Discover the Charm of Quito Through Its Iconic Film Settings

Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, has been the backdrop for numerous films, television shows, and books. Known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, Quito offers a unique canvas for storytellers. In this guide, we’ll explore the cinematic allure of Quito, providing travel tips, trivia, and suggestions to enhance your visit to this remarkable city.

Films in Focus: 5 Famous Films Shot in Quito

Quito’s unique blend of colonial architecture, mountainous landscapes, and bustling city life has enchanted filmmakers from around the world. Here’s a look at five famous films shot in Quito:

1. “Proof of Life” (2000): This gripping thriller, starring Russell Crowe and Meg Ryan, was filmed in various locations throughout Quito, showcasing the city’s vibrant street life and scenic mountain views.
2. “Maria Full of Grace” (2004): This critically acclaimed film, which tells the harrowing story of a young Colombian woman who becomes a drug mule, features several scenes shot in Qito’s bustling cityscape.
3. “Crónicas” (2004): This intense drama, starring John Leguizamo, explores the dark side of media sensationalism and was filmed in various locations across Quito.
4. “The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden” (2013): While this intriguing documentary primarily focuses on the Galapagos Islands, parts of it were filmed in Quito, providing a glimpse of the city’s historical charm.
5. “The Dancer Upstairs” (2002): Directed by John Malkovich, this political drama was filmed in various locations throughout Ecuador, including the historic streets of Qito.

These films offer a glimpse of Quito’s diverse landscapes and urban scenes, highlighting the city’s cinematic allure.

On the Small Screen: TV Shows Set in Quito

Quito’s unique charm extends beyond the big screen, featuring in several popular television shows. Here are a few that capture the spirit of this mesmerizing city:

1. “Street Food: Latin America” (2020): This Netflix series features an episode exploring Quito’s vibrant street food scene, providing an authentic taste of Ecuadorian cuisine.
2. “Locked Up Abroad” (2007-present): This gripping docudrama series includes an episode focusing on a British woman’s harrowing experience in Quito’s prison system.
3. “The Ambassador” (2009): This British drama series, partially filmed in Quito, explores the life and challenges of a British ambassador in Central Asia, offering a glimpse of Quito’s diplomatic scene.
4. “Ecuador’s Got Talent” (2014-2016): This reality talent show, based in Quito, showcases the city’s diverse talents, from singing and dancing to magic and comedy.
5. “Gastronomic Route” (2016-present): This Ecuadorian series explores the country’s culinary scene, with several episodes highlighting Quito’s gastronomic delights.

These shows offer a diverse exploration of Quito’s culture, from its street food to its performance arts.

Animated Adventures: Children’s Films Set in Quito

Quito’s charm is not limited to adult-oriented films and TV shows. The city has been a scenic inspiration for several animated adventures, capturing the imagination of young viewers with its vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. Here are a few animated films set in Qito:

1. “The Magic School Bus” (1994-1997): This educational animated series features an episode where the school bus takes a trip to Quito, providing a fun and informative exploration of the city’s geographical features.
2. “Dora the Explorer” (2000-2015): This popular children’s show includes several episodes featuring Quito, showcasing the city’s landmarks and culture in an engaging and educational manner.
3. “Go, Diego, Go!” (2005-2011): This animated series, a spin-off of “Dora the Explorer,” features several episodes set in Quito, introducing young viewers to the city’s unique wildlife and natural landscapes.
4. “Gaturro” (2010): This Argentine animated film, based on the comic strip of the same name, includes several scenes set in Quito, highlighting the city’s urban charm.
5. “The Condor” (2007): This animated film, based on a traditional Andean legend, features stunning depictions of Quito’s surrounding landscapes and local wildlife.

Through these animated features, children can explore Qito’s unique culture and geography, sparking their curiosity and fostering a love for travel and learning.

Literary Quito: Famous Books Set in Quito

Quito’s rich history and vibrant culture have inspired numerous authors to set their stories in this enchanting city. From classic novels to contemporary works, here are some famous books set in Quito:

Classic:

1. “The Old Man Who Read Love Stories” by Luis Sepíºlveda: This poignant novel, set in the Ecuadorian Amazon, explores themes of love, nature, and the clash between progress and tradition.
2. “Galápagos” by Kurt Vonnegut: While primarily set on the Galápagos Islands, this satirical novel includes several scenes in Quito, offering a glimpse of the city’s urban life.

