gran Condor, located on airport property. The Holiday Inn Quito Airport is also a good option, with a pool area, steam room, and better dining than the Wyndham. The La Palma Polo hotel is located 15 minutes from the airport and has a nice swimming pool.
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Take a taxi to Old Town, Quito
If you're looking for things to do around Quito Airport, there are a few options within the airport itself. You can choose from 10 eateries, including Amazonia Cafe and Darwin's snack bar for Ecuadorian fare, or sit-down restaurants such as Johnny Rocket's, TGI Fridays, and Outback Steakhouse. Most eateries are open 24 hours, and there are also three lounges with WiFi, unlimited drinks and food, and shower facilities. You can also browse a few shops for souvenirs, seafood, and chocolate, or get a massage.
If you want to leave the airport, there are a few options for transportation. Official taxis outside the airport are generally affordable and can take 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the city centre, depending on traffic. Make sure to take a yellow taxi with orange license plates and an official identification number displayed. The standard rate for a taxi is typically $25, but ride-hailing apps like Uber, inDrive, and DiDi Rider can range from $20 to $30. You can also take public transit, which is cheaper but can take up to 90 minutes to reach Quito. There are also private buses with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi for $8 to $18 per person, or you can rent a car from major rental companies.
Once you're in the city, you can visit Old Town Quito, which is a 43-kilometre drive from the airport. In Old Town, you can visit the Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus, a beautiful church that dates back to 1605. You can also ride the Teleferico sky tram for panoramic views, or visit the Guayasamin Museum and the adjacent Capilla del Hombre Museum. If you have time, you can also explore Quito's historic centre, go to a museum, or visit the Middle of the World monument.
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Explore the city's historic centre, museums and the Middle of the World monument
If you're looking for things to do around Quito Airport, you could head into Quito itself and explore the city's historic centre, museums, and the Middle of the World monument.
Historic Centre
Quito Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its narrow cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and historic attractions. The Jesuit Church of the Society of Jesus of Quito, or Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, is a must-see, with its gold leaf ornaments, gilded ceilings, paintings, and gold-plated main altar. The Church of San Francesco, the cathedral overlooking Plaza de la Independencia, and the Gothic basilica are also worth a visit. The Old Town is also home to a number of museums, including La Capilla del Hombre, Casa del Alabado, and Banco Central. The historic centre is a great place to try some of Quito's world-famous chocolate and delicious pastries.
Museums
Quito is home to a number of museums that showcase the history and culture of the city and Ecuador as a whole. The Museo de la Ciudad, set in a former hospital, offers an insight into life in historic Quito, particularly during the Spanish conquest. Museo Mena Caamano is a waxworks museum that illustrates major events in Quito's history, including an 1809 massacre. La Capilla del Hombre, designed by painter Oswaldo Guayasamin, displays some of the artist's work and serves as a testament to human suffering. Casa del Alabado, a museum of Pre-Columbian art, houses over 5,000 pieces of jewellery and ceramics, organised around themes such as shamans and life after death.
Middle of the World Monument
The Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, or Middle of the World City, is located about 16 miles north of Quito. It contains the Monument to the Equator, which marks the exact location of the Equator and commemorates the 18th-century Franco-Spanish Geodesic Mission that fixed its approximate location. The grounds also include the Museo Etnográfico Mitad del Mundo, an ethnographic museum dedicated to the indigenous people of Ecuador, as well as a planetarium and a miniature model of Quito.
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Shop at Scala Mall in Tumbaco
If you're looking for things to do around Quito Airport, you might want to consider a visit to the Scala Mall in Tumbaco. Scala is a large, modern, upscale shopping mall with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Scala has a distinct Western or American feel, with a mix of familiar and unfamiliar stores. It offers a wide range of shopping options, from well-known brands to unique local boutiques. The mall also features a supermarket, a movie theatre, and a food court with various dining choices, including El Espanol Delicatessen & Sandwiches, where you can enjoy a meal if you're looking for a more extended layover outside the airport.
For those with children, the mall recently added an indoor amusement park called Mr. Joy, which offers games and attractions for both kids and adults. Additionally, the mall has a convenient underground parking option, making it easily accessible if you're travelling by car.
To get to Scala Mall from the airport, you can take a taxi. The mall is located in Tumbaco, which is a city close to the airport. While there is ongoing road work in Tumbaco, Cumbaya, and Pifo, which can cause heavy traffic, particularly during rainy weather, it is still a feasible option for a longer layover.
So, if you're looking for a place to shop, eat, and entertain yourself during your time around Quito Airport, the Scala Mall in Tumbaco is worth considering.
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Frequently asked questions
The fastest and most convenient way to get from Quito Airport to the city is by taxi or private transfer, which takes around 40 minutes. You can also take a bus, but this takes more than 90 minutes and requires at least one transfer. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber, inDrive, and DiDi Rider are widely used in Ecuador, but they are not officially sanctioned by the government.
There are several restaurants and shops at Quito Airport, as well as lounges where you can pay a single fee for access to WiFi, unlimited drinks and food, news and TV, and a quiet environment. Some lounges even offer shower facilities and reclining chairs for napping. If you want to leave the airport, you can visit the Old Town, the Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus church, the Guayasamin Museum, and the Capilla del Hombre Museum.
Yes, there are several hotels located near Quito Airport, including the Wyndham Quito Airport Gran Condor, the Holiday Inn Quito Airport, and the La Palma Polo hotel.
