Major Highways & Driving Tips in Quito, Ecuador
1. Autopista del Norte
The Autopista del Norte is a major highway connecting Quito to the northern provinces. It helps reduce travel time and makes long journeys more manageable.
- Toll Road: Requires payment for usage
- High Speed: Avoids traffic congestion in urban areas
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the Ecuadorian countryside
2. Via al Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre
This highway connects Quito with Mariscal Sucre International Airport. It is crucial for smooth travel to and from the airport.
- Airport Access: Directly connects to Quito's main airport
- Toll Road: Requires payment for usage
- Potential Congestion: May experience traffic during peak travel times
3. Via a Tulcan
The Via a Tulcan is a key highway connecting Quito to the border town of Tulcan. It is important for travelers heading towards Colombia.
- International Border: Leads to the Ecuador-Colombia border
- Long Journey: Requires careful planning and proper rest stops
- Mountainous Terrain: Passes through scenic mountain ranges with potential for adverse weather conditions
4. Autopista Quito-Manta
The Autopista Quito-Manta is a major highway connecting Quito to the coastal city of Manta. It provides efficient travel between the capital and coast.
- Coastal Access: Directly connects Quito with the Ecuadorian coast
- Toll Road: Requires payment for usage
- Scenic Views: Passes through diverse landscapes, including the Ecuadorian highlands and coast
5. Autopista Quito-Cotopaxi
The Autopista Quito-Cotopaxi connects the capital with the Cotopaxi National Park. It provides easy access to one of Ecuador's most popular tourist destinations.
- National Park Access: Leads to the beautiful Cotopaxi National Park
- Toll Road: Requires payment for usage
- Mountainous Terrain: Passes through the active Cotopaxi volcano and other scenic mountain ranges
6. Carretera Panamericana
The Pan-American Highway passes through Quito, connecting the city to South America's north and south. It is a must for road trips across the continent.
- Continental Link: Connects North and South America
- Long Journey: Requires careful planning and proper rest stops
- Diverse Landscapes: Passes through various terrains, including jungles, deserts, and mountains
7. Carretera de la Via a la Libertad
The Carretera de la Via a la Libertad connects Quito with the southern provinces. It is an essential route for travelers heading towards Guayaquil and Peru.
- Southern Access: Leads to Guayaquil and other southern Ecuadorian cities
- Long Journey: Requires careful planning and proper rest stops
- Toll Road: Some sections require payment for usage
8. Autopista Quito-Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas
The Autopista Quito-Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas connects the capital with the province of Santo Domingo. It helps reduce travel time and facilitates commerce.
- Provincial Access: Directly connects Quito to the province of Santo Domingo
- Toll Road: Requires payment for usage
- Scenic Views: Offers views of the Ecuadorian highlands and countryside
9. Carretera de la Via a la Costa
The Carretera de la Via a la Costa connects Quito with the coastal provinces. It provides an alternative route to the Autopista Quito-Manta.
- Coastal Access: Directly connects Quito with the Ecuadorian coast
- Long Journey: Requires careful planning and proper rest stops
- Scenic Views: Passes through diverse landscapes, including the Ecuadorian highlands and coast
10. Autopista del Cumbayá
The Autopista del Cumbayá connects Quito with the district of Cumbayá. It helps reduce congestion in the city and provides easy access to the area.
- District Access: Directly connects Quito to the Cumbayá district
- Toll Road: Requires payment for usage
- Urban Connectivity: Improves traffic flow in the Quito metropolitan area
11. Vía a Los Chillos
The Vía a Los Chillos connects Quito with the Los Chillos district and provides easy access to several key attractions in the area.
- District Access: Directly connects Quito to the Los Chillos district
- Attractions: Leads to popular attractions, such as Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve and Mitad del Mundo
- Scenic Views: Offers views of the Ecuadorian highlands and countryside
12. Vía a la Base de Otavalo
The Vía a la Base de Otavalo connects Quito with the town of Otavalo. It is essential for travelers interested in visiting Otavalan markets and Indigenous culture.
- Cultural Access: Leads to the town of Otavalo and its famous markets
- Long Journey: Requires careful planning and proper rest stops
- Scenic Views: Passes through the beautiful Imbabura volcano and other scenic landscapes
13. Autopista Quito-Sangolquí
The Autopista Quito-Sangolquí connects the capital with the town of Sangolquí. It helps reduce travel time and facilitates commerce.
- Town Access: Directly connects Quito to the town of Sangolquí
- Toll Road: Requires payment for usage
- Scenic Views: Offers views of the Ecuadorian highlands and countryside
14. Carretera a Pujilí
The Carretera a Pujilí connects Quito with the town of Pujilí. It is crucial for travelers interested in visiting the nearby Llanganates National Park.
- National Park Access: Leads to the beautiful Llanganates National Park
- Long Journey: Requires careful planning and proper rest stops
- Scenic Views: Passes through the scenic Ecuadorian highlands and countryside
15. Autopista Quito-Naranjito
The Autopista Quito-Naranjito connects the capital with the town of Naranjito. It helps reduce congestion in the city and provides easy access to the area.
- Town Access: Directly connects Quito to the town of Naranjito
- Toll Road: Requires payment for usage
- Urban Connectivity: Improves traffic flow in the Quito metropolitan area