Quevedo



Quevedo is a city in the coastal region of Ecuador. Its population is usually cited between 100,000 and 150,000.

Most tourist guide books portray Quevedo very poorly, and indeed, it is not a city well-equipped for tourism. Regardless, accommodation, good food, and a unique cultural experience are all available.

Understand

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The area around Quevedo was originally settled by the Milagro-Quevedo culture around 400 AD. The Milagro-Quevedo occupied a large area inland from the Pacific coast in the western Andes mountains. The civilization still occupied the region at the time of the Spanish conquest.

Sculpture from the Quevedo-Milagro culture

Quevedo is known for its prominent Chinese immigrant population and has even been called the "Chinatown of Ecuador". This gives it a distinct appearance and cultural feeling in relation to other Ecuadorian cities. There are many chifas (Chinese food restaurants) throughout the city of highly variable quality.

Get in

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If you can speak at least a limited amount of Spanish, the best way to get around Ecuador is by bus.

Transportes Ecuador is well-known for being a safe and comfortable bus company. They have buses running between Quito and Guayaquil almost 24/7, all of which will stop in Quevedo, albeit very briefly.

The cost can also be reached from Quevedo. The bus to Manta costs $7 and to Puerto Viejo $6.

Get around

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Taxis are everywhere in the city and eager to give you a lift. It seems to be sort of an unwritten rule that a ride from anywhere to anywhere within the main city costs $1. Don't let them charge you more.

See

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Do

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Unless you have specific business or plans in Quevedo, the best thing to do is just walk around the city center. As was previously mentioned, Quevedo is not a very tourist-oriented city. Because of this, however, you can get a good taste of what a true Ecuadorian coastal city is like.

Along the waterfront is a bustling fish and produce market showcasing the whole gamut of food products from the area.

Buy

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Eat

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Throughout the city, there are numerous restaurants that serve great food.

Ecuadorian standard fare

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Anywhere in the country, one can find comida típica. This usually consists of two courses: a soup and a second. The second (or entree) will likely come with a meat of the day, a generous serving of rice, and a small salad. Often served with juice.

Asaderos (grills)

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Seafood

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  • El Picudo Blanco - A more upscale (this is a relative term) seafood restaurant with a fairly extensive menu. Average plate: $5.
  • Marisqueria Las Redes] - Recognized citywide for its encebollado, a delicious seafood soup. Choose between the sencillo (comes with albacore - $1) or the mixto (with albacore, shrimp, chicharrónes, crab, etc. - $1.50). Served with chifles (plantain chips). Av. June Guzman.

Chifa (Chinese food)

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There are innumerable chifas in Quevedo.

  • Chifa HONG KONG - Known as one of the best in town. One block north of Parque Central on Calle Cuarta.
  • Chifa Xing Fu, av. jaime roldos aguilera y decima quinta, +593 5 275 6561. Nice crab rangoon wonton.

Drink

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Sleep

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Quevedo offers both ends of the accommodation spectrum.

  • Hotel Olímpico. It is likely the finest of the hotels in the area. Large swimming pool with high dives and water slides. The hotel itself is a little ways out of the city center (though still within easy walking distance). Rooms starting at 44$USD per night.
  • Hostal Mafi, Calle Camilo Arevalo 221, +593 98 646 9169. Clean, cheap hostel environment with apparently good security. Rooms with two beds or a matrimonio (single large bed).
  • Hotel Presidente (1 km out of the city via Valencia). Rooms are comfortable and spacious, everything its of good quality. The hotel has a bar-restaurant with homemade food. Also a boutique with imported products and clothes from USA and China. Su casa en Quevedo. Prices from $20 per night depending on if it is single or double occupancy and if there's a group of people they would offer you a discount.

Go next

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