Solo Travel Guide: Quito, Ecuador 🇪🇨

💰 Money & SIM Cards Currency: US dollars (bring small bills—$100 notes are often refused). SIM Cards: Avoid airport kiosks (overpriced!). In town, ask for a Quito-only plan (unless visiting Galápagos). 🚕 Transport Taxis/Uber: Super cheap (short rides ~$2-3). Buses: Only $0.35-$0.50 per ride! 🌎 Must-Do: Equator Line Mitad del Mundo Monument Taxi: $15-20 | Bus: $0.50 (1hr from Centro Histórico). Fun Experiments: Balance an egg on a nail (only works at true equator!). Test Coriolis effect at water drains. ⛪️ Old Town Gems 1️⃣ Quito Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) Climb to the rooftop for epic views of: Plaza Grande + Basilica together. Volcano Pichincha looming behind. 2️⃣ Basilica del Voto Nacional Largest Gothic church in South America. Daredevil climb: Scale unstable ladders to tower tops (heart-pounding but worth it!). 3️⃣ Franciscan Art Museum (Museo Fray Pedro Gocial) Hidden Bible-themed masterpieces (no photos inside main church). Secret rooftop: Few tourists know it’s accessible! 4️⃣ La Mariscal Market Best for: Alpaca sweaters, Panama hats, tagua nut carvings. Bargain hard! Start at 50% of asking price. Nearby: Casa de la Cultura (free indigenous art exhibits). Parque El Ejido (local hangout with street performers). ⚠️ Safety Tips Night buses = risky (theft hotspots). Use Uber (regular taxis sometimes scam). "No dar papaya" (= don’t flash valuables). #QuitoOnABudget #SoloSouthAmerica #AndeanAdventures