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17 Top Tourist Attractions in Quito

By Fiona Fiorentino · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Set high in the rolling foothills of the Andes Mountains, Quito is a sprawling metropolis filled with cultural and historical treasures. Founded by 16th-century Spanish conquistadors on the site of an ancient Incan city, the capital of Ecuador boasts the biggest and best-preserved historic center in the Americas.

Featuring an artful blend of European and indigenous architectural styles, dozens of churches, museums and colonial mansions line cobblestone streets. There are plenty of modern tourist attractions in Quito too, including night clubs, trendy restaurants and boutique shops. Quito’s many parks and plazas provide picturesque settings where you can relax while planning your next excursion.

Prepare yourself for plenty of interesting things to do in Quito and breathtaking scenery in this beautiful city that continues to attract visitors from across the globe.

17. Museo de la Ciudad

The Museo de la Ciudad is located in the oldest building in Quito, the former San Juan de Dios Hospital, near the Centro Historico. The city museum houses an exhibit of impressive collections from the pre-Columbian era to the present day from the local area.

The building that houses the museum was constructed in 1565. Its historical architecture is the first sight visitors see. It’s welcome step for tours of the grand collection within the museum. Intriguing pieces detail cuisine, traditions, legends, and more through the exhibitions to illuminate the workings of the days of the past in Quito.

For visitors to Quito, the Museo de la Ciudad is the perfect opportunity to learn the city’s story through impactful exhibits.

16. Intinan Museum

Next to the Mitad del Mundo Monument, the Intinan Museum is advertised as the exact location of the equator. Visitors to the museum will see a painted red bisected line that marks what the establishment promotes as the “unofficial-official” site of the middle of the world.

The museum’s exhibits are concentrated on Ecuador’s native tribes, including the Waoranis, the Incas, and the Shuar. Visitors to the museum can learn how the Incas determined the center of the Earth.

The interactive exhibits allow guests to experiment with the laws of physics, like balancing an egg on a nail head, and to learn about the local traditional dance and music. At the Intinan Museum, visitors can witness a Coriolis Effect demonstration, tour the Totemic Forest of carved totem poles, and observe a tzantza, a head-shrinking ritual!

15. La Floresta

The trendiest neighborhood in Quito, La Floresta, has continued to gain popularity over the past twenty years for its beguiling charm. The name for the area was pinned from the eye-catching wildflowers and trees that naturally grew in large amounts to decorate the neighborhood.

Neoclassical-style mansions were built in the area in the 20th century by wealthy families and landowners. Over time, writers and artists flocked to the area, resulting in art galleries, newer era-style homes, and mural-painted buildings. This boosted La Floresta’s popularity, gaining attention worldwide.

There is so much to see and experience within the grounds of La Floresta. Hip cafes, upscale art galleries, alluring bakeries, vintage theaters like the Ocho y Medio Theater, and unique shops line the streets welcoming locals and tourists. For excitement and thrill, the dance club, local bars, and jazz clubs make for a step into the vibrant entertainment only found in La Floresta!

14. Quito Zoo

Close to the town of Guayllabamba, the Quito Zoo emphasizes Ecuadorian species with unique non-native species for a fun addition to the attraction. Some species from Ecuador found at the zoo include the Galapagos turtles and the Andean spectacled bear.

The Quito Zoo is a refuge for animals donated or rescued from dangerous living conditions. There is a primary focus on endangered species by the zoo for dedicated conservation efforts to protect local species.

Touring the zoo, visitors can see local and endangered species up close and personal. The interactive exhibits provide educational content to learn more about the dedicated research, conservation, and biodiversity of the species protected within the Quito Zoo.

13. Museo Casa del Alabado

Settled in a 17th-century Spanish-colonial house, the Museo Casa del Alabado is conveniently near the historic San Francisco Plaza. The museum houses ancient artifacts that date back to the estimated time of the development of the wheel in Mesopotamia.

Rather than focusing each collection on an era or culture, the Museo Casa del Alabado does something utterly intriguing. Each artifact is placed next to another based on commonalities within separate civilizations. These are displayed side by side for comparison so visitors can witness the profoundness of culture, tradition, and history throughout time.

The museum is one of the most worthwhile things to do in Quito, whether you are a history buff or not. It is a grand opportunity to peer and ponder over ancient civilizations that once lived in the area before Europeans ever stepped on the land.

12. Parque La Carolina

Nestled in the central business district, the Parque La Carolina is an expansive park often busy with families and friends looking to explore its many attractions. The bike paths, soccer fields, volleyball courts, and paddle boats are in frequent use in the scenic setting of the park.

The Jardin Botanico’s natural appeal strengthens Parque La Carolina’s charm. This section includes gardens and greenhouses like the ethnobotanical garden and the orchid greenhouse—other features of the botanical garden feature wetland, cloud forest, and paramo.

When visiting Parque La Carolina, check out the Vivarium. Visitors can view, and some even touch, amphibians, and reptiles here. The Museo de Ciencias Naturales is not far away, where stuffed animals from the Bengal tiger to the harpy eagle decorate the museum.

11. Plaza Foch

When it comes to nightlife in Quito, Plaza Foch is the place to go. Dozens of bars, nightclubs and eateries fill the blocks immediately surrounding the square. It’s also a great spot to meet the locals. Thursday through Saturday, young people gather here to join in the fun.

Prices are higher in this neighborhood than in other areas in affordable Quito, but the diversity of entertainment available makes it all worth it. From live music to karaoke to dancing, there’s something for every taste. Plaza Foch is where you’ll find some of Quito’s best tapas bars, pizzerias and upscale restaurants too.

10. Basilica del Voto Nacional

The most significant representation of neo-Gothic architecture in the Americas, Ecuador’s largest basilica is a must-see attraction. Built in the style of Notre-Dame in Paris, construction for the concrete cathedral began in 1887. Instead of the traditional gargoyles, however, Ecuadorian animals like monkeys, iguanas, tortoises and pumas adorn the structure’s edifice.

Inside, standout features include the mosaic floor and an altar to the Virgin Mary located in a side chapel. If you’re up for a long climb up stairs and ladders, the top of the main tower offers great views of Quito and the volcanic mountains beyond.

9. Casa Museo Guayasamin

The Casa Museo Guayasamin is situated in the previous home of the iconic painter Oswaldo Guayasamin. It preserves the nearly complete collection of Guayasamin’s works and other artworks the painter had collected. These include fantastic pre-Columbian collections, religious artworks, and pieces created by indigenous artists of the Escuela Quitena.

While touring the museum, visitors will note a theme in the arrangements. These are influenced by fertility figurines, bowls, and Guayasamin’s signature color schemes and geometric designs. Many of Guayasamin’s pieces focused passionately on the suffering of the indigenous poor in Latin America.

At the museum, visitors can pay their respects to the legendary painter at the burial site of Guayasamin. The painter was buried next to his friend, a famous Ecuadorian politician and writer named Jorge Enrique Adoum.

8. Plaza Grande

You could spend an entire day in the Plaza Grande and still not see everything this historic square has to offer. Since the 1600s, royalty, dictators and presidents have governed the country from the buildings surrounding Plaza Grande.

Visitors can tour the presidential palace Carondelet, which has been converted into a museum, and the 16th-century Cathedral of Quito, Ecuador’s oldest Catholic church. The Archbishop’s Palace and Hotel Plaza Grande are open to the public as well. At the center of the plaza stands the Heroes de la Independencia, a moment to those who fought in Ecuador’s war for independence from Spain.

7. La Capilla Del Hombre

Dedicated to the people of Latin America, La Capilla Del Hombre is an art museum designed by famed Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín. Located in Bellavista, the strikingly modern-looking structure sits atop a hill overlooking the city.

Guayasamín used his murals and sculpture to capture the experience of a people fighting political oppression. Completed three years after his death in 1999, the “Chapel of Man” offers the perfect backdrop to his emotionally moving paintings. The adjacent Museo Guayasamín features a more expansive collection of the artist’s work as well as artwork from Ecuador’s pre-Columbian and colonial periods.

6. Calle La Ronda

By far one of the best attractions in Quito, the Calle La Ronda is a historic street that dates back to when the Incas once walked its paths. After the Spanish took over in the 16th century, it transitioned into an Andalusian style to reflect the popular style in Spain in those times.

Calle La Ronda has swiftly become one of Quito’s jewels. Its romantic balconies and lantern-speckled streets create a charming allure that continues to attract visitors. Elegantly quaint cafes and restaurants, dedicated museums, and pristine art galleries decorate the street, perfect for adventuring to dip into the beauty of Quito.

By far one of the best attractions in Quito, the Calle La Ronda is near the Museo de la Ciudad and the historic district for an easy walk to other top things to do in the city.

5. TeleferiQo

The TeleferiQo tramway whisks visitors from the city center to the peak of Cruz Loma on the eastern side of the Guagua Pichincha Volcano. The entrance to the gondola ride is located within the new VulQano amusement park, a tourist destination in its own right.

You’ll want to ensure you’re acclimated to Quito’s high elevation before taking on the aerial tramway. The six-passenger gondola cars rise 1,100 meters (3,620 feet) in just 10 minutes. There’s a café at the top where you can relax and regain your bearings. Bring along some warm clothing so that you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the city in relative comfort.

4. El Panecillo

Quito’s hilly terrain offers scenic views from just about every vantage point, but the panoramic vista you’ll enjoy from El Panecillo makes a trip to the summit a must-do experience. Named after the Spanish bread panecillo, the hill is located in the south-central section of the city, providing expansive views from every side.

While it’s possible to climb to the top of El Panecillo, most visitors prefer taking a taxi. A large statue of the Virgin Mary adorns the summit. Made from 7,000 pieces of aluminum, it’s notable for showing the Virgin with wings. This type of portrayal is popular throughout the northern Andes.

3. Mitad Del Mundo

The Middle of the World, or Mitad Del Mundo, has to be the top attraction near Quito, hour’s trip away next to the Museum de Sitio Intinan.

Attracting attention from all corners of the Earth, the site is said to rest on the equatorial line, hence the founding of the country’s name, “Ecuador.” Visitors to the Mitad Del Mundo can grasp the opportunity to stand, sit, or lie in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at one time. As the equatorial line is not visible, there is a yellow line that marks the spot.

Modern equipment soon discovered that the true Middle of the World is further away. This doesn’t stop people from traveling from all over the globe to visit the iconic monument of the Mitad Del Mundo in Quito!

2. San Francisco Church

One of the first churches built in the Americas, San Francisco de Quito dates back to the 1570s. Over the nearly 150 years of its construction, Renaissance, Mannerist, Mudejar and Baroque architectural styles influenced its design.

A pair of curved steps are at the San Francisco Church’s main entrance. These were initially designed to be part of the construction of the Belvedere of the Vatican, though the plans were changed to fit in the San Francisco Church’s establishment instead.

Named after Saint Francis, the church’s relatively plain edifice is contrasted by the lavish use of gold in its nave, chapels and altar. The main altar features a winged Madonna crafted by Quito artist Bernardo de Legarda in 1734. The adjacent museum provides access to the choir, which features beautifully persevered Moorish decoration from the 16th century.

1. La Compania de Jesus

Demonstrating the wealth of the powerful Jesuit order in 16th-century Ecuador, La Compania de Jesus is the most impressive church in the country’s capital.

Built over 160 years starting in 1605, the structure is best known for its highly decorated interiors. Around half a ton of gold was used to ornament the walls, ceilings and the church’s 11 altars. The walls of gold-touched elements were designed with the intention of the church to attract natives to attend church using the gold.

In the towering nave, gold leaf, gilded plaster, elaborate mosaics and wood carvings cover every surface. At the base of the high altar lies the remains of Quito-born Mariana de Jesús de Paredes, Ecuador’s patron saint.

An important note – Pictures are forbidden when touring La Compania de Jesus’s interior.

Where to Stay in Quito

If it’s your first time, the Centro Historico is the place to be, where tourist attractions, restaurants, and activities are right outside your doorstep. For a trendy and aesthetic-inspired take on the city, La Floresta is ideal with its decorative and stunning architecture. A stay in La Carolina is highly recommended for families as it is centered around a park full of activities and entertainment, such as the botanical garden.

One of the top stays in Quito, Casa El Edén is an affordable four-star boutique hotel in the Centro Historico. The hotel is situated in a restored mansion exuding an undeniable charm of wooden floors, an appealing rooftop terrace, and a scenic courtyard.

A laid-back and accommodating stay, Hotel David is in Alameda Park, only ten minutes from the Centro Historico. The rooms exude a welcoming ambiance and pristine design, perfect for a budget-friendly vacation in Quito. Guests have access to a restaurant with picturesque views.

How to get there

The best transportation method to reach Quito is by air. The Mariscal Sucre International Airport is the city’s airport to fly into for easy transportation access to visit the city. Depending on where you live, you may need to snag an indirect flight to reach Quito.

If you’re coming from other parts of Ecuador, taking a bus to Quito is a great option. Ecuador has a well-developed bus system that is both affordable and reliable. Although not as common as other modes of transportation, taking a train to Quito can be a unique and scenic experience. The railway station is at the south end of the old city.

Approximate travel times

• Otavalo – 2 hours by car
• Baños – 3 hours by car
• Cuenca – 7 hours by car
• Guayaquil – 8 hours by car
• Galapagos Islands – 2 hours by plane

Best Time to Visit Quito

As it lies so close to the equator, Quito sees almost no change in its daily temperature with averages of 20 and 21°C (68 to 70°F) all year-round. Due to its tropical location, high altitude and setting amidst the Andes, fog, drizzle and sunshine can occur at almost any time.

June through September is the driest period though when loads of people visit. While prices are higher and there are more crowds, these months are best for ambling around its historic centre and enjoying some outdoor activities. In addition to its Corpus Christi and Inti Raymi celebrations, August has a month-long schedule of concerts and cultural events to enjoy.

Although each month sees between 17 and 19 days with at least some rainfall, October to January remains a massively popular period to visit. December, so summertime in Ecuador, is its absolute peak season as people have holidays. Aside from Christmas and New Year’s, the capital also celebrates its founding and All Souls’ Day during these months.

While March to May is even rainier, huge crowds head here for both its festive carnival and elaborate Semana Santa processions. Prices rise around these holidays with its hotels, cafes and restaurants all packed.

Map of Things to Do in Quito

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15 Best Things to Do in Quito, Ecuador

Quito is a South American city nearly the size of Paris, dangling from the Ecuadorian Andean mountains at a staggering 9,350 feet above the sea. It was the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rests on the equator, and is included in the Ring of Fire. Plus, it’s steeped in art and culture, boasting more than 60 museums and two dozen historical churches. And one thing is for sure, you definitely don’t want to bypass Quito on your way to the Galapagos Islands .

Instead, dedicate a few days to this iconic city. You just might find yourself standing on the equator, riding a gondola to a volcano, climbing an ancient church, riding a trolley, and so much more.

Stand on the Equator at La Mitadad del Mundo

Quito is an equatorial city famous for its interpretation of the center of the earth. The Mitatad del Mundo hovers on the outskirts of the city and is a science center, historical monument, and geographical pride-sake bundled into one. It’s where you’ll have the unique opportunity to set your compass to 00°00’00. Or, to hold hands with someone in another hemisphere. You can even spend hours in the park doing scientific experiments, gazing at the planetarium, and viewing pre-Columbian art museums. Plus, you can eat, drink, and shop without ever leaving. And don’t forget to snag that coveted passport stamp, proving you stood on the equator.

Ride the TeleferiQo Up the Pichincha Volcano

The capital of Ecuador is one of many major cities located along the Ring of Fire, aptly mixing volcano life and downtown chaos into a dazzling juxtaposition. In Quito, the epicenter of adventure begins at the TeleferiQo , a glass gondola that takes you from downtown Quito to the wilds of the Andean mountains in just 10 minutes. Once on top of the active, but currently sleeping volcano, you can embark on a full-fledged five-hour high-altitude trek to the Ruca, one of three peaks on the volcano. Or, you can simply soak up the epic views of one of the world’s highest metropolitan areas.

Play in the Park at Parque Metropolitano del Sur

If you’re one for green spaces, Quito is sure to please. The city has more than a dozen designated parks offering miles after mile of trails and forests big enough to get lost in.

The biggest is Parque Metropolitano del Sur, located on the south side of the city and harboring an astounding 1,400 acres of mountaintop splendor. It includes meandering meadows and eucalyptus groves brimming with native orchids and wildflowers plus 80-plus species of birds. Laced into that are several wooden playgrounds, rugged workout stations, and 7 miles of rugged trails.

Other Quito parks worth exploring include Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua, La Carolina Park, and La Alameda Park.

Climb the Stairs of Basilica del Voto Nacional

Start exploring Quito’s UNESCO heritage with the highlight of the skyline, Basilica del Voto Nacional. It’s the largest neo-Gothic church in South America, protruding 377 feet into the air from the historic center. The eternally incomplete architectural masterpiece is best admired from the inside, where you’ll find 24 distinct chapels, intricate stain glasswork, and unique gargoyles inspired by Ecuadorian animals. And if you’re not afraid of heights, it’s certainly worth the $2 to ascend the towers and witness Quito from the rooftop.

But don’t stop there. There are at least two dozen historic churches and convents in the ancient city. A few more worth seeing include Quito’s own take on the Sistine Chapel at  La Compañia de Jesús, and the San Francisco Convent and Monastery , the oldest monastery in South America.

Meet the Angel Overlooking Quito at La Virgen del Panecillo

The Virgen of Panecillo , or Bread Virgin, is a massive winged homage to Mary, mother of Jesus, that showers Quito with her blessing. Named for the loaf-like hill she occupies and standing at an astounding 135 feet—taller than Rio’s Christ the Redeemer—the Virgin of Pancillo is the world’s largest aluminum statue and the largest statue of Mary.

It’s an iconic experience to climb the hill and gawk at her patchwork aluminum construction. While you’re there, be sure to step into the towers that line the inside of the statue. That’s where you’ll gather fascinating pieces of her 125-year story of inception, construction, and modern-day relevance.

Gander at the La Floresta's Street Art

If art’s your thing, you can’t skip through Quito without experiencing the 21st-century influence on the city. Like many other urban centers around the globe, Quito has a special section cloaked in street art. But, in contrast to the Bohemian vibe of La Ronda, La Floresta has more of a chic, upscale ambiance emphasizing conceptual rather than traditional art. And if you ask a local, you might hear them call this ‘the area of the snobby artists.’ It’s where you’ll find walls, entire buildings, and even light poles etched in the signature art of graffiti murals. But perhaps it’s the brightly painted historic mansions and tree-lined streets wrapping around avant-garde art studios that really give this street its edge.

Stumble Through the Plaza de Independencia

Plaza de Independencia is the pocket of Quito responsible for gaining this Inca city the UNESCO stamp of approval. The agency calls it “the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America.”

It’s best to save at least half a day to explore Independence Plaza, starting with a visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral followed by some shopping at Palacio Arzobispal. If you’re there on Monday, be sure to pause for the 11 a.m. changing of the guards at the presidential palace, Palacio de Carondelet. Afterward, take a tour of the palace and meet the current president, Guillermo Lasso.

Go Bohemian on Calle La Ronda

Calle La Ronda offers a must-see insight into modern-day Quito, where the ancient city collides with an urban metropolis. Originally constructed by the Inca as a gateway between Quito and Cusco, a colonial neighborhood was gradually built up and around it.

Over the years, it inadvertently became a pole star for artisans, musicians, priests, poets, and travelers. And today, it retains its identity as the Bohemian center of Quito. It’s a spot where you can wander down cobblestone streets, peruse quaint galleries, and peek at artisans deep in their craft. Yet, it is also where you’ll find an array of micropubs, fine-dining establishments, and charming little chapels.

Shop for Colorful Andean Textiles

When it comes to souvenir shopping in Quito, there’s no better place to beeline than towards the artisanal markets. This is where you’ll find vibrant alpaca wool ponchos, woven tapestries, intricate pottery, Andean paintings, Panama hats, beautiful beadwork, and so much more. Start at the main artisanal market, Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal, where you’ll undoubtedly find everything you’re looking for all days of the week.

But, don’t miss the smaller, niche markets to find unique or specialty items. For those, take some time to peruse the pop-up stalls in Parque El Ejido every weekend. And the Tianguez street market in Old Town—known for its fair trade product.

Take a Sunday Bike Ride on Quito Ciclopaseo

To experience an entirely different perspective of the Andean city, immerse in a little something called the Ciclopaseo. It’s a rather inspiring effort to keep Quiteños active; a tradition of closing the main north and southbound streets from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday. The result is a casual, car-free biking route passing 17 miles through the normally congested city center. It’s the perfect way to mingle with the locals and experience the distinct culture of Quito. Just grab a bike, your skates, or even a stroller and jump into this Sunday ritual nearly 20 years in the making.

Eat Eclectic Ecuadorian Street Food

Quito has some very unique foods to try, and the best way to get an authentic version is on the street. Simply wait for the weekends and spill out into the open-air markets, just like the locals do.

If it’s tripa mishki (grilled cow intestines) or gautita (cow stomach and peanut soup) you’re after, head to Parque Genaro Larrea or Parque José Navarro. For Ecuadorian fish and chips, Mercado Santa Clara is the spot. For everything else, every day around the clock, Mercado Central has all the classics like empanadas, llapingachos (potato pancakes), chicarrón (fried pork), and salchipapas (French fries with hot dogs), and so much more.

Wander Through the Botanical Garden of Quito

Some call it the Eden of Quito, and perhaps it’s a worthy testament to the 200,000 square feet dedicated to four ecosystems and 1,200 species of orchids. It’s the perfect place to spend a rainy day and gawk at the majestic world of plants. The Botanical Garden of Quito is located within Parque La Carolina and has special exhibits dedicated to the Ecuadorian roses and regional medicinal plants. Depending on how much you love greenery, you could spend an hour or half a day here.

Ride the Historic Quito Trolley

An unforgettable way to see all of the major sites in the city is via the 1914 Quito City Trolley Tour. In a nod to city transport a hundred years ago, guests are picked up on the front stoop of their hotel and boarded onto a charming, red trolley. The guided tour is offered in English and shuttles passengers all around the city in about four hours. It’s a truly iconic way to visit and photograph the most iconic sites, even if you only have 24 hours in the city.

Embrace Art & Culture at Quito's Museums

If you’re one for museums, Quito is a paradise for art and culture lovers. Boasting more than 60 museums , you could literally spend weeks ducking in and out of galleries. You’ll find everything from quaint, hole-in-wall collections to sprawling, world-class establishments. But, start with one of Quito’s beloved, La Capilla Del Hombre . It’s a museum dedicated to architecture, art, and history inspired by local, contemporary artist Oswaldo Guayasamín.

Other must-see museums include the National Museum of Ecuador , the Museum of the City , the Astronomical Observatory of Quito , and the Numismatic Museum of the Central Bank of Ecuador .

Cheer at the Atahualpa Olympic Stadium

Soccer is a major pride point of the Ecuadorian culture, and there’s no better way to immerse in it than with a game at the historic Atahualpa Olympic Stadium. It was opened in 1951 and has served a key role in city and national games, including FIFA World Club qualifying matches. Be sure to wear the Ecuadorian colors of yellow, red, and blue—and plan to pay between $30 and $65 per ticket. Expect lots of noise, a rowdy crowd, flowing beer, and oodles of Ecuadorian street food.

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Best Things to Do in Quito Ecuador: Travel Guide & Tips

January 29, 2020 By John Widmer 69 Comments

There are so many awesome things to do in Quito, Ecuador !

Quito is an intriguing travel destination to consider. It’s one of the largest cities in the world to lie right next to the equator. And at an elevation of 2,850 meters (9,350 feet, or nearly 2 miles high), Quito is the highest constitutional capital city in the entire world.

This high-flung equatorial city dates way back to its founding, in 1534 . Some of the architecture from that century can still be found in Quito’s historic Old Town today!

But fast-forward to 2020 and visitors will realize that Quito is a fascinating mix of old-meets-new . Historic alleyways and baroque buildings are situated against a backdrop of modern skyscrapers with trendy eateries.

Quito is a land of beautiful contrasts. The city is indeed a busy and sprawling metropolis. Yet the looming volcanos and tranquil Andean mountain peaks surrounding Quito provide a stark reminder of the serene landscapes all around.

Home to the country’s largest international airport, Quito is frequently used as a gateway city to access the rest of Ecuador. Often travelers visit Quito as a quick one-day stopover on the way to the Galapagos. But there are so many great things to do in Quito to easily justify a longer stay. Ecuador’s capital can be an unexpected delight to travelers.

There are plenty of things to do in Quito itself to fill several days of a packed itinerary. Quito contains:

• dozens of historic buildings to discover in Old Town,
• the unique opportunity of visiting the equator line ,
• hiking trails to trek from right within the city,
• hundreds of ornate churches to admire,
• a ride from the city into the Andes one of the highest cable cars in the world,
• fantastic local cuisine to try, plus some interesting local drinks to tip back, and
• more than fifty museums to tour!

Yet those who enjoy adventure activities should budget extra time into their Ecuador itinerary, in order to pursue Quito’s awesome day trips. Quito acts as an excellent travel hub to organize excursions within a two-hour drive of the city. There’s an abundance of popular Quito day trips to consider, from summiting an icy volcano to river tubing through a cloud forest .

The many things to do listed within this detailed Quito travel guide have been carefully curated after doing several months of on-the-ground research in the city, reviewing Quito’s best attractions and activities.

It’s all in a grand effort to help travelers make the most of a visit here. So we hope this Best Things to Do in Quito Travel Guide proves helpful to anyone planning a trip to this great South American capital.

Welcome to Quito, Ecuador!

Best Things to Do in Quito Ecuador

The following lists our top 20 recommendations of things to do in Quito, with a handy map to help find these Quito attractions.

1) Wander Quito’s Historic Center

Quito’s Old Town acts as a show-stealer within Ecuador’s capital city. Wandering through the bustling streets among centuries-old architecture is not just something to see in Quito. The Old Town is something to experience.

Quito historic center is recognized as having the best-preserved, least altered historic center in all of Latin America. It’s this accolade that led Quito to become the first city in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site (alongside Krakow, Poland) back in 1978. Read the full Quito UNESCO description .

Quito Old Town delivers not only cultural significance. Quito’s historic center exudes charm. Despite earthquakes and modernization, the baroque buildings throughout Quito’s Old Town remain largely intact. It can feel like another era wandering amongst the beautiful architecture that’s been here for nearly a half-millennium!

Where to Go in Quito Old Town:

To begin exploring Quito Old Town, head to its heart. That’s Plaza Grande .

