Quito: The Heartbeat of the Andes

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dee-skool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede rebajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh reh-bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (diez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyez]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (bus)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl prohk-see-moh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Long before the Spanish arrived, Quito was inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Quitu and the Caras. These early settlers left behind significant archaeological evidence, including pottery and tools, showcasing their advanced skills and complex society.

In the late 15th century, the Inca Empire expanded northward and conquered Quito. The Incas integrated the region into their vast empire, bringing their own culture, religion, and administrative practices. The city became an important administrative center under Inca rule.

In 1534, Spanish conquistadors led by Sebastián de Belalcázar arrived in Quito. They founded the city on December 6, 1534, officially establishing it as San Francisco de Quito. The Spanish built churches, schools, and administrative buildings, laying the foundation for the city's colonial architecture.

During the colonial period, Quito flourished as an important cultural and religious center. The city is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, including stunning churches such as La Compañía de Jesús, which is adorned with intricate gold leaf decoration, and the Basilica del Voto Nacional.

Quito played a crucial role in the South American independence movement. On August 10, 1809, Quito's residents initiated the first call for independence from Spanish rule, known as 'El Primer Grito de Independencia.' Although the initial rebellion was suppressed, it sparked a series of events that eventually led to Ecuador's independence in 1822.

Following independence, Quito became the capital of the Republic of Ecuador. The city saw significant growth and modernization efforts in the 19th and early 20th centuries, including the construction of new infrastructure, educational institutions, and public spaces.

In 1978, Quito's historic center was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlights the city's unique blend of indigenous, Spanish, and modern influences. The preservation of Quito's historic center has allowed visitors to experience its rich cultural heritage through its well-preserved buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and vibrant plazas.

Today, Quito is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern urban development. The city is a melting pot of cultures, offering a diverse range of experiences, from exploring its historic sites and museums to enjoying its vibrant culinary scene and nightlife. Modern Quito is also known for its commitment to sustainability and urban development, making it a dynamic and forward-thinking city.

Quito is served by Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), located about 18 kilometers east of the city center. Several international airlines operate direct flights to Quito from major cities in the Americas and Europe. From the airport, you can take a taxi or an airport shuttle service to reach your accommodation in the city. Public buses also run from the airport to various parts of Quito, including the historic center.

Quito has a comprehensive public transportation system that includes buses, trolleybuses, and the Quito Metro, which is set to expand. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are readily available and relatively affordable. For a more scenic and leisurely way to explore the city, consider using the Teleférico, a cable car that offers stunning views of Quito and the surrounding mountains. Renting a car is an option, but be aware that traffic can be heavy, and parking is limited in some areas.

The official currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's a good idea to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in Quito, especially in tourist areas, but be cautious when withdrawing money and avoid using ATMs at night or in secluded areas.

Quito is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to remain vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas. The neighborhoods of La Mariscal and the Historic Center can be hotspots for pickpocketing and petty theft, so keep an eye on your belongings. Stick to well-lit streets and avoid displaying valuables. Consider using a money belt or neck pouch for added security.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, and medical assistance. Quito has several hospitals and clinics that offer medical care to tourists. It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are common and can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues. The tourist police are available to assist foreigners and can be recognized by their distinctive uniforms.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as Quito's weather can change rapidly. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or expensive accessories. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and keeping noise to a minimum. Public Transport: Do use public transport during the day. Avoid buses during rush hour to prevent petty theft. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and use formal titles like 'Señor' or 'Señora.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'locro de papa' and 'ceviche.' Don't drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Quito like a local, visit the Mercado Central to taste authentic Ecuadorian cuisine and interact with vendors. Take a stroll through La Ronda, a historic street filled with local artisans, musicians, and cafes. Attend a local soccer match to feel the passion of Ecuadorian fans. Don’t miss the chance to explore the nearby Andean mountains, including a visit to the Mitad del Mundo, where you can stand on the equator.