The Metropolitan District of Quito boasts a vibrant, rich, and highly expressive musical heritage. From the haunting wind notes of traditional Andean wind instruments to modern independent Latin rock, music is an essential pillar of daily life in the capital.

However, over the past two decades, the rise of digital piracy and the rapid, unregulated street sales of unauthorized CD/DVD copies (sold in local markets for as little as $1.00 USD) have driven much of the physical music retail industry into bankruptcy. This guide directory highlights the few legendary, highly resilient stores that continue to distribute original, copyrighted recordings while providing travelers with a portal to purchase authentic, master-crafted traditional instruments.

1. Supporting the Music Industry & Original Sourcing

While walking through traditional Quiteño neighborhoods, visitors will frequently encounter street stalls packed with low-cost pirated media. Because these copies do not pay any royalties or copyrights to the creators, they have severely damaged the local creative economy.

Travelers, researchers, and audiophiles are strongly urged to support original Quiteño artists by purchasing licensed, certified media directly from authorized music stores. This ensures that local musicians, folkloric groups, and composers are fairly compensated for their craft, protecting the country's cultural identity for future generations.

2. Directory of Certified Music & Traditional Instrument Retailers

Only the largest, most prestigious, and historically established music stores have survived the digital transition in Quito:

  • Saucisa: Located on Avenida Río Amazonas y Ignacio de Veintimilla (La Mariscal).
    • The Experience: Against all odds, Saucisa has remained open as the finest music sanctuary in the capital for travelers and professional collectors alike. It houses the nation's largest curated selection of original Andean folklore CDs.
    • Traditional Sourcing: Saucisa is globally famed for selling professional, master-crafted traditional Andean instruments, including hand-carved Pan Flutes (Zampoñas), wind Quenas, and percussion Cymbals.
    • Phone: +593 2-222-4174.
  • Musicalísimo: Located inside the Centro Comercial El Bosque (Av. El Parque y Alonso de Torres).
    • The Experience: Famed as a highly professional national retail chain distributing certified, copyrighted Latin rock, pop, jazz, classical CDs, and official movie DVDs.
    • Phone: +593 99-865-6100.
  • Tower Records: Located inside the Centro Comercial Quicentro Shopping (Av. Naciones Unidas y 6 de Diciembre).
    • The Experience: A prestigious international branch distributing official imported vinyl, CDs, headsets, musical accessories, and collector editions.
    • Phone: +593 2-292-0415.

3. Experiencing Live Music & Acoustic Sets

To pair your physical instrument or CD sourcing with live cultural performances, visit these key neighborhoods: * Plaza Mariscal Foch (La Mariscal): Famed as the nightlife heart of the city, hosting vibrant weekend live bands playing folklore, salsa, and acoustic sets directly on the public plaza. * La Ronda (Historic Center): The ultimate historical avenue for romance, poetry, and traditional music. Visitors can stroll under the overhanging balconies to hear acoustic guitar serenades, or purchase hand-crafted wooden guitars directly from resident master luthiers.

Verified References & Sources

  1. Music Industry Dynamics: Financial impact of digital piracy, $1 street media averages, and original copyright contexts (FE fN5 Music Stores, Passage 597).
  2. Instrument Sourcing Databases: Saucisa address, folklore CDs, zampoñas, and professional collection directories (H7 The Mariscal, Passages 240, 241).
  3. Acoustic & Live Venues: Plaza Foch weekend performances and live concert locations (H7 The Mariscal, Passage 240; O7 Concerts, Passage 353).
  4. Colonial Serenade Traditions: History of La Ronda Balconies and classic guitar courtyard serenades (fE1 History of Quito, Passage 520).
  5. National Retailer Contacts: Musicalísimo and Tower Records phone lines, mall locations, and operational formats (FE fN5 Music Stores, Passages 597, 598).

Last Updated: August 2026