The City Council, through Quito Turismo, created the 'Distinctive Q' Tourism Quality program in 2011, with the aim of guiding establishments towards practices and activities that respect nature and the environment; as well as promote and improve the quality, sustainability and operation of establishments through compliance with technical, measurable and objective standards.
Within this framework, the Capital of the Center of the World has spaces, establishments and activities that promote care for the environment and the conservation of natural heritage; and invite the tourist to delve into nature to admire the diversity of fauna and flora that it possesses.
Bellavista Cloud Forest
This lodge, located within the Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve, has worked for 30 years to restore the cloud forest to its natural state. Today, in addition to being a key and positive actor for the conservation of the area's biodiversity, it is an ideal place for observing wild birds and mammals.
Yunguilla Community Tourism Center
Yunguilla is the only Community Tourism Center in the Metropolitan District of Quito, whose objective is that visitors can learn about local customs and traditions. Located within the Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve and the Andean Bear Ecological Corridor, they offer tours through the forests; tours of pre-Columbian roads; trekking through the reserve; restaurant with dishes made with products from their organic orchards and grown naturally; camping accommodations and family homes.
Mashpi Lodge
Mashpi provides an unprecedented opportunity to explore the cloud forest, an ecosystem rich in species and biodiversity. At 950 meters above sea level, within the Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve, guests can discover 500 species of birds, trees and amphibians, among which the endemic species Mashpi and Magnolia stand out.
Maquipucuna Reserve
From an eco-lodge built with local bamboo to cabins with stunning views and camping spots, the reserve allows you to connect with nature and observe one of Ecuador's most emblematic animals, the spectacled bear, in its natural habitat.
The Maquipucuna reserve has been working for 32 years to conserve one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, support the surrounding towns and contribute to community development projects.
Quito is a pioneer city in the development and promotion of the quality of its tourist services, through a formal program that has lasted over time. Currently, the Metropolitan District has about 300 establishments that are part of the 'Distinctive Q' and that, through this program, apply policies of continuous improvement and environmental responsibility, of which 195 are food and beverages, 44 accommodations, 37 travel agencies and tour operators, 9 heritage sites, 2 reception and banquet rooms and 1 convention center.
In this way, the Capital of the Center of the World, is strengthened as a destination with a focus on sustainability, quality improvement policies and with a wide offer for local, national and international tourists.