Quevedo is a commercial city in the Los Ríos province of Ecuador, set in the country's coastal lowlands. It sits between the coast and the highlands, and its role as a busy trading centre comes from that position. For a visitor, it offers a view of everyday city life away from the more familiar tourist routes.
The city is often called the "Chinatown of Ecuador," a nickname that points to its large Chinese immigrant community. That heritage shows up in the city's restaurants, which serve authentic dishes, and in its cultural festivals and distinctive architecture. Anyone interested in how immigrant communities have shaped a South American city will find Quevedo a useful place to look.
What to do
- Walk the local markets to see the produce, goods and daily trade that keep the city running.
- Eat out and try the range of cuisine, including the Chinese restaurants that give the city its nickname.
- Look for the festivals and architecture that reflect the community's presence in the streets.
Is it worth the trip?
Quevedo suits visitors who want a working city rather than a resort, and who enjoy food, markets and cultural mix. Because it lies between coast and highlands, it can also work as a stop on a longer journey through Ecuador. Plan your visit around the events and places that interest you most, and allow time to wander rather than only to pass through.