All within a 10-minute walking radius of this centrally-located plaza are dozens of notable buildings and attractions to see within Quito’s historic center.

To help narrow down some points of interest, Quito’s Center of Touristic Services suggests the following six locations as the must-sees of Quito Old Town :

• Presidential Palace : also known as Carondelet Palace , this is where Ecuador’s president lives and works.
• Metropolitan Cathedral : Catholic church completed in 1565 and now the archdiocese. Has tour & museum ($3).
• La Compañía de Jesus : a 17th-century Jesuit church a few blocks away from Plaza Grande, known for its gold-covered interior.
• Plaza San Francisco : Quito plaza that contains the city’s oldest church (St Francis), street vendors, a chapel, a museum with religious art, and cafes. But it’s the Andes views here that provide a beautiful natural backdrop during a clear day.
• La Merced : White, domed Catholic Church (1736) that contains important artworks and library.
• San Agustin : Historical convent (1617), where Ecuador’s Independence Act was signed and houses many paintings from 17th-century artist Miguel de Santiago. Hourlong tours of the halls and interior courtyard are $2.
• City Museum : Learn all about the history of Quito through the chronological exhibits in this former hospital building.

For those interested in architecture, churches, and history, it’s easily possible to spend an entire day, or more, exploring Quito Old Town. Yet even those with a casual interest should still be fascinated for hours strolling through the historic center’s cobblestone alleyways.

Budget some time to take a break at one of the many cafes in order to simply watch life in Quito pass by. Consider ending a long day strolling through the historic center at Bandido Brewing for what we say is the best craft beer in Quito Old Town. (Note: it’s $3 pints during happy hour from 4:00-7:00).

🗺️ On your own : Quito’s tourism information center is right along Plaza Grande, opposite the Presidential Palace. They can provide a helpful city map (free). The map includes many points of interest, plus walking tour routes you can pursue on your own.

🚶 Quito Free Walking Tour : There is a free (tip-based) Quito walking tour every day, except Sundays, at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm. It’s run by the Community Hostel . The 3½-hour tour provides an in-depth look into Old Town with interesting background about the city, Ecuadorian culture, and Quito travel tips. A $5-$10 tip per person is suggested. See: Free Walking Tour Ecuador .

2) Climb the Basilica del Voto Nacional for Views & Oddities

If a visitor were to only go to one of Quito’s numerous churches, our recommendation is to definitely visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional .

Quito’s Basilica is not just another church in South America.  Visit this church, even if you’re not into churches. It is actually the largest neo-Gothic church in all of the Americas.

But it’s not just the Basilica’s grandiosity that makes a trip here one of the best things to do in Quito. It can be such an adventurous experience to climb the towers ! The brave who make it to the top are rewarded with stunning views of Quito down below. Definitely make sure that climbing this rickety route is on your list of things to do in Quito. Yet below are three more great reasons of why the Quito Basilica deserves a visit.

See the Armadillos that Have Replaced Gargoyles

Ecuadorian iguanas, armadillos, and Andean condors can all be found lining the Basilica’s exterior. It’s such an interesting sight! Those who don’t know to look may miss it entirely.

Pursue the Harrowing Climb atop This Church

After ascending many steps midway up one of the Basilica’s towers, visitors can walk directly atop the enclosed church roof on a wooden plank walkway. Then the climb begins on a series of steep & stairs and even ladders. Children and adults regularly turn back out of nervousness. Those who are able to climb higher and higher will finally reach the top to enjoy incredible views of Quito.

It can all be a little nerve-wracking for those with even the slightest fear of heights. But it’s this adventure involved that helps to make a visit to the Basilica such a fun thing to do in Quito! The ladders are sturdy and there is railing.

Have a Beer in Church – Really!

Perhaps the most unique thing to do in the Quito Basilica is to have a  beer in this church! It’s a great way to calm your nerves after the climb, while also taking in those sweet Quito vistas.

Before exiting the other tower in the Basilica, walk up the spiral staircase to reach the Basilica’s somewhat hidden café. The views are great here too! So grab a table by the windows overlooking Quito Old Town and enjoy a cold cerveza from inside this place of worship. Doing so may be one of the more unusual things to do in Quito, Ecuador!

💲 Cost : $2 admission to climb the towers 🕒 Hours : 9:00 am-4:00 pm ⌚ Length of visit : About 1 hour, possibly longer if lingering for a beer. 📍 Location : About a 10-minute walk northeast of Plaza Grande, found here on Google Maps . 💡 Tip : If possible, go on a weekday when it’s less-trafficked to avoid waits that sometimes form at the ladders.

3)  Take the Quito TelefériQo High Into the Andes

The TelefériQo is Quito’s awesome cable car that flies passengers high up into the Andes. It’s pretty incredible to be able to go from the middle of this bustling capital city to then be transported to the peaceful mountaintops. This occurs all within an ultra-scenic 18-minute cable car ride. Personally, taking the teleferiQo is our favorite thing to do in Quito.

Quito’s TelefériQo is one of the highest cable car lifts in the world. It brings passengers up to an altitude of about 4,000 meters (about 2.5 miles high). The 2.5-kilometer ride on the aerial gondola itself is a lot of fun. Yet there are even more things to do once at the top of this beloved Quito attraction.

The upper TeleferiQo station is actually on the eastern slope of the Pichincha Volcano! After arriving to the upper station, there’s a lookout platform to soak in the views. You’ll also find hiking trails to trek, horseback riding ($10 per hour), a few cafes to relax at, a church, a swing soaring off the side of this mountain, and some touristic photo opportunities with resident llamas.

Gazing way back down towards the city, the lookout platform offers some of the best sweeping views of Quito. It gives perspective of just how big the city is, tucked into the mountain valley.

There’s also now a thrilling swing for adventurous souls to fly right over Quito! And it’s free.

Yet it’s the hiking trails way up here that make for a particularly awesome recreational pursuit.

For those who are well-acclimatized, it’s possible to trek the high altitude trail to summit Rucu Pichincha . It takes about 4-5 hours to complete the 10-kilometer roundtrip hike up this active volcano. The trail starts out fairly easy and well-defined. But it becomes a steep and strenuous climb in parts.

Patchy snow can even be encountered along the way. This makes it one of the few places in the world to find snow in the equatorial zone. There’s also a rock scramble towards the Rucu Pichincha summit. So this should only be pursued by experienced hikers.

💲 Cost : $8.50 for adults, roundtrip 🕒 Hours : Tuesday-Thursday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm. Friday-Monday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm ⌚ Length of visit : Minimum of 1 hour. Best to allow for 2 hours. Plan 5-7 hours if attempting the cable car + hike up Rucu Pichincha. 📍 Location : Here on Google Maps , on the western fringes of central Quito. Take a taxi or Uber, which should cost about $3-$5 each way if coming from somewhere central in Quito. 💡 Tips : Pack a jacket, as it’s much cooler up here. Go on the TeleferiQo when the weather is clear. There are better odds in the mornings. If hiking, wait a few days in Quito to acclimatize before pursuing.

4) Go to the Equator and Its Quirky Attractions

La Mitad del Mundo (the Middle of the World) is one big tourist attraction near Quito. This is where the equator passes through Ecuador. It’s all at latitude zero, just north of Quito.

Is Going to the Equator Really Worth It?

Quito’s equator attractions are completely touristy and out of the way from central Quito. Also, the main monument isn’t even actually on the equator. Despite these downsides, visiting the equator can still be a quirky and fun thing to do in Quito. It’s a half-day diversion on the northern outskirts of the capital.

For those with only one day or two days in Quito, perhaps the equator attractions could be something to skip. But if you’re in Quito for more than a few days, it’s almost necessary to add it to your Quito itinerary. Come see what all the fuss is about and snap a few equator-selfies!

Understand there are two separate Quito equator attractions :

• Ciudad Mitad del Mundo,
• Museo Solar Intiñan

Quito Equator Attraction #1: Ciudad Mitad del Mundo

They haven’t changed the line, nor is there any mention of the inaccuracy at the famed monument. It’s close enough.

The monument here is the main attraction. But there’s an entire “equator city” that surrounds it. That’s known as the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City). Here, visitors will find loads of tourist shops, cafes, a planetarium, a train ride, and other little attractions.

💲 Cost : $5. Note: the ticket booth may try to upsell a more expensive combo ticket that includes many of the onsite attractions. But a $5 ticket grants access into the “Equator City” and the monument. 🕒 Hours : 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. ⌚ Length of visit : 30 minutes or so. Longer if visiting many of the onsite attractions. 🔗 Official Website : Mitad del Mundo . 📍 Location : It’s a 40-60 minute drive from central Quito to Mitad del Mundo, found here on Google Maps . It can be approached by bus, taxi, or tour. More detail on how to get to the equator zone follows.

Quito Equator Attraction #2: Museo Solar Intiñan

The Museo Solar Intiñan is a smaller and lesser-visited attraction in Quito’s equator zone. Yet, it’s no less interesting. The Intiñan Museum is closer to where the equator passes through. Although our GPS showed their equator line was still 90 meters south of latitude 0.

Upon entering the open-air museum, guests are taken for an included 45-minute tour to see kitschy exhibits that have nothing to do with the equator. There’s a shrunken head, a preserved anaconda, and other Ecuadorian oddities.

Then it’s on to the main show: the equator.

On Intiñin’s equator line, a guide leads visitors through a few funny “experiments,” that many are skeptical of. For example, water is poured into sinks on each side of the equator to demonstrate the Coriolis Effect in which the rotation of the water purportedly changes on either side of the equator. (Watch closely at the direction the water was poured from and judge for yourself.)

It’s also possible to attempt walking a straight line on the equator. It’s supposedly more difficult since both hemispheres are tugging at you. We’re doubtful of this too. Yet the results of our attempt, captured on video, speaks for itself:

Despite our suspicions of scientific misrepresentations, the Museo Solar Intiñan is all good fun! Go there, have a laugh, and judge the experiments for yourself.

💲 Cost : $4 🕒 Hours : 9:30 am – 5:00 pm. ⌚ Length of visit : It’s a 45-minute tour. 🔗 Official Website : Museo Iniñan . 📍 Location : Museo Intiñan is located just around the corner from Mitad del Mundo, found here on Google Maps , about a 5-10 minute walk away. The equator area can be approached by bus, taxi, or tour. Complete directions on how to get to the equator zone are below.

Directions to Equator Attractions from Quito

So which of the two equator attractions to visit? We suggest to go to both . They are both inexpensive, don’t take much time, and are two completely different equator experiences. If you’ve taken the time to reach this area, visit the two attractions together.

🚕 Quito to the Equator by Taxi/Uber : The most convenient way to get to Mitad del Mundo is by taxi or Uber. Expect to pay about $15 each way by taxi. An Uber estimate from Old Town Quito to the equator attractions is $12-$18, each way.

5) Go to El Panecillo for Some of the Best Views of Quito

In a city surrounded by mountains, there are great miradors (viewpoints) all along the higher outskirts of Quito. Yet El Panecillo is one of the only lookout points that pops up right from the middle of the city. And it’s capped by a very notable statue.

El Panecillo translates to the “The Little Bread Loaf.” This hill in the middle of the city separates North and South Quito. While wandering around Quito Old Town, El Panecillo hill is usually somewhere looming in the background. Go here to get excellent views of Quito down below. On clear days, it’s also possible to see the region’s volcanos.

In addition to the great vistas, there’s also a big Virgin Mary statue. It’s one-of-a-kind because of her angelic wings. The statue is known as the La Virgen de Quito and is said to be the largest winged Virgin Mary statue in the world .

6) Check Out the  Guayasamín Collection and  Quito’s 50+ Museums

There are dozens of museums all throughout Quito. In fact, there is said to be more than 50 museums spread across Ecuador’s capital! Since these museums are all indoor, museums can be the perfect solution for things to do in Quito on a rainy day.

There is a museum for just about every interest in Quito, whether that’s art, culture, history, religion, and more. There are even more obscure museums like a water museum and even an artisan beer museum at the equator. Yet some of Quito’s most popular museums include :

• For Everything Ecuador: * Museo Nacional * – Ecuador’s expansive National Museum contains a large and impressive collection of Ecuadorian artwork, historical exhibits, and artifacts. It’s a great free museum – go!
• For Culture: Mindalae Museum – ethno-historical craft museum that explores Ecuador’s indigenous people. ($3)
• For Ancient Relics: Casa del Alabado – houses a large collection of well-preserved pre-Colombian artwork. ($4)
• For Quito’s History: Museo de la Ciudad – exhibits in a former hospital chronologically showcasing Quito’s history. ($3)

Guayasamín’s La Capilla Del Hombre Museum

Yet perhaps the most popular museum in Quito is the adjoining La Capilla Del Hombre and Museo Guayasamín ($8). If only visiting one museum in Quito, this is likely the best bet. And particularly so for art-lovers.

Oswaldo Guayasamín is arguably Ecuador’s most famous painter. Even for those who have never heard of this artist, there’s much to learn about Guayasamín at this museum. Most visitors depart with a newfound respect and fascination for Guayasamín.

“The Chapel of the Man” is his masterpiece building. Guayasamín personally designed it before his death (1999) to showcase his masterworks. The neighboring home/museum offers a peek into Guayasamín’s life. It also shows off the artist’s prized collections, his bedroom, his working art studio, and more of his art pieces.

7) Enjoy Quito’s Central Park and Botanical Gardens

For such a busy South American capital city, there’s a refreshing number of parks and green spaces throughout Quito. If the busy streets and bus exhaust become a bother, these parks are the perfect escape right within the city. In Quito’s parks, visitors can be greeted by hummingbirds in the fresh air amongst a forest of trees.

Our best Quito park suggestion is:   Parque Carolina.  This big park right in the middle of the city is somewhat reminiscent of New York’s Central Park. But Parque Carolina is distinctly and charmingly Ecuadorian.

Carolina Park can be best experienced on weekends. That’s when it seems all of Quito comes here for some outdoor fun. Lots of food vendors are set up to serve Ecuadorian favorites like fritada , ceviche de chocho , fresh juices, and more.

Quiteños come to Parque Carolina for a bit of recreation within the city. Or a fiesta. It’s never surprising to find a local festival or even a concert happening within this park.

Parque Carolina also holds more than just futbol fields, playgrounds, and running tracks. It also boasts the largest free skatepark that we’ve seen anywhere in the world. Additionally, there’s a man-made river, where park-goers can rent paddle boats for a leisurely float around the park ($4.50 per boat, per half hour).

Explore Quito’s Botanical Gardens

Perhaps most notable for travelers, within Parque Carolina there’s the really well-done  Quito Botanical Gardens . Visitors will find multiple greenhouses offering a glimpse into the different regions of Ecuador, from the high paromo (alpine) to lowland jungle environments. It’s an expansive and impressive garden, with meandering trails throughout.

Both the rose garden and orchid garden are highlights. There’s even a Japanese zen garden. But perhaps most interesting is the greenhouse showcasing carnivorous plants !

8) Climb the Steps to Itchimbía for Views and the Crystal Palace

It’s a healthy climb up the many flights of stairs on the eastern side of Quito’s Old Town to reach the area known as Itchimbía. Itchimbía is where that big orange Quito sign makes for great photo ops overlooking the city. So after catching your breath from climbing the stairs, go check out the sign and pose for a selfie.

Itchimbia is also home to Quito’s Crystal Palace . This massive structure of iron flanked with glass walls was shipped over from Germany over 100 years ago. It’s said to resemble the Las Halles market in Paris, and as such, has served as a market itself.

The Crystal Palace now functions as a cultural center that hosts events. Yet it often sits empty, making for a particularly pleasant chill-out spot in Quito that is complete with bean bag chairs.

A third great reason to make the trek up to Itchimbia is simply for more sweet views of this awesome city. For the best photos, visit Itchimbia during the morning. That’s when the eastern sun lights up the Old Town to the west.

While the afternoon sun isn’t favorable to taking pictures towards the west, there is a great reason to visit Itchimbia after 4:00 pm.

On the street just below Itchimbia Park, Manuel Samaniego , there are three restaurants directly next to one another. They each offer spectacular views of the city as you dine and are in the perfect position to watch the sunset over Quito. At the very least, consider popping in for a drink to reward yourself for climbing up all those steps. We enjoyed Cafe Mosaico . But you can also try Vista Hermosa and Pideme La Luna .

9)  Plaza Foch: It’s What to Do in Quito at Night

Plaza Foch is THE party place in Quito . All around this central plaza in New Town, there are many cafes, bars, and clubs. It’s in this area that young Quiteños mix with travelers who frequent the area, each looking for a good time. An evening partying around Plaza Foch is among the most fun things to do in Quito at night.

Plaza Foch is a place for celebrations and revelry. Grab a table outside. Plaza Foch can be equally as good for people watching as it is for drinking.

Celebrating in Plaza Foch also makes for a great thing to do in Quito on New Year’s Eve! Here’s a video to give an idea of what the scene is like in Plaza Foch on December 31.

But Plaza Foch is more than just loud clubs. Cozy bars and even a number of craft beer pubs are also found in this area. (More on the latter in section #12 of this Quito travel guide!)

10) Drink Canelazo on Calle La Ronda

Speaking of drinking in Quito, La Ronda street is another good place to do that. This quaint pedestrian walkway slices right through Quito Old Town. With its balcony-lined cobblestone street, La Ronda may just be one of the most scenic stretches of Quito’s historic center .

A few shops and many cafés line this picturesque cobblestone alleyway. These buildings actually date way back to the 1600s. So La Ronda makes for a particularly inviting setting in Quito to stop in for a drink. Find an empty table at any one of these second-level balconies and order the specialty here: a canelazo .

Canelazo is a warm alcoholic drink found throughout the Ecuadorian highlands. This distinctly Ecuadorian beverage is made from hot cinnamon-sugar water that’s usually flavored with local fruit, most commonly naranjilla . Aguardiente (sugarcane alcohol) is added to give canelazo its kick. Know that the strength of canelazo can vary drastically based on how much aguardiente is used.

Canelazo tends to be quite sweet, with lots of panela (raw sugar) added. But the spiciness of the cinnamon and the citrusy tang of the naranjilla fruit helps to balance it out.

Canelazo is a popular drink throughout Ecuador during December, particularly so for Fiestas del Quito and Christmas. But on La Ronda, canelazo is popular all year long. And we can’t think of a more perfect setting to sip canelazo than perched on a balcony in La Ronda.

11) Eat Your Way Around Quito: Try the Local Specialties

One of the best things to do in Quito is simply to eat! Ecuadorian food is delicious and there are some particularly tasty regional dishes to the Quito area to be on the lookout for.

Here are a few favorite local Quito dishes we recommend to try:

Eat Locro de Papa in Quito

This is a creamy and hearty soup that’s quite popular throughout the Ecuadorian Andes. But it is most iconic to Quito to the point that it’s sometimes even called Locro Quiteño . It’s a soup made with three of our favorite local i ngredients: potato, cheese, and avocado!

This rich & creamy soup is a perfect way to keep warm in these higher elevations. A white mozzarella-like cheese is what’s plunked into the milk-based broth. Locro de papa is further flavored with onion, garlic, cumin, and ground annatto seed (achiote). The soup is completed by being topped with freshly sliced avocado – yum! 🌱 It’s vegetarian-friendly too !

Locro de papa is commonly found throughout Quito. In Old Town, try the locro de papa in the historic courtyard surroundings of Hasta la Vuelta . At $8, it’s a bit pricey for this soup. But the atmosphere and quality helps to justify it.

Eat Empanadas de Viento in Quito

Translated to “wind empanadas” because of the airy interior that’s created when it’s fried. G ooey melted cheese is tucked inside the crispy fried dough and a bit of sugar is sprinkled on top. These snacks are often huge and sharable.

Empanadas de viento pair great to pair with a canelzao. They can be found throughout Quito. Empanadas de viento are most commonly found in La Ronda. Expect to pay $2-$4, depending on the size and location.

Eat Fritada in Quito

Fritada has many local Ecuadorian components, anchored by flavorful pork. That pork is boiled in spiced-up water until it evaporates, when the pork is then fried in its own fat.

This culminates in some tasty pork morsels that are good on their own merit. But one of the best aspects of fritada is the variety of sides it comes with. Here’s what you normally get: hominy, toasted corn, avocado, ripe plantain, and llapingachos .

What are Llapingachos? They’re fried potato pancakes stuffed with cheese. Often served as a side to many dishes in Quito. Be sure to try them too, whether with fritada or on their own!

Where to find good local food in Quito?

For lunch in Old Town, one of the best places to try local Quito cuisine is at the Mercado Central . An array of food stalls awaits to compete for your business. Prices are inexpensive and all of Quito’s classics can be found here. It’s also a great place to mix with the local Quiteño crowd.

For dinner in La Floresta, try the street food stalls in Parque Navarro , which similarly sports a charmingly local vibe amidst this neighborhood that’s better known for its upscale restaurants.

If you’re either a foodie who wants to explore Ecuadorian cuisine further or simply hesitant to approach unfamiliar street foods on your own, then definitely consider taking this Quito Food Tour . It’s a deal at only $25, including lots of nibbles. But it’s only offered on Friday nights.

12) Stumble onto a Quito Craft Beer Pub Crawl

There’s no better way to wash down Quito’s street food than the city’s delicious craft beer. Quito’s craft beer scene is exploding right now and there are great microbreweries scattered all throughout the capital. In traveling extensively in Ecuador, we can definitively say that Quito has the best craft beers and the most brewpubs anywhere in the country.

This makes for a fantastic opportunity to go on a craft beer pub-crawl in Quito. It’s possible to create your pub crawl or leave it to the professionals by joining an organized Quito Craft Beer Tour. Both options are a blast for any beer-lovers traveling to Quito.

Quito Craft Beer Tour

For an easy and fun way to discover the best craft beer places in Quito, book this Quito Craft Beer Tour . A designated driver conveniently takes drinkers around to three notable Quito brewpubs. The modest $44 price not only includes the transportation, but also beer at each brewery and a liquid welcome gift! Besides the convenience of a driver, guests also learn a lot about the flourishing Quito craft beer scene and potentially meet some of the brewers. Check the availability calendar and recent reviews here .

A DIY Craft Beer Pub Crawl

Or form a craft beer pub crawl of your own. Some Quito brewpubs are within close proximity of each other to walk. Uber and taxis make it easy getting to further-flung microbreweries. All in the name of research, we visited over a dozen craft breweries in Quito. Below are some of the favorites that we recommend, with happy hours noted to save you a few bucks while sampling Quito’s finest brews!

Best Quito Craft Breweries in Old Town :

🍺  Bandido Brewing is our favorite brewpub in Quito Old Town. During the weekday 4-7 happy hour pints are $3. 🍺  Santa Rosa Cerverza  recently opened this second location to now offer Old Town some of the best beers in Quito. 🍺 La Oficina brews up their own San Blas beers, which are decent and very well-priced. $4 pints drop to $2 during their generous 5:00-7:00 happy hour.

Best Quito Craft Breweries in New Town :

🍺 ABYSMO Brew Pub  has some high-quality brews in Quito. Great IPAs, but it’s the bourbon stout that is the best of its kind in Ecuador. Half-liters $5.50-$6.50. 🍺 Santa Rosa Cerverza Artesanal Bar  arguably has some of the best craft beer in Quito. The IPAs are excellent, particularly the Dark IPA. Pints: ~$6. A Tuesday-only happy hour drops select taps to $3.50 from 4:00-8:00. 🍺  Bandidos del Paramo :  This Quito brewpub is a taproom collaboration of two established Quito craft breweries: Bandidos and Paramo. Happy hour is 3×2 beers until 8:00. Now with two locations (1) Plaza Foch and (2) Whymper. 🍺 3 Monjes : La Floresta staple with some particularly strong and tasty brews. $5.50 half-liters.

Honorable Mentions in New Town

🍺  Cherusker Cerveceria : Cherusker goes for a German flair and it’s their German styles that shine the brightest. We recommend the Bavaria Wheat Beer. 5 beers on tap. $3.50-$3.90 per pint. 🍺  Indie Beer Company : 6 beers on tap (2 of their own, 4 guest taps.) $4.50 per pint, or 2 for $6. Pleasant atmosphere with okay beer. 🍺 Cervecería Camino del Sol : This is a fairly common craft beer brand in Ecuador and their Plaza Foch brewpub makes a convenient location. 5 beers on tap. $4.90 per half-liter. The beer is decent and the label artwork is awesome.

13) Admire La Floresta’s Street Art

La Floresta is a trendy Quito neighborhood in New Town with with historic hacienda-style houses that help to define this Quito enclave. There’s some great restaurants here too. Yet it’s the flourishing street art scene that’s really beginning to make La Floresta stand out.

Dozens of intricate murals and tasteful graffiti can be found all throughout the La Floresta neighborhood. It can be like walking through an outdoor art museum! But to see the best works, you must know where to look.

Thankfully there’s a great street art walking tour of La Floresta. The free (tip-based) walking tour hits all the most notable places in La Floresta, led by a passionate and knowledgable street artist. While street art is the focus of this La Floresta tour, it also takes in some of the neighborhood’s best viewpoints, a visit to an artist’s workshop, markets, and more.

This La Floresta waking tour makes an interesting exploration to discover a different side of Quito.

14) Join Quito’s Sunday Bike Ride: Quito Ciclopaseo

Every Sunday morning beginning at 8:00 am, a 30-kilometer stretch of Quito’s streets are closed off to vehicular traffic so that cyclists can enjoy a car-free ride around Quito. It’s a fantastic way to mix with locals and cover a lot of ground across Quito.

The Ciclopaseo has an interesting route that meanders from highways in New Town to the cobblestone streets of Old Town and even passes right through a few of Quito’s parks!

Many places in the city tend to be closed on Sunday. So the Ciclopaseo can be one of the best things to do in Quito on Sundays. Take to two wheels and explore Quito from behind the handlebars!

Here’s a glimpse into what that’s like.

15) Tour the Government Palace and Meet the President of Ecuador

How cool is this! Every Monday in Quito, there is a big changing of the guard ceremony outside of the Presidential Palace, also known as Carondelet Palace. During this procession, it’s a weekly tradition for the president to come out and wave to the crowd gathering on Plaza Grande down below.

It’s all quite the pomp and circumstance! A marching band parades through. Guards on horses have a choreographed moment. And then everyone in the plaza gets a chance to wave to the President of Ecuador.

If in Quito on a Monday, it’s highly recommended to squeeze this procession into your Quito itinerary. Greeting the President may be one of the most unique free things to do in Quito. Occasionally the president misses the weekly tradition, but the changing of the guards still takes place, regardless of his attendance or not. It all goes down in Plaza Grande every Monday at 11:00 am.

