supravegan Beyond Veganism

← All city guides

Ecuador

Quito

Quito sits at 2,850 meters, so altitude adjustment matters. The vegan scene is smaller than Medellín or Santiago but solid, and Ecuador’s produce is exceptional year-round thanks to the equator and altitude mix.

Budget: $3-6/day cooking. $5-10/day with occasional restaurants.

Markets

  • Mercado Central: enormous, chaotic, authentic, and cheap. Best for bulk buying and discovering Andean/tropical produce.
  • Iñaquito Market: more manageable northern market with excellent produce.
  • La Floresta Market: smaller weekend market with organic and artisanal focus.
  • Bioferias: organic markets in multiple locations.
  • Mercado de Sangolquí: large indigenous market outside Quito; Sunday is the big day.

Supermarkets

  • Supermaxi: premium chain with imported goods, plant milks, and specialty items.
  • Megamaxi: larger Supermaxi format with best overall selection.
  • Akí: budget chain for staples.
  • Tía: ultra-budget basics.
  • Coral: mid-range, competitive prices.

Health stores

  • Quinua: restaurant plus organic natural body products, snacks, and supplements.
  • El Maple in Mariscal: organic shop inside the restaurant.
  • Donde Gopal: organic shop with low-waste body products and vegan-friendly goods.

Restaurants

  • Vegano De Altura: standout veganized Ecuadorian dishes; top recommendation.
  • Govinda Gopal in Old Town: cafeteria-style vegetarian lunch, easily veganizable.
  • Quinua: breakfast/lunch spot with organic products.
  • Donde Gopal: vegan almuerzo, Ecuadorian dishes, breads, shop, and clothing area.
  • El Maple: vegetarian restaurant with vegan pastries and organic shop.
  • Miskay: higher-end restaurant with vegan options.
  • Vegano to Go: convenient takeout.

Accidentally supravegan

  • Llapingachos can be adapted without cheese.
  • Mote pillo base is hominy corn; ask without eggs.
  • Locro de papa needs no cheese, cream, or oil to become usable.
  • Quinoa soup if made with vegetable stock.
  • Canelazo is warm, spiced, and naturally vegan.

Local staples

  • Quinoa
  • Potatoes/papas
  • Plantain
  • Corn/mote/maíz
  • Panela
  • Avocado
  • Tree tomato/tomate de árbol
  • Cacao

Tips

  • Take altitude seriously for 3-5 days.
  • Cool weather makes soups and cooked meals appealing.
  • Water is not potable; filter it.
  • Almuerzo is the cheapest way to eat out.

Say it first

Soy vegano, sin carne, sin queso, sin huevo, sin aceite. ¿Tiene opciones veganas?