Book cheap flights to Quito

Situated up-high on the Andean foothills, Quito experiences a constant cool climate and only two seasons, a dry summer (June to September) and wet winter (October to May). The summer season, as well as the festive months of December and January, see the city at its peak tourist season. The dry summer conditions and pleasant temperatures are perfect for exploring the old town streets or mountain biking on the slopes of Pichincha Volcano. Off-peak travel season falls between February and May, and October and November. The streets are less crowded, attractions are easily accessible and prices drop during this period. Although these are the rainy, winter months in the city, the temperatures are still pleasant. Celebrate with the locals at their traditional Quito Carnival, a week before Lent in February or March, or learn about Quito culture on the 1st and 2nd of November at the annual ethnic festivals of All Saints’ Day (Todos los Santos) and Day of the Dead.

South African passport holders do not need a Visa to enter Ecuador and can stay for a maximum of 90 days. Ensure your South African passport is valid for at least six months beyond date of return and has at least two blank pages available for stamps. The South African Honorary Consulate is in Quito.

Address: Av. República del Salvador N 890 y Suecia,

Tel: ( 593) 2 246 7219 or ( 593) 2 246 7220

Email: reortiz@ecnet.ec

Make sure your routine vaccines that include the MMR vaccine, DPT, Chickenpox, Polio and yearly flu shots are updated before travel. As an additional precaution, you can get the Hepatitis A, B and Typhoid vaccines and a Rabies vaccine as you may be exposed to stray dogs, bats and other mammals in Ecuador. A Yellow Fever vaccination and medication to prevent Malaria is recommended. Visitors to Ecuador must obtain a yellow fever certificate to be allowed back into South Africa.

The Zika virus is also a risk in Ecuador and it is recommended that you protect yourself from mosquito bites with mosquito nets, repellents etc. Sexual transmission of Zika is possible and infection in pregnant women can cause serious birth defects; it is therefore recommended that you not travel to Ecuador if pregnant.

As in any major city, crime does occur in Quito. You should practice normal safety precautions, keep your valuables and important documentation safe and watch out for petty crimes like bag-snatching or pick-pocketing, especially in crowded streets of south Quito and the popular tourist area of Mariscal Sucre district. Avoid travelling on foot alone, especially at night, and only make use of marked taxi cabs.