Gays Have Fun in Quito, Ecuador!
Return to Guide to Gay Quito, Ecuador
Notes on ratings: My ratings are based on a combination of a "would I go back there again?" feeling, together with a general level of satisfaction, enjoyment and service, depending on type of business. Ratings are marks out of 5. Thus 5/5 means "wild horses wouldn't keep me away" to 0/5 means "I'll never go there again!". N/R means I didn't visit the place or, if I did, I wasn't there long enough or at the right time to get a proper appreciation.
Gay Accommodation
The following are known to be gay-friendly. The words "Hostal" and "Hotel" are synonymous up to the 2- or 3-star standard. Some may offer a reduction with SAE membership; ask. If you book with any of these, please mention this web-page.
Gay Friendly Lodge, Av. De
Los Shyris and Tomas de Berlanga.
Tel: (593-2) 2242852 or (593-2) 2275006. Cel: 094210031.
email: canela_travel@yahoo.es
Website: http://canelatravel.tripod.com/hotel.htm
New 20-room gay friendly hotel only for foreigners in a
privileged location close to the commercial area of Quito,
minutes away from the airport and other tourist attractions. All
rooms have ensuite bathroom with hot water, TV/Cable, telephone,
music, internet; hairdryer available.
Room rates: Single Room US 30 + 22% = US36.60; Double Room US$40
+ 22% = US$48.80; Triple Room US$48 + 22% = US$58.56
Hostal Cayman,
Juan Rodriguez 270 y Reina Victoria, Mariscal
TeleFax: (593-2) 2567616, e-mail: hcayman@uio.satnet.net
web-site: http://www.hotelcaymanquito.com/
Gay-friendly. SWB $17, DWB$28, TWB$36 including continental
breakfast. Prices are NOT inclusive of tax and service.
European owned. Located in a quiet street right in the the heart
of Quito's entertainment and gay district. Very short walk to gay
bars, discos, cafes, restaurants and sauna, plus banks and
internet. Hot water 24 hours, baggage storage, pleasant lounge
with cable TV, cafeteria, laundry service, garage, tours, English
spoken by all the staff. Friendly and helpful; very good quality
and value. Highly recommended. Rating 5/5.
Hostal El
Cafecito, Cordero 1124 y Reina Victoria, Mariscal.
Tel: (593-2) 2234862, Fax: (593-2) 2230922.
email: cafecito@ecuadorexplorer.com
or info@cafecito.net
Gay friendly. Single in dormitory $6, single in twin-bed room $9,
Double in double-bed room $12. None have private bathroom.
Located in the heart of the new town close to restaurants, bars
and night-life. Lounge area. Book exchange. No TV. Hot water 24
hours. Laundry. 10% discount in café. N/R
Hotel Cafe Cultura, Robles
513 y Reina Victoria, Mariscal.
Tel: (593-2) 2504078 or (593-2) 2558858, Fax: (593-2) 2224271,
e-mail: info@cafecultura.com
Website: http://www.cafecultura.com
Gay-friendly. SWB $46, DWB $58 Matrimonial $74 Prices are all
inclusive of tax and service. All meals are extra.
Located in the heart of the new town close to restaurants, bar
and night-life. Restored colonial style house with stone-carved
fireplaces (fires lit on chilly nights). Exceptional decor, rooms
individually decorated all with private bathroom. Cafe serves
breakfast, lunch and tea. N/R
Hotel Sebastian, Almagro
822 y Cordero, Mariscal.
Tel: Reservations (593-2) 2222300, Administration (593-2)
2222400, Fax: (593-2) 2222500
e-mail: hsebast1@hsebastian.com.ec
Website: http://www.hotelsebastian.com/
Gay-friendly. SWB $70, DWB $79. Suites also available. Tax and
service not included.
Located in the heart of the new town close to restaurants, bars
and night-life. Modern and luxurious 4-star hotel. All rooms with
quality bathroom, cable TV, DD phone and room service. Hotel has
restaurant, coffee shop, ballroom/convention room, meeting room
and bar. N/R
Gay Discos
Comment: By decree of the mayor of Quito opening
times for all discos are 18h00-24h00 Monday-Thursday and
18h00-01h00 Friday-Saturday. Some disco owners risk opening
outside these hours but if you are caught in a police raid you
must have your passport or cedula or you may be
detained.
IMPORTANT: Don't walk the streets at night; take a
taxi.
Bohemio, Baquedano 188 y
Av. 6 de Diciembre, Mariscal.
Open Fri. - Sat., 22h00 - 02h30.
Entrance charge $4. First two drinks cost $0.50, subsequent
drinks cost $1.
Mixed gay and lesbian. Oldest gay disco in Quito (the disco is
known to locals as El Hueco for reasons which I won't describe).
The decor and lighting is basic but this disco is very popular
with younger guys. This disco has the best opportunities for
meeting someone. You can enjoy yourself here but it is really
crowded on Saturdays. This area isn't safe to walk so take a taxi
when arriving and leaving. Rating 4/5.