⚠️ Important tip : Be extra vigilant of pickpockets as the plaza gets crowded during the ceremony and many become distracted while sneaky pickpockets are out in force.

It’s also possible to tour Quito’s presidential palace! This is an interesting opportunity to be able to tour the Ecuadorian equivalent of the White House. And it’s yet another free thing to do in Quito. The grand tour can take up to two hours, visiting the stately interior of offices, banquet rooms, courtyards, and the balcony. Note, there is no longer a ticketing system as there once was. Now advanced reservations are required. Info below.

Best Quito Day Trips & Excursions

Perhaps one of Quito’s best attributes is its Andean location. This lends itself to so many awesome Quito day trips & excursions throughout the region. We attempted to explore the surrounding mountains at length so that we can give you our recommendations for the best Quito day trips.

Although each of these suggestions can most certainly be accomplished by day trips, those who have time should consider doing some of them as overnight excursions. You’ll get a chance to explore each place deeper. That said, each can still be accomplished on a day trip from Quito.

16) Go to the Mindo Cloud Forest for Birding and Adventure

The Mindo Cloud Forest is a fascinating environment located less than a two-hour drive from Quito. This cloud forest is similar to a rainforest. But the elevation and nearly constant low-lying cloud cover is what makes Mindo a cloud forest instead. People come to Mindo from all over the world for its biodiversity that boasts over 500 bird species!

Yet Mindo is highly recommended not only for its nature and birding, but also for adventure!

In Mindo, there are many recreation pursuits. Common outdoor activities in Mindo include hiking , canyoning , repelling down waterfalls , zip lining , hand-pull cable cars , rope bridges, and river tubing .

Additionally, Mindo may have some of the best value adventure activities we’ve seen anywhere in the world! To give an example, zip-lining starts at $10 for a half-course run through the cloud forest and tube rafting is $6!

In addition to the many adventures in Mindo, there’s also a worthwhile butterfly garden ($7.50), a chocolate factory   ($10), and quaint riverside cafes to relax at over a beer.

While it is possible to visit Mindo as a day trip, those who enjoy outdoor adventure should consider a minimum of staying one night. Personally, Mindo is one of our favorite places in Ecuador. If you also enjoy nature and adventure, then be sure to read our separate travel guide that details the: 10 Best Things To Do in Mindo Cloud Forest . And check out all the video highlights below:

17) Cotopaxi Day Trip: Hike Toward the Snowy Summit of an Active Volcano

A day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi is a must-do excursion for any travelers who enjoy adventure. This glacier-capped beauty is one of the tallest active volcanoes in the world and is the 2nd highest point in Ecuador . The summit is 5,897 meters (that’s an elevation of about 3.6 miles high)!

To reach the summit of Cotopaxi, it takes a grueling overnight ascent that is occasionally off-limits due to heightened volcanic activity. But during Cotopaxi day trips from Quito, it’s possible to trek as far up as base camp at an elevation of 4,864 meters! The journey begins after breakfast with a drive through the clouds and up the side of Cotopaxi. Wild horses can often be spotted in this area of Cotopaxi National Park.

The dirt road eventually ends and that’s when the hiking begins. It’s a steep yet short trek, a bit more than 1 km. But the lower oxygen levels at this altitude make it a more difficult trek up the volcanic terrain. Depending on weather conditions at the time, there’s a chance of snow towards the Cotopaxi base camp. It’s there that hikers can warm up with some hot chocolate or try the coca tea to help combat any potential altitude sickness.

Yet perhaps the most thrilling part of the Cotopaxi day tour is the descent! For those who have opted to take a Cotopaxi day tour, mountain bikes provide a bumpy ride down the side of this active volcano! It’s awesome, and the entire experience makes for one of the best Quito day trips.

❌🚕 Quito to Cotopaxi Taxi: It’s possible to find a taxi willing to drive to Cotopaxi for the day. Expect to pay ~$100 for the return trip. But without 4-wheel drive, the taxi likely won’t be able, or willing, to drive towards the top of Cotopaxi for the trek to base camp.

🚂 Quito to Cotopaxi Train:  There is a tourist train that runs from Quito to Cotopaxi. But it doesn’t let passengers off to hike up Cotopaxi. Instead, the train is more of a relaxing day that only goes near the base of the volcano for a short walk. Best for those not wanting to trek. Be forewarned the train only goes to view Cotopaxi, which may be obscured by clouds. The $39 trip runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, by Tren Ecuador .

✅🚐 Cotopaxi Day Tours:  A Cotopaxi Day tour is the best option for adventure travelers. It’s convenient, good value, and the hike-and-bike tour makes a great combo. Here are three options:

18) Take a Laguna Quilotoa Day Trip to this Scenic Crater Lake

A day trip to Laguna Quilotoa Crater is a very popular and worthwhile thing to do from Quito. This former volcano collapsed from an eruption that is estimated to have occurred about 600 years ago. Now the remaining crater lays filled with water, transformed as a deep crater lake. And it’s an awe-inspiring sight.

Pictures don’t even really do it justice. Quilotoa is simply one of those places that you have to see in person. It’s jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

There are some great views from the Quilotoa Crater rim. But it’s a fun hike down the steep path to the bottom. Along the way, there’s an awesome swing that flies over the edge of the crater. Amazing!

Once at the bottom of Laguna Quilotoa, there’s a chance to kayak around the crater lake ($2.50). It’s then a tough hike back up to the top. For those who don’t quite have the energy, some men with some mules are happy to offer their services.

While going to Laguna Quilotoa does make a good day trip from Quito, it’s also possible to pursue an awesome 3-day trek in around the crater and through Andean farming villages, with great hostel stays and filling meals. This is known as the Quilotoa Loop. It’s one of our favorite treks in South America.

For more info on that, see our separate post: How To Trek the Quilotoa Loop the Cheap & Easy Way .

🚐 Laguna Quilotoa Crater Day Trip from Quito : It’s recommended to travel to Quilotoa as part of a day tour from Quito. This makes for a long day but the impressive crater is so worth the journey. Most day trips help break apart the long drive by stopping at a local market or historic church on the way to Quilotoa. On the return, detours are made to a local home and Cañon del Rio Toachi. The Laguna Quilotoa day tours are good value, starting at $45 and some include lunch. Here’s where to book:

19) Day Trip from Quito to Otavalo for Crafts and Crater Lake

Otavalo is home to Ecuador’s most famous local market, which is one of the largest and most renown markets in all of South America. We recommend an Otavalo day trip for anyone who enjoys shopping for local crafts, as you’ll find the best craft shopping in all of Ecuador here.

The Otavalo market tradition goes back hundreds of years all the way to pre-Incan times. The craft market is a particular highlight with so many colorful items on display. This famous Otavalo market really expands on Saturdays, and to a lesser extent, on Wednesdays.

On Saturday the market sprawls out across dozens of blocks of Otavalo’s streets. The market runs from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Although we notice people begin to start packing up after 4:00 pm. While Saturday and Wednesday are best, it is possible to visit the craft market any day of the week.

On Saturdays, there’s also an animal market. It may seem like a novelty, but we suggest passing on that. There’s really not much to it, other than disturbing animal conditions.

More things to do around Otavalo

There’s an impressive condor rehabilitation center, Parque Condor , which can be reached by taxi from Otavalo for $4. Near there is a beautiful waterfall, Waterfall Peguche , accessible by a short hike.  Also nearby are many stunning Andean lakes, such as Laguna Cuicocha (below).

It’s so worth it to take a day tour to Otavalo since they easily include stops at many additional locations. Due to timing and connections, it would be impossible to visit them all on your own during a single day. The highlight of a day tour in the Otavalo area is the stunning crater lake known as Laguna Cuicocha ! If going to Otavalo, ensure this is a stop on your day tour.

20) Lagunas de Mojanda is a Hiking Utopia on a Clear Day

This area just outside of Otavalo is a hiker’s paradise on a clear day. What looks like picturesque green foothills are actually high-altitude alpine volcanoes! In between them, scenic crater lakes abound. It can be a magical place to visit when the weather cooperates.

There are dozens of treks to pursue at Lagunas de Mojanda, but the summit of Fuya Fuya is the most popular. It’s a great (and steep) hike to the summit of Fuya Fuya (4,263 meters) that offers some specular views of the lakes below and the many volcanoes that surround. 💡 Pro tip: pack some cardboard to slide down this volcano on the descent!

While it may be among the most beautiful places in the region, it does take a bit more effort to reach from Quito than the aforementioned day trip suggestions. Unfortunately there are no organized day tours go to Lagunas de Mojanda.

🚌 Quito to Lagunas de Mojanda bus + taxi : It’s not possible to get all the way Lagunas de Mojanda by bus. It can be accessed from Otavalo (see bus directions in Otavalo section above). From Otavalo, it’s a $15 taxi to Lagunas de Mojanda, each way. Consider paying the taxi to wait or to return (particularly so on a weekday), as taxis are not frequent here.

Quito Ecuador: Travel Tips

Before pursuing all the fun things to do in Quito, there are other logistics and travel tips to be aware of. We’ve scouted out the cheapest flights to get to Quito, the best places to stay in Quito, and important travel tips you need to know.

Getting to Quito Ecuador & Inexpensive Flight Routes

🇺🇸 Flights from  US to Quito

There are many flight routes from US to Quito. Direct flights can be found from Atlanta, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.

The best-priced airfares from the US to Quito are typically found from Florida; either Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. Each of those locations regularly have airfare to Quito under $250 each way.

To secure and inexpensive fare, try to book at least three weeks in advance. There’s a nonstop JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale to Quito that we’ve even seen priced less than $100 each way !

Other flights from the US to Quito can cost upwards of $1,000. So i t’s worth considering booking a separate flight to Florida first in order to save several hundred dollars in airfare. New York City also tends to have competitive rates to Quito, with a layover is involved.

We’ve found the best rates from US to Quito by searching Skyscanner .

🇪🇺 Flights from Europe to Quito

Direct flights from Europe to Quito exist from Paris, Amsterdam, and Madrid.

Yet the most inexpensive ticket from Europe to Quito tends to be through Spain. As of 2o2o, we’ve regularly seen direct flights between Madrid and Quito listed around $330, one-way .

So if flying from Europe, it can be worth considering flying to Madrid first, then onward to Quito. Elsewhere in Europe, you may be spending well upwards of $1,500 on a round-trip ticket to Quito. You can flights these cheap flights from Madrid to Quito using three different airlines that serve this route: Iberia, Air Europa, and Plus Ultra Lineas Aereas.

Again, we’ve found the best rates from Europe to Quito by searching Skyscanner

Where to Stay in Quito Ecuador

Although it’s a very large city, there are two main areas most Quito visitors stay in:

• New Town: La Mariscal & La Floresta

So which should you choose? It’s a tough call and there’s no right answer. Yet we’d suggest a stay in Old Town, particularly so for shorter stays. In Old Town, you’ll be right in the heart Quito’s historic center to more easily experience some of the capital’s cultural highlights, just outside your doorstep.

Yet for those who are in Quito for a longer stay, New Town may prove a better option. New Town enjoys a location with more modern conveniences. There are lots of restaurants, malls, supermarkets, and bars. There’s also more of a nightlife scene around Plaza Foch compared to Old Town. So those looking to party may also be better situated in New Town. And it can be a bit safer at night.

Either way, it really doesn’t make too much of a difference, as these two locations are only separated by a few stops on the Ecovia or a $2-$3 Uber/taxi.

Hostels in Quito Are Best for Solo Travelers ⭐

Great Deals for Private Budget Rooms in Quito ⭐⭐

You can actually find some very decent private rooms in Quito for under $20 per night! They may be fairly basic, but they’re clean & comfy crash pads. 🏨 Hotel Yumbo Imperial : You can’t beat the location, smack in the middle of the historic center just two blocks form Plaza Grande. Hotel Yumbo boasts small but colorful rooms, at an incredible bargain, with a great location. 🏨 Hotel Margarita 2 : This hotel has very nice rooms for under $20 price. Thus, it may be one of the best values in Quito that includes private bathrooms (rather than shared). It’s next to a park and only about a 10-minute walk to the historic center. 🏨 L’Auberge Inn :  While not located in Mariscal nor in the historic center, the hotel’s location in between the two, making either area accessible. With great reviews and a great value, this is certainly a place to consider staying in Quito.

Excellent Value Quito Hotels ⭐⭐⭐

There are a few 3 & 4-star hotels with excellent reviews, yet with prices at only around $50 per night! Both of the steals even include breakfast, and can be found in La Mariscal, close to Plaza Foch: 🏨 Embassy Quito : This must be the most modern and stylish hotel you can find in Quito for under $50 and includes breakfast. 🏨 Sierra Madre :  This is another great option near Plaza Foch, with breakfast, and rooms under $50 per night.

Enjoy Luxury for Less ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

For a little luxury, Quito has some fantastic value 5-star hotels to consider. Each of these can be booked for around $100 per night, which is a steal for the high-quality accommodation they deliver. Even if it’s out of your price range, just take a look at some of these elegant properties in Quito. 🏨 Casa San Marcos Hotel Boutique : If looking for a classy place in Quito Old Town that retains the area’s historic charm, look no further. This boutique hotel offers all the modern conveniences amongst gorgeous antiques and old-world charm. This intimate space boasts an excellent location in Old Town. If we were to splurge in Quito, this would be our #1 choice. 🏨 GHL Hotel Le Parc : Add some elegance to your stay in Quito with this swanky hotel in the financial district right next to Parque Carolina. 🏨 NH Collection Royal Quito :  This modern hotel is all class in the trendy La Floresta neighborhood.

For Long-Term Stays in Quito: Airbnb 🏢

For longer stays in Quito, Airbnb can be a great option to have the conveniences of a kitchen, laundry, etc. There are plenty of Airbnb throughout the city. We stayed in a modern one-bedroom furnished Airbnb apartment for as low as $400 for the month (28 days) including utilities. $600/month can be a good price range to shoot for in a centrally located area.

Of course, shorter stays are possible too. But we find that quick stays in Quito can be better served by a hotel or hostel, which are similarly inexpensive. If interested in Airbnb and have never used it before, feel free to use our referral link to save up to $40+ on your first Airbnb booking .

More Quito Travel Tips:

🌩️  don’t check the weather in quito.

Seriously, don’t bother. It’s usually wrong. The weather in Quito is very unpredictable. The forecasted temperatures can be somewhat trusted. But Quito’s sun/cloud/rain forecasts have proven to be consistently wrong.

☔  Always bring a rain jacket with you

Or a compact travel umbrella like this . Weather changes in an instant in Quito. A beautiful sunny day can turn into a torrential downpour with almost no transition. Always take a rain jacket or umbrella with you even if it appears to be a bright sunshiny day. June through August are the driest months in Quito. But it still rains then too.

🍽️  Get to know the “almuerzos”

The Spanish word for lunch is almuerzo . But in Quito, it takes on a slightly different meaning. Restaurants offering almuerzos are generally dishing out a set 3-course set menu of soup, a main w/ sides, dessert, and juice.

Almuerzo prices typically range $2.00-$3.50, so they are great options for budget travelers to eat amongst the local crowd in Quito. The incredible values are very common. Simply look for the sandwich boards or a handwritten sign outside of restaurants during lunchtime.

⛰️  Beware of Quito’s altitude

Quito is one of the highest capital cities in the world, with an altitude of 3,000 meters. That’s about two miles high!  Altitude sickness can occur at altitudes higher than 2,400 meters. Quito is 600 meters beyond that.

Some people visiting Quito from sea level experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Allow a few days to acclimatize before pursuing physical activities like hiking Cotopaxi and Quilotoa.

For those who are particularly prone to altitude sickness, consider taking this natural medication . It’s well worth it, as evidence from these great reviews it gets on Amazon . Avoid that throbbing headache and instead enjoy your trip to Quito!

☀️  Use lots of sunscreen.

In Quito, visitors are hit with a double-whammy of the equatorial sun and altitude. The sun in Quito is no joke. Visitors manage to get burned even on cloudy days.

Pack sunscreen with you. It tends to be much more expensive in Quito compared to US prices. Use at least SPF 50. We like this Banana Boat sunscreen that Amazon sells at a good price.

🚱 Don’t drink the water in Quito

The tap water in Quito is regarded as generally not safe to drink. Use bottled water only.

Also, consider traveling with this compact LifeStraw . We have one and it really came in handy a few times when we realized we were out of bottled water at night after all the stores were closed.

💸 Cash is king

Ecuador uses the US dollar as its currency. While some businesses in Quito do accept credit card, most don’t. Some places that do accept credit cards may add a fee. ATMs are frequent, so it’s best to use those and have cash.

💵  Use small bills

Most businesses generally won’t accept $50 or $100 bills. Come with small change as you’ll otherwise have a very difficult time breaking a hundo spot. Even twenties can sometimes be tough to break. Carry small change if possible.

🆔  Carry your ID

It’s not only the law. Bars often ask to see your ID upon entry (even when you’re clearly of age). It is almost always required if you do make any credit card purchases. Some of Quito’s free attractions, such as museums, also require an ID upon entry.

🚇  Reconsider public transportation for short trips

We’re often advocates of public transportation as a cost-effective and more ecological means of transport. But in Quito, we often noticed the $0.25 Ecovia, Troles, and buses can become packed to the point that you can barely breathe. With all the people up against you and further threats of pickpockets, you may want to reconsider taking the $0.25 ride during busy times.

It can be worth it to spend a few extra quarters to take an Uber or taxi, which both have reasonable rates. Traveling a few kilometers across town is typically less than $2.

🚕  Use the meter for taxis in Quito.

Often a taxi driver will turn on his meter upon you entering the cab. If he does, go with it. It’s a good rate. If not, be sure to negotiate a price immediately or you could end up paying more than expected.

🚗 Better yet, Uber in Quito .

We found Uber rates tend to be about the same, or slightly cheaper than a taxi. Ubers in Quito are safe and reliable.

Uber is also a good option for non-Spanish speakers. The destination is input into the app, so there’s no need to explain directions.

As long as you have an international data connection, the same Uber app you use at home works in Quito.

👛  Watch out for pickpockets.

Keep very vigilant, particularly in crowded places frequented by tourists. We found Quito to be safe overall. But there is a real threat of pickpockets in touristic areas. This holds particularly true in Old Town and in crowded public transport.

Be very mindful if someone seems to be innocently bumping into you. Keep belongings close in these instances.

 ⚠️  Important: Be Sure to Have Travel Insurance in Quito.

You never know what could go wrong during a trip to Quito, from a minor incident like lost luggage or flight cancelation to a major disaster like an earthquake or a car accident. Travel insurance will not only come to your rescue. It will also cover those unexpected costs.

Whether you sprain an ankle while hiking Cotopaxi or become a pickpocketing victim in Plaza Grande, don’t let something like this ruin your trip to Quito. We always use travel insurance while roaming around Ecuador and recommend it. We like World Nomads , which has what we’ve found to have the best price and coverage combination (particularly for longer trips).  Enter the dates for your trip  to get a quick estimate.

💼  What to Pack for Quito

Pack for Quito as you would for any cool-weather destination. We recommend plenty of activewear and sun protection. Also, be sure to pack comfortable shoes for all the walking you’ll undoubtedly be doing. It’s wise to pack either a travel umbrella or a rain jacket too.

Of course, pack all of your regular travel gear that you’d pack for any international trip. Don’t forget the camera and your passport! Check out our Ultimate Travel Packing List for all our packing tips and travel gear ideas, which we wrote while based in Quito.

Traveling to Quito Ecuador?

We hope this Quito travel guide has helped to show what we’ve found are the best things to do in Quito. If you’ve used this guide to help plan a trip to Quito, please let us know in the comments. We always love to hear from people who may have stumbled across our posts.

Or if you have any questions while planning a trip to Quito, feel free to ask and we’ll try to answer. Finally, if you’ve been to Quito and have your own favorite thing to do in Quito, let us know so we can check it out next time.

And there will be a next time. Quito is way too fun not to return!

Lastly, if this post has helped you, please consider sticking with us to continue receiving travel tips and inspiration! Join thousands of other savvy travelers on our Facebook and/or Instagram to get more awesome travel ideas into your social feeds!

Where to Next in Ecuador?

If you found this Quito Travel Guide helpful, then you may be interested in other travel guides we’ve published about Ecuador.

 🇪🇨 For the most comprehensive round-up on traveling Ecuador, be sure to check out our article that sums up the best experiences and where to go.

Read : 20 Best Things to Do in Ecuador & Interesting Places to Visit

🐢 Did you know that you don’t have to take a pricey Galapagos tour? You can actually visit the Galapagos independently for cheap! This post reveals exactly how it’s possible.

Read :  How To Afford the Best of the Galapagos: Budget Travel Tips

⛪ Cuenca is Ecuador’s colonial gem and is another one of the country’s Unesco World Heritage Sites. It’s nicknamed the Athens of Ecuador for its historic center and being a cultural hub. Yet adventure abounds in the Andes that surround and our latest guide spills all the details.

Read: 20 Best Things To Do in Cuenca Ecuador: Travel Guide

🎡  Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city. In comparison to Quito, it’s so different. Guayaquil is near the coast with a warm and tropical vibe. There’s lots to do in Guayaquil to consider a stopover of a few days.

Read :  15 Best Things To Do in Guayaquil Ecuador: Travel Guide

🚣 We weren’t sure if it was possible to travel by boat from Ecuador to reach the Amazon River . So we set off on a rural adventure to find out. Read our tale to see how.

Read :  How to Travel the Napo River by Boat from Coca to Iquitos

🏔️ Riobamba  is a 3-4 hour bus ride from Quito further into the Andes. This city sits at the base of Ecuador’s tallest mountain , Chimborazo, and hence is an awesome gateway to numerous adventures that about in the area.

Read : Riobamba Travel Guide: Best Adventures & Things to Do

Publishing note: This article about the Best Things To Do in Quito is continually updated to best reflect the latest and up-to-date info. Last updated January 29, 2020.

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January 19, 2023 at 1:26 AM

Am about to embark on a trip to Quito and the Galapagos. Thanks for all the helpful information. Have taken note and altered my itinerary. On a Trip Advisor site I saw that there was a Hop On Hop Off bus in Quito but I have not seen mention of this anywhere else. Can you confirm if this still operating? Someone mentioned that it was called Wanderbus?

February 7, 2023 at 12:00 PM

Wanderbus is a bus transportation option that makes multiday trips across Ecuador, allowing passengers to hop-on and off at various destinations across the country. If you’re looking for a hop-on-hop-off tour of Quito, there is a 2.5-hr double-decker bus tour of Quito but the ability to hop-on/off is limited. For a thorough tour of Quito, we instead recommend the Original 1914 Trolley Tour .

November 25, 2022 at 9:07 PM

This is very detailed! Bravo! I love your little blue boxes with tips and specifics on each activity. This page was easy to navigate and had a lot of really good information. Having been to Quito myself, and enjoyed many of the same things, I can only say well done, and I agree!!

October 30, 2021 at 2:54 AM

Thank you so much for this very detailed blog. It is absolutely EXCELLENT. The best of any destination guide I have seen for any city! Keep up the great work.

We are looking forward to our visit in Jan. 2021

November 4, 2020 at 12:18 AM

We plan to trip to Ecuador. This post help a lot. Thank you for the post.

August 3, 2020 at 3:33 PM

Love your info. Need more guides like this.

February 23, 2020 at 7:03 PM

Just wanted to thank you for all the great info. I will be in Quito for 10 days in June for my 60th birthday. I have reserved a room at the Community Hostel and will be booking my trips through them. I loved all your links and videos. Job well done, thanks again.

February 26, 2020 at 2:58 PM

So great to hear – hope you have a fantastic trip! 🙂

December 20, 2019 at 1:26 PM

Wow, great information on this site! Thanks so much for taking time to write and update it. I have one question about the Sunday bike days – do we have to rent bikes to go on the roads or can we get them elsewhere? I’m planning to do the free city bike program with biciquito, so wondering if I can just use one of these. Thanks!

December 20, 2019 at 4:08 PM

So glad you found it helpful! 🙂 The Sunday bike ride is open to everyone regardless of where you get the bike from. Most people that do the bike ride are local to Quito, so just bring their own bikes. You bring grab a bike from wherever to join in the fun. I’d imagine the Biciquito bikes should work just fine, so long as you completed their registration process. Have a great trip!

August 15, 2019 at 7:01 AM

This article was SO HELPFUL!! Thank you 🙂

One question: as we won’t be in Quito on a Saturday or Wednesday but wanted to do a combined day tour of equator and Otavalo – do you know if the two can be done on public transport? i.e. is there a bus connecting the two?

Also, do you happen to have restaurant recommendations apart from the amazing markets?

August 20, 2019 at 11:49 AM

It could be possible, but time would be tight. The main equator monument, Mitad del Mundo, is located on a different highway than the road to Otavalo. They’re both accessed from the North side of Quito, so that may help. If trying to squeeze them both into one day, I’d suggest going to Otavalo first, early in the morning, then hitting the equator monuments if you have time once you return. From Terminal Carcelen, it’s about a 2-hour bus ride each way to Otavalo. Once you return back to Quito, if you still have time before it closes (6pm), then you could take a taxi/Uber from the terminal directly to the equator monument. Depending on traffic, it could take up to 30 minutes and cost $5-$8 to Uber from Carcelen to Mitad del Mundo. Also, just note that the Otavalo market isn’t as big on days other than Wed and Sat. Have a great trip!

