Venue & Travel

Conference Venue

Universidad San Francisco de Quito - Campus Cumbayá

Main Conference Venue: Teatro Shakespeare Location: Campus Hayek, Paseo San Francisco

Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceánica Cumbayá, Quito, Pichincha 170157, Ecuador Phone: +593 2-297-1700 Website: www.usfq.edu.ec

Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) is located in the beautiful Cumbayá valley, northeast of Quito’s historic center. SALA ‘26 will take place at the Teatro Shakespeare, situated in Campus Hayek at the end of Paseo San Francisco.

Accommodations

Recommended Areas to Stay

We recommend staying in the Parroquia Iñaquito and Parroquia Cumbayá neighborhoods for convenient access to the conference venue and a comfortable experience in Quito.

Cumbayá

Cumbayá is an upscale suburban area located 1-5 km from USFQ (5-15 minutes by car/taxi). This neighborhood offers:

• Serene, family-friendly environment
• Vibrant local culture and dining scene
• Urban parks and green spaces
• Modern shopping centers (Scala Shopping Mall)
• Distance to USFQ: 5-15 minutes

Iñaquito

Iñaquito is a commercial and residential area in northern Quito, approximately 5-10 km from USFQ (10-20 minutes by car/taxi). This neighborhood features:

• Modern hotels and conveniences
• Excellent restaurants and shopping
• Easy access to both downtown and USFQ
• Mix of urban energy and residential calm
• Distance to USFQ: 10-20 minutes

Hotel Listings

Detailed hotel recommendations with booking links coming soon!

For immediate bookings, please search for hotels in the Cumbayá and Iñaquito neighborhoods. Popular options include boutique hotels, B&Bs, and international chains with excellent guest ratings for location, comfort, and service.

Travel Information

Mariscal Sucre International Airport

Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) is located approximately 43-48 kilometers from central Quito.
Website: https://www.aeropuertoquito.aero/

From the Airport to Northern Quito (Iñaquito & Cumbayá)

There are several transportation options to reach the recommended hotel areas from the airport:

Option 1: Official Airport Taxis ⭐ Recommended

Available: 24/7 at arrivals terminal
Cost: $25-35 USD (daytime), $40-45 USD (nighttime)
Travel Time: 25-40 minutes
Benefits:

• Fixed-rate pricing (no surprises)
• Safe and reliable
• Luggage assistance
• English-speaking drivers available

Taxi desks are located in the arrivals terminal and can provide fare quotes before departure.

Option 2: Uber/Cabify ⭐ Recommended

Pickup Location: Arribos curb outside Terminal Norte
Cost: $25-35 USD (comparable to taxis)
Travel Time: 25-40 minutes
Benefits:

• App-based transparent pricing
• Route tracking
• Cashless payment
• Vehicle and driver information provided

Download the Uber or Cabify app before arrival. Minimum waiting time is typically 5-10 minutes.

Option 3: Public Transportation (Budget Option)

Cost: $1-2 USD
Travel Time: 60-90 minutes (multiple transfers required)
Route: Airport → Quitumbe or Carcelén (transfer) → Ecovía or Trolebús → destination

This option is economical but time-consuming and not recommended for travelers with heavy luggage.

Option 4: Private Transfer Services

Cost: $40-60 USD
Benefits:

• Pre-arranged door-to-door service
• Fixed departure times
• Luggage assistance
• Professional service

Advanced booking required. Contact conference organizers for recommended transfer services.

About Quito

Overview

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, sits at 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level in the Andes Mountains. The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring stunning colonial architecture, baroque churches, and vibrant plazas. With its spring-like climate year-round and proximity to both mountains and equator, Quito offers a unique experience for international visitors.

Language

Official Language: Spanish
English: Spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and upscale restaurants

While many people in the tourism industry speak English, we recommend learning basic Spanish phrases for smoother interactions in local restaurants, shops, and when using public transportation.

Safety

Quito is generally safe in tourist zones and northern neighborhoods like Iñaquito and Cumbayá during the day. However, as in any major city, exercise common-sense precautions:

Safety Tips:

• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less crowded areas
• Use Uber or official taxis instead of unmarked street taxis
• Watch for pickpockets in busy plazas and markets
• Keep digital copies of important documents (passport, ID)
• Stick to well-lit, populated streets
• Don’t display expensive jewelry or electronics
• Use hotel safes for valuables

Emergency Numbers:

• Emergency (all services): 911
• Police: 101
• Fire: 102
• Ambulance: 131

Clothing

Quito’s high altitude creates a unique climate. Despite being near the equator, the city enjoys spring-like weather year-round.

