Quito Cruise Port

History

Quito’s foundations are literal layers of empire and resistance. Originally a major hub for the Quitu people, it was integrated into the Incan Empire in the late 15th century. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1534, Incan General Rumiñahui burned the city to the ground rather than surrender it to Sebastian de Benalcázar. The Spanish city was officially founded on December 6, 1534, and quickly became the 'Reliquary of the Americas.' This religious dominance was fueled by the 'School of Quito' (Escuela Quiteña), an artistic movement that blended European Baroque styles with indigenous symbolism. You can still see this today in the sun-symbols hidden in the gilded carvings of La Compañía church. In 1809, Quito launched the first cry for independence in Latin America, eventually joining Simon Bolivar’s Gran Colombia in 1822 after the Battle of Pichincha. In 1978, UNESCO declared Quito the first-ever World Heritage site, citing the best-preserved historic center in the Americas. This history isn't tucked away in books; it is etched into the volcanic stone of the Plaza Grande and the 16th-century mud-brick walls of Calle La Ronda. When you walk these streets, you are traversing five centuries of architectural evolution that survived earthquakes and revolutions to remain remarkably intact for today's visitor.

The Verdict

At Quito, the people who do best are the ones who arrive with a plan and the flexibility to adapt it. This guide has been fact-checked by J. Richard and the Waterways Cruise editorial team. A shore excursion with a guaranteed return to the ship, matched to your mobility, interests, and pace, removes any risk of missing departure. At Waterways Cruise, no two travelers want the same day ashore, especially in a destination as physically demanding and culturally rich as the Andean capital.

The local culinary identity of Quito is defined by 'Highland' (Sierra) flavors, which are distinct from the seafood-heavy coast of Manta. You must try Locro de Papa, a thick potato soup served with a slice of fresh avocado and salty cheese—it is the ultimate antidote to altitude fatigue. For something unique, seek out 'Humitas' (steamed corn cakes) at the stalls in the Palacio Arzobispal. While tourists expect to find 'Cuy' (guinea pig) everywhere, it is actually a celebratory dish that locals only eat occasionally; for a genuine experience, try 'Hornado' (slow-roasted pork) at the Mercado Central. To drink, order 'Canelazo,' a hot, spiced cinnamon tea often spiked with aguardiente (sugar cane spirit), which is the traditional way to stay warm in the Andean nights. Most visitors expect spicy food, but Ecuadorian cuisine is surprisingly mild; the heat comes from the 'Aji' (chili sauce) served on the side—apply it carefully, as every restaurant has its own secret, high-octane recipe.

Getting back to the ship

If you are on an overland stay returning to the Manta pier, you must depart Quito no later than 1:00 PM for a 7:00 PM all-aboard. This allows a 6-hour window for a 4-hour drive, providing a necessary buffer for Andean landslides or fog which frequently delay traffic. A private taxi return will cost approximately $180.00 (~$180.00 USD). Public transit is not a viable return option for cruise schedules. If you miss the ship in Manta, your only option is a flight to the next port (often Guayaquil or Callao, Peru). Contact the Port Agent (number provided on your daily program) immediately. Passengers have been stranded here due to mountain road closures; prioritizing the ship's organized transfer is advisable for this specific leg of the journey.

Cultural etiquette

Locals in Quito (Quiteños) are traditionally formal and polite. Greet everyone with a 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes.' A soft handshake is common for men, while women often share a light 'air kiss' on the right cheek. When dining, wait for the host to say 'Buen provecho' before starting. Unlike American norms, splitting a bill into multiple credit cards is considered a major hassle; try to pay with one card and settle with cash among yourselves. Photography of indigenous people, especially in traditional dress, should never be done without asking permission first; a small tip of $1.00 is often expected. Quiteños queue strictly for the Metro and buses; do not cut the line or you will be vocalized against. Tipping is generally 10% in restaurants (often included as 'servicio') and rounding up the fare for taxis is appreciated but not required. A common misunderstanding is the pace of service; 'ahorita' technically means 'right now' but in practice means 'in a little while.' Do not show frustration; it will only slow the process down.

Practical tips

Ecuador uses the USD, making cash transactions simple for Americans. However, carry small denominations ($1, $5, $10); most shops struggle to change $20 bills and will flatly refuse $50s or $100s. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants but are virtually useless in the Old Town markets or for taxis. Tipping is 10% for service. Use these phrases to gain goodwill: 'La cuenta, por favor' (The bill, please), 'Muy amable' (Very kind), and '¿A qué hora cierra?' (What time do you close?). Beware of the 'Mustard Scam' near the Basilica, where someone squirts a liquid on your back and 'helps' you clean it while an accomplice takes your wallet. Dress code for churches is modest; avoid shorts or tank tops. The best time to visit the Basilica is 9:00 AM; arrive then to climb the towers before the midday heat and the afternoon clouds roll in. Drink twice as much water as usual to combat the altitude, and avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours in the city.