August 5, 2019 at 10:27 PM

Thank you for this guide! I really like and appreciate the details and organization of information. We referred to it a few times during our one week stay in Quito, and it was very helpful. There were a couple of things that were different than what was described here, not sure if it was just our luck or maybe some things have changed since your last update. I’ll just mention them here in case it’s helpful for other travelers, feel free to fact-check them and reply if it’s not generally true (and just our random experience). 1) Bus to Mitad del Mundo: There is actually a direct bus that’s not too hard to get to from the Centro Historico, which doesn’t require the transfer at Ofelia and was pretty easy. We boarded at the El Tejar bus stop (although I imagine there are other stops along the route that people could get to), which was about a 15 min walk from Plaza Grande, along Meijia until it turns into El Tejar (rough coordinates here: -0.214157, -78.51636). It’s not the bus stop at the island in the middle, just the one on the closer side if you’re walking along Meijia from Plaza Grande and the bus companies are called Transporte Mitad del Mundo. The ones to Mitad del Mundo will have a yellow sign saying “Mitad del Mundo” or “Ciudad del Mundo” in front. It costs $0.40. We heard it runs every 30 mins or so, although we waited no more than 5 mins so we can’t verify that. 2) Guard Change: We were told by our walking tour guide that this happens 8am most Mondays, except the first Monday of the month, when it’s at 11am. Since we were here the first Monday, it was at 11am as you mentioned, so we can’t verify the other time mentioned by our guide, but maybe it’s worth looking into to confirm. 3) Bike rental for Ciclopaseo: We actually didn’t find any bike rentals at Plaza Grande and were told by the Tourist Info Office that there aren’t any in the Centro Historico (unless you made some sort of advance reservation or something). We were instructed to go to La Mariscal, where we also didn’t see many bike rentals on Av. Amazonas until we reached La Carolina Parque area, where we saw a few, but not as many as we expected. If we were to do it again, we would probably plan ahead and reserve bikes since it didn’t seem as easy to just walk around and get one the day of. 4) Not quite mentioned in your Quito guide but rather in your Galapagos post, we actually did find snorkel sets in Quito and they weren’t so expensive (not $60+). We found many in the ‘Casas de Deportes’ sports stores around the Centro Historico, many near the Santo Domingo bus stop/plaza, although we’ve seen some more stores elsewhere as well. They ranged from $10-35. Probably cheap unknown brands so we can’t vouch for the quality though. We already bought ours in Costa Rica as we thought we couldn’t find any cheap ones in Quito and we are traveling for a while so we can’t get them from the U.S. shipped to us. There was an ‘Aquatek’ brand one in Quito for $35, though we got the same thing in Costa Rica for about $30. 5) We found the bus travel in Quito to be relatively safe, not that uncomfortable (we only had a crowded bus a couple of times and most other times we could find a seat), very economical for budget/backpack travelers (.25 for most buses), and definitely more ecological than taking cars around all the time. We understand of course that many of your readers are probably coming straight from North America/Europe for only a short vacation so maybe Uber/taxi is just easier to deal with and much cheaper than back home, but we would like to advocate for buses a little because it’s much more environmentally friendly (less carbon footprint per passenger). Quito even has some electric buses, and the Trole bus/Ecovia stops are very established. Google Maps has pretty good transit information on Quito, and we used it to get around with no problem. The only thing that was confusing on Google Maps is that they use numbers for routes that aren’t really displayed on the buses (e.g. Google will show bus 112 or 78 but the buses will not have these signs), so it’s easier to go by the destination (e.g. if Google says Rio Cuca, then just watch for the label that says Rio Cuca on the bus windshields).

Anyway, sorry for the long comment. We really found your guide super helpful and just wanted to share a little of our experience in case it’s helpful for others too. Now we’re headed to Galapagos next and will be looking at your post as well 🙂

August 6, 2019 at 8:08 PM

Am glad to hear this was helpful! Thanks so much for taking the time for your thoughtful response and feedback. Pointing out differences you noticed will surely help other travelers and we’ll definitely make some upcoming edits to this post to reflect this.

1) Thanks so much for the added info about the direct bus to Mitad del Mundo. Great to hear about not having to do the transfer. And your details are awesome. Will incorporate this info into the directions when we make a quick update to this post again soon. 2) The guard change has been at 11:00, every Monday in the past. Thanks for the heads-up about a potential 8am change. Will research this a bit further to confirm if it’s changed other than the first Monday at 11:00. Glad you were still able to catch it! 🙂 3) The bike rentals on Av Rio Amazonas alongside Parque Carolina are probably more abundant. That’s actually where we always go to rent them. Yet when we were last in Quito a few months ago, there were bikes still available at Plaza Grande, even at mid-day. Perhaps the demand for bikes is much greater at the Plaza though and they get scooped up in advance. I’ll soon edit this to suggest going to Parque Carolina as more of a sure thing to actually get a bike. 4) Glad to hear that there are some cheap-er masks around somewhere in Quito. Due to taxation, all the imported masks, and any merch really (cars, electronics, everything) are all so much more expensive than if purchased back in North America, or even across the border in Colombia. We’ve only encountered very high prices for masks, among the sporting goods stores throughout EC. Other travelers have been surprised by this in what is otherwise an economical country to travel in. So we like to advise packing a mask to avoid the potential of overpaying once in EC. In Galapagos, we’ve seen mask & snorkel sets being sold closer to $100 (yikes!) 5) The public transport is certainly worth considering, particularly for the more environmentally-friendly mode of transportation you mention on Quito’s sometimes heavily trafficked roadways. It’s really such a responsible move to make as a traveler and we totally applaud that. Yet we have found the Ecovia, in particular, to get regularly packed with everyone pressed up against each other and we’ve even had friends living in Quito who’ve gotten pickpocketed in those conditions. So it’s tough to fully recommend. Perhaps it’s best for more seasoned travelers and when it’s not overly crowded. I’ll change that tip to reflect not ignoring the public transport entirely.

Anyhow, thanks again so much for all the feedback. I really like to keep these guides up-to-date, based on reader feedback and changing conditions. Most people rarely take the time to stop back by after their trip to note any differences or changes. So this is all so helpful to us! Muchas gracias! 🙂 Hope you have an excellent time exploring all the magic of the Galapagos that awaits you!

June 14, 2019 at 1:54 PM

Felicito por esta guia muy completa y fácil de utilizar. Recomiendo siempre a mis pasajeros Arbnb que la visiten y así aprovechen mejor su estadía en Quito. Solo una observación, requiere actualizar la foto de Visita al Presidente.

June 19, 2019 at 7:58 PM

Nos alegra saber que el artículo está completo y es fácil de seguir. Lamento haber usado la foto de cuando vimos a Correa en el palacio hace años. Tendremos que volver para capturar una foto del presidente Moreno. Tales cambios pueden ser difíciles de mantener actualizados.

March 22, 2019 at 10:40 AM

Truly an amazing guide- muchísimas gracias!! I just arrived to Quito this morning and will be using this guide as a bible to all things cool in Quito! I’m definitely booking my hostel and Mitad del Mundo tour through your guide/site. Thanks again for such an easy and detailed guide!!

March 22, 2019 at 7:38 PM

Welcome to Quito! 🙂 It’s so great to hear this because we actually just spent the past few days giving this post a major update, after having just returned to Quito ourselves earlier this month. So it’s nice to know this fresh info is getting out there. Have an awesome trip to Quito and Ecuador!

March 21, 2019 at 6:02 PM

I’m so glad I found your post just before we went to Quito on March 3! I literally wrote down my list of things to do (and eat!) from this post, and everything was right on! Especially appreciated were the notes on taxi prices and approximate distances/drive times to sights.

Thanks so much for all the time it took to put this together. Lisa

March 22, 2019 at 7:30 PM

So glad to hear this proved helpful! Thanks for taking the time to stop back by our blog to let us know. Always encouraging feedback to hear. 🙂 Hope you had a great time in Quito!

March 19, 2019 at 9:58 PM

Hi, Thanks for sharing such a comprehensive guide. Heading to Quito for a few days in coming months and this guide really helps us choose how to best spend that time. Any packing tips? –seems long pants and sleeves and a fleece would be wise…Cheers!

March 21, 2019 at 4:09 PM

De nada! 🙂 So glad to hear this has been helpful. In the last day or two, we actually just did a big major update to this guide for 2019. It’s largely the same recommendations, but some logistics had changed and a few new things in Quito we discovered had popped up. Regarding packing, yes definitely long pants and long sleeves. Some days it gets warm enough for short sleeves. But it tends to cool off quickly at night. Fleece would be ideal. No need for a thick winter jacket or anything. And be sure to pack stuff for the sun and the rain. Hope you have a great trip to Quito!

February 18, 2019 at 12:23 PM

I have literally refered back to this article throughout my entire 10 days in Quito. So helpful. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks for sharing. Alan, Ireland.

February 19, 2019 at 6:59 AM

Ah, that’s so great to hear! 🙂 Thanks so much for dropping by with the comment to let us know. We’re really looking forward to returning Quito later this month! Cheers!

January 26, 2019 at 10:35 AM

Awesome post….you have tons of helpful tips, with specific details which most posts are missing. We are going to Quito in March for a week. This helps me feel more prepared. Thank you!

January 28, 2019 at 9:11 AM

Thanks for the kind feedback and so glad this proved helpful! 🙂 Hope you have a great trip to Quito! We’re getting excited to be heading back there next month ourselves.

November 24, 2018 at 4:50 PM

This is a really awesome guide. Thank you for all of the work on this!

November 12, 2018 at 5:09 PM

That i call a Guide – amazing work!

May 19, 2018 at 3:21 PM

Great suggestions! I have some notes I will post about somethings that have changed in the past 12 months, just finished a great visit with my husband.

May 25, 2018 at 1:05 PM

So glad to hear you had a great visit! Yes, please do let us know any changes you’ve noticed as we’re just getting ready to update this article. 🙂

February 28, 2018 at 4:47 PM

Wow – this is an awesome itenery. I plan on my first travelling experience and start in Quito. There seems so much to do i might plan in a few extra days! Onto the galapagos islands blog next! Thank you for this – your time is appreciated

March 20, 2018 at 10:26 AM

Thanks Abby! There’s so much to do in Quito, I’m sure you’ll be happy if you build in a few extra days. Enjoy exploring Ecuador, you’ve picked an excellent country to kick off your travels!

January 23, 2018 at 7:35 PM

I agree with all the previous compliments on how great this article is! I have a quick question. Where did you stay the night for the 2 day trip to Mindo? I would love to do the 2 day trip exactly how you suggest in the article.

January 24, 2018 at 10:40 PM

Always glad to hear this is helpful! 🙂 We stayed at Bio Hostal Mindo Cloud Forest. I was very inexpensive, good enough (yet nothing amazing), good location, and had a great hot breakfast. We were satisfied but really, there are loads of great inexpensive places in Mindo! Have a great trip – buen viaje!

October 11, 2017 at 8:17 PM

Thank you very much for this great guide. I am staying in Quito right now and find it very useful

October 24, 2017 at 11:23 PM

So glad to hear this Quito travel guide is proving helpful! Thanks so much for stopping by with the positive feedback.

September 27, 2017 at 7:34 AM

Hi John! Wow, this is a really comprehensive post with lots of really useful information and tips. It makes me want to go back to Quito. It’s such a beautiful city. I loved the Quito Craft Beer Tour. It was really fun! I actually just wrote a blog post recently too about alternative things to do in Quito.

July 19, 2017 at 8:53 PM

I would suggest doing one of the Escape Rooms in Quito. The games are quite cheep in comparison to the US or other parts of the world and some of them are well themed and thoughtfull. I would recommend Escape 23 in the Mariscal Area. Some more are: Exit, Room Escape Ecuador and Reto Eureka.

PS: Great Bog! =)

July 27, 2017 at 1:47 PM

We’ve seen those escape rooms popping up all over the place and have always wanted to do it. With costs lower in Quito compared to other places in the world, sounds like it could be worth doing there. Definitely something to consider checking out – thanks for the idea!

May 5, 2017 at 6:33 PM

Hey! What a winderdul article so helpful thank you very much for your work and passion. Quick questioni eant to do otovalo tour tomorrow but i want to take my time and buy a lot of souvenirs… do you think it is a great idea to do it with a grouo or it s best on my own???

May 7, 2017 at 4:55 PM

Not sure if this has reached you in time, but I’d suggest that if your main priority in Otovalo is shopping, then just do it yourself. But if those other activities interest you, the tour would make for a more complete day. I’d imagine that it would give you enough time to shop. It’s a big market but most of the handicrafts are clustered together in one area. I would assume that you would have enough time on the tour to buy all that you wanted but it really depends on just how much shopping you’re planning to do. If in doubt, I’d say just go on your own and you’ll have all the time you want. 🙂

March 1, 2017 at 12:44 AM

This is so informative and helpful especially for us who is planning to visit quito ecuador. I’ll be saving this to my bookmarks. And by the way, this will be my first travel so I’m excited haha! But, thank you so much! I love this. 😀

March 3, 2017 at 1:12 PM

Hey Esther, thanks for the comment! We’re so happy to hear that you have found our guide to be useful when planning your trip. Enjoy beautiful Quito!

February 22, 2017 at 3:39 PM

Wow, that’s a very nice and comprehensive guide to Quito! I’m planning to visit Ecuador this year, so definitely bookmarking it.

February 23, 2017 at 1:40 PM

Hey Pedro, thanks for the comment. We have no doubt that you’ll enjoy Ecuador just as much as we are!

February 22, 2017 at 4:43 AM

Quito Ecuador is really pretty. You are really lucky! I really want to visit here now.

February 22, 2017 at 2:13 PM

Hey Karla, thanks for the comment. We feel very lucky to travel through such a beautiful country 🙂 Hoping that you’ll get to experience it too!

February 21, 2017 at 4:56 PM

Excellent comprehensive article. I’ll be forwarding it to others bookmarking for myself. Thank you.

February 22, 2017 at 2:10 PM

Hey Alicia, thanks for the comment. We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the article and thank you for sharing!

February 21, 2017 at 10:03 AM

We stayed the night at Casa San Marcos, and it was fabulous! We were only really in Quito for a day and a half (we went to Canar, Banos, and Otavalo) and it was very rainy, but the Centro Historico was beautiful!

February 21, 2017 at 4:36 PM

Hey Teresa, thanks for the comment and sharing your experience at Casa San Marcos. Sounds like you had some really full days during your visit! Glad to hear that you enjoyed the historic charm in Quito as much as we did 🙂

February 21, 2017 at 7:12 AM

Bookmarked. This is a really comprehensive guide. I bookmarked it because we have plans to visit Ecuador and Quito of course, and this will surely be an asset to us. Great work. 🙂

February 21, 2017 at 4:27 PM

Thanks for the comment! We have no doubt that you’ll have a wonderful time in Quito. Please let us know if you have any questions when planning your visit.

February 20, 2017 at 10:16 PM

Wow this is SUCH comprehensive guide to Quito. I have heard great things about this city, but I can see there is even more to do than I had heard of. Fabulous write up.

February 21, 2017 at 4:17 PM

Hi Skye, thanks for the comment and compliment. We were absolutely amazed with the amount of activities and sights to keep us busy, there’s certainly no shortage of things to do 🙂

February 19, 2017 at 11:26 PM

First of all kudos for writing such an extensive and detailed article. Most people are busy writing listicles and this is a perfect mixture of story telling and point wise details to help travelers. Ecuador and the neighboring countries is, for me, a completely different world that I am always fascinated with but never had the opportunity to explore. There’s obviously so much to do here and the architecture and the vibe seems to be very European. I love how you gave such a well rounded posts covering all aspects of the city and the country to an extent. Reading the article my feet are itchy to really get up and start exploring again.

February 20, 2017 at 4:11 PM

Hey, thank you so much for the compliment! As you can see, we think that Quito and the surrounding area is a perfect travel destination with endless activities to keep one busy. Glad to hear that you’re considering exploring again. Please let us know if you add Quito to your itinerary and we’ll be happy to answer any questions.

June 16, 2017 at 7:51 PM

Best travel article ever! I am curious if you know the scoop on easy to reach waterfalls or swimming holes? I know there are waterfalls in the mountains but are there any other spots? Leaving June 29th til July 2nd from Miami, I’ve gotta take a dip or dive there! Thank you for sharing your experience in such a remarkable way!

June 20, 2017 at 4:14 PM

Oh you’re making us blush. Thanks! 🙂 As for waterfalls, if you are planning to go to Mindo (and you should!), there are many many waterfalls all around there. Otovalo has some nice Falls around it too, such a Peguche. Closer to Quito, you could perhaps try the Rio Pita Waterfall that is about 1-hour South of the city and there are some excursions that go there, but it’s not a very common one. Hope that helps and have an awesome trip to Quito!!

February 19, 2017 at 6:07 PM

This is a fantastic guide to Quito!!! No need for any other guide just yours. Would love to get back over to South America some time and visit Quito – when I do I know were I will be heading for info 🙂

February 20, 2017 at 4:06 PM

Hey Melissa, thanks so much for the comment and kind words. I hope that you’ll be able to make it back to South America and add Quito to your itinerary 🙂

February 19, 2017 at 4:18 PM

What a fantastic article! We’re looking to visit Cuito early next year, and we’re definitely going to stay a few days, just so that we can fit in the craft beer crawl! Looks like there’s plenty going on there

February 20, 2017 at 4:04 PM

Hey Nicky, thanks for the comment. So happy to hear that you’ll be traveling to Quito. There’s so much here to do, and as you mentioned, the craft beer crawl is reason alone to stay. Please let us know if you have any questions when planning your trip to Quito.

February 19, 2017 at 2:57 PM

WOW. This is such a detailed post! You bet that I’m bookmarking your post now! After all, I aim to visit this part of the world sometime soon this year.

Thanks for this!

February 20, 2017 at 4:01 PM

Hey Aileen, thanks for the comment! I’m confident that you won’t regret adding Quito to your travel itinerary this year. Please let us know if you have any questions when planning your trip.

February 19, 2017 at 2:25 PM

By far, the most comprehensive guide to Quite I’ve read. I feel like you provided more information and detail than Lonely Planet does! Very impressed! I had no idea there was so many interesting things to do in Quito, because like you mention, most people I know who have been tend to just do an overnight before moving on. Interesting that it has a fun beer culture too, which is something I certainly would like to dive into!

February 20, 2017 at 3:59 PM

Hey Drew, thanks for the comment and kind words. Comparing this post to the Lonely Planet is quite the compliment 🙂 Quito is such an amazing city with loads to keep one busy, definitely deserves more than just a stopover. I hope you have an opportunity to check out the craft beer scene!

February 19, 2017 at 3:04 AM

Wow! What a super comprehensive guide. There are loads of things to do in Quito. We were just there last year and reading your post was fun! Great tips. 🙂

February 20, 2017 at 3:53 PM

Hey Anna, thanks for the comment! Glad to hear that you’ve been to Quito and reading this post brought back some memories for you.

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17 Top Things to do in Quito, Ecuador: A Travel Guide

In our opinion, the historical city of Quito is one of the most beautiful cities in South America. While plenty of visitors tend to skip the capital of Ecuador, it’s definitely worth stopping to spend a few days in Quito. 

*This post may contain affiliate links, as a result, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on any bookings/purchases you make through the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our full disclosure

Quito sits high up in the Andes Mountains at 2,850 meters (9,350 ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest capital cities in the world. It’s built on former Incan territory, but the city itself dates back to 1534, when the Spanish colonized the country. 

This long history can still be appreciated today, with the historic Old Town in the city center around Plaza Grande recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the incredible colonial architecture, fantastic food, and stunning mountainous scenery, it’s a buzzing city to explore in Latin America.

It can be tempting to avoid the chaotic and congested traffic and head straight off to the Galapagos Islands or to the Amazon, but if you give the city some time, you’ll soon come to appreciate its vibrant historic center. 

Make sure you set aside at least a few days to explore Quito, especially if you want to understand more about the culture and origins of Ecuador and head off on a day trip. This guide to the best things to do in Quito will provide everything you need to know to make your visit enjoyable and responsible.

Traveling Soon?  Here is a list of our favourite travel providers and accessories to help get you ready for your upcoming trip! Book Your Accommodation HERE Search for Great Tours HERE Get a Car Rental HERE Buy Travel Insurance HERE See our Favourite Camera Bag HERE Grab a Reusable Water Bottle HERE or a Filtration Straw HERE Order an eSim HERE

Best Time to Visit Quito 

Thanks to its equatorial location, the city of Quito enjoys a relatively constant cool and comfortable climate . The average temperature during the day is around 20°C (68°F) and about 10°C (50°F) at night.  

There are 2 seasons in Quito: 

• Dry (summer) season, which runs from June to September 
• Rainy season, which runs from October to May

The best time to visit Quito is during the dry season. This is when the skies are clear, and you’ll have far less chance of rain. October until May is the wet season and when you can expect over 100mm of rain each month. However, this is usually experienced in afternoon showers and won’t stop you from exploring Quito too much. March to May is the wettest time of the year and is the only time we recommend avoiding a trip to Quito.

How to Get Around Quito

With the chaotic traffic and congested streets, it can be a challenge to navigate the transport options in Quito, Ecuador. The easiest way to get around is by taxi or Uber. Local taxis and ride-sharing options are plentiful in the city and are relatively affordable. 

Quito also has an excellent public transport system. Hence, it  offers a more eco-friendly way to get around the city. There are three electric bus lines : Trole, Ecovia, and Metrobus. They run on designated lines that aren’t accessible by regular traffic, like trams. This can be very beneficial, especially if navigating the city during rush hour. Public transit is very affordable – a single trip can cost less than a dollar.

The historical center is also very walkable. There are plenty of pedestrians enjoying the center’s street vendors and colonial architecture. You can easily explore Old Town Quito on foot, as many of the main attractions are walking distance. 

The other eco-friendly option is to rent a bicycle. BiciQuito i s the free bike-sharing program in the city. Register online or fill out an application and hand it in to the Agencia Metropolitana de Transito. Once registered, you can pick up a bike from any rental station for free with your mobile phone!

Things to See and Do in Quito, Ecuador

There are plenty of things to see in Quito, Ecuador. No matter how much time you have in the city, you’ll easily be able to find something to do. 

Here are our must-see places in Quito, including top-day trips from Quito and more!

Visit Historical Center and Plaza Grande

Quito’s center was the first city to be recognized as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site for its incredible colonial architecture . No list of things to do in Ecuador, Quito would be complete without a visit to Quito’s Old Town. It’s known as Latin America’s best-preserved Old Town and least altered historic center. A wander through the old streets is a must-see in Quito.

The heart of the center is Plaza Grande or Independence Square . Within a short walking distance from this plaza are some of the most beautiful buildings in Quito, including the Presidential Palace , San Agustin , Plaza San Francisco , La Merced and the City Museum .

Another one of the must-see places of interest in Quito Historinal Center is La Virgen de Quito or Virgin of the Panecillo . The wooden sculpture of a winged Virgin Mary sits on a rounded hilltop just outside of the old town overlooking the city. 

Join a Free Walking Tour

A great way to learn some of the city’s history is to join a walking tour.  Free Walking Tour Ecuador and Quito Free Walking Tour offer great free walking tours of Quito and include all the main sights mentioned above. They typically last a few hours and run daily, departing from Community Hostel. These tours offer a great way to save money and meet fellow travelers. 

You can also enjoy longer and more tailored Quito sightseeing tours around the city. 

• This Quito Highlights and Food Tour offers a great way to combine history and culture while touring the capital city of Ecuador.
• Street Food Essentials Tour offers a great way to eat through Quito Old Town.

Get a View of the City from Basilica del Voto Nacional

Basilica del Voto Nacional is a unique fixture in the city and is one of the best places to visit in Quito, Ecuador. The stunning church is the largest neo-Gothic basilica in Latin America . 

A visit inside the church was enjoyable, but the highlight for us was the panoramic views from the top of the Basilica . The entrance fee to the Basilica del Voto Nacional is only a couple of dollars, so it’s definitely one of the top 10 things to do in Quito on a budget.

Stroll along La Ronda Street (Calle de la Ronda)

Calle la Ronda is a vibrant pedestrian-only street in the historic center of Ecuador’s capital. It’s widely considered one of the most beautiful streets in the city, with old colonial buildings and a cobblestone path. 

Some of the buildings on Calle la Ronda date back to the 1600s and many of them have been converted into local cafes and shops. Calle la Ronda is located a couple of streets south of the Plaza Grande, so it’s a great place to visit while exploring the Old Town. 

Enjoy the Lively Atmosphere on Plaza Foch

Plaza Foch is the place to go for late-night entertainment in Quito. The lively square in the La Mariscal area has plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants, and it’s a great place to visit in the evening and fun during the day. 

The area has plenty of hostels and is generally considered the heart of the backpacker quarter. 

Shop at Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal  

If you want to pick up any last-minute souvenirs or local goodies before leaving Ecuador, then Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal is the place to go. This vibrant market is located in the Mariscal district, which isn’t far from Plaza Foch.

You’ll find many souvenirs and handicrafts in the market, including llama jumpers, paintings, leather bags, flutes, Ecuador chocolate and South American blankets. Bargaining is expected, as the prices are often inflated for the popular souvenirs, but it’s a great way to support local makers.

Admire La Floresta’s Street Art

Located in the new part of town, La Floresta has become a trendy neighbourhood . What makes it stand out from the rest of the areas in Quito is the incredible street art, and murals and graffiti make it a great big outdoor museum.

The area also has lovely local cafes, art galleries, gastropubs and an indie movie theatre. If you’ve got a free day and wonder what to do in Quito, Ecuador, that’s slightly different, and a stroll around the arty streets here is worthwhile.

Enjoy a Stroll in Carolina Park

You might be surprised to find many parks and green spaces in Quito. Our favourite during our time in the city was Parque Carolina, which reminded us of New York’s Central Park. The park has ample space for outdoor activities, and it’s at its most active on weekends when it attracts both locals and visitors alike.

There’s a skatepark, walking trails, football pitches and an artificial river where you can take a boat trip on rented paddle boats. You’ll also find a great selection of street food and vendors selling everything from fresh juices to ceviche de choco. A visit to Carolina Park is one of the best things to do in Quito on a Sunday!

Take the TeleferiQo  

One of the top tourist attractions in Quito, Ecuador, is the TeleferiQo. This incredible cable car ride takes passengers up above the city to the base of the Pichincha Volcano in just 18-minutes. It reaches heights of 4000m above sea level and is considered one of the highest cable cars in the world. 

Most visitors take the cable car to admire the views of Quito from above, but there are plenty of other attractions to be found once you reach the top. The upper TeleferiQo cable car station is located on the eastern slope of the Pichincha Volcano, which offers hiking trails, horseback riding and mountain bike riding opportunities. 

Avid hikers can also follow the trail to the top of Pichincha Volcano, a hike that requires excellent fitness and 5-6 hours. 

For many, the final stop on TeleferiQo is one of the big swings in Ecuador . Located a short walk from the cable car station, the swing offers an exhilarating sway overlooking the city.

Visit Ciudad Mitad del Mundo Monument

One of the most famous places to go in Quito, Ecuador, is the La Ciudad Mitad del Mundo or the Middle of the World. This is where the equator line passes through South America. The Mitad del Mundo is a touristy place, so plan your visit accordingly. 

There is a monument and a long yellow equator line to snap an equator selfie. However, it’s not in the exact location of the equator itself, and modern GPS shows that the monument was erected about 230 meters south of the actual equator. So, it’s worth noting that your snap won’t technically be in the real Mitad del Mundo or the middle of the World! 

If you have spare time and wonder what to do in Quito, visiting Mital del Mundo is a great way to spend a morning in Quito. You can take a public bus from the La Ofelia Bus Station north of Quito for just a half-hour to reach Ciudad Mitad del Mundo. 

