Why should I use a travel advisor for my trip to Quito?

A travel advisor brings insider knowledge, personalized service, and access to exclusive perks that booking sites can't offer. They'll save you time researching, help you avoid tourist traps, secure better rooms and upgrades, and be your advocate if anything goes wrong during your trip.

What can a travel advisor do that I can't do myself online?

Travel advisors have direct relationships with hotels, resorts, and tour operators that unlock benefits you can't access on your own—like room upgrades, resort credits, complimentary breakfast, late checkout, and VIP amenities. They also have expertise in complex itineraries, know which experiences are worth the money, and can troubleshoot problems 24/7 while you're traveling.

Do I need a travel advisor who specializes in Ecuador?

While any experienced travel advisor can help plan a trip to Ecuador, working with someone who has deep expertise in the region can be invaluable. They'll know the hidden gems, understand cultural nuances, have relationships with local guides and suppliers, and can recommend experiences that match exactly what you're looking for.

How much does it cost to use a travel advisor?

Many travel advisors offer complimentary consultations, and their services are often free for hotel and resort bookings since they're compensated by the supplier. Some charge planning fees for complex itineraries, which are typically offset by the value they provide through upgrades, perks, and time saved. Always ask upfront about any fees.

Will I pay more by booking through an advisor?

No—in most cases, you'll pay the same or even less than booking directly. Travel advisors have access to negotiated rates and often receive exclusive pricing. Plus, the added amenities they can secure (room upgrades, dining credits, spa treatments) provide significant value beyond the booking price.

What if something goes wrong during my trip?

This is where travel advisors truly shine. Unlike online booking platforms, your advisor is a real person who knows your itinerary and can advocate on your behalf. Flight cancelled? Hotel overbooked? They'll work to resolve issues quickly, often with direct contacts at suppliers, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

How do I find the right travel advisor for me?

Look for an advisor whose travel style and expertise match your needs. Review their experience with your destination, ask about their planning process, and have a conversation to ensure you feel comfortable with them. A good advisor will ask questions to understand your preferences before making any recommendations.

What information should I share with my travel advisor?

The more your advisor knows, the better they can serve you. Share your budget range, travel dates (including flexibility), who's traveling, special occasions, dietary restrictions, mobility concerns, must-see experiences, and what kind of trip you want (relaxing, adventurous, cultural, etc.). Don't hold back—they're professionals who want to create your perfect trip.

Top 5 Hidden Gems to Visit in Quito

Beyond the historic center and Middle of the World, Quito hides neighborhoods and nature most tourists never discover.

Quito's Secret Side: Beyond the Colonial Churches

Quito's famous historic center draws millions, but Ecuador's capital hides altitude adventures, local neighborhoods, and culture that challenge the colonial-only narrative. These five spots reveal the Quito that locals love.

1. TelefériQo to Rucu Pichincha

The cable car rises to 4,100 meters, but that's just the beginning. The hike to Rucu Pichincha's summit (4,696m) offers volcano-rim experiences that the viewing platform can't match. The páramo ecosystem, the altitude challenge, and the condor sightings reward those who walk beyond the station.

Perfect for: Hikers wanting high-altitude adventure. Those acclimatized and seeking challenges. Photographers chasing Andean landscapes.

Skip if: You're not acclimatized to altitude. The hike is strenuous at elevation. Weather can close in rapidly—go early.

2. La Floresta Neighborhood

While tourists stay in the historic center, this bohemian neighborhood offers Quito's best cafés, galleries, and restaurants. The tree-lined streets, the artisan shops, and the evening atmosphere create experiences that colonial churches can't provide. Young Quiteños gather here.

Perfect for: Café culture enthusiasts. Those seeking contemporary Quito. Foodies exploring beyond traditional cuisine.

Skip if: You only want colonial architecture. La Floresta is modern and atmospheric, not historic. Some find it too gentrified.

3. Mindo Cloud Forest (Day Trip)

Two hours from Quito, this cloud forest offers birdwatching, waterfall hikes, and butterfly farms that rival the Galápagos for biodiversity encounters. The chocolate tours, the zip-lines, and the hummingbird feeders create full-day experiences without the Galápagos price tag.

Perfect for: Nature lovers and birdwatchers. Families seeking outdoor adventure. Those wanting Ecuador nature without islands.

Skip if: You're committed to Galápagos. The journey takes time from limited Quito days. Rainy afternoons are common—go early.

4. Mercado Central and Iñaquito Markets

While tourists visit the sanitized food courts, these working markets serve Quiteños their daily meals. The hornado (roast pork), the fresh juices, and the atmosphere of commerce create experiences the tourist restaurants can't match. The Mercado Iñaquito's La Choza lunch counter is legendary.

Perfect for: Adventurous eaters. Those wanting to see how Quiteños eat. Budget travelers seeking quality at local prices.

Skip if: Market environments overwhelm you. The food requires adventurous palates. Some visitors have stomach sensitivities.

5. La Ronda and Surrounding Streets

Everyone walks La Ronda. But the streets radiating from this restored lane—the hat makers, the tin workers, the traditional cantinas—reveal the historic center's working life. Evening visits bring live music and atmosphere that daytime tourism misses.

Perfect for: Those wanting La Ronda beyond the obvious. Craft enthusiasts. Evening visitors seeking atmosphere and music.

Skip if: You're satisfied with the main street. The surrounding lanes require confident exploration. Some areas feel less safe at night.

Discover Quito with Local Insight

Quito rewards exploration beyond the famous churches. A travel advisor who knows the city can help you navigate to experiences like these—and arrange the Galápagos connections and Amazon adventures that make Ecuador's capital a gateway to wonders.