Ecuador Info
Joined: 23 Nov 2006
Posts: 16
Home Country: ecuador
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 Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 11:42 am Post subject: NIGHTLIFE IN ECUADOR / ECUADOR NIGHTLIFE GUIDE (QUITO) |
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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.
Live Music
You can hear live Cuban and Ecuadorian music Wednesday through Saturday at Varadero, Reina Victoria 1721 and La Pinta. Note that on Thursday nights, the dancing moves next door to La Bodeguita de Cuba (the crowd sometimes spills out onto the sidewalk; Thurs is the night to come here for sure).
Performing Arts
The National Symphony performs weekly in different venues around town, including some colonial churches; call tel. 02/2256-5733 for up-to-date information. Every Wednesday at 7:30pm, the Ballet Andino "Humanizarte" performs traditional Andean dances at the Fundación Cultural "Humanizarte," located on Leonidas Plaza N24-226 and Lizardo García (tel. 02/226-116). The Ballet Folkórico Nacional Jacchigua performs traditional dances and songs on Wednesday and Friday nights at 7:30pm at the Teatro Aeropuerto. Tickets cost $12, and it's easiest to buy them through Metropolitan Touring, which has offices on Amazonas and 18 de Septiembre (tel. 02/2506-654) and at Av. República de El Salvador N36-84 (tel. 02/2464-780). |
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