Matrioshka, Pinto 376 y
Juan Leon Mera, Mariscal.
Tel: 227-5617, e-mail: matrioshka@ecuabox.com
Open Wed. - Sat. Entrance charge $5 includes one liquor + mixer
drink or two beers.
Mixed gay and lesbian. Medium size disco with nice decor and
lights, and a bit classier than Bohemio. This is a popular social
disco and most people were in groups of friends or as couples and
there were very few apparently unattached guys. However don't let
this put you off as people are friendly and there's no reason why
you shouldn't meet someone. This disco is described as the best
in Quito. However when it is full it is uncomfortably hot, stuffy
and smokey. Rating 4/5.
Gay Bars
Comment: By decree of the mayor of Quito opening
times for all bars are 16h00-22h00 Monday-Thursday and
14h000-24h00 Friday-Saturday. Some bar owners risk opening
outside these hours but if you are caught in a police raid you
must have your passport or cedula or you may be
detained.
IMPORTANT: Don't walk the streets at night; all bar owners
will call a taxi for you.
La Cafeta Cultural, Pinto
521 y Av. Rio Amazonas, Mariscal.
Open daily from 5 pm until midnight.
Popular gay and lesbian cafe-bar, with occasional art exhibition,
forum, and films. The owner and all the cute barmen and waiters
are from Colombia. Rating 4/5.
Bar-ril, Lizardo Garcia
356 y Av. 6 de Diciembre, Mariscal.
Tel: 222-6714. Open Wed - Sat.
Exclusively-gay, long-established disco-bar. The owner is Cesar.
You can relax in the bar or join the disco in the back. Very
friendly and comfortable. Definitely worth a visit. (For many
locals this bar is still known as Anita-Marias after the late,
well-loved barmaid/hostess.)
There are occasional shows on Fri. or Sat. when there is a
minimum consumption of $2.50. Rating 4/5.
Restaurant Casa de las Menestras is on the same premises. Open
Mon - Sat.
Dionisios, Manuel Larrea
550 y Riofrio, América.
Tel: 255-7759. e-mail: dionisioskfe@latinmail.com
Open Tue. - Sat., 21h00 - 02h00.
Exclusively-gay. The owners are Manuel and Daniel (who speaks
English). There is a bar and disco area. The decor alone is worth
a visit; nearly all the walls are covered in a collage of
pictures of men from twinks to hunks, dressed and undressed.
Everyone I met here was very friendly.
There is a DRAG QUEEN SHOW every Thursday and Saturday night at
22h00, and other events every Friday night. Cover charge of $4
includes one cocktail. Rating 4/5.
Gay Saunas
Comment: Saunas are usually known by the name
Baños Turcos (Turkish Baths).
Here is a glossary for non-Spanish speakers -
Camara de Vapor - Turkish (steam) room.
Camara Seca - Finnish (dry) room.
Sala de Descansa - relaxation and rest room.
Sala de Video - video room.
Cuarto Oscuro - dark room.
Ducha Española - cold shower.
Piscina - pool.
Apolo, San Ignacio 1027 y
Gonzalez Suarez.
Tel: 223-2014 e-mail: apolorelaxcenter@hotmail.com
web-site: http://www.gayecuador.com/apolo/
Open Mon - Sun, 14h00 - 22:00; Fri until 24:00.
Entrance charge is $6. This sauna has moved premises since I was
last in Quito so I didn't visit there yet. You can read about it
on their website; it looks like it should be just as good as
before when I rated it 5/5.
Jinetes, Yanez Pinzon 351
y La Niña, Colon.
Tel: 223-6454 e-mail: saunajinetes@yahoo.es
Open Mon - Thu; 14h00 - 22h00, Fri, Sat, Sun, & Holidays;
14h00 - 23h00.
Entrance charge is $5. Towel hire $0.40, no sandals available. On
the ground floor there is a sauna, turkish room, and TV room.
Upstairs there is a porno video room and dark room. Soft drinks
available. This is the oldest of the saunas in Quito and it
shows; it is badly in need of refurbishment. However, it is still
popular and there is fun and action to be found here. Rating
2/5.
Curiously, (and I have never seen this anywhere else outside Quito) some customers at these saunas wear either swimming bikini or boxer shorts. However, this is not compulsory and you can just wrap the towel round your waist as anywhere else.
Gay Meeting Places
Ave. Amazonas between Ave. Patria and Ave.
Cristobal Colon from Manolos pavement café/restaurant/bar
at Amazonas 422 onwards.
Ave. Patria along Parque El Ejido (but not in the park) across
the street from the Hilton Colon Hotel.
WARNING: After dark there is no area of Quito where it is safe to walk the streets, even the main avenues. This particularly applies to any of the parks, the old town, and the Mariscal area of the new town. Do not be tempted into unsafe places. Take a taxi everywhere you go.
Eating Places
All this activity is sure to make you hungry. Quito has no shortage of eating places from top restaurants to street vendors. Here are a few where I have truly appreciated the food, the service and the price.
