English Bookstores - Quito,Ecuador
Buying and Selling English Books for Tourists and Expats in Ecuador
Finding places that sell books in English can be time-consuming. This guide will help English-speaking tourists and expats in Ecuador find new and used books in English.
Many bookstores in the capital city of Ecuador offer books in English, as well as other languages besides Spanish. The following list is a guide for tourists traveling through the area and looking for a good read, or expats living in Ecuador wanting books written in their native languages.
Libri Mundi
Possibly the largest bookstore in Quito, Libri Mundi offers a wide selection of new books and magazines in Spanish, as well as a great number of books in English, Italian, German, and French. One can find not only an assortment of translations of works by Latin American authors, including Ecuadorian authors, but also newer releases, award-winning novels and classics. Prices are higher than other bookstores (sometimes up to twice the cover price), but the books are top-quality and the atmosphere is similar to that of large bookstores in the U.S. Because of the number of tourists in the area, Libri Mundi is also a great place to pick up books and guides on traveling within Ecuador.
Addresses:
- Juan Leon Mera N23-83, between Wilson and Veintimilla in La Mariscal neighborhood.
- Libri Mundi International, Reina Victoria and Calama
- Quicentro Mall, 3rd floor, in the north of the city (intersection of 6 de Diciembre and Naciones Unidas).
Each branch orders its own stock, and selection varies from store to store.
Mr. Books
Mr. Books is a newer bookstore, and, like Libri Mundi, has an atmosphere and approach to quality similar to that of U.S. bookstores. Many of the English books are from the bestseller lists, and there is quite a large selection of nonfiction and self help, chiefly in the El Jardín branch. Especially nice is the children’s section, where colorful child-sized tables and chairs are set up in a bright atmosphere, and children are encouraged to sit and look over the books. Another section is dedicated to books for young readers, featuring J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Prices tend to be within a few dollars of the cover price.
Addresses:
- El Jardin Mall (República and Amazonas), 3rd floor
- New location at El Condado Shopping (north of Cotocollao), 3rd floor
The English Bookshop
Located in the middle of the touristic neighborhood La Marsical, this British-owned bookstore offers a variety of used books for very reasonable prices. They may accept books in exchange for those on their shelves, and will also buy books from anyone wishing to lighten his load.
Address: Calama and Diego de Almagro
Libros para el Alma (Books for the Soul)
This quaint bookstore holds a few titles in English, including self help and motivational titles. There are also books in German and French. The atmosphere within is relaxing, like sitting in someone’s living room, and visitors are encouraged to read books right there in the store. Books can be borrowed for a small fee as well. English, German, French and Spanish are spoken.
Location: Diego de Almagro 129 and Joaquín Pinto
Confederate Books
One of the most well-known and well-used English bookstores in Quito, Confederate Books offers a large and constantly changing selection of used books, buying as well as selling. It is American-owned and English is spoken. Prices are moderate, ranging from $5-10, and treasures can be found in almost any category imaginably, including technology and biographies.
Address: Corner of Calama and Juan Leon Mera
