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Pros and Cons of Living in Quito, Ecuador | Expat Exchange
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Parque La Carolina in Quito, Ecuador

Pros and Cons of Living in Quito

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Apr 06, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Quito, Ecuador include its beautiful scenery, with the Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest nearby, as well as its vibrant culture and friendly people. The city is also relatively affordable, with a low cost of living and a wide variety of housing options. Additionally, the city is home to a number of universities and other educational institutions, making it a great place to study. The cons of living in Quito include its high levels of air pollution, which can be a health hazard, as well as its high crime rate. Additionally, the city can be quite crowded and noisy, and the infrastructure is not always up to date. Finally, the weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rain and occasional earthquakes.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Quito?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Quito responded:

"Expats and digital nomads living in Quito often appreciate the city's vibrant culture, friendly locals, and affordable cost of living. They also enjoy the city's stunning mountain views, colonial architecture, and easy access to outdoor activities. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the city's traffic and air pollution to be a downside. Additionally, the city's high altitude can be difficult to adjust to for some," said one expat in Quito.

"My wife and I live in north Quito, near the old airport. We really like this area because we are a short drive to downtown, close to a few malls, within walking distance to a great supermarket and a public park and many nice restaurants. We both love the old historic part of the city and we're only a 15 minute drive away. We go regularly and check-in to a hotel and spend the weekend there. It's like a little mini-vacation for us," remarked one expat in Quito.

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What do expats in Quito appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats in Quito appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals that create a welcoming environment. Additionally, many expats appreciate the art, music and cuisine of Ecuador, with a variety of culturally traditional dishes, vibrant fashion trends, and arts and crafts. The picturesque views, wildlife and natural beauty in Ecuador are also popular amongst expats, with many choosing to explore national parks and volcanoes to experience the country's stunning landscapes. Additionally, Ecuador has a wide variety of cultural and historical sites to explore, making it a great places for expats to explore and learn about the culture," explained one expat living in Quito, Ecuador.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Quito find it challenging to become accustomed to the local culture as the language of instruction and communication is predominantly Spanish. Many expats also experience a learning curve when it comes to understanding local customs, as Ecuador has its own unique regional customs and traditions. Additionally, expats find it difficult to navigate Ecuador's stricter gender roles, which are more rigidly defined than they may be accustomed to in other countries. Finally, Quito's high altitude can take some getting used to for expats since it is located in the Andes Mountains," explained one expat living in Quito, Ecuador.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Parque La Carolina in Quito, Ecuador
Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca
Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca

Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move!
Learn More

Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara ChacaEcuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca

Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move!
Learn More

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