Contemporary:

1. “The Queen of Water” by Laura Resau and Marí­a Virginia Farinango: This powerful novel, based on a true story, explores the life of an indigenous Ecuadorian girl who escapes servitude and makes her way to Quito.
2. “City on the Ledge” by Philip Kraske: This gripping thriller, set in Quito, weaves a tale of political intrigue and suspense against the backdrop of the city’s historic charm.
3. “Long After Midnight at the Niño Bien” by Brian Winter: This engaging travelogue includes several chapters set in Quito, providing a fascinating exploration of the city’s culture, politics, and history.

These books offer a literary journey through Quito, from its bustling city streets to its surrounding natural landscapes, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the city’s multifaceted persona.

Exploring Quito’s Filming Locations – Where to Go

Quito’s stunning landscapes and historic landmarks have served as the backdrop for numerous films. If you’re a film enthusiast, here are some iconic filming locations in Quito you must visit:

1. Basilica of the National Vow: Featured in several films, this impressive church offers stunning views of the city from its towers.
2. La Ronda Street: This historic street, located in Quito’s Old Town, has been the setting for numerous scenes in films and TV shows.
3. Middle of the World Monument: Featured in “Proof of Life,” this iconic landmark marks the equatorial line, offering a unique photo op for film buffs.
4. TelefériQo: As one of the highest aerial lifts in the world, this location offers breathtaking views of the city and has been featured in several films and TV shows.
5. Church and Monastery of St. Francis: This 16th-century church and monastery, located in Quito’s historic center, has been a popular location for films due to its stunning architecture and artwork.

Exploring these filming locations offers a unique blend of sightseeing and entertainment, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters while immersing yourself in Quito’s rich history and culture.

Where to Sleep in Quito: Budget to Luxury Options

Whether you’re a budget traveler or a luxury seeker, Quito offers an array of accommodation options to suit every travel style:

Luxury:

1. Casa Gangotena: This luxury boutique hotel, located in a restored historic mansion, offers an elegant stay in the heart of Quito’s Old Town.
2. Hotel Plaza Grande: Overlooking Quito’s main square, this luxury hotel offers opulent rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and exceptional service.
3. Le Parc Hotel: This modern luxury hotel, located in Quito’s business district, offers stylish rooms, a rooftop bar, and a spa.

Budget:

1. Secret Garden Quito: This budget-friendly hostel, located in Quito’s Old Town, offers comfortable dorms and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a rooftop bar with stunning city views.
2. Community Hostel: This popular hostel offers affordable accommodation, social activities, and a friendly atmosphere.
3. Hostal L’Auberge Inn: This budget-friendly inn, set in a colonial-style house, offers a range of rooms, a communal kitchen, and a garden.

These options provide a range of experiences, from the grandeur of Quito’s historic past to the modern comforts of its bustling city life.

A Taste of Quito: Where to Eat From Budget to Luxury

Quito offers a wide range of dining options, from budget-friendly eateries to gourmet restaurants. Here are some places to savor the city’s culinary delights:

Budget:

1. Mercado Central: This bustling market offers a range of affordable local dishes, from ceviche to empanadas.
2. La Choza: This popular eatery offers generous portions of traditional Ecuadorian food at reasonable prices.
3. Fried Bananas: This small, family-run restaurant is famous for its fried bananas, a popular street food in Quito.

Luxury:

1. Zazu: This award-winning restaurant offers innovative fusion cuisine in a stylish setting.
2. Casa Los Geranios: Located in a historic mansion, this restaurant offers a gourmet dining experience with stunning views of the city.
3. URKO Cocina Local: This innovative restaurant offers a tasting menu that explores the diverse flavors of Ecuador, using locally sourced ingredients.

Whether you’re a foodie on a budget or a gourmet connoisseur, Quito offers a culinary adventure that caters to every palate.

Explore Quito’s Filming Locations: A Detailed Itinerary

Embark on a cinematic journey through Quito with this five-day itinerary, exploring the city’s famous filming locations and immersing yourself in its rich culture and history:

Day 1: Quito’s Historic Center

Start your tour in Quito’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Basilica of the National Vow, featured in several films, and stroll down La Ronda Street, a popular filming location.

