Quito's La Mariscal Gets a Makeover: Amazonas Avenue Going Bidirectional in Major Urban Renewal Push

One of Quito's most iconic neighborhoods is about to change — and the plan has implications for anyone who lives, works, or owns property in the area.

The Plan

Quito's municipal government has approved a new urban development plan for the La Mariscal neighborhood, one of the capital's most recognizable districts. The plan's most visible change: Avenida Amazonas will revert to bidirectional (two-way) traffic in the La Mariscal sector.

Amazonas has been one-way for years, a configuration that critics say contributed to the avenue's decline by reducing foot traffic and commercial activity on certain blocks. The return to two-way traffic is designed to:

• Increase vehicle and pedestrian flow through the commercial corridor
• Revitalize storefronts and restaurants that suffered from reduced visibility
• Create a more walkable, dynamic streetscape

Why La Mariscal Matters

La Mariscal — bounded roughly by Avenida Patria, Avenida Orellana, 6 de Diciembre, and 12 de Octubre — has been Quito's tourist and nightlife hub for decades. It's home to:

• Plaza Foch — the city's most famous nightlife intersection
• Dozens of hostels, hotels, restaurants, and bars catering to tourists and expats
• A mix of residential apartments, commercial offices, and retail
• The Mercado Artesanal and various cultural spaces

But the neighborhood has struggled with security concerns, declining foot traffic, and commercial vacancy in recent years. The new plan aims to reverse that trajectory.

The Editorial Debate

El Comercio published an editorial noting that the plan presents "the opportunity to reinvent itself seriously" — but cautioned that implementation must be inclusive, balancing innovation with community preservation. The concern: that revitalization could lead to gentrification, displacing long-term residents and small businesses in favor of upscale development.

What This Means for Expats

• Property values: If the revitalization succeeds, property values in La Mariscal could increase. If you own or are considering buying an apartment in the area, this is worth monitoring
• Rent impact: More commercial activity generally means higher demand for space — which could push both commercial and residential rents upward
• Quality of life: A revitalized La Mariscal with better security, more restaurants, and increased foot traffic would be a net positive for expats living in central Quito
• Construction disruption: Expect road work and traffic disruptions during the transition to bidirectional traffic on Amazonas. Timeline has not been specified
• Nightlife and dining: Plaza Foch and surrounding blocks could see a resurgence. More visitors mean more restaurants and bars — but also potentially more noise for nearby residents

Sources: Expreso, El Comercio