Planning your trip to Quito, Ecuador

THE BEST WAY TO QUITO, ECUADORFrom LAX, connecting service (change of plane) to Quito is offered on TACA, United, Delta, COPA, United and LACSA. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $899, including taxes and fees.

TELEPHONES

To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), 593 (the country code for Ecuador and 2 (the area code for Quito).

WHERE TO STAY

Casa Gangotena, Bolivar y Cuenca, Quito; 400-8000, https://www.casagangotena.com. The newest and most elegant hotel in Quito in the heart of the Centro Historico. Doubles from $375.

Casona de la Ronda, Calle Morales (La Ronda); https://www.lacasonadelaronda.com Not as elegant as the Gangotena, but this small boutique hotel is in a great location and quaintly done. Doubles from $170.

Portal de Cantuña, 228-2276, https://www.portaldecantuna.com For an inexpensive and warm family-run hotel that feels more like a homestay, try this cozy hotel just up the road from Plaza San Francisco. Doubles from $135.

WHERE TO EAT

Casa Gangotena Restaurant, 400-8000, https://www.casagantotena.com. My personal favorite in the city. The setting is not as romantic as some others, but the food is magnificent.

Theatrum, Plaza de Teatro, Teatro National Square; 257-1011, https://www.theatrum.com.ec. Set on the floor above the city’s theater, this dramatic red and black space is modern, superb and expensive. Dress well.

Zazu, 331 Mariano Aguilera; 254-3559, https://www.zazuquito.com. An elegant eatery where you are likely to see government ministers or visiting rock stars.

Lobo Sapiens, Gangotena N26-38 e Isabel La Catolica; 252-0533, https://www.lobosapiens.ec. This place could be in SoHo. The haunt of Quito’s beautiful people, with great food and a miraculous vertical garden.¿ Mains $8-$25.

Boca del Lobo, 284 Calama, Esquina, 252-7915, https://www.labocadellobo.com.ec. Mmore of a bar than a restaurant, and popular with the younger set. The music can be a little loud but they serve great mojitos.

Octava de Corpus, Calle Junin E2-167; 295-2989, https://www.octavadecorpus.com. A quirky, arty house in the San Marcos neighborhood filled with antiques and local paintings. The food is traditional and the wine list features mainly South American labels. Mains about $10-$20.

Mea Culpa, 295-1190, https://www.meaculpa.com.ec. Located in the former Archbishops Palace in the Plaza Grande, a semi-formal place serving Ecuadorian-Continental food. Nab a table near a window with an unbeatable view of the floodlit domes of the cathedral. Mains about $12-$25.

El Pobre Diablo, Isabel La Católica N24-274 y Galavis esq. La Floresta; 2235-194, https://www.elpobrediablo.com. Jazz and blues club serving light fare to a bohemian crowd. Mains about $11-$12

El Esmeraldas, 222-6616, https://www.facebook.com/elesmeraldas. Visitor-friendly cevicheria, with excellent, inexpensive seafood. Mains from about $9.

TO LEARN MORE

To hire a guide in Quito, Metropolitan Touring, (888) 572-0166, https://www.metropolitantouring.com