Ecuador

Cost of living

What a month costs

Ecuador uses the US dollar, so there is no currency risk for foreigners. Quito is affordable by Western standards. A set lunch runs 3 to 5 dollars, though imported goods and cars cost more than back home.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Quito

1. Historic CenterOne of the largest and best preserved colonial old towns in the Americas, a UNESCO site.
2. Basilica del Voto NacionalNeo-Gothic basilica whose towers you can climb for sweeping city views.
3. La Compania de JesusJaw-dropping baroque church lined with gold leaf inside and out.
4. Plaza GrandeThe main square, framed by the Presidential Palace, cathedral and archbishop's palace.
5. El PanecilloHilltop crowned by the winged Virgin of Quito statue, with panoramic views over the old town.
6. TelefériQoCable car that rises up Pichincha volcano to around 4,000 metres for high-altitude walks.
7. La RondaNarrow cobbled colonial street full of workshops, canelazo bars and live music at night.
8. Iglesia de San FranciscoThe city's oldest church and monastery, anchoring a grand plaza.
9. Mitad del MundoThe equator monument just north of town where you can stand on the line of zero latitude.
10. GuapuloSteep bohemian neighbourhood tumbling down a valley, with a colonial sanctuary and viewpoints.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. OtavaloFamous indigenous craft market about two hours north, ringed by lakes and volcanoes.
2. MindoCloud forest two hours northwest, big on birdwatching, waterfalls and chocolate tours.
3. Cotopaxi National ParkOne of the world's highest active volcanoes, an easy day or overnight south of the city.
4. PapallactaThermal hot springs in the high paramo about ninety minutes east of Quito.
5. QuilotoaStunning turquoise crater lake in the central highlands, roughly three hours south.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Cafe MosaicoItchimbia terrace cafe loved for its wide views over the old town.
2. El CafecitoLong-running relaxed cafe and hostel in La Mariscal.
3. Cafe GallettiRespected local roaster serving carefully made Ecuadorian coffee.
4. CyrilPopular French patisserie and cafe known for pastries and cakes.
5. KallariFair-trade cafe run by an Amazonian cooperative, big on local cacao.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. ZazuLong-standing fine-dining favourite blending Ecuadorian ingredients with global technique.
2. Urko Cocina LocalAmbitious tasting menus built around native Andean and Amazonian produce.
3. NuemaModern Ecuadorian kitchen regularly ranked among Latin America's best.
4. Casa GangotenaElegant restaurant inside a landmark boutique hotel on Plaza San Francisco.
5. TheatrumRefined dining above the historic Teatro Sucre.
6. AchioteTraditional Ecuadorian cooking done well in the La Mariscal district.
7. La PurisimaWarm spot in the old town serving classic highland dishes.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. El CafecitoEasygoing breakfasts and strong coffee in La Mariscal.
2. Cafe MosaicoMorning coffee and eggs with a view over the rooftops.
3. CyrilCroissants, pastries and coffee for a French-style start to the day.
4. KallariBreakfast plates and local hot chocolate from Amazonian cacao.
5. Cafe GallettiA calm place for specialty coffee and a light bite in the morning.