Get a View of Quito from Above 

With such a vast city sprawl surrounded by stunning mountain peaks, there are many places to get a great view. There are many bars and hotels with rooftops where you can sit back and enjoy the panorama over a drink or a meal. It was one of our top things to do in Quito, Ecuador, at night after exploring Plaza Grande by day.

A couple of our favourite spots with a beautiful rooftop are:

• Vértigo Rooftop near Carolina Park 
• The Secret Garden Hostel Quito , situated just east of the historic center
• Mama Cuchara Hotel, located on the edge of Old Town
• Casa Gangotena is located in the heart of San Francisco Square. 

Best Day Trips from Quito

Quito is the perfect base for some of Ecuador’s best things to do. Whether you join an organized tour or prefer a self-guided Ecuador itinerary, you can easily explore the surrounding mountains and towns while using Quito as a base. 

If you’re wondering what to do around Quito, these are the best day trips to add to your itinerary:

Otavalo Market

A trendy-day trip from Quito is to the famous Otavalo Market.   The town is located just a three-hour bus ride north of Quito and is home to the largest market in South America. 

The market is open every day of the week but is most lively on Saturdays when it attracts vendors from around the country. It’s best to visit in the early morning to get an insight into the local culture before the tourists arrive. 

Otavalo Market is the best place to pick up local souvenirs and handicrafts.

This famous backpacker town is set amongst the dense cloud forest of the Andes lowlands. It’s the country’s adventure capital and offers many things to do and see. There is rafting , ziplining , mountain biking , hiking, and canyoning for thrill-seekers . 

The vibrant town is also home to natural hot springs , an active volcano and plenty of thundering waterfalls . One of the most popular things to do in Banos is the Waterfall Route (La Ruta de Cataratas), which takes you around to the most beautiful waterfalls in the area on a 61km mapped route.

Papallacta Hot Springs

A nice escape from the bustling city of Quito is to the town of Papallacta . Just a 65km drive east of the city center, it’s known for geothermal hot springs in the Andes Mountains. It’s one of the top things to do in Quito, Ecuador, if you’re looking for a relaxing place to spend time.

The Hotel Termas de Papallacta offers eight hot spring pools heated by natural geothermal energy. The entrance fee is around $9 for the standard pools or $23 for access to the spa facilities.

The hot springs are a romantic place to relax and unwind after a trek or mountain bike ride. It’s one of the best things to do in Quito for couples. 

Volcano Antisana

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track destination not far from Quito, consider visiting Volcano Antisana. It’s home to some of the best outdoor activities to do in Quito, Ecuador. The volcano is the fourth tallest volcano in the country, standing at 5,753m (18,870 ft) and just a 50km (31 miles) drive southeast of Quito.

The climb to the summit of Volcano Antisana is a serious undertaking and is considered one of the most technical climbs in the country. It requires glacier and ice climbing experience, good acclimatization, and fitness level. Plus, it is strongly recommended that the hike is led by an experienced guide. It’s a famous peak for mountaineering beginners to gain experience in high mountains. 

But you don’t have to climb the volcano to enjoy its beauty, and its proximity to the city and Papallacta Hot Springs makes for a great stop on a day trip from Quito. 

Cotopaxi National Park

Cotopaxi is one of the most famous volcanoes in South America. The peak is the second highest in Ecuador at 5897m (12 500 ft) and is located just an hour and a half drive south of Quito. Adventurous travelers often hike the active volcano, but it’s certainly no easy feat. The hike is typically done in 2 days. Hikers first reach the base camp at Refugio Jose Rivas, where they camp overnight. The summit from the Refugio takes another 6-10 hours. It’s best to tackle this hike with an experienced guide. 

If you are not interested in a challenging hike but still want to experience the volcano, you have 2 options. 

• Hike to the Refugio or even farther, to the start of the glaciers. 
• Rent a mountain bike and explore the park on the mountain biking routes. 

The park is home to various wildlife, including wild horses, llamas and the Andean Condor. 

Quilotoa Crater Lake 

Quilotoa Lake is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Ecuador. The vast crater lake spans 3km wide and is estimated to have been created around 600 years ago. It’s a convenient place to visit along with Cotopaxi if you have time for a day trip from Quito. The lake is just 3 hours south of the city’s historic center and can easily be reached by bus via Latacunga. Private day tours with a driver and guide are also available.

Aside from admiring the incredible view of Quilotoa Lake, you can hike down to the bottom of the lake and even take a kayak out on the water. The crater’s steep walls can challenge getting back up, but horses are available for $10 per ride.

Best Restaurants in Quito 

Eating in Quito should not be an afterthought, and Quito is where you’ll find some of Ecuador’s best restaurants . So, in our opinion, eating is one of the best things to do in Quito. 

We had a chance to try out several restaurants on our visit to Quito. Here is a list of our favourite and best restaurants in Quito, Ecuador. 

Urko is the best place to find local gourmet cuisine in Quito. This fine-dining restaurant takes you on a culinary journey with a 6-course meal through the regions. The dinner showcased some of the best food in South America. Dishes at Urko focus on seasonal variations and locally produced food. The menu varies with the seasons and can be paired with chocolate and drinks.  A la carte menu is not available. 

This fine-dining restaurant is located just south of Parque La Carolina. Zazu offers an incredible gastronomic experience, with the head chef, Wilson Alpala, focusing on Ecuador’s astonishing abundance of diverse locally grown food.

Casa Gangotena

Located in the heart of Centro Historico district, this restaurant is located inside Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel. The exquisite food here combines rich flavours and textures in traditional Ecuadorian food, focusing on ancestral cooking techniques. The presentation is incredible, and the cocktails are elaborate, so don’t miss a chance to try one with your meal. 

Max was a big fan of the Pork Belly, and I enjoyed their unique taste on an Ecuadorian ceviche.

La Purisima

This classy restaurant was a pleasant surprise! It is located inside an art gallery but is a relatively affordable spot for good food and creative cocktails. Try their baked eggplant with lentils and a slice of traditional Black cake for dessert.

Located in Plaza Foch, Miskay is known for its good local fusion food. It’s committed to using 100% local ingredients to create incredible dishes. It’s a must if you’re wondering what to do in Quito city at dinnertime. But the restaurant also serves lunch, so don’t be afraid to pop by mid-day. 

Bandido Brewing

Of all the brewpubs that have recently popped up in Quito, this is one of the most famous in Quito’s Old Town. Bandido Brewing is a must while visiting Quito, Ecuador and offers a laid-back vibe and a range of European and Ecuadorian food.

Best Hotels in Quito

There’s a wide variety of places to stay in Quito ranging from budget hotels to luxury hotels. Luckily, your dollars can go very far here, so you’ll be able to enjoy a bit more comfort for less.

We’ve stayed in various hotels during our time in Quito (changing spots every few days to taste new areas and hotels). Here are the top hotels in Quito we recommend. 

Best Luxury Hotels in Quito 

• Mama Cuchara : This excellent hotel is housed in a restored colonial-era house. The boutique hotel is lovely and offers impressive rooftop views of the city. We had a fantastic time celebrating New Year here and enjoyed fireworks on the rooftop. The rooms are beautiful, and there is an excellent patio restaurant in the middle of the hotel.
• Plaza Grande Hotel : If you want to stay close to all the tourist sites in Quito, Ecuador, this high-end hotel has posh rooms and a French-inspired restaurant. It’s one of the most outstanding 5-star hotels in the city.
• Casa Gangotena : This upscale hotel is in an ideal location near the old town, with amazing views from the rooftop terrace. We enjoyed our stay here and appreciated the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and rich history. There is a great restaurant on-site, and a stay at the hotel provides access to several unique experiences and tours. 

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Quito 

• Vista del Angel Hotel Boutique : Just outside of Centro Historico, this beautiful hotel has fantastic views of the city center and the Virgen del Panecillo. We stayed here for a few nights during our time in Quito and loved their complimentary breakfast offering. 
• NH Collection Quito Royal : This modern hotel lacks character but is very clean and comfortable for a quick stay. We liked that it was close to the La Floresta neighbourhood, a must-see in Quito.

Best Budget Hotel in Quito

• Casa Q : This budget hotel has cozy rooms and is excellent value for money. We enjoyed the outstanding service and friendly staff when we stayed here. Plus, the hotel was built using recycled materials and local crafts and had a low environmental impact.
• Hotel David : This is a very affordable and cheerful hotel on the edge of Parque la Alameda. While it’s not close to some of the best Quito attractions, a stay at Hotel David is an excellent option, if you want to stretch your dollar

How much time do you need in Quito, Ecuador?

You could get away with just a couple of days to see some of the main things to do in Quito city. However, we suggest staying for a bit longer. 

• 3 to 5 days will give you just enough time to enjoy all the top things to do in Quito
• 5-7 days will allow you to take some day trips from Quito and enjoy a variety of great restaurants in the city.  

No matter how long you end up spending in the city, Quito is the kind of destination you can come back to repeatedly. There is always another new restaurant to discover, a new rooftop to check out, and a new artisan shop to visit. 

About The Author

Oksana & Max St John

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44 BEST Things to Do in Quito: Culture, Food & History Lovers

by Julie | Mar 10, 2024 | Ecuador , Travel

Are you planning a trip to Ecuador and wondering what to do in Quito?

Is the city even worth visiting?

In this article, I’m going to share with you 44 things to do in Quito for culture, food, and history lovers. You’ll also find my honest opinion about each attraction and activity and which ones are worth visiting or doing. This list is based on my 3 trips to Quito and my 6 weeks touring and working remotely in the city.

I’m sure that by the time you finish reading (or skimming) this list, you’ll realize that Quito is a necessary addition to any Ecuador itinerary. I’d say for at least 3 days if you want to get a good taste of the culture, history, and food of the city and get to some off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods. For ideas on how to plan your trip, you can follow my Quito itinerary for 3 days .

Let’s begin!

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Please see this website’s  Disclosure  for more info.

In This Post, You’ll Find…

Best things to do in quito – quick guide.

• Best Things to Do in Quito – Historic Center
• Best Things to Do in Quito – Outside the Historic Center
• Best Things to Do in Quito – Food Lovers

In this article, you’ll find a list of 44 things to do in Quito. You won’t be able to do all of them on your Quito itinerary unless you stay at least 5 days.

So, which tourist attractions are the must-see ones?

Here are my top 10

• Wandering around the historic center
• Do a Quito food tour
• Go on a guided walking tour
• Go up the towers of the Basilica
• Stop by Plaza de San Francisco and grab some hot chocolate at Minka
• Go up the TeleferiQo to Pichincha Volcano
• Visit the Panecillo for views of Quito
• Explore El Mitad del Mundo
• Visit the Museum of Casa del Alabado
• Try as much of the food of Ecuador as you can

PRO TIP: No one likes to think about insurance, but accidents do happen. I highly recommend getting travel insurance. During my travels over the past 2 years, I’ve been using SafetyWing for my insurance. They’re very affordable for all ages, and digital nomads can use their insurance long-term.

BEST Things to Do in Quito – Historic Center

The heart and soul of Quito is the historic center. This is where Spanish Quito began (it was built on top of an Incan settlement), so this is where you’ll find the oldest and most interesting buildings and monuments. It’s a lively area (especially on the weekends) filled with locals going about their daily lives and tourists snapping photos.

You don’t need a car to get around the historic center. Just your two feet and a lot of glute strength to get up those hills.

1.      Wander Around the Historic Center

OPEN: 24/7 (but safer during the day) | ENTRANCE FEE: Free | LOCATION: Map

If you have only one day in Quito, the best way to spend it is by wandering around the historic center (also known as Old Town). It’s an architecture and history lovers’ dream city with beautiful ornate buildings and churches dating back to the seventeenth century.

The streets and plazas of the historic center are full of the vibrant culture of Ecuador —street vendors selling Ecuadorian street food, street musicians singing traditional Andean songs, the elderly and families hanging out in Plaza Grande, and protesters demonstrating against something the government did that was wrong.

2.      Join a Walking Tour of the Historic Center

I always do a walking tour when I visit a new city. Quito was no exception. The city has some excellent walking tours that combine the cultural highlights of the historic center with popular Ecuadorian food . It’s a great way to learn about the culture and history of a city and try some food.

Walking tours usually last three to four hours .  You can do paid tours or free walking tours, which are tip-based. Here are a few walking tours that I’ve done or have gotten rave reviews. They follow the SAME route, so either one will work.

• Culture Walking Tour with Food – It starts at 10:00 am or 2:00 pm. The tour starts at the Basilica. Then it goes to Plaza de Independencia, where you’ll learn about the history of Ecuador and try some Ecuadorian sweets and chocolate at Palacio Arcobispal. It ends at San Francisco Plaza and a stop at Yumbos Chocolate Workshop.
• Free Walking Tour with Food – This tour is tip-based. It starts at 10:00 am, 1:30 pm or 2:00 pm. The tour starts at the Basilica. Then it goes to Plaza de Independencia where you’ll learn about the history of Ecuador, stop at Palacio Arcobispal to try some street food and Ecuadorian sweets and chocolate. Then it heads to San Francisco Plaza. The tour ends at Yumbos Chocolate Workshop where you get to learn about chocolate and taste some.

I did the free walking tour and had a lot of fun! The guide was passionate and knowledgeable and we got to sample some delicious foods. However, she canceled on me at the first minute. We rescheduled to the next day but then she changed the time on me at the last minute. The free walking tours are sometimes not the most reliable way to see a city . It’s something to consider when you have a tight schedule.

3.      Visit Plaza de Independencia (Plaza Grande)

One of the first things to do in Quito is to visit Independence Square (also known as Plaza Grande ). This is the main square of Quito —its heart and soul. I think it’s one of my favorite squares in Latin America.  It’s got enough benches to sit on and people watch along with enough trees to give you shade and cool you off from the hot sun.

The square is lined with some of the most important buildings of Quito —on one side is the presidential palace. The other is the Palacio Arcobispal (the home of the Archbishop of Quito but now a commercial center filled with restaurants, souvenir shops, and vendors selling traditional sweets and street food). A third is the Metropolitan Cathedral, where you can climb to its rooftop for stunning views of the Plaza.

In the center is a monument commemorating Ecuador’s independence from Spain . On the top of the statue is the Greek goddess of liberty. On the base are the names of the men who were the first in South America to rise up against Spain. They were eventually executed for it.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Watch out for the bird poop scammers in the historic center. This scam usually involves a pair of thieves. One thief spills some stuff on your backpack that looks like bird poop. His or her partner tells you that there’s bird poop on your backpack and while he’s helping you clean your backpack, the other one steals your phone or wallet or both.

4.      Watch the Changing of the Guards

HOURS: 11:00 am (Tu) | COST: Free | LOCATION: Map

Every Tuesday morning (the rest of the Internet says Monday, but I went on a Tuesday in 2023) in front of the presidential palace (Carandolet), the changing of the guards is held. It was an impressive spectacle complete with horses and smartly dressed soldiers and an interesting part of the culture of the city. I was lucky enough to see it on my first full day in Quito.

5.      Check out the Food at Palacio Arzobispal

ENTRANCE FEE: Free | LOCATION: Map

Another top place to visit in Quito is the Archbishop’s Palace on the main square. This 400-year-old building was once the home of the archbishop of Quito . It’s now a commercial center filled with restaurants and souvenir shops . It’s a beautiful space with a beautiful interior courtyard.

But for foodies like me, the highlight is the chance to sample some traditional Ecuadorian chocolates and sweets.

There’s also a food cart selling amazing traditional empanadas for US$1 that you have got to check out. Buy an empanada and then grab a chair in the interior courtyard and have lunch or take the food out to the Plaza Grande and have a picnic.

6.      Climb to the Rooftop of Catedral Metropolitana

OPEN : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (M-Sa); 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (Su) | ENTRANCE FEE: US$2 (museum) US$4 (museum and dome) US$3 (dome) | LOCATION: Maps

The main reason to visit the Metropolitan Cathedral is for the fabulous views from the church’s dome of the Plaza Grande and the surrounding mountains. Just pay for the dome and skip the museum.

The main area of the church is free. You will find the tomb of Ecuador’s greatest independence hero, Antonio Jose de Sucre , and the tomb of President Moreno . A controversial figure, Moreno was a conservative president who was stabbed seven times and shot three times outside the Presidential Palace and then carried into the cathedral, where he died. His tomb is behind the altar.

Near the ceiling is a large painting of the Last Supper. Jesus is holding a humita (an Ecuadorian pastry) and chicha (liquor made from sugarcane) instead of wine and bread.

The museum isn’t worth the visit . It’s behind the altar and just consists of paintings of former archbishops.

The highlight of a visit to the church for me was going to the rooftop of the church (dome ) for the views, looking down on Plaza Grande and then above at the skyline of Quito and its surrounding mountains.

However, it’s not easy finding the entrance to the stairs that take you to the dome and it’s a bit of an adventure getting up to the roof. The entrance is a small wooden nondescript door inside the church. You may need a guide to help take you up there. Go up these narrow stairs and then through a very narrow hallway and then up some more steps. Once you’re up there, you’ll think it was worth the adventure.

You might be interested in these posts:

• 20 Best Tours in Quito
• 12 Best Day Trips from Quito
• 3-Day Quito Itinerary
• 25 Best Places to Stay in Quito

7.      Check out Centro Cultural Metropolitano

OPEN: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm (W – Su) | ENTRANCE FEE: Free | LOCATION: Map

Another interesting but not one of the most essential things to do in Quito is to visit the Metropolitan Cultural Center along Garcia Moreno Street. This center is the home of the city library as well as a place for art exhibits and lectures. I visited on a walking tour. We took an elevator up to the rooftop for views of the city.

8.      Visit Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus

OPEN: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm (M-Th); 9:30 – 5:30 (F); 9:30 – 4:00 pm (Sa); 12:30 – 4:00 pm (Su) | ENTRANCE FEE: US$5 | LOCATION: Map

The Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus (Church of the Society of Jesus) is the most beautiful church in Ecuador and it is one place you must not miss on your trip to Quito. I’ve seen about a zillion churches in my 3 years traveling in Latin America and this one still managed to impress me .

Construction of the church began in 1605 and finished in 1765. The inside of the Baroque church is covered in gold leaf with intricate carvings of Ecuadorian plants and people.

It costs US$5 to enter and I could never figure out the opening times—none are posted outside the church. I recommend that if you walk by and it looks like people are entering (there’s a fence around it), then try to enter.

They don’t allow photos . I didn’t see the no photos sign when I entered and got in trouble for taking some.

9.      Visit Casa Museo Maria Augusta Urrutia

OPEN: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Tu – Sa) | ENTRANCE FEE: US$4 | LOCATION: Map

Want to see how the people of Quito lived 100 years ago?

One of the better house museums I’ve visited in my travels is the villa of Casa Museo Maria Augusta Urrutia, a nineteenth-century philanthropist who was involved in educating and helping the poor children of Quito.

The best part of visiting this museum is that you get a tour in English (and Spanish) as part of the price of admission. I was lucky in that I had an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide who patiently let me take tons of photos.

The house museum is well-preserved . You’ll see every room from kitchen to bedroom, giving you a sense of how someone of Maria Augusta Urrutia’s class lived in the early nineteenth century. The bathroom with its stained-glass window was the highlight for me!

10.      Learn About Ecuador’s History at Museo Casa de Sucre

OPEN: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (Tu – Su) | ENTRANCE FEE: Free | LOCATION: Map

For those wanting to know more about the history of Ecuador, one of the best things to do in Quito is a visit to the House of Sucre Museum. This is the former home of Mariscal Antonio Jose de Sucre . He was Simon Bolivar’s most trusted general who defeated the royal army of Spain in the Battle of Pichincha, thus liberating Quito and its provinces from Spain.

Not only do you learn about Sucre’s life but you also see what the home of a wealthy Quiteño looked like in the nineteenth century .

The only issue is that you can only enter on a tour. There are tours every hour and they are only in Spanish . If this changes, let me know in the Comment Section.

11.      Wander Around Plaza San Francisco

ENTRANCE FEE: FREE | OPEN: 24/7 | LOCATION: Maps

No visit to Quito would be complete without a stop at Plaza de San Francisco, This huge and empty plaza (no trees, no benches, no fountains, no monuments) sits right in front of the Church and Convent of San Francisco. It is indeed atmospheric . Every time I stepped foot in the plaza and looked around at the stark white church and convent, I felt like I’d gone back 200 or 300 centuries .

Sit on the steps of the convent and watch the people walk by. Better yet, grab a cup of hot chocolate and a table at Minka Chocolate Experience for views over the Plaza. Or splurge on a gourmet meal at the restaurant at the Casa Gangotena Hotel. They have an outdoor terrace overlooking the Plaza.

12.      Admire the Beauty of Iglesia de San Francisco

ENTRANCE FEE: Free | OPEN: 7:00 am – 12:00 pm; 3:00 – 5:30 pm (M-Sa); 7:00 am – 12:00 pm (Su) | LOCATION: Maps

If you make it to San Francisco Plaza, you’ve got to visit the stark white church of the same name. Built from 1534 to 1604, the church has beautifully carved walls and pillars as well as a vibrantly blue and ornate ceiling, making it the second most beautiful church in Quito .

Once you’ve seen a few of the Catholic Churches of Quito, it will easily become apparent where it likes to spend its money. Since I grew up Catholic, I won’t apologize for my snarky comments.

You might be interested in these Galapagos posts:

• Galapagos Packing List
• Galapagos Camera Gear Packing List
• Galapagos Cruise Review: Western Islands
• Galapagos Cruise Review: Eastern Islands

13.      Explore Museo Franciscano (San Francisco Convent Museum)

ENTRANCE FEE: US$3 | | OPEN: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (M-Sa) | LOCATION: Maps

Next to the Church of San Francisco is the Convent of the same name. Convent can mean both convent for women or monastery for men in Spanish. This one was probably a monastery.

The museum includes exhibits of religious art . If that’s your thing, then you’ll like this museum. It’s not mine, but I did enjoy some of the ghoulish paintings .

Included in the entrance fee is a free beer in the convent’s brewery . I was really feeling the elevation that day so I didn’t make it to the brewery. And I missed the bell tower ! I hear the views are spectacular!

When I visited a free tour in Spanish was starting. I was told that sometimes they have tours in English . But not that day.

14.      Stroll Down Calle La Ronda

OPEN : 24/7 | ENTRANCE FEE: Free | LOCATION: Map

I am a sucker for cobblestoned streets lined with colorful historic buildings , so one of the first things I did in Quito was to stop by Calle La Ronda. The reality was a bit different from my expectations. The street is beautiful and colorful. But sadly, La Ronda is also devoid of people and there aren’t enough shops and restaurants to make it worth the hype.

The manager of my hotel said that it was the only street in the historic center I should walk down in the evening alone . I never visited it at night, so I can’t say if it was actually livelier in the evening. I hope it was.

15.      Explore Ecuador’s Ancient Civilization at Casa del Alabado

ENTRANCE FEE: US$6 (adults); US$3 (seniors); US$2 (children & students) | OPEN: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (W-Su) | WEBSITE: Casa del Alabado | LOCATION: Maps

My favorite museum in Quito is Casa del Alabado. Located in a beautiful colonial mansion, this world-class museum contains pre-Columbian artifacts from around Ecuador . The museum pieces range in age from 7,000 BCE to the arrival of the Spaniards in 1530.

The rooms are organized according to the theme: shamans, the afterlife, the elites. The pieces in the first rooms you come across would please Steve Jobs if he were alive today. They’re sleek and minimalist in design. As you make your way through the slick and beautifully designed rooms, the pieces become more intricate and gruesome .

As you enter each room, there’s an explanation in both Spanish and English of the main theme of the room. Sometimes you’ll find explanations for a particular work of art. The museum staff gave me a book to carry around with detailed explanations of certain key pieces.

The staff spoke English when I was there and were most helpful. Definitely, a museum you should add to your Quito itinerary .

16.      Learn about Quito’s History at the Museo de la Ciudad

ENTRANCE FEE: US$4 (adults); US$2 (children & students); US$0 (seniors) | OPEN: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm (Tu-Su) | WEBSITE: Museo de la Ciudad | LOCATION: Maps

If you’re interested in learning about the history of Quito and you know Spanish , then your best bet is the City Museum. However, I do have mixed feelings about this museum.

I’m a sucker for architecture and history and the museum fits both of these needs. It’s located in a beautiful 450-year-old former hospital (San de Dios Hospital).

The other thing I liked about this museum is that it’s slick, modern, and professionally designed . There are models of indigenous homes, a colonial kitchen, a grocery store, an artist’s studio, and a 20th-century home. You’ll learn about pre-Columbian burial customs, a brief history of the War of Independence and the first years of the Republic, and the history of public transportation in Quito.

However, the museum tells a rather superficial and boring history of Quito . What’s missing are stories. Instead, the museum feels like a boring textbook. For example, we learn that the first mayor lasted for two years, but we don’t learn who he was or why only two years. The museum mentions the uprising of the tobacconists—but there’s no explanation of what happened. There must have been some interesting characters over Quito’s 500 years of post-Incan history.

There are no English explanations , so if you don’t know Spanish well, you might want to just skip this museum, sadly. You can, though, use the camera on Google Translate, but that takes up a lot of data and battery.

You can hire a guide by contacting the museum ahead of time at 992624465 or [email protected] .

For those who do make it to the museum, two special treats are waiting for you:

• A beautiful chapel connected to the museum
• A terrace with views of Panecillo Hill

17.      Explore Monasterio Museo del Carmen Alto

ENTRANCE FEE: US$4 (adults); US$2 (children & students); US$0 (seniors)| OPEN: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm (W-Su) | WEBSITE: Museo del Carmen Alto | LOCATION: Maps

If you want to visit just one convent or monastery in Quito, make it the Monastery Museum of Carmen Alto. It’s beautiful, full of great works of art, and it has an interesting backstory.

The monastery used to be the home of Mariana de Jesus (1618-1645) , one of Ecuador’s two patron saints . Living in seclusion by choice, Mariana used to regularly self-flagellate (whip herself) and fast for eight days straight. She also supposedly performed miracles by healing the sick. She once even brought a dead person back to life. Look for the painting on the second floor of Mariana de Jesus’s whipped back and the display case of whips that she used to whip herself .

After her death, her home was turned into a convent for wealthy unmarried women.

Today Carmen Alto is partly a museum and partly the home of 19 cloistered nuns who still make traditional sweets that you can buy in the shop next to the entrance to the museum. Lonely Planet recommends trying the limones desarmargoados (desoured lemons), which are tiny lemons that have been hollowed out and filled with condensed milk. The shop was already closed when I showed up at 3:54 pm. If you do visit the convent, go to the shop first. Let me know if the desoured lemons are any good.