Casa de las Menestras,
Lizardo Garcia 356 y Av. 6 de Diciembre, Mariscal.
Tel: 222-6714. Open Mon - Sat for lunch and dinner. Closed
Sun.
Gay-owned. Very nice restaurant serving excellent Ecuadorian
cuisine at very reasonable prices. The owner is Cesar. Rating
4/5.
Discobar Bar-ril is on the same premises.
Rincon de Sicilia, El
Batan 250 y Av. 6 de Diciembre, El Batán.
Tel: 224-9658, e-mail: f_guayasamin@hotmail.com
Open Tue - Sun for lunch and dinner. Closed Mon.
Gay-friendly; Very nice restaurant serving Italian &
International cuisine at reasonable prices. Close to the modern
Quicentro shopping mall. Rating 4/5.
La Boca del Lobo, Calama
284 y Reina Victoria, Mariscal.
Tel: 223-4083, e-mail: labocadellobo@hotmail.com
Open Mon - Sat, 17h00 - 24h00.
Gay-friendly "alternative" bar-café-restaurant with
imaginative menu and pleasant decor. The manager is Diego (speaks
English). Rating 4/5
Puerto Español,
Plaza Miranda, 9 de Octubre y Jerónimo Carrión,
Mariscal.
Open Mon - Sat. Excellent Ecuadorian cuisine three-course lunch
menu for just $1.20. Rating 4/5.
El Pobre Diablo, Isabel La
Católica y Francisco Galavis, La Floresta.
Tel: 222-4982. Open Mon - Sat 16h00 - 24h00.
Gay-friendly, long-established "alternative" cafe-bar. Small but
interesting menu. Simple and effective decor. Popular with
business people, bohemians and students. The music was a mixture
of mellow jazz and blues so I stayed for an extra beer. This is
their new address; I went to their previous location in Colon.
Rating 4/5.
El Cafecito, Cordero 1124
y Reina Victoria, Mariscal.
Tel: 223-4862 Open Sun - Thu 08h00 - 22h00, Fri. - Sat
08h00-24h00.
Gay-owned. Simple café with vegetarian food. Popular late
at night. Rating 3/5.
Travel Agents
All the following Travel Agents and Tour Operators are gay-friendly.
Canela Travel,
El Batán 250 y Av. 6 de Diciembre.
Tel. 224-2852, Cel. 09-4210031. e-mail: canela_travel@yahoo.es
Website: http://canelatravel.tripod.com/
Francisco Guayasamin is a gay english-speaking licensed tour
guide with twenty years experience in tourism. He is the founder
of Grupo Canela
which offers services, products and events for the gay community
in Ecuador. His tours cover all tastes and budgets for whatever
kind of nature, culture or adventure trip in Ecuador. Highly
recommended.
See website for full range of travel opportunities.
Zenith Travel, 
Juan Leon Mera 453 y Roca, Mariscal.
Tel: 252-9993 or 09-555951 e-mail: zenithtravel@andinanet.net
Website:http://www.zenithecuador.com/
Long-established licensed tour company (gay-owned and operated)
specialising in tours in Ecuador and Galapagos, Peru and Bolivia.
General Manager is Marcos Endara. English, French and Spanish
spoken. Only licensed tour guides used. Branches in New York and
Paris. Straight and all-gay tours.
Ecuador InSitu, 
Amazonas 668 y Roca, Mariscal.
Tel: 222-4033 or 222-4889. Fax: 256-4464. e-mail: info@ecuadorinsitu.com
Website:http://www.ecuadorinsitu.com/
Exclusive 12 and 20 days programs to include the most important
and attractive places of Ecuador's beautiful and incredible four
regions: Volcanic Central Highlands – Pacific Coast
lowlands – Amazon Rain Forest & the Galapagos Islands.
Web site has full details.
Outside Quito
Riotours Travel
Agency,
Centro Comercial Las Vitrinas, Local 47, Ciudadela Kennedy Calle
10 y H, Guayaquil.
Tel: (++593-4) 239-6051 or 228-7136, mobile 9-9750598.
e-mail: riotours@impsat.net.ec
Website: http://www.EcuadorToursOnline.com/
Gay-owned travel agency. Owner is Jorge Lombeida Vélez, a
gay tour guide who speaks English - personal e-mail: lombeida@interactive.net.ec
City tours, Galapagos Tours, Cuenca, Quito, Jungle; transfers.
International & domestic air tickets sold. Information
regarding gay places or friendly gay restaurants and hotels in
Guayaquil and Ecuador. Private gay tours escorted by a gay tour
guide organised on request.
Manu Disco Bar, Honorato
Vasquez y J.Arriaga esq., Cuenca.
Open 22h00 - 02h00, Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.
No sign outside; knock on glass door for entry. Described as "a
very nice place, small and very friendly". Thanks to Olov for
this information.
Restaurante Pizzeria
Manantial, Luis A. Martinez y 16 de Diciembre, Baños.
Tel: 740306. Open daily.
Gay-friendly; their speciality is "Elephants Ears". Thanks to
Francisco for this information.
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