On break of your Spanish lessons in Quito, check this out!

NIGHTLIFE IN ECUADOR (QUITO)

Bars and clubs abound in Quito; unfortunately, the diversity of nightlife tends to be a bit skimpy. In general, you have either British-style pubs or run-of-the-mill bars and dance clubs. On the plus side, since the locals are extremely friendly, it's not uncommon to make new Ecuadorian friends at a raucous bar or club.

In August 2001, the city government issued a new law stating that all bars and clubs must close at midnight on weekdays, 2am on weekends, so don't expect to party all night long. You should also remember that, at night, Quito can be very dangerous, especially near the bars and clubs. Take a cab, even if it's only for a few blocks; bartenders can call a taxi for you. If you have a cellphone, dial tel. 02-2222-222 for a taxi 24 hours a day.

Bars & Pubs

One of the most happening places is the Kama Sutra Bar & Café, Calama 380 and Juan León Mera, which fills up with the after-work crowd and stays hopping until after midnight. This is where most Quiteños gather with their friends for drinks before dinner or, on weekends, before heading to the disco. El Pobre Diablo, Isabel La Católica 1206 near the corner of F. Galaviz (1 block behind the Swissôtel), is a good low-key bar. It's popular with local bohemian types. The Reina Victoria Pub, Reina Victoria 530 (between Carrión and Roca), caters to the English-speaking set (expect a nice big "Hello" when you enter). This is one of the few pubs in Quito that serves beer on tap, from a Canadian-owned local brewery. Once you have a fresh-brewed beer in hand, relax by the cozy fireplace or practice your dart game. The Turtle's Head on La Niña between Amazonas and Juan León Mera has a similar atmosphere to Reina Victoria, except it also has a pool table and occasional live music. Right next door, also on La Niña, is Séptimo Cielo (it doesn't have a sign, but it's a white house with gold-coloured columns and black doors; you have to knock to get in), which is one of the few bars in Quito that somehow managed to excuse itself from the curfew law; it stays open quite late but it doesn't attract the most hip of clientele.

Dance Clubs

On weekends, everybody heads to the new Papillon Disco, on Pinezón and Colón. There's no cover charge and the music is quite good -- a mix of American and Latin pop and some techno. It's the most popular dance club in town and attracts a healthy mix of people, from late teens to early forties. If you're looking for a typical frat-style bar/dance club, No Bar on Calama 380 and Juan León Mera is your best bet. The cover charge is $2 and includes a free drink. Music varies from "techno Titanic" to pop Latino music. Even though the bar is in the heart of the tourist area, the crowd is surprisingly local. Seseribó, on Veintimilla and 12 de Octubre (in the basement of the Edificio El Girón), is the best place in town for salsa; there's no cover.

Learn more at Allo' Expat Ecuador.