The museum is beautiful in the simplicity of the white-washed walls and two inner courtyards . On the second floor of the main building are these fascinating murals from the 1800s . Most likely they were painted by the nuns living at the convent.

You’ll also find models displaying the life of the nuns including their kitchen, bedroom, and embroidery room and the dining hall. Standing in the dining hall, I could imagine the nuns sitting around the room silently eating while the head nun looked on, making sure no one was talking.

There’s one painting of Mariana de Jesus supposedly done during her lifetime. When I visited the painting wasn’t on display as it was being restored.

In 1950 she was made a saint for her virtuous and ascetic life.

18.      Visit Basilica del Voto National

HOURS: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (M-F); 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Sa & Su) | ENTRANCE FEE: US$4 (tower & stained glass windows) | LOCATON: Map

Don’t leave Quito without a visit to the Basilica del Voto National. Located several blocks up a hill from the main square, this Notre Dame copycat looks centuries old but it’s not. It was constructed from 1887 to 1924 . The church was also never finished because it’s believed that god’s work is never finished. If the church is completed, the world will end. If only life were that simple!

Even though it’s not that old, It’s still an architecturally fascinating church. One reason is for the Ecuadorian-style sculptures flying out of the roof . On most churches you’ll find gargoyles but not on this Basilica. Instead, you’ll find a variety of Ecuadorian native animals : fox, iguana, alpaca, and so on.

You have to pay to go inside, which unfortunately I didn’t have a chance to do.

However, I did pay to enter the towers. There are two towers . Both can be reached by an elevator that takes you to the tenth floor , where you’ve got stunning panoramic views of Quito. You can then climb up to the sixteenth floor via a spiral staircase. I ran out of time as I needed to join my walking tour, so I never made it up that far. I also wasn’t able to go to another floor to see the stained glass windows.

19.      See the Art of Camilo Egas at Museo Camilo Egas

OPEN: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Tu-F); 10:00 – 4:00 pm (Sa) | ENTRANCE FEE: FREE | LOCATION: Maps

I want to kick myself for missing out on seeing this small museum dedicated to the works of Ecuador’s most famous painter, Camilo Egas. He is one of the first Ecuadorian artists who painted indigenous people and their social conditions.

20.      Join a Guided Night Tour of Quito

Quito’s got a reputation for being not so safe at night . The manager of the hotel I stayed at during my first time in Quito told me not to go out alone in the historic center at night.

If you’re hesitant about seeing Quito at night, then try these night tours :

• Urban Legends of Quito by Night – I did this tour . It was OK. After getting picked up near my hotel in a trolley car, we headed to the Basilica and then to Independence Plaza and Santa Domingo Plaza. The highlight was seeing a bride and groom leave the Iglesia de la Compania and the fireworks go off in celebration of their wedding. Then they headed to Plaza Santo Domingo for wedding photos. The tour ends at the top of the Panecillo. Read Reviews & Book Tour: Get Your Guide
• Night Street Food Art and Drinks – This tour of Quito by night takes you not to the historic center but to a part of Quito tourists rarely get to: the hip and very local La Floresta neighborhood. I did another tour with the same company and loved it! You get to see street art, eat street food, and hang out in a local watering hole savoring the nightlife of Quito. Read Reviews & Book Tour: Get Your Guide

21.      Book a Hotel in the Historic Center with Rooftop Terrace Views of Quito

What will make your trip to Quito complete? 

Book a hotel in the historic center with rooftop views of the city and surrounding mountains . There are so many amazing hotels and even hostels in Quito for all budgets that have terraces where you can have a meal or a drink and look out over the city.

You can read this in-depth guide on where to stay in Quito . But for those who don’t have the time to read through all of it, here are the top hotels with rooftop views of the city:

• Friends Hotel & Rooftop (Old Town) – US$42 – $58
• Casa Alquimia (Old Town) – US$58 – $67
• Hotel Casa Gardenia (Old Town) – US$88
• Hotel Casa Gangotena (Old Town) – $365 – $427
• Villa Colonna (Old Town) – US$350
• Illa Experience Hotel (Old Town) – US$325
• The Secret Garden (Alameda Park/Edge of Old Town) – US$8 – $43
• Chakana Boutique Hotel (Alameda Park) – $57
• 40 Dishes You’ve Gotta Try in Ecuador
• BEST Street Food Tour in Quito
• 25 Books on Ecuador That’ll Spark Your Wanderlust

Top Things to Do in Quito – Outside the Historic Center

Quito has a few neighborhoods outside of the historic center that are worth exploring: La Mariscal, La Floresta, San Blas, and La Carolina . There are some nice parks, great street art, great markets, and some hip cafes and restaurants.  

If you can only choose one area, I’d make it La Mariscal for its laid-back vibe.

For those of you willing to get off the beaten path, here is a list of things to do in Quito:

22.      Wander around the Mariscal Neighborhood

If you have at least 3 days in Quito , spend half a day exploring the Mariscal neighborhood. Mariscal is the newer part of the city with buildings built in the nineteenth century. It sort of reminds me of Condesa and Roma neighborhoods in Mexico City in that the atmosphere is laid back, safe, and peaceful with lots of restaurants, bars, and cafes . The air is fresher here compared to the historic center.

Stop by Fochs Plaza or go for souvenir and handicraft shopping at the Artisan Market . Grab a bite to eat at one of my favorite seafood restaurants in the city: Cevicheria Siete Mares . If you’re vegetarian, there’s a great Chinese vegetarian place with US$4 set meals for lunch at Mile Time . For some traditional Ecuadorian food , visit Santa Clara Market. The top floor has my favorite food court in the city.

23.      Wander around La Floresta Neighborhood

La Floresta is another local neighborhood worth exploring for its street art. Cafes, and bohemian lifestyle . The area is a favorite hangout for Quiteños. Stop by a popular restaurant/cinema called Ocho y Medio . One of the best restaurants in the city, URKO , in located here—try their tasting menu. My favorite seafood restaurant is here as well— Ecuaviche Veintimilla . José Navarro Park is a great place to go at night for street food .

What’s the best way to explore La Floresta?

The best way to not miss out on the best parts of the neighborhood is with a tour. I tried visiting on my own and seemed to always miss places. There are a couple of tours in Quito that take you to some of the best spots in the neighborhood:

• Night Food and Bar Tour shows you the best street art in La Floresta, takes you to a night market for some street food and then to a bar to enjoy some traditional Ecuadorian drinks. Read Reviews & Check Prices: Get Your Guide or Viator
• This Quito Bike Tour starts in La Floresta at one of its best hangouts: Ochy y Medio before tackling some of the neighborhood’s street art. Read Reviews & Check Prices: Viator

24.      Explore Quito by Bike

One of the most interesting ways to see Quito is on a bike. Every Sunday, some of the main streets close for only bike traffic. No cars are allowed on these streets , making Sunday the perfect time to get out on a bike and explore the city. You can rent a bike yourself and go out exploring on your own or do it with a tour.

This bike tour takes you through the less touristy La Floresta and La Mariscal neighborhoods stopping at markets and parks. The Secret Garden Hostel also does a bike tour on Sundays.

25.      Explore Quito by Bus

One of the quickest and cheapest ways to see as much as Quito as possible is to do a bus tour. Quito has a very good hop-on hop-off bus tour that stretches from La Carolina Park to the Panecillo with stops in La Mariscal, the Artisan’s Market, the Basilica, and Old Town. A perfect itinerary for those with only one day to spend in Quito. Read Reviews & Check Prices: Get Y our Guide or Viator .

26.      Take the TelefériQo Cable Car to Pichincha Volcano

OPEN: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (M – Th); 8:00 am – 6:00 pm (F); 8:00 am – 7:00 pm (Sa & Su) | ENTRANCE FEE: US$9 (adults) $6.50 (seniors), $7.00 (under 18) & $6.50 (disabilities) | LOCATION: Map

One of the most popular things to do in Quito is to take the TeleferiQo Cable Car up to Pichincha Volcano, a volcano overlooking the city. You get great views of the city and the rolling hills and farmland of the countryside around Quito. If it’s a clear day, you can see some of the other volcanoes near the city.

The cable car takes you from 3,117 meters (10,225 feet) to 4,050 meters (13,287 feet) . You arrive on the side of the volcano called Cruz Loma (not the top – that requires a long hike of several hours).

There are a few things to do besides looking at views of the city: hiking, horseback riding, eating, and swinging on a swing.

To get to TeleferiQo, take an Uber or DiDi. You need a photo ID (in case you go on a hike and get lost and don’t come down) to buy a ticket. They accept credit cards .

TRAVEL PRO TIP: One of the BEST ways to stay connected to the internet while traveling overseas is with an eSIM. There are many companies offering eSIMs. I like to use Airalo .

27.      See Quito from Above at the Panecillo

HOURS: 24/7 | ENTRANCE FEE: Free (hill) US$1 (statue) | LOCATION: Map

Don’t leave Quito without making it to the top of Panecillo. This is the hill right on the edge of the historic center and that’s topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary . It’s another great place to go for views of Quito. You can climb up inside the statue for even more epic sights.

I visited Panecillo on this night tour Quito and saw the city all lit up. If I had to do it over again, I would have gone up in the late afternoon and stayed until sunset .

Take an Uber or DiDi to the top. Don’t try walking up the winding street—it’s a popular spot for thieves to mug tourists and vicious dogs to bite tourists.

There’s also supposedly a blue public bus that connects the Panecillo to the historic center and even with El Mitad del Mundo. But I had such bad luck with those blue buses that I never tried the particular one from the Panecillo.

28.      Stand at the Equator at El Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World)

HOURS: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (M-F); 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Sa & Su)| ENTRANCE FEE: US$5 | LOCATION: Map

El Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Quito. Everyone who goes to Quito goes to this park. In the middle of the park is a monument that marks the equator that runs through Ecuador, which means “equator” by the way, and commemorates the French-Spanish mission that located the equator and proved that the earth bulged at the middle and was not a perfect circle.

If being able to say that you stood on both sides of the equator at the same time is on your bucket list, then you’ll get a kick out of this place. For me, it was a bit hokey and a big tourist trap whose goal was to extract more money from tourists.

Inside the monument is a museum dedicated to the various indigenous groups of Ecuador. There are displays on each floor until you get to the top. At the top are panoramic views of the outskirts of Quito.

Other than the monument, there seemed to be just souvenir shops . Maybe there was more here than what I saw. My tour guide didn’t do much guiding. He just let us wander around on our own.

At the end of the tour, we all tried to stand an egg on the head of a nail . It’s supposed to be easier to do at the equator due to the magnetic pull. But I’ve read that it’s all BS. I couldn’t get the egg to stand but other people did.

How to get to the Middle of the World?

The Middle of the World Park is 45 minutes by car from Quito’s Historic Center. It will cost you between US$15 and $20 to get there by Uber and another US$15 to US$20 to get back to Quito. That’s a lot!

You can do a tour like I did . Mine was cheap at US$19 and included the entrance fee. A stop at the Middle of the World is often included in many Quito city-wide tours . Here are just a few tours that you might want to consider:

• This Quito City Tour is what I would do if I didn’t have much time. It gets great reviews and takes you to the historic center, TeleferiQo, and Middle of the World. Read Reviews & Book Tour: Viator

If you want to get there cheaply and independently, it’s time-consuming but doable. Get to the La Ofelia Bus Terminal and then catch a bus going to El Mitad del Mundo. It will say the name of the park on the front of the bus.

The owner of my hotel recommended that I take a blue city bus from Western Avenue (Avenida Mariscal Sucre) from the historic center (right before the tunnels) to the Middle of the World. But I’ve never had much luck with the blue city buses in Quito.

29.      Learn about the Equator at Intiñan Equator Museum

HOURS: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm (M-Su) | ENTRANCE FEE: US$5 | LOCATION: Map

Some people love this museum. Others think it’s lame. Me? I never went because the tour I went on for the Middle of the World didn’t tell us about this museum. I have serious FOMO, so I’m truly bummed that I didn’t visit.

The Intiñan Equator Museum is right next to the Middle of the World City with the monument marking the supposed equator (actually it’s a few hundred meters from the spot). So, you can stop here after visiting the Middle of the World.

The museum has exhibits dedicated to astronomy and the importance of the location of Ecuador at the equator. There are also some fun but dubious demonstrations proving the effect the equator has on water and energy.

30.      Escape Quito for Pupulahua Volcano

HOURS: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm | ENTRANCE FEE: Free | LOCATION: Map

If you want to escape the smog-filled streets of Quito, head to the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve. It’s only 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from El Mitad del Mundo.

The highlight of the reserve is a huge crater formed when the cone of Pululahua Volcano collapsed (Lonely Planet). Today the bottom of the crater is covered in farmland . The sides of the crater are a smorgasbord of birds, plants, and flowers because of the moist wind that blows in from the Pacific Ocean.

When you arrive, you’ll find yourself at the Mirador de Ventanillas (lookout). If you’re lucky and there are no clouds, you’ll see the beautiful green fields of the crater. You can hike down to the crater via a steep trail.

Near the Mirador is a fake Incan temple called Temple of the Sun.

If you completely want to get away from the city-life, there’s a fancy hotel called E l Crater that overlooks the crater.

31.      Do Some Shopping at Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal

ENTRANCE FEE: Free | OPEN: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm (Every day) | LOCATION: Maps

For those wanting to do some souvenir shopping , the easiest place is at the Artisan Market in La Mariscal and neighboring shops that line both sides of the street. It’s a medium-sized market with lots of vendors selling things like textiles, jewelry, clothes, handicrafts, bags, and paintings . The quality of the products here is mixed. I saw lots of cheap stuff as well as more higher quality handicrafts.

32.      Learn About Ecuador at the National Museum of Ecuador

ENTRANCE FEE: Free| OPEN: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (W-Sa); 10:00-3:00 pm (Su) | WEBSITE: (None) | LOCATION: Maps

The National Museum of Ecuador is the saddest museum I have ever been to . Located next to Elejido Park and within walking distance from the Artesanal Market, this museum is a definite skip even for die-hard history nerds like me.

There are two floors. The first floor is the permanent collection . It includes exhibits on the history of the museum and the history of Ecuador. There are only 5 or 6 rooms of artifacts from pre-Columbian times, religious at, landscape and portrait paintings, and modern art. Don’t expect to learn much about the history of Ecuador.

The second floor contains temporary exhibits . When I visited, there was an exhibit on the history of a famous hotel in Quito, the Hotel Colon, which is now the Hotel Hilton Colon.

The two best things about the museum are that it’s free and the bathrooms have toilet paper .

33.      Check Out the Street Art of Quito

HOURS: 24/7 | ENTRANCE FEE: Free | LOCATION: Map

I love looking at street art when I travel, especially if it’s colorful like in Oaxaca or politically edgy like in San Cristobal. Quito also has pockets with some interesting street art. Luis Felipe Borja Street is lined with street art and there’s an exhibition of street art at Spacio Cultural Center . La Floresta neighborhood also has street art.

Still, if you’re interested there are a few Quito tours that will take you to streets and neighborhoods lined with street art by professional artists.

• I took the Street Food Essentials Tour and we visited the Spacio Cultural Center on Luis Felipe Borja Street with lots of street art – Read Reviews & Check Rates: Viator or Get Your Guide
• This Bike Tour covers the La Floresta neighborhood with its street art – Read Reviews & Check Rates: Viator

34.      Visit Casa Museo Guayyasamin

HOURS: 9:30 am – 4:45 pm (M-Sa) | ENTRANCE FEE : US$10 | WEBSITE : Museo Guayasamin | LOCATION: Map

Travelers who’ve made it to Museo Guayyasamin rave about it in the Facebook Ecuador group that I’m in. I tried getting here on my own but the darn Quito bus system stymied me again!

The museum is the former home of one of Ecuador’s most famous artists, Oswaldo Guayasamin . It houses the most complete collection of his work as well as his own collection of pre-Columbian artifacts.

There is also a chapel on site called Capilla del Hombre . According to the website, it’s less a religious building and more of a meditative center with an emphasis on human rights. The chapel is full of symbolism and works of art.

35.      Walk Around Parque de La Carolina

The largest park in Quito is Carolina Park in the northern part of the city. This is a great place to check out if you have kids. The park houses a water park where you can rent a boat and row around a human-made lake and a botanical garden .

However, don’t go out of your way to visit the park if you’re not staying in the area.

36.      Do a Day Trip from Quito

One of the reasons I love traveling to Quito so much is not just for the things to do in the city but also for all the places you can visit from the city. There are about 12 worthwhile day trips to take from Quito. Each requires one day or half a day to explore.

Here are the best Quito day trips :

• Cotopaxi National Park – Great for nature, hiking, wildlife, and beautiful scenery
• Quilotoa Lagoon – Great for nature, hiking, and beautiful scenery
• Papallacta Hot Springs – Great for relaxing in thermal pools and getting a massage as well as doing some hiking
• Otavalo – Great for shopping and indigenous culture
• Mindo – Wildlife and nature
• Check out the complete list of the 12 best day trips from Quito .

Some are doable on your own, while others are better done on a tour. Here is a fantastic guide to the best Quito tours to some of these destinations.

Top Things to Do in Quito – For Food Lovers

For me, travel is all about food. In every city I visit, I eat as many local dishes as I can, take as many food tours as available, scour as many street food stalls as I can find, and try out a cooking class or two. Therefore, I’ve made a special section in this post for food in Quito. These last few items on this list may be at the end of this post, but these foodie activities are the absolute best things to do in Quito.

37.      Eat as much Ecuadorian Food as Possible

The food of Ecuador may not be as famous as Mexican and Italian, but it’s still got some delicious dishes that you’ve gotta try while you’re here. The ceviche and other seafood dishes like encebollado are out of this world, the roast pork is the best you’ll ever taste, and the empanadas are to die for. Of course, for the more adventurous, you’ve gotta try cuy (guinea pig). At least once! Not to worry: it tastes like chicken.

I created an article on what to eat in Ecuador . You’ll find a list of the 40 most traditional dishes and street food of Ecuador.

38.      Go on a Food Tour

One of the best things to do if you’re a foodie is to do a food tour. The tours are one of the best ways to learn about the cuisine of a country. Do one at the beginning of your Ecuador itinerary so that you can learn what to order, how to order, and how to eat in restaurants here.

I did a really good food tour in Quito called the Street Food Essentials Tour . I got to try so many dishes that I never would have thought of eating before, and we went to several non-touristy markets . The best part of the tour, though, is all the exotic fruit we got to try at the Santa Clara Market. Don’t think twice about doing this tour! Don’t believe me? Just check out the reviews on Viator or Get Your Guide !

You can also read my complete Quito street food essentials tour review !

39.      Take a Cooking Class

If you want to dig even more deeply into Ecuadorian cuisine and you’ve got more than 3 days in Quito , one of the best things to do in Quito is to take a cooking class. Usually, when I travel to a new country, I try to learn how to cook the national cuisine by taking a class. But in Ecuador, I didn’t as I couldn’t find a class I liked. Then after I left the country, I found this class on Viator that has gotten nearly perfect 5-star reviews. If (or when) I return, I’m going to definitely take this cooking class as I really love Ecuadorian food. The class involves a market visit as well, which is another favorite thing my food heart loves to do.

40.      Learn About & Taste the Chocolate of Ecuador

Ecuador is the birthplace of chocolate. It was in Ecuador where cacao was first harvested and consumed over 5,000 years ago (1,500 years before it was used in Mexico). Nowadays, most chocolate is grown in Africa. But Ecuador still grows it for export.

Quito has a few tours, café, and workshops that help you explore chocolate more deeply and let you do some chocolate tastings. They also make for great places to buy souvenirs.

• Yumbos Chocolate Workshop – Many walking tours end with a chocolate workshop and tasting at Yumbos in San Francisco Plaza. See the section on Walking Tour for ways to visit Yumbos. ( Map )
• Minka Chocolate Experience – This chocolate shop serves the best hot chocolate you’ll ever taste as well as lots of chocolate desserts. It’s right on San Francisco Plaza. Try to grab one of only two tables overlooking the plaza. ( Map )
• Republica del Cacao – Stop here after a day of sightseeing for a hot chocolate, chocolate ice cream, or chocolate dessert. The shop also has a small museum that traces the history of cacao. ( Map )
• Chocolate Lovers Tour – In this tour you’ll get to experience a 6-course meal with chocolate as the main ingredient. You’ll also get to learn all about chocolate. Read reviews and check price with Get Your Guide .

41.      Visit a Market in Ecuador

One of the best things to do in Quito for foodies is to visit one of the many markets sprinkled throughout the city. There’s the Central Market in Old Town, Santa Clara Market, America Market, and La Floresta Market.

It’s a great way to see what people eat in Ecuador—vegetables, fruits, meat, cheeses, beans, and so on. I especially love to pick up some local fruit. Ecuador is great for having some delicious fruit that you’ve probably never tried before like tomate de abrol, naranjilla, and chirimoya.

There’s generally a floor (top) or a section of the market set aside for a food court with different stalls selling traditional Ecuadorian dishes like hornado, fritada , ceviche, llapingacho . Sopa del bolon, and more. One stall specializes in one dish. Just look for the longest lines or a specific dish you want to try.

The best way to visit the markets is to join a food tour or take a cooking class:

• Quito Street Food Essentials Tour – I took this tour and loved it. You get to try some of the most popular street food in Ecuador as well as visit two local food markets , Santa Clara Market and Mercado de America. They also take you to a second-hand market ! Read my review of this Quito food tour or book your tour with Viator or Get Your Guide .
• Cooking Class and Market Tour – This cooking class includes a visit to the Central Market of Quito, where you’ll buy the ingredients for that day’s lesson. You’ll also get to meet the best vendors selling the freshest fruits and vegetables, traditional medicine, flowers, and fruit juices. The guide will also take you to try some Ecuadorian street food . Check reviews and tour prices with Viator .

42.      Try the Fruit and Fruit Juices of Ecuador

Do not leave Ecuador without trying their fruit and fruit juices . They are the best part of Ecuadorian cuisine. You’ll come across so many different fruits that you’ve probably never seen or tried before . Here are just some must-try fruits in Ecuador:

• Tomate de abrol – BEST tried as a juice
• Guanabana – BEST tried as a juice
• Babaco – I’ve only tried it as a juice
• Naranjilla – BEST tried as a juice
• Uvilla – Interesting but not my favorite
• Granadilla – A bit like passion fruit
• Chirimoya – I adore this fruit,  but it can be pricey!
• Taxo – Not the best tasting fruit

Another way to experience the fruit of Ecuador is by getting one of their jugo de naturales (natural fruit juices). You can find them on the drink menu of any restaurant. But you’ll also find them at fruit juice stands along the street but especially in the markets like Central Market.

The four most common juice drinks you’ll find are tomate de abrol (tree tomato), naranjilla, guanabana, and more (blackberry). But you can get pretty much any kind of fruit in juice form.

Finally, try one of the fruits as an ice cream. There’s an ice cream shop in Plaza Grande that sells all those exotic fruit flavors as ice cream.

43.      Try Ecuadorian Ice Cream

I am not an ice cream lover but I do love eating the ice cream of Ecuador. And so do Ecuadorians – you’ll find ice cream shops on nearly every street. Ecuadorians love their ice cream.

You can find any of their exotic and delicious fruit turned into ice cream. There’s an ice cream shop in Plaza Grande that sells taxo ice cream, guanabana ice cream, etc. Another of my favorite places to get Ecuadorian ice cream is in La Mariscal at …

However, what you REALLY must do is try the special ice cream called Paila de Helado . It’s made in large copper bowls called paila . The bowls are placed in ice and fruit juice (blackberry ( mora ) is the most popular) is poured into the bowl. The fruit juice is then mixed with a spatula while the bowl is turned until the liquid becomes “ice cream.” It’s really quite delicious.

You can find paila de helado street vendors all over the historic center. They come out especially on the weekends when the area fills with Ecuadorian families. You can also find a stall at the Artesanal Market in Mariscal.

44.      Have Dinner or Drinks at a Rooftop Restaurant or Bar

Having dinner or drinks at a rooftop restaurant is last on this list but it should be first on your list of things to do in Ecuador. Lingering over a meal or a drink is a great way to take in the spectacular views of Quito.

It’s going to be a bit chilly at night and a hot beverage will be perfect. Order a canelazo , a traditional Ecuadorian warm alcoholic drink that contains rum or aguardiente (South American sugar cane alcohol), sugar or panela, and cinnamon. It’s so delicious!

Here are some popular rooftop restaurants with great views:

If visiting any of these restaurants at night, take a taxi or an Uber . You should be fine getting to the restaurants by foot during the day.

• The Secret Garden – They have one of the most popular rooftop restaurants in the city; when I stayed there (it’s also a hostel), they were all booked up for dinner; they serve international food. ( Map )
• Casa Gagontena – This terrace restaurant has great views of San Francisco Plaza; the food is a mix of international and Ecuadorian; expensive. ( Map )
• Pim’s – Located on Panecillo with great views of the city below; they serve international food and some traditional Ecuadorian dishes; food is expensive but reviews are positive ( Map )
• Café Mosaico – Very popular rooftop restaurant with amazing views in the San Blas Neighborhood; they serve international food and even have a vegan menu; their bar menu serves cocktails, wine, beer, and traditional Ecuadorian drinks like canelazo and ponche ( Map )
• Vista Hermosa – Another popular rooftop restaurant with great ambiance and views; they serve international and traditional Ecuadorian dishes. ( Map )

Where to Stay in Quito

If you happen to be also looking for ideas on  where to stay in Quito , here are my recommendations for every budget.

These suggestions are based on my time in the city and my friends’ visits to Quito. I spent 3 days in Quito before my trip to the Galapagos and  6 weeks  after. During this time I stayed in 4 different hotels and hostels.

I recommend staying in either the  historic center  or in  La Mariscal neighborhood . The historic center is  convenient —close to all the main attractions—and you’re surrounded by lots of beautiful historic buildings. La Mariscal has got  loads of restaurants  and feels  safer  than the historic center.

You can also check out my complete list of  where to stay in Quito .