Day 2: Iconic Landmarks

Visit the Middle of the World Monument, featured in “Proof of Life.” Take the TelefériQo to enjoy breathtaking views of the city, a filming location for several films and TV shows.

Day 3: Cultural Exploration

Visit the Church and Monastery of St. Francis, a popular filming location, and explore the city’s vibrant street food scene, as featured in “Street Food: Latin America.”

Day 4: Natural Landscapes

Take a day trip to the Cotopaxi National Park, a popular location for adventure films. Enjoy the stunning natural landscapes and try your hand at hiking or mountain biking.

Day 5: Modern Quito

Explore the modern side of Quito, visiting the business district, a filming location for several TV shows. End your day with a visit to a local cinema to catch a film.

This itinerary offers a unique blend of sightseeing and entertainment, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters while immersing yourself in Quito’s rich history and culture.

Quito’s Mysteries: Cryptid Legends and Curiosities

Beyond its cinematic allure, Quito is also a land of mystery and legends. The most famous cryptid in Quito is the Ecuadorian Sasquatch, a creature similar to Bigfoot, believed to inhabit the forests around Quito. The legend has inspired numerous films, books, and TV shows.

Another fascinating legend is that of the Llanganates Treasure, a vast hoard of Inca gold said to be hidden in the Llanganates Mountains. The legend has been the subject of several films and documentaries.

These legends add an element of mystery to Quito’s cinematic locations, offering a rich vein of inspiration for storytellers.

Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Filming Locations in Quito

While Quito’s iconic landmarks are popular filming locations, the city also boasts numerous lesser-known locales that are cinematic gold. Here are a few hidden gems:

1. Guapulo Church: This lesser-known church offers stunning views of the Cumbayá Valley, and has been a filming location for several local films.
2. El Panecillo: This hill, topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary, offers panoramic views of Quito and has been featured in several films.
3. Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve: This unique location, one of the only inhabited volcanic craters in the world, has been a filming location for several adventure films.

These hidden gems offer unique views and experiences, providing a fresh perspective on Quito’s cinematic landscape.

What to Pack for a Film-Themed Trip to Quito

Packing for a film-themed trip to Quito requires consideration of the city’s climate and the activities you plan to do. Here are some essentials:

1. Comfortable footwear: Quito’s hilly streets and mountainous landscapes require sturdy and comfortable shoes.
2. Versatile clothing: Quito’s climate can vary, so pack layers to adjust to the changing weather. Include a mix of casual and smart outfits for different occasions.
3. Rain gear: Rain can be common in Quito, so bring a compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket.
4. Camera: Don’t forget your camera to capture your own cinematic memories.
5. Travel guide and map: A detailed guide and map can help you locate all those filming locations and hidden gems.

With these packing tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your cinematic journey through Quito.

Transportation Tips for Getting Around Quito

Getting around Quito can be relatively easy, thanks to the city’s extensive public transportation network. Here are some tips:

Bus: Quito’s bus system is extensive and affordable, covering most of the city and surrounding areas.

Taxi: Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap in Quito. Make sure to ask the driver to use the meter to avoid overcharging.

Bike: Quito has several bike paths and bike rental services, making it a bike-friendly city.

Car: Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore outside the city, but be aware that traffic in Quito can be heavy and parking can be difficult.

With these transportation options, you can easily navigate Quito’s cinematic locations.

Travel Documents Needed for Visiting Quito

When planning your trip to Quito, it’s important to have the right travel documents:

1. Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure from Ecuador.
2. Visa: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Ecuador. Check with the Ecuadorian Embassy or Consulate in your country for requirements.
3. Travel Insurance: It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.
4. International Driving Permit: If you plan to rent a car, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid driver’s license.

Having these documents in order will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey to Quito.

Conclusion: Your Ultimate Guide to Quito’s Cinematic Landscape

From the historic charm of its Old Town to the stunning views from its mountain peaks, Quito offers a cinematic journey like no other. Whether you’re a film buff, a TV series enthusiast, a book lover, or simply a traveler in search of unique experiences, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of Quito’s cinematic landscape.

Embark on a journey through Quito’s famous films, TV shows, books, and discover the hidden gems that make this city a filmmaker’s dream. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore Quito’s cinematic allure.