Car hire Quito (Ecuador)

Tips For Renting a Car in Ecuador

Whether you are visiting Quito for a few days or for an extended vacation, you may be wondering if you should rent a car in Ecuador. Car rental in Quito can be a great way to see the sights, but there are some things you should know before you leave.

• The first thing you should know is that Ecuador is a small country. It is important to understand that road conditions can be unpredictable. Rain and heavy fog can make driving difficult.
• To avoid these problems, practice caution. Ensure you wear your seatbelt and watch for pedestrians and bicycle riders. Never drink and drive and make sure you have a valid driver's license.
• In order to rent a car in Ecuador, you must be at least 25 years old. You also need to have a valid driver's license from your home country. If you are under 25, you will often have to pay a surcharge.
• Before leaving the rental car office, check your car and make sure there are no dents on the bodywork or tires. It is also a good idea to take a few pictures of the car.
• The rental car office may require a credit card deposit, which serves as a guarantee in case of an accident. The deposit will be returned to you once the car is returned. The car rental company must also provide you with a jack and a spare tire.
• To avoid getting into trouble with the Ecuador police, make sure you have your driver's license and a valid passport. You should also be aware of special driving laws in Quito. You should also practice your driving skills, as Ecuador's roads are narrow and can be very busy.

Popular Places to Visit in Quito, Ecuador

Located in the Andes, Quito is Ecuador's capital. It sits at an elevation of 2,850 meters. The city is known for its colonial center, which has been well preserved.

Basilica del Voto Nacional

Located in the center of Quito's Old Town, the Basilica del Voto Nacional is a religious building with an unfinished exterior. It is considered to be the largest neo-Gothic church in the Americas. It is 115 meters high and 35 meters wide.

The basilica has a museum on the top floor and offers panoramic views of the city. A gift shop sells handmade items by local artisans. There are also a few cafes in the area.

Another fun attraction in Quito is the TeleferiQo. This 2.5-mile cable car lift is one of the highest in the world. It takes passengers to an altitude of 4,000 meters.

Another fun attraction is the city's rose garden. The greenhouse is also a favorite of visitors because it displays carnivorous plants. You can also see snow-capped volcanoes in the background. The city's orchid garden is also a top attraction.

El Panecillo

Located in Quito, Ecuador, El Panecillo is a hill which holds a huge statue of the Virgin of Quito. The statue is made of aluminum and is considered the tallest aluminum sculpture in the world.

Aside from its sweeping views of Quito, El Panecillo is also known for its religious art. Visitors can climb the hill to get a close look at the statue, or enjoy the view from the observation point. El Panecillo is a small viewpoint but it provides breathtaking views of Quito and the surrounding Andean mountains.

You can also enjoy the museum, which is located inside the monument. The museum offers great pictures and information about the construction of the Virgin. There are also models of Ecuador in different eras. You can also view pre-Columbian pottery. The museum is open on Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Compania de Jesus

Compania de Jesus is one of the most famous churches in Quito, Ecuador. It is a Jesuit church that was built during the early 1600s. The church is richly decorated with gold leaf. It is a treasured church in the city, and many locals consider it a place of great spirituality.

The church was built in the neo-Gothic style. It is the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the Western Hemisphere. The church's main altarpiece is a work by the renowned Quito artist Bernardo de Legarda.

The interior of the church is also decorated in gilded plaster and gold leaf. There are 250 small cherubim faces on the pulpit. There are also images of the founding saints. There are also sixteen prophets by Nicolas Gorivar in the central columns.

Laguna Quilotoa Crater

Located in the province of Cotopaxi, the popular Laguna Quilotoa Crater is an excellent day trip from Quito. It is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of Ecuador.

To get to Quilotoa from Quito, you can take a day bus. This is a convenient option, but it can also be a bit expensive. You can also book a tour, which will avoid the hassle of transport. The tour is the best way to experience Quilotoa, since it includes a variety of activities.

The tour includes transportation, lunch, entrance fees, and a guide. It's also a good choice for first-timers.

The tour will also take you to Otavalo, one of the most popular markets in South America. This market dates back to pre-Incan times.

La Ronda street

Located in the heart of Quito's Old Town, La Ronda street is a pedestrian-only promenade. This narrow cobblestone street is lined with small art galleries, shops selling traditional crafts, and restaurants. Its colorful colonial buildings are decorated with colorful Ecuadorian flags.

The pedestrian-only promenade has a number of attractions, including a museum, a gift shop, and several galleries. Visitors can also purchase traditional crafts directly from local artisans.

One of the best things to see in Quito is the Cuidad Mitad del Mundo, a museum that includes several statues. The museum also features musical instruments, exhibits from Highland tribes, and a small village. Visitors can also walk on the enclosed roof of a church.

Parque Itchimbia

Located on top of the Itchimbia hill, the Park offers breathtaking panoramic views of Quito. It is also home to the Crystal Palace, a glass structure.

The Park also features the Museum of Natural Sciences, which displays exhibits of insects, plants, and flora. You can even find a small village, with statues of indigenous tribes and musical instruments.

You can also take a 2.5-kilometer aerial gondola ride, which takes you from the city center to the peak of the Pichincha Volcano. The tramway is operated by the VulQano amusement park. It takes just 10 minutes to reach the top. There is also a restaurant and observation deck.