Here is my Quick guide:

$ – Under US$40 | $$ – US$40 – $100 | $$$ – US$100 – $300 | $$$$ – Over US$300

Traveler’s House ($)  – Great location in the historic center; in  a 300-year-old house ; huge rooms; I stayed here before my  Galapagos trip . Very helpful and friendly owner.  RATING:   9.2/10 (230+ Reviews)  |  BOOK YOUR STAY:   Booking.com  |  Agoda

Viajero Quito Hostel ($) –  Great location  in the historic center; I stayed here on my last night in Quito and loved it! Their private rooms are very comfortable!  RATING:  8.9/10  (1,100+ Reviews)  |  BOOK YOUR STAY:   Booking.com  |  Agoda

Friends Hotel and Rooftop ($$)  –  Perfect location  in historic center; breakfast included, rooftop restaurant with  incredible views .  RATING:   9.3/10 (1,300+ Reviews  |  BOOK YOUR STAY :  Booking.com

Hotel Casa Gangotena ($$$$)  – This beautiful and historic hotel is  perfectly located  right on Plaza San Francisco!   RATING:  9.1/10 (65+ Reviews)  |  BOOK YOUR STAY:   Booking.com  |  Agoda

Illa Experience Hotel ($$$$)  – The most stylish hotel in Quito has  great views  of the city and is located within  walking distance  of Plaza Independencia.  RATING:  9.1/10 (42+ Reviews)  |  BOOK YOUR STAY:  Booking.com  |  Agoda

Check out  this list of the top 25 places to stay in Quito  – you’ll find a list of hotels with rooftop terraces, giving you stunning views of the city!

Final Thoughts on Best Things to Do in Quito

That’s my jampacked list of all the things to do in Quito—PERFECT for those who love to explore the culture, food, and history of Ecuador.

I hope you’ve found some things to add to your Quito itinerary . Let me know in the Comment Section what you think!

If you’re looking for more ideas for your trip to Quito and Ecuador, here are some more articles:

• Quito Street Food Essentials Tour Review
• How to Get to Papallacta Hot Springs from Quito

Here are some travel articles to help you plan your trip to the Galapagos:

Best Resources for Your Trip to Ecuador

Book your flight:.

Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights to Ecuador. They will turn up results for all airlines including major ones and local airlines. You’re guaranteed to find EVERYTHING that’s available and thus get the cheapest price.

Book Your Accommodations:

The best hotel booking sites are Booking.com and Agoda . They have the most choices and they consistently churn out hotels and hostels with the lowest prices. Another site for backpackers and budget travelers is Hostel World.

Book Your Tours:

Viator has the most tour choices of any site in Ecuador. They’re reliable and trustworthy. I also like using Get Your Guide for Ecuador for their excellent service. Both booking sites are reliable and trustworthy, and if you have trouble with your tour, they’ll quickly help you.

Get an eSIM

The most convenient way to stay connected to the internet is with an eSIM. I like to use Airalo for their excellent prices.

Want More Ecuador Travel Info?

Check out my Ecuador Travel Guide for more ideas, inspiration, and tips on traveling in Ecuador.

Are you on Pinterest?

Hey! How about saving one of these pins to Pinterest to read for later?

And feel free to follow me on Pinterest, where you’ll find lots of travel articles for everywhere around the world.

More Posts on Ecuador:

• Top 40 Foods You’ve Gotta Try in Ecuador
• How to Get to Papallacta Hot Springs
• How to Extend Your Visa in Ecuador
• The Ultimate Food Tour in Quito
• Best Camera & Camera Gear for the Galapagos
• Anahi Galapagos Cruise Review: Western Islands Tour B1
• Anahi Galapagos Cruise Review: Eastern Islands Tour A2
• 25 Books to Read on Ecuador
• 15 BEST Places to Visit in Ecuador
• 25 BEST Places to Stay in Quito
• 20 BEST Quito Tours
• 15 BEST Day Trips from Quito
• Quito Itinerary for Culture, Food & History Lovers

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Welcome to The Bamboo Traveler, a travel blog dedicated to helping those travelers who want to dig deeply into the history, heritage, and culture of a place. Whether it’s through the pages of your passport or the pages of a book, I’ll help you travel the world and uncover the history, culture, food, architecture, and natural beauty of some of the world’s most fascinating places.

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Must-Visit Attractions in Quito

From its colonial churches and museums to its botanical gardens and flourishing culinary scene, Quito is bursting with more attractions than you could possibly squeeze into a single trip. To help you make the most of your visit, here’s our guide to the best things to see and do in the capital of Ecuador .

You can enjoy a guided walking tour of Quito’s historic center – and visit the equator – as part of Culture Trip’s exclusive eight-day Ecuador adventure, led by our Local Insider .

1. Centro de Arte Contemporaneo

2. la floresta.

Architectural Landmark

This neighborhood, which gets its name from the high concentration of wild flowers growing there, is often considered the hipster center of the city. It has many charming cafes, trendy restaurants and bars, street food trucks and art galleries. On Friday, a farmer’s market is held on Calle Galavis, with stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and plenty more.

3. Centro Cultural del Instituto Geográfico Militar

Architectural Landmark, Museum

A place of astronomy and education, the Military Geographic Institute is often overlooked by travelers, but it has plenty of interesting interactive exhibits and screenings. Entry is free.

4. Museo de la Ciudad

Quito’s city museum is one of the best museums in Ecuador, and while it focuses on the city itself, this former hospital in the Old Town is a gateway to understanding Ecuadorian history through powerful photography and depictions of what life was like in the capital in times gone by.

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5. Capilla Casa del Hombre

6. museo casa del alabado.

7. Calle La Ronda

This long, winding street, with its floral balconies and colorful houses, is a great place to try empanadas and the hot, spiced drink c anelazo. It’s especially lively in the evenings and also on a Sunday morning, when families gather to play traditional games such as hopscotch. With an array of restaurants, cafes, bars, craft shops and art galleries, you can easily spend an hour or two wandering here.

8. El Panecillo

The 135ft-tall (41m) statue of the Virgin Mary that overlooks Quito from the top of a 656ft (200m) hill is a hugely impressive sight and regarded as a guardian of the city. It’s highly recommended to take a taxi rather than walk there, due to the number of pickpockets known to operate in the area. From the top, the views overlooking the city are magnificent.

9. Lineal Machangara Park

This park is located on Rodrigo de Chavez Avenue in the south of Quito, between the hills and the Machángara River. It’s one of the city’s best-kept secrets, so it’s relatively quiet – a great place for a relaxing stroll or to sit and read a book.

10. Teleférico

Quito’s cable car is one of the best ways to get an aerial view of the city, as well as taking you up to the starting point of a hike on the Pichincha volcano, at around 12,500ft (3,800m) altitude. It’s open from 10am-8pm Tuesday to Sunday, and on holidays.

11. Iglesia La Compañía de Jesus

12. pululahua geobotanical reserve.

Botanical Garden

This caldera, formed from a collapsed volcano thousands of years ago, is now so densely vegetated that you can find a rich abundance of flora by taking a hike around the reserve, just half an hour outside of the city center.

13. Botanical Garden

This small garden in Parque La Carolina is home to thousands of endemic species, including over 1,200 varieties of orchid. Its guided tours give you a glimpse of the work dedicated biologists do in the city, promoting conservation and raising awareness about Ecuador’s vast biodiversity. It’s open daily from 10am-3pm.

14. Quito Zoo

Quito’s zoo, around a 45-minute drive to the northeast of the city center (near the town of Guayllabamba), is home to all kinds of native Ecuadorian species, such as the spectacled bear and giant Galapagos tortoises. Many of the creatures here are rescue animals, displaced from their natural habitats due to the threat of hunting, the illegal pet trade and environmental destruction. It’s open daily from 9am-4pm, and entry only costs $6 for adults.

15. Ciudad Mitad del Mundo

Here, 15 miles north of the city center, is where you’ll find a 100ft (30m) stone monument with a brass globe on top, and an adjoining museum dedicated to the indigenous people of Ecuador. There’s a yellow line that supposedly represents the equator, although the precise destination of the actual equator is estimated to be 660ft (200m) away.

16. Intiñan Museum

The Intiñan Museum claims to be close to the exact location of the equator. Here, you can partake in a range of activities such as balancing an egg on a spoon, water draining and various other gimmicks, designed to demonstrate that the equator is right here – just around the corner from the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo.

17. Parque Metropolitano

This 1,370-acre (554ha) park is one of the largest urban green spaces in South America, and has plenty of trails to hike around for hours within easy reach of the city center.

18. Mercado Artesanal

This sprawling artisan market is one of the best places to stock up on Ecuadorian coffee, chocolate and handcrafted souvenirs to take home with you.

19. Parque El Ejido

At the edge of the Old Town, this park is the third largest in Quito, and offers a peaceful, leafy spot to escape the busy city streets. It’s a popular volleyball and football spot for locals, and at weekends it hosts a variety of cultural events, craft markets and concerts.

20. Basilica del Voto Nacional

21. Plaza Foch

Plaza Foch has a well deserved reputation as Quito’s exuberant nightlife epicenter. Whether you’re just going for a casual drink or two, or if you’re looking for a place to salsa until the early hours of the morning, you’ll find no shortage of bars, clubs and restaurants dotted around the edge of the plaza and in the nearby streets.

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Discovering Quito: 10 Must-Do Activities in Ecuadors Cultural Capital

As a seasoned traveler, I can attest that Quito, Ecuador, is one of the most captivating destinations in South America. Nestled in the Andean Mountains, this vibrant city boasts an exquisite blend of colonial and modern architecture, a rich cultural heritage, and a plethora of outdoor adventures.

The old town, better known as ‘El Centro Histórico,’ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true gem. You’ll be mesmerized by the majestic churches, such as the stunning La Compañía de Jesús, adorned with dazzling gold leaf, and the magnificent Basilica del Voto Nacional, with its intricate Gothic architecture. The city is also home to many art galleries, museums, and craft markets, making it the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and soak up the local atmosphere.

If you’re an adventurer at heart, Quito offers an abundance of activities suitable for all ages. Hiking, trekking, and rock climbing are popular, and the views from the top are nothing short of breathtaking. Additionally, you can explore the nearby cloud forests and nature reserves, home to an array of wildlife and exotic plants.

Overall, Quito, Ecuador’s capital city, has everything a traveler could want: stunning scenery, a rich cultural heritage, and a wealth of outdoor activities. It’s no wonder it’s becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

Table of Contents

Best time to travel to Quito.

As far as travel destinations go, Quito, Ecuador is an amazing place to visit. This city is rich in history and culture, and there is always something new to discover around every corner. But when is the best time to visit Quito? As an avid traveler, I think that the best time to visit this city is during the dry season, which runs from June to September.

During the dry season, the weather in Quito is temperate and pleasant. The city is less likely to experience sudden downpours, which can put a damper on your sightseeing plans. Additionally, during the dry season, there are many festivals and events happening in the city, including the Fiestas de Quito, which celebrates the city’s founding. The streets come alive with colorful parades, fireworks, and traditional dances, making for an unforgettable experience.

Of course, traveling during the dry season does come with some downsides. Prices for flights and accommodations can be higher during peak season, so it’s important to plan ahead and budget accordingly. But overall, I think that the dry season is the best time to travel to Quito if you want to experience the city at its best. So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for an adventure you won’t soon forget!

Is Quito safe?

As international travel becomes more accessible, tourists are often left wondering whether or not their chosen destination is safe. When it comes to Quito, Ecuador, the answer is yes – but with some caveats. While Quito boasts stunning colonial architecture, picturesque mountains, and vibrant culture, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, is common, particularly in crowded areas like the Old Town and the Mitad del Mundo.

But don’t let that deter you from exploring all that Quito has to offer. The key is to be prepared. Keep your valuables close and avoid walking alone at night. Opt for licensed taxis and avoid hailing them on the street. While it may be tempting to flaunt your camera or cellphone for the perfect shot, be aware of your surroundings and keep them discreet.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to take responsibility for your safety while traveling. With common sense and a bit of caution, you can experience all the vibrant beauty that Quito, Ecuador has to offer.

How to travel to Quito

We all know that traveling to a new place can be intimidating, especially if it’s a foreign country. But trust me when I say this, traveling to Quito, Ecuador is worth all the effort. The city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature, making it one of the most diverse places in South America.

If you plan to fly to Quito, you will be landing at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport, which is located around 18 km east of the city. From there, you can easily take a taxi or a bus to get to your hotel. Make sure to have local currency beforehand, as most of the taxis in Quito do not accept credit cards.

But let me tell you, the real beauty of Quito lies in its old town, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978. The narrow streets and colonial architecture will transport you back in time. Visit the famous Plaza Grande or climb the Basilica del Voto Nacional for a breathtaking view of the city. And don’t forget to try out the local delicacies – ceviche and empanadas are a must-try!

In conclusion, traveling to Quito, Ecuador can be a culturally enriching experience for anyone looking to have an unforgettable vacation. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious food, it’s no wonder why this city is a top destination for travelers from all around the world. So go ahead, book your tickets, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

Where to stay in Quito

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Quito, Ecuador, there are a multitude of options to choose from. From luxurious hotels to cozy hostels, the city has it all. However, finding the ideal spot can be quite the challenge.

For those looking for a taste of culture and tradition, staying in the Old Town of Quito is a must. With its narrow, cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, visitors can transport themselves back in time and experience the true heart of the city. From here, you’ll have easy access to top tourist attractions, such as the Presidential Palace and the Basilica del Voto Nacional.

For those seeking a more modern and lively atmosphere, La Mariscal is the place to be. Known as the city’s nightlife hub, this neighborhood offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs to keep you entertained well into the late hours of the night. However, be warned – this area can get quite loud and crowded, so it may not be the best choice for those seeking a quieter stay.

How to get around in Quito

We understand how tough it can be to explore a new city without proper information and guidance. However, if you’re planning to visit Quito, let us assure you that getting around in the city won’t be a challenge at all. In fact, it’s quite easy to navigate through the bustling streets of Quito and explore all the hidden gems it has to offer.

One of the best ways to get around in Quito is by using public transportation. The city is well-connected by buses, trolleys and taxis, which run through all the major areas of the city. The trolley, in particular, is a great way to explore Quito’s historic center and is quite affordable too. If you’re looking for a more private mode of transportation, taxis are readily available and can be hired on the go.

Another great way to explore Quito is by walking. Yes, walking! Quito is a hilly city and the best way to fully experience its vibrant culture and breathtaking views is by taking a stroll through the narrow streets. You’ll stumble upon colorful markets, hidden plazas and stunning colonial architecture that you would never have discovered otherwise. The key is to wear comfortable shoes and be ready to take on some steep hills.

In conclusion, Quito is a beautiful city that offers a lot to explore and discover. By using public transportation, walking around and even cycling if you’re up for it, you’ll be able to experience all that this city has to offer. So go ahead, put on your explorer’s hat and get ready to fall in love with Quito!

Places to eat in Quito

Bandido brewing.

We recently visited the popular restaurant “Bandido Brewing” in Quito, Ecuador and I must say, I wasn’t disappointed. The ambiance was just right and the service was impeccable. But what really stood out were the delicious dishes on their menu. From the mouthwatering burgers to the perfectly seasoned steaks, Bandido Brewing exceeded my expectations. The best part? The food is all locally sourced, supporting the community and providing customers with a unique dining experience. If you’re ever in Quito, I highly recommend this restaurant.

Tierras Del Sol

After enjoying a meal at Tierras Del Sol in Quito, it’s safe to say that this restaurant lives up to its name. With breathtaking views of the city from its rooftop terrace and a menu brimming with local ingredients and flavors, Tierras Del Sol is a true gastronomical delight. Their ceviche mixto, a fusion of fresh seafood and tangy citrus, is a must-try, as is their succulent grilled octopus. And with excellent service and a cozy ambiance, Tierras Del Sol is the perfect spot for a romantic date night or a celebratory dinner.

Cafeteria Modelo

We have had the chance to dine at various restaurants in Quito, but none have come close to the experience we had at Cafeteria Modelo. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and attentive service. The menu, full of Ecuadorian classics, was extensive and presented with mouth-watering photos. Our meals were not only beautifully presented but exceeded our expectations in both taste and portion size. The ambiance was cozy and welcoming, making us feel right at home. Without a doubt, Cafeteria Modelo is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic and satisfying dining experience in Quito.

Things to do in Quito

Visiting the historic center of quito..

We simply cannot stress enough about how important it is to visit the historic center of Quito when traveling to Ecuador. The cultural and historical significance of this location is enough to warrant a visit, but the atmosphere and energy of the place makes it impossible to miss. The streets are bustling with locals and tourists alike, all eager to explore and appreciate the beauty of the colonial architecture and breathtaking views.

As someone who’s visited Quito several times, I can say with confidence that the historic center is the best place to immerse oneself in Ecuadorian culture. From the vibrant street art to the authentic food vendors, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to engage with the locals and sample the best cuisine the country has to offer. And if you’re a history enthusiast, the cathedrals, plazas, and museums are sure to keep you engaged for hours on end.

In short, if you’re visiting Quito and you don’t make it a point to explore the historic center, you’re missing out on an integral part of the Ecuadorian experience. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Hiking up the Pichincha volcano.

We highly recommend that anyone traveling to Quito, Ecuador tries hiking up the Pichincha volcano. This activity is not for the faint of heart, but it’s worth it for those who can handle the intensity.

The journey up the Pichincha volcano is one of the most exhilarating hikes you will ever experience. The power of nature is all around you as you climb towards the peak. This is where you will find your spirit renewed and your soul refreshed.

The Pichincha volcano hike is a perfect way to get exercise while being surrounded by breathtaking views. The trail is well-maintained, but it is also a true challenge, not for the weak of mind or body. We cannot emphasize enough how much this unique and exciting activity should not be missed when visiting Quito, Ecuador.

Exploring the Mitad del Mundo monument.

We had the most incredible experience exploring the Mitad del Mundo monument in Quito, Ecuador. This iconic landmark commemorates the equatorial line, marking the place where the northern and southern hemispheres meet. As we stood at the center of the earth, we couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of connection to the planet we call home.

During our visit, we were awed by the sheer size and intricate design of the monument. The attention to detail on the structure was incredible, and we couldn’t help but marvel at the hard work and dedication that went into its construction. As we took in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside, we were reminded of the natural beauty that surrounds us and the responsibility we have to protect and preserve it for generations to come.

Overall, exploring the Mitad del Mundo monument was an unforgettable experience that left us feeling inspired and connected to the world around us. We highly recommend this activity to anyone visiting Quito, and we can’t wait to return and experience it all over again.

Taking a cable car ride over the city.

When you visit Quito in Ecuador, one of the activities that you shouldn’t miss is taking a cable car ride over the city. This experience is one of the most exciting and thrilling things that you can do in Quito. From your elevated vantage point, you can see many of the city’s amazing landmarks and breathtaking views.

As you ride the cable car, you get a glimpse of Quito’s colonial and modern architecture, contrasting the old and the new. The ride is smooth, but the feeling of being suspended high above the city is simply awe-inspiring. You’ll be captivated by the stunning landscape that stretches out before you, and the panoramic views will stay with you long after the ride is over.

So if you’re looking for an exhilarating experience and want to see the beauty of Quito from a different perspective, then a cable car ride is a must-do activity. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the city’s magnificence, and you’re guaranteed to come away with a newfound appreciation for this incredible destination.

Checking out the street art in the Guapulo neighborhood.

We couldn’t resist the temptation of exploring the Guapulo neighborhood when we heard of the colorful street art adorning its walls. We were not disappointed as the place had an edgy, artistic vibe that was hard to miss. The murals ranged from the political to the whimsical, capturing the essence of the Quito city’s street art scene.

One of the highlights of our stroll was the detail in each piece of art. The murals were carefully crafted, with every stroke of the brush and every color choice adding to the overall effect. We found ourselves constantly stopping to take in the intricate details of each piece, marveling at the skill of the artists.

Overall, we would highly recommend exploring the street art scene in Guapulo. It’s a vibrant and exciting way to experience Quito’s artistic culture and a great way to spend an afternoon wandering around the quirky streets of the neighborhood. The combination of the art and the lively atmosphere made for an unforgettable experience.

Shopping at the Otavalo Market.

We all love shopping, but have you ever heard of the Otavalo Market in Quito, Ecuador? If not, you’re missing out on a one-of-a-kind experience. Not only is it one of the largest markets in South America, but it’s also been around for centuries, with its roots dating back to the ancient Incas.

The Otavalo Market is a treasure trove of vibrant and unique goods, ranging from intricate textiles and handcrafted jewelry to delicious, locally-sourced food. But it’s not just the products themselves that make this market so special, it’s the people behind them. You’ll meet artisans and farmers with incredible stories to tell, all while taking in the breathtaking Andes mountain range.

In short, shopping at the Otavalo Market is a must-do for anyone visiting Quito. Not only will you leave with incredible souvenirs and memories, but you’ll have supported the local economy and experienced the true essence of Ecuadorian culture.

Bar-hopping in the Mariscal area.

We love a good night out, but when it comes to bar-hopping in the Mariscal area of Quito, Ecuador, we have mixed emotions. On the one hand, the lively atmosphere is contagious, with bars lining the streets, beckoning patrons in with brightly lit signs and thumping music. On the other hand, the level of safety can be concerning, particularly for foreign travelers.

While we can’t deny the fun factor, we urge caution when venturing out in this area. Pickpocketing and other forms of theft are not uncommon, and drunken altercations can quickly spiral out of control. That being said, if you do decide to partake in the Mariscal nightlife, we recommend sticking together in a group, keeping an eye on your belongings, and, of course, enjoying the unique experience that Quito has to offer.

Visiting the Capilla del Hombre art museum.

As someone who has recently visited the Capilla del Hombre art museum in Quito, Ecuador, I can confidently say that this is one activity that should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list. Not only is this museum one of the most visually stunning places you will ever visit, but it also has a rich history and cultural significance that is impossible to ignore.

The museum itself is a work of art, with its unique architecture and beautiful design. Everywhere you turn, you will be greeted with breathtaking works of art that are sure to leave you in awe. But more than just being a stunning visual experience, the Capilla del Hombre provides an opportunity to learn about the struggle and triumph of the Ecuadorian people.

But what really sets the Capilla del Hombre apart is its commitment to showcasing art that reflects the experiences and struggles of Latin America. From the brutal history of colonialism to the ongoing fight for justice and equality, this museum offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of a people who have fought against incredible odds to emerge as a proud and resilient community. For anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the rich culture and history of Latin America, a visit to the Capilla del Hombre art museum is an absolute must.

Trying local street food.

If you’re visiting Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, make sure you try the local street food. This activity isn’t just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about getting to know the essence of the city. You can’t fully experience a place until you’ve tried its food, and in Quito, the street food scene is second to none.

From empanadas to ceviche, there’s something to satisfy every palate. You’ll find food vendors on every street corner selling mouth-watering treats. And the best part is that the food won’t break the bank. You can enjoy a delicious meal for just a few dollars. So, forget about fancy restaurants and Michelin-starred chefs – the real foodie experience is on the streets of Quito.

Trying local street food in Quito is a must-do activity for any traveler. It’s a fun and affordable way to explore the city’s culture and cuisine. So, grab a fork and join the locals in indulging in delicious food. Your taste buds will thank you for it, and you’ll leave Quito with unforgettable memories.

We’re all searching for a unique travel experience. Something exotic, something out of the ordinary, something that will leave a lasting impression on our minds. Well, let me tell you – Quito, Ecuador, will definitely deliver!

There’s something magical about this hidden gem, nestled high in the Andean foothills. The majestic city, with its charming Spanish colonial architecture, is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Wandering through Quito’s winding cobbled streets, with views of snow-capped peaks in the distance, is an experience straight out of a fairy tale.

But it’s not just the picturesque cityscape that makes Quito an unforgettable destination. The people – warm, welcoming, and fiercely proud of their heritage – are what truly make the city shine. From the delectable local cuisine to the vibrant street festivals, Quito embodies the spirit of South America. In short, I cannot recommend this captivating city enough – if you’re looking for a travel experience that will stay with you forever, add Quito to your bucket list!

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6 Best Things to do in Quito Ecuador (Plus 7-Stop Weekend Itinerary)

Planning a trip to Quito Ecuador is exciting. It’s a large city and there’s a lot to see. In this post, you’ll find the best things to do in Quito Ecuador as a tourist. These locations and activities will give you a taste of the culture and natural beauty of the city. Plus, we include a 7-stop weekend Quito itinerary.

Explore Quito Ecuador’s Attractions

These Quito Ecuador tourist attractions are something to get excited about. You’ll see what I mean as you watch this visual tour of Quito.

Visual Tour of Quito Ecuador

What a gorgeous city! Now, let’s look at specific locations so you can enjoy the best of what Quito has to offer.

Best Places To Visit In Quito Ecuador

All the locations covered in this post will be within walking distance or a short taxi ride from your Quito hotel.

There are some attractions outside the city that you probably won’t want to miss. Like the popular Otavalo market and Quilotoa Lake (a water-filled caldera) . But we’ll cover Quito day trips in another post.

Let’s get started with the 6 best attractions in Quito Ecuador.

Top 6 Quito Ecuador Tourist Attractions

Here’s a quick list of the top 6 places to visit in Quito:

• Quito’s Old Town:  Best preserved old town in the Americas
• Mitad del Mundo / Middle of the Earth:  Where the Northern and Southern hemispheres meet.
• TelefériQo (Cable Car up Pichincha Volcano):  A view of the city from 4,100 meters (13,500 feet)
• Museo de la Ciudad / City Museum of Quito: History of the city in a UNESCO world heritage site housed in a gorgeous 16th-century building
• Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal / Mariscal Artisan Market:  Largest artisan market in Quito with a wide variety of artisan products.
• Parque Itchimbia / Itchimbia Park:  Large park with wonderful views of the city and a Cultural center.

Now we’ll take a closer look at each location.

1. Visit Quito’s Old Town

This is a must if you want to see colonial architecture . Quito has the best-preserved old town in the Americas (at least that’s its reputation); the buildings are impressive and the plazas are gorgeous.

But if you stay in a modernized part of the city, you could miss this altogether.

La Ronda (in the old town) should be at the top of your list if you have limited time. La Ronda is said to be the oldest and best-preserved street in Quito . The streets decorated with flowerpots, flags and little balconies.

In this video, you’ll see what the atmosphere is like at this top Quito attraction.

The old town also includes beautiful plazas like  Plaza San  Francisco  and Plaza de la Independencia . You’ll also find the Artisan market Tianguez.

Address of La Ronda – Juan de Dios Morales, Quito 170150, Ecuador

2. Mitad del Mundo / Middle of the Earth

Mitad del Mundo is where the Northern and Southern hemispheres meet, it’s right on the Equator. Visitors love to straddle the yellow line which puts them in two hemispheres at the same time.

This is Mr. Popular when it comes to Quito Ecuador tourist attractions.

In the following video, you’ll see Mitad del Mundo and the surrounding area.

There is an interesting story that goes with this popular spot. The location in the above video is not the true middle of the earth . Geographically speaking it’s close, but latitude 0°0‘0’’ is actually a few hundred meters north of this monument at the Intiñan Museum.

Although some say neither location is exactly correct. At the Intiñan museum, you’ll be a little closer to the real thing.

