Mercado Central — Local services in Centro Histórico

This is located in downtown, easy to get there by bus, not recommended to go by car, hard to find a parking lot, even though so close is the Montufar Parking Lot, but most of time it's full. Police is walking around all the time from 08:00 to 16:00 so it's relatively safe. Their food services are acceptable, lately this place has the visit of young American tourists who want to do a different kind of tourism, the kind of habits and traditions of the Quitenios. They have a wide variety of fresh produce. Meats are not 100% trustworthy, so if you buy that it's at your own risk. Seafood and fish are fine. If you decide to visit, try not to show off your valuables like fancy cameras, smartphones or top technology devices. Fruits are delicious so give them a try, but wash them before...

If you order something, you must first confirm the price with the vendor because many of them will try to overcharge you at the end if you are a foreigner. Even if the price is written on a list above the vendor, they will create excuses to charge you more. The fruit vendors will also try to rip you off, even if they have a price list. Its better to just buy fruit in a supermarket, or outside the central market in one of the street stands. They are more honest than the ones at the central market. The food from the restaurant vendors that i tried also wasn't great....

Really great market for local experience

The cafeterias here fill to the brim during lunch when the locals get a break. Large open seating areas have you being torn between all the locals yelling their daily specials. This may be the best place to drink juice in Quito.

Also available is pet food, plenty of herbalists, a few misc stores, clothing repair, you name it. Prices here are always fair, if not downright...