Night fantastic: Orquesta La 33, performing at Seseribó in Quito. |
BY NICK ROSEN
When you’re ready to migrate to the dance floor, Quito abounds with options.
Bungalow 6 (corner of Calama and Diego de Almagro, in the Mariscal) is the most popular venue for visitors and expats, though it attracts a lot of rowdy, young locals as well. The music is a mix of pop and reggaeton, and upstairs there is a lounge with some pool tables. Cover is usually $5 for men, free for women.
On the opposite end of Calama, No Bar (Calama 360 and Juan León Mera) is a similar spot, drawing a younger, Ecuadorian crowd. Cover ranges from $5 to $7.
Quito’s hipsters dance at El Aguijón (Calama E7-35 and Reina Victoria), a more spacious club that plays funk, 90s hip hop and electronica-laced Latin music. There are frequent live performances, and Wednesday night is devoted to salsa. Cover is $6 to $10.
Salsa lovers will also want to check out Seseribó (Calle Veintimilla 325 y Av 12 de Octubre, in La Floresta), something of a Quito institution. The city’s most devoted salseros dance the night away here, regardless of age. Cover is usually $9, but rises during any of the frequent live salsa concerts.
Most clubs close between 2 and 3 on the weekend, but if you want to party past dawn, head to Blues ( Av. República 476 and Pradera, in the La Carolina neighborhood). The music is heavy on techno and electronica, and the club doesn’t really get going until 2 or 3am. Thursday is rock night, and there are often tribute bands. The cover charges vary based on the time you arrive, your gender, and the whims of the bouncer. Expect to pay about $10-15.
A fun night out in Quito does not have to revolve around drinking and debauchery, however. Both the Teatro Sucre (Manabí N8-131) and Casa de la Cultura (6 de Diciembre N16-224) in the Centro Histórico put on plays, folk and modern dance performances, and classical music exhibitions.
If you’d like to take in a movie, Ocho y Medio (Valladolid N24 353 and Vizcaya, in La Floresta) is an independent cinema that screens local films, indie offerings and old classics.
Thanks to Galapagos Discover for sponsoring this post.