Quito Events

Easter Week

Easter Week is known as 'Semana Santa' and is celebrated with great fervour, with processions through the streets, religious statues carried shoulder high, and thousands of devotees, often carrying great crosses. The processions take place across the country, notably in the town of Banos, south of Quito, but are perhaps most conveniently seen in and around the Spanish Colonial churches and squares of the capital's historic centre. The events begin on Palm Sunday, when the traditional 'ramas' (palm fronds - which Ecuador possesses in abundance) are much in evidence. A delicious traditional stew known as 'Fanesca' is typically eaten throughout the Easter week. Church services and masses take place on Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Saturday is a national holiday, leading to the main event on Easter Sunday.

Date: 14 April 2019 - 20 April 2019
Venue: Various churches and squares in Quito.
Cost:

Free.

Fiestas de Quito

Carnival parades, nativity scene performances and bullfights.

Date: 06 December 2019 - 06 December 2019
Venue: Old Town

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Featured Hotels

Hilton Colón Quito

Close to the historical district and Quito's airport, Hilton Colón Quito is a large compound, complete with the excellent Italian Portofino restaurant and a sushi bar. The main 19-storey tower overlooks Edijo Park and the Old Town. Large rooms have all the expected amenities. The hotel also boasts a fitness centre, a spa with Turkish bath and sauna, and an outdoor heated pool.

Hotel La Cartuja

This mansion house with a large green patio occupies the site of the former British Embassy. The US and French embassies are both next door. Rooms are spacious, with comfy beds. The kind if somewhat hectic service creates a homey feel. Laundry service and Internet are available.

Hostal El Taxo

This no-frills guesthouse offers a range of private rooms and shared dorms, most with shared bath. Everything is a bit ramshackle, but the atmosphere is great and it attracts a cool crowd of hip young travellers. Breakfast is not included.

The Secret Garden

One of very few accommodation options in the historical centre, this small Australian/Ecuadorian-run hostel is of outstanding value. Full of plants and flowers (hummingbirds feeding on the nectar), it is decorated with murals - the creation of visiting artists from all around the world. The terrace on the fifth floor overlooking the colonial district is unbeatable for a late-afternoon beer.

Community Hostel

Socially-minded and solo travellers should feel right at home with Community Hostel's daily schedule of activities, which include everything from a weekly food tour of the city to a Saturday night pub crawl. Situated in Quito's historic centre, the hostel also offers free Wi-Fi, security lockers, and 24 hour reception.

Casa Joaquin Boutique Hotel

Situated in the lively La Mariscal district, this boutique offering occupies the grounds of a restored colonial house and enjoys a rooftop terrace and large patio. Rooms include parquet flooring and all the modern fixtures and fittings you would expect, including a flat-screen TV, telephone and free Wi-Fi.

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