Climate:

• Daytime: 15-22°C (59-72°F)
• Nighttime: 7-12°C (45-54°F)
• Rainfall: Frequent afternoon showers
• UV Exposure: Very strong due to high altitude

What to Pack:

• Layers: Lightweight fleece or sweater for cool mornings/evenings
• Waterproof jacket: Essential for afternoon rain
• Long-sleeve shirts and pants
• Comfortable walking shoes: For cobblestone streets
• Hat and sunglasses: UV protection is crucial
• High SPF sunscreen: 30+ recommended
• Altitude medication: Optional (acetazolamide) if prone to altitude sickness

Note for Church Visits: Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites (cover shoulders and knees).

Currency & Living Costs

Currency: United States Dollar (USD)

Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency, making it convenient for US visitors (no exchange needed). ATMs are widely available throughout Quito, but we recommend carrying small bills for markets, street vendors, and local restaurants.

Average Costs in Quito (2025):

Most restaurants, hotels, and shops accept credit and debit cards. However, smaller vendors may only accept cash.

Water

Note: Tap water in Quito is treated and drinkable. However, if you have a sensitive stomach or are not accustomed to the local water, bottled water is recommended as a precaution.

Quito Sights

Quito offers an incredible array of attractions, from colonial architecture to modern cable cars with Andean views.

Historic Center (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Plaza de la Independencia
The central square of Quito, surrounded by the Presidential Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, and historic buildings. Perfect for people-watching and photography.

La Compañía de Jesús Church
A Baroque masterpiece with an ornate gold-leaf interior. Considered one of the most beautiful churches in South America.

Basílica del Voto Nacional
Gothic-style basilica with unique Ecuadorian animals carved on the façade. Climb the towers for breathtaking 360° views of Quito.

La Ronda Street
A charming colonial cobblestone street filled with artisan shops, traditional cafes, and live music venues. Especially vibrant in the evenings.

Major Attractions

TeleferiQo 🚡
The world’s second-highest aerial lift, ascending to 4,100 meters (13,450 feet) on Pichincha Volcano. Offers spectacular panoramic views of Quito and the Andes. Budget approximately $8-10 for the cable car ride.

El Panecillo 🗿
A hilltop featuring a massive aluminum statue of the Virgin Mary with wings. Provides 360° views of the city. Access via taxi is recommended for safety.

Mitad del Mundo 🌍
The “Middle of the World” monument marking the equator line, located about 45 minutes from Quito. Visit the nearby Museo Intiñan for interactive equator demonstrations.

Casa del Alabado Museum
An excellent museum showcasing pre-Columbian artifacts and ancient Ecuadorian cultures. Perfect for history enthusiasts.

Other Notable Sites

• Monasteries: San Diego, Santo Domingo
• La Floresta: Trendy neighborhood with street art, cafes, and nightlife
• Free Walking Tours: Available daily in the historic center (tip $5-10 appreciated)

Learn More:
Visit Quito Tourism Official Website for the latest information on attractions, events, and tours.

Public Transportation

Quito has an affordable and efficient public transportation system, particularly effective for north-south travel through the city.

Transportation Card

Tarjeta de Transporte: Reloadable card for all public transport
Cost: $5 initial purchase (includes first credit)
Where to Buy: Metro stations, bus terminals, authorized vendors

Transportation Options

Getting to USFQ

From Historic Center:
Take Metro or bus to northern Quito, then taxi/Uber to Cumbayá (Total: 45-60 minutes)

From Iñaquito Area:
Direct taxi/Uber to USFQ (10-20 minutes)

From Cumbayá Hotels:
Walking distance or short taxi ride (5-15 minutes)

Transportation Apps

• Moovit: Download for real-time route planning and bus schedules
• Uber/Cabify: Ride-hailing services
• Google Maps: Reliable for navigation and public transport directions

Safety Note: Avoid unmarked “pirate” buses. Use only official public transportation with proper identification.

Additional Resources

Conference Contact:
For specific questions about the venue or travel arrangements, please contact the SALA ‘26 organizing committee through our contact page.

USFQ Campus Map:
Available at www.usfq.edu.ec/es/mapa-de-la-universidad

Quito Tourism:
www.quito.com.ec

We look forward to welcoming you to Quito for SALA ‘26! If you have any questions or need assistance with your travel arrangements, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our organizing team.