Here is a little tour of the Intiñan museum (the real middle of the earth).

Address of Mitadad del Mundo – Autopista Manuel Cordova Galarza, San Antonio de Pichincha, Quito 170180, Ecuador.

Address of Intiñan Museum – Autopista Manuel Cordova Galarza, 200 meters from the roundabout at Mitad del Mundo  San Antonio de Pichincha, Quito 170180, Ecuador.  

3. TelefériQo: Cable Car Up Pichincha Volcano

This is the best way to “see” Quito. The cable car takes you to an elevation of 4,100 meters (13,500 feet).

This is South America’s highest gondola ride and one of the highest aerial lifts in the world. If the sky is clear, you’ll have breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

It’s best to go in the morning as fog usually rolls in later on in the day. Make sure to bring a sweater or jacket because it’s often windy and cold.

Read more about the TelefériQo . At the base of the TelefériQo is Vulqano Fun Park. If you’ve got kids schedule in some playtime after your gondola ride.

Address of El TelefériQo – Av. Occidental and Fulgencio Aruajo , Quito, Pichincha, 170120, Ecuador.

4. Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum of Quito)

When you visit the City Museum you’ll immerse yourself in the history of Quito.

Here you’ll see the story of the city – from an indigenous trading post, through the Incas, the conquistadors and up into the 19th century.

This museum is a UNESCO world heritage site and is in a gorgeous 16th-century building which was the former San Juan de Dias Hospital.

Address of the Museo de la Ciudad – García Moreno, Quito 170101, Ecuador

5. Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal/ Mariscal Artisan Market

This is the largest Artisan market in Quito . If you are looking for souvenirs at great prices then La Mariscal should definitely be on your list of Quito Ecuador tourist attractions. Some say it’s like a little Otavalo market.

Address of Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal –  Reina Victoria and Juan Leon Mera on Jorge Washington road , Quito 170150, Ecuador

6. Parque Itchimbia/Itchimbia Park

Quito has many beautiful parks, but if you only have time for one this should be it. Itchimbia park is situated on a hill and offers wonderful views of the city.

The main attraction in this park is the Itchimbia Cultural Center . This is a beautiful building make out of iron and glass.

At the Itchimbia Cultural Center, you can see art exhibits and cultural events. Watch this aerial video of Park Itchimbia, Quito.

If you’re planning on exploring more of the Andes you’ll want to read about the top 15 things to do in Ecuador’s Andes Mountains .

Address of Parque Itchimbia –  Iquique y Jose Maria Aguime , Quito 170150, Ecuador

Weekend in Quito Ecuador ( 7 Things to Do)

Here are 7 things to do in Quito on a quick weekend trip. This is trip suggestion is by Karissa Jobman of BucketPass.

When I arrived in Quito six years ago for the first time, I didn’t know what to expect. After all, it was my first time setting foot on foreign soil. My trip was short but I craved to understand as much of the country as possible.

Thankfully, I had a local to show me the magnificence of the country by whisking me around the city to the must-visit sites, in what she called her “Quiteño crash course” . Since then, I have been back several times, bringing friends and family members to the country to share a similar experience.

More reading: Where is Quito located?

Here is my crafted itinerary of things to do in Quito – so you can appreciate its history, culture, gastronomy, and scenery in as little as a weekend trip. We begin on Friday afternoon…

Friday in Quito

3PM: Teleférico Start your journey 500 meters above the city to enjoy the view of the sprawling metropolis. The Teleferico is a twenty-minute cable car ride that runs alongside the Pichincha Volcano. Afterward, you can grab snacks before making your way back down.

• First, a museum that the artist designed himself featuring solely his own work. Guayasamín’s collection goes through many stages, depicting the suffering of indigenous people and calls for peace and human rights.
• Second, the grounds also feature the home of the late artist. Here you can join a guided tour to understand his life and the history of the city.

Saturday in Quito

9AM: Quito Tour Bus Quito’s first and only double-decker bus starts at Boulevard Naciones Unidas to begin an action-packed day in the historic center.

This city tour allows you to see the city with convenient, reliable transportation, while exploring at your own pace.

Make your first stop at La Mariscal for some shopping in the artisan markets.

Stop six, the Basilica features the most iconic church in the city. For a small fee, you can climb the towers of church and lookout on the impressive downtown.

Reload the bus to head to the Historic District, where you can spend the afternoon visiting the Presidential Palace, admiring the gilded Iglesia de la Compañía, learning history at Museo de la Ciudad, and making chocolate at the Quinde Store.

A final ride on the tour bus will take you up to the Panecillo, the statue of the Virgen de Quito that watches over the city.

6PM: La Ronda After a trip to el Panecillo, the bus will take you back down to the base of the hill, where you can stop at La Ronda, a lively street known for live music, food and drinks.

Try a glass of Canelazo, a warm spiced cinnamon cocktail from the Andean region while listening to guitar players in the street.

Sunday in Quito

10AM: Mitad del Mundo On Sunday morning, head out of the city to the middle of the world, just north of Quito.

At this equatorial monument you can stand on two hemispheres at once, taking fun photos and learning the science behind the equator. The complex has nine ethnographic museums, an outlook at the top of the monument, exhibits, shopping and places to snack.

Read more about typical Ecuador food .

If you have more time to spend in Ecuador, leave Mitad del Mundo to Mindo, a town known as the cloud forest . Bucket Pass offers a bundled pass where you can enjoy a day of zip-lining, hiking to waterfalls, learning the production of chocolate , and much more.

Visiting Quito’s Parque La Carolina in Ecuador

Are you planning a trip to Quito?  Spending time at a park is a great way to relax and get a feel for the culture. It’s also a wonderful way to help the kids unwind after spending time exploring the city.

If you have kids you might also want to check out the fun park and the  TelefériQo .

Parque La Carolina in Quito:  When we arrived in Quito we were told we should check out Parque La Carolina and we are glad we did. This park is massive, and has a lot of wide-open green space!

Ecuadorian Families Enjoying Parque la Carolina

Parque la Carolina is a huge park right in the center of Quito. We always go there every time we visit Quito. Last month we enjoyed a day at Parque la Carolina in Quito Ecuador – and it was full. There were thousands of people – mostly families – playing, picnicking, and enjoying a Sunday off. Family time is highly valued by Ecuadorians.

The day had a feel of a carnival, with cotton candy, paddle boats and fried foods. We are sharing this video, to give other Gringos a glimpse into family life in Ecuador. And to show that life isn’t scary here – far from it, in fact.

Have you been to a park in Ecuador on a Sunday? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Parque El Ejido in Quito, Ecuador

Do your kids love playground equipment? Our daughter sure does! And we found lots of it at Parque El Ejido. Parque El Ejido in Quito:  If you have children aged 5-10 you’ll want to check out El Ejido Park (Parque El Ejido) in Quito.

We love to spend family time strolling around a park. So we were excited to find a park with a large area of playground equipment just a short walk from where we were staying.

The equipment was in really good shape, and there were always lots of kids around. That combination helped our daughter burn off a lot of that energy she gets from . . . ohhhhh, if only I knew!

While she played on the zip line (it was addictive) Bryan and I enjoyed chatting on a nearby bench, where we could keep a close eye on her.

After a while, we convinced her to take a break and check out the rest of the park. The park was very clean and well taken care of.

It has some nice wide open green spaces and a café!  So we had to stop for a coffee, being Canadian and all, it’s in our blood.

The café was comfy, with plush seats and a nice view of the surrounding park.  There was also a small art gallery attached to the café, and clean bathrooms with paper and soap!

What Will You Do in Quito?

I hope you’re even more excited about your upcoming trip to Quito now. Did you see anything that you’re adding to your travel plans? If so please tell us about it by commenting on this post.

If you feel we’ve missed anything that should be among the best places to visit in Quito please add it by commenting.

Hi, I'm Dena Haines . And I'm co-founder of Storyteller Travel . I love to cover food, animals, and destinations around the world.

I also blog about photography at Storyteller Tech .

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Top 10 Quito Ecuador Tourist Attractions

Ecuador’s capital city of Quito sits high in the Andes, a pocket of colorful buildings, classic architecture, and rich history with plenty for any vacationer to Ecuador to explore. The new and old of the country come together here, with a burgeoning culinary and modern nightlife scene developing right next to the ‘Old Town’ UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with colonial buildings and monuments.

Just outside of the city you’ll find even more dramatic attractions, from standing on the Equator to exploring volcanoes. Whether it’s nature, architecture, history, culture or culinary treats you seek, you can be sure to find what you’re looking for in Quito. Read on for our picks of the 10 top tourist attractions in Quito, Ecuador .

Calle La Ronda; Typical Colonial Street In Quito

  1. Old Town

Perhaps the most photogenic spot in the city, Quito’s Old Town is a beautiful historic walking area with well-preserved colonial architecture. Wrought iron balconies adorn rows of colorful buildings, with impressive churches and monuments scattered along the cobblestone roads. The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and easily tops our list of the best things to do in Quito. Visit the famous thoroughfare Calle la Ronda any time of day to wander and explore the quaint restaurants and cafes. If you can visit on a Sunday morning, you’ll also get to see the weekly festival with music, vendors, and dancers in native outfits.

La Compañiia Church At Night In Downtown Quito

2. Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus

Quito’s most ornate church, the Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus (Church of the Society of Jesus), is a sight even the non-devout can appreciate. The exterior of the church is understated yet elegant, but the interior is decadently decorated with gold.  If you only have time for one church in Quito, make sure it’s this one!

3. Capilla del Hombre

The ultimate art exhibit in Quito, Capilla del Hombre is a museum complex that includes the last residence and adjacent museum of painter Oswaldo Guayasamin, one of the eminent Ecuadorian painters. Art lovers will enjoy the focus on the painter’s work and life, as well as seeing many large pieces known for powerful themes such as poverty, race, religion, and politics. Included in the admission fee is a guided tour.

Magnificent View Of The Cotopaxi Volcano

4. Teleferico Quito

In just a 15-minute ride, this cable car will take you to the summit of Rucu Pichincha, a height of 4,100 meters above sea level. Incredible scenery and views of the entire city below await you, giving a bird’s eye view of all of Quito. For visitors with just a few days in the city, this is one of the best things to do to get a bit of perspective and understand the city from afar.

Middle Of The World Monument One

5. Mitad del Mundo

If you’ve ever wanted to stand directly on the Equator, this is your chance! Just two hours outside the city of Quito is the “Middle of the World” where you can straddle the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and take photos to prove it. The grounds also include a museum, planetarium, shops, restaurants, and several other related sites that are worth a look. Easily one of the best things to do in Quito, and hands down one of the most popular!

6. Reserva Geobotanica Pululahua

Just a couple hours outside of Quito (and only 4km from La Mitad del Mundo), this reserve is incredibly different from the many other popular things to do in the city. Make sure to check out the volcanic crater of the extinct Pululahua, almost 400m deep and 5km across. Nearby are hiking trails, including one to the Mirador de Ventanillas viewpoint on the southeast side of the reserve. Great for a day trip outside the city!

Carondelet Palace, In The City Of Quito

7. Palacio del Gobierno

An impressive white building in the Old Town, the current seat of the Ecuadorian presidency is an interesting visit with notable architecture. Visitors can see the interior through free-guided tours, which change depending on which rooms are not currently in use. If you’re in the city on a Monday morning, you can catch the changing of the guards around 11 am.

8. Plaza Grande (Independence Square)

People-watching is one of Quito’s popular plazas is a must to see the everyday hustle and bustle as the locals go about their lives. Perhaps the best plaza to do this is the Plaza Grande or Independence Square, with its spectacular surrounding buildings including the Presidential Palace, City Hall, a cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace. Soak up the Ecuadorian culture as a veritable plethora of vendors sell their wares from the surrounding cobblestone streets and snap a selfie from the popular central statue, or grab a table at a nearby restaurant to sample local dishes .

The Basilica Of Quito Ecuador

9. Basilica

The detailed basilica is a great thing to see in the city for any type of traveler. The exterior offers notable architecture, while those daring enough to climb to the top of the belfry and towers will be rewarded with views of the entire city, as far as the Virgin statue and mountains bordering Quito. Those afraid of heights will enjoy the beautiful gardens below with carvings of animals from the Galapagos .

Sculpture Of The Virgin In Panecillo Hill

10. El Panecillo

El Panecillo is a large monument to the Virgin of Quito. Situated high on a hill in the middle of the city, it is also known for offering sweeping 360-degree views over the rest of the city. Hire a taxi to take you to the top and witness the glimmering cityscape-one of the best views in the city! If you arrive before late afternoon, you’ll also have a chance to snack at the local food trucks right next to the monument.

There are so many tourist attractions in and around Quito, this top 10 is just the beginning! This makes spending a few days in Quito worthwhile as part of a larger visit to Ecuador .  After seeing these favorite sights in the city, you’ll find many other ways to appreciate the architecture, nature, and culture of the Ecuadorian capital.

While Rainforest Cruises aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information herein or found by following any link on this site. Rainforest Cruises cannot and will not accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies, or for any consequences arising therefrom, including any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the display or use of this information.

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8 Best Things to do Around Quito (Outside of Quito)

• April 3, 2018 April 29, 2019
• Nature Galapagos & Ecuador
• Ecuador Travel Articles , Ecuador Travel Tips

8 Best Things to do around Quito for a day or two – perfect 1 and 2 Day Trips Outside Quito

So, you are now in Quito, Ecuador’s thrilling capital city. You’ve already traveled to the Historical Center, the museums, the Middle of the World site, etc. If you are still thinking about hitting the road for one day or two, think no more! Here you will find some of the best things to do around Quito

Quito is uniquely the perfect base location to arrange trips to the surrounding landmarks.  So, to save you some time in research, here we present a short list on the 8 Best Things to do around Quito. It includes the perfect 1-day and 2-day trips to arrange form the city.   

1. Take a dip in Papallacta Hot Springs (1 or 2-day trip)

You can ask anyone who has visited Ecuador before, Papallacta is a must visit site. It takes less than a 2-hour drive from Quito to reach this lovely site between the mountains. Located at an altitude of 3,300m (10,827 ft.), and adorned by a wonderful lush green scenery, this site is home of natural Hot Springs coming directly from Antisana Volcano.

Papallacta is a great option for a relaxed day-trip from Quito, or the perfect stop-off spot when traveling to or from the Amazon Jungle. Far from the capital’s hustle and bustle, Papallacta offers lovely treks and horseback riding trips. The mineral-rich baths coming from Antisana Volcano are believed to possess healing powers. The perfect spot to relax after a long hike in the Andean Páramo.

2. Do some shopping at Otavalo Artisanal Market (1 or 2-day trip)

Forget about Saturday, Otavalo is perfect for shopping and window shopping regardless the day of the week. Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest days, though. There’s also a lot to see and do around the town. Imbabura province offers the pretties landscapes in Ecuador.  

A visit to Otavalo from Quito will last a full day, and in must have a stop at the artisans market, of course, as well as visits to its nearby landmarks. Cuicocha Lake, Peguche Waterfall, Mojanda Lakes, and Condor Park are some of the perfect complement to the standard visit to the Market. You can visit Otavalo on your own, buses depart form Quito daily. However, personalized guided tours to Otavalo from Quito are not that expensive and will help ypu optimize your time as much as possible.

CHECK THIS PERSONALIZED TWO-DAY TOUR OF OTAVALO & SURROUNDINGS

3. Get lost in the green beauty of the Mindo Cloud Forest ( 1 or 2-day trip)

Located at only 2.5 hours from Quito, this cloud forest and bird paradise is the perfect weekend getaway. Activities include bird-watching, visiting butterfly gardens, hiking to waterfalls, tubing and zip lining. Because it is so close to Quito, most travelers make it a 1-day trip, leaving early in the morning and returning in the late afternoon. However, if you are nature enthusiast a 2 day stay in any of Mindo’s eco-lodges will just do for you.  

The cloud forest is gorgeous, with green landscapes and a milder climate and a laid-back v ibe.

CHECK OUT YOUR OPTION FOR MORE INFORMATION ON A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF MINDO

Chocolate is a big thing in Mindo too. There are specialized tours to see the whole chocolate-making process at one of an artisan chocolate business. This visit will also include a taste of Mindo’s super delicious chocolates. Mindo has a lot to offer, so give it a search before going for a tour.      

4. A bike ride or a hike in the Antisana Reserve Moorlands

Antisana Ecological Reserve is located at a 2-hour drive from Quito. This almost unknown gem is one of the most beautiful volcanoes on the western mountain range of Ecuador, and you will surely notice it on the road. Volcanic activity, glacial processes, and evolution have created amazing moorlands scenery along the way and a very diverse wildlife.

The terrain and the lovely landscape make this spot ideal for mountain biking. Not a biking expert? You should still give it a try, no pro experience is required and the road to the Reserve is one to remember.  Mica lagoon found at one of the tails of the Reserve mirrors the volcano and is perfect for photography. BTW, this spot is also perfect for observation of the Andean Condor, and iconic bird species of the Andean Paramo.  What’s not lo like!

 YOU CAN CHECK INFO ON A GUIDED BIKE TOUR TO ANTISANA RESERVE HERE

5. A Bike ride at Cotopaxi Volcano National Park, of course…

Cotopaxi National Park is one of the most impressive ecological reserves in Ecuador. The beauty of this spot is that the volcano, the second highest peak in Ecuador,  suddenly emerges out of relatively flat terrain and offerrs spectacular views from all directions. Cotopaxi National Park has plenty of activities such as  biking, hiking, climbing and trekking.  Stunning panoramas and an ecosystem home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, wolves, pumas, bears, rabbits, condors, wild horses, and foxes.

If you don’t feel like organizing a day trip on your own, almost every travel agency in Quito offers some sort of personalized day-trip to Cotopaxi .   Most trips here are only moderately strenuous and feature a hike from the parking lot to the refugee. However, hiking up to the summit requires advanced mountaineering skills. Be sure to ask your trip arranger what exactly the tour includes.

6. A hike to jaw-dropping Quilotoa Lagoon

If you are planning a trip to Ecuador, you’ve probably already read of Quilotoa Volcanic Lagoon.  In fact, pictures don’t even really do it justice. Quilotoa is one of those jaw-dropping places you have to see in person.  Traveling to Quilotoa from Quito takes around 3 hours driving southward.  Most guided tours will help break the drive by stopping at a local market or historic church on the way to Quilotoa. The villages surrounding the lagoon are colorful and filled with local traditions.

Once at the bottom of Laguna Quilotoa, you can have kayak around the Crater Lake. However, do take in mind that it’s a tough hike back up to the top. For those that don’t quite have the energy, there are some men with some mules who will be happy to offer their services.

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS 2-DAY TOUR O COTOPAXI AND QUILOTOA DEPARTING FROM QUITO

7. A 2-day Trip to the Moorlands at Polylepis and Frailejones Forest

The Polylepis and Frailejones Forests are also one of those forgotten gems found at the northern Ecuadorian moorlands. If you got a few days at Quito, you must take trip to discover the millenary Polylepis Forest, an almost surreal and isolated spot at the heart of the Andean paramo. This is the only spot for which I would recommend a two day trip from Quito, as the journey here takes up to 5 hours

At El Ángel Ecological Reserve (Carchi), you will find Polylepis Lodge , located just in the meeting point of two of the most unique Ecuadorian ecosystems: Polylepis Forest and the Frailejones Moorlands. Moreover. This spot offers hikes in the world’s last remnant of a millenary and primary Polylepis forest while lodging in panoramic, classy and spacious rooms harmonizing with the unique surroundings.

BTW, your visit to the areas will support the local community as most food and resources are trades with the farms of the area.  

8. A ride on the iconic Tren de los Volcanes

Tren Ecuador is an innovative concept in Ecuador which consists of a series of short routes between different stations reconstructed and remodeled of the legendary Ecuador Train system. Tren de los Volcanes (Train of the Volcanoes) day trip is one of the many routes and it departs from Quito almost daily. It is t he combination of the colorful Andean landscapes, snow-capped mountains, volcanoes and culture make this trip a totaly worth it experience, indeed. 

A ride aboard the legendary Tren de los Volcanoes takes you to a mountain scenery where you can catch sight Pichincha, Atacazo, Pasochoa, the Viudita, Rumiñahui volcanoes, among others flank the railway.  In Tambillo and Machachi you’ll also get a taste of the local cuisine and learn about the chagras (the Ecuadorian cowboys) culture. At  El Boliche, at the foothills of Cotopaxi, a mild trek will intoduce you to  the flora and fauna. You will be back at Quito around 5 pm.

So, here’s our list of the 8 best things to do around Quito. Do you agree or do you have any other recommendations?

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What to do in Quito: 12 awesome things to do in Ecuador’s capital

Once considered to be among the world’s most dangerous cities, recent years have seen Ecuador’s volcano-circled, high-altitude capital gain popularity as a tourist destination, most notably for its rich Andean culture and impeccably preserved historical centre. In fact, Quito was the first ever city to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its colourful streets and dramatic neo-Gothic churches more than deserving of the honour.

And yet, travellers do still underestimate Quito. Despite high praise from those who’ve visited, the city typically only appears on itineraries as a necessary stopover en route to the Galápagos or the Amazon— but do not make the mistake of thinking there’s nothing to do in Quito. I actually loved this city and could have spent far more than just 4 days exploring its many scenic viewpoints, bustling markets, and traditional restaurants, not to mention the easily accessible day trips out to Laguna Quilotoa, Volcán Cotopaxi, or the Otavalo Markets. Here are just 12 of my top recommendations for exploring in and around Quito , each guaranteed to make you fall in love with this underrated destination.

What's in this travel guide

1 | TeleferiQo & Volcán Pichincha

To truly get an appreciation for the size of the capital, as well as the dazzling beauty and texture of northern Ecuador, ride the TelefériQo (a portmanteau of teleférico , the Spanish word for cable car, and Quito ) up to a dizzying 4,100m.

This is one of the highest aerial lifts in the entire world, delivering eager passengers up to the Cruz Loma lookout on Volcán Pichincha, an active volcano forming the western border of Quito and from whose slopes you can see the entire city and numerous other volcanoes stretched out below. The air is thin, but the view is staggering!

Getting to the TelefériQo is incredibly simple from the centre of the city, and even from the outskirts won’t cost more than a few dollars in an Uber (which I’d highly recommend as the cheapest and SAFEST way to get around Quito). You can buy tickets for $8.50USD (return) on arrival .

From the top, it’s also possible to enjoy a number of hiking trails to other viewpoints on the volcano, including the summit of Rucu Pichincha (4,784m) . Just make sure you’re properly acclimatised before setting off!

2 | Calle de La Ronda

Sitting below the Virgen de El Panecillo (#9) in the south of the historical district is the most enchanting street in Quito, Calle de la Ronda .

Constructed in the typical Andalusian style favoured by the Spanish in the 1700s and perfectly preserved through the centuries that followed, this narrow, bohemian street is truly a step back in time , its cobbled lanes, brightly coloured façades, and flowered verandas a nod to the city’s colonial past.

Every night, La Ronda sparkles to life as both tourists and locals come to enjoy the live music, traditional restaurants, and festive spirit of this beautiful laneway.

A few specific restaurant recommendations make the cut below ( check out #8 on this list ), but wherever you stop, make sure to try canelazo , a local hot spiced rum made from naranjilla , cinnamon, and aguardiente (“fire water”, a potent liquor distilled from sugar cane).

3 | Basílica del Voto Nacional

Quito’s most iconic church, and actually the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the all of the Americas , holds a central place in the historic district, its dramatic spires and ornate towers rising high over the rest of the city.

The Basílica del Voto Nacional (Church of the National Vote) was commissioned in the late 1800s, largely completed by 1924, and finally consecrated by the Pope more than a century after its original inception in 1988— but officially, the basílica still isn’t finished.

It’s certainly not clear looking at the imposing structure what remains to be done, but local legend suggests that the true completion of the basílica will mark the end of the world. And I guess that’s reason enough to explore while you can!

Wander through the beautiful courtyard and admire the gargoyles representing endemic Ecuadorian animals , such as tortoises, iguanas, and condors. Inside the basílica , there’s also plenty to enjoy, including the impossibly beautiful stained-glass windows that scatter a kaleidoscope of colours around the darkened nave and a harrowing ascent up to the top of the tallest tower (so good it gets its own spot at #4 on this list ).

4 | Climb the Tower of the Condors

Even if you’re not one for churches (and I’m usually not), the Basílica del Voto Nacional and the view from the top of its 115m Tower of the Condors is absolutely breathtaking, looking out towards the Virgen de Panecillo ( #9 on this list ) and over the rooftops of colourful Quito.

For just $2USD (payable across the courtyard from the basílica ), climb endless stairs, rickety ladders, and through narrow passageways to reach this incredible vantage point. Probably not for those scared of heights, but for anyone else, this is one of my top recommendations, and something that can easily be squeezed into an already busy day around the city.

5 | Try Ecuadorian chocolate

Ecuador was once the world’s largest exporter of cacao, and although this was, admittedly, about a century ago, chocolate remains a strong local tradition in the country.

Today, Ecuador is pretty far down the list of top chocolate (refined) or cacao (unrefined) exporters in terms of quantity , but still exports over $600-million worth of cacao, making the country the second largest exporter based on actual value , all thanks to its rare, top-quality Arriba cocoa beans.

In Quito, countless shops sell all variety of chocolate bars, varying in quality and intensity up to 100% pure cacao. Most will tell you all about the production from bean to bar before letting you sample different chocolates, and there are some particularly great shops located along Calle de la Ronda that merit a visit, including Chez Tiff , owned by a Swiss-Ecuadorian couple.

After sampling cacao from some of the local shops, wolf down decadent chocolate treats from the Republica del Cacao , a cafe with numerous locations around the city that is somewhat reminiscent of Max Brenner in Australia, or visit Kallari, whose hot chocolate is served with a few traditional slices of Andean cheese . Both will leave you in the best kind of chocolate coma.

6 | Plaza de la Independencia

An essential stop for those interested in Quito’s colonial history, or even just daily life in the city, is the Plaza de la Independencia, or Plaza Grande. This large central square is flanked by the Presidential Palace, Municipal Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral of Quito , making it an incredibly significant place both in terms of modern government and local culture.

Perhaps one of the most interesting icons is the Monumento a los Héroes del 10 de Agosto, a large statue erected in the centre of the plaza to commemorate Quito’s bloody and hard-won independence from Spain in 1822.

Although always abuzz with activity, the absolute best time to visit the plaza is Monday morning for the festive “Changing of the Guard”, an extravagant ceremony marking the weekly shift-change of the President’s guard, presided over by the President himself.

7 | Free walking tour

One of my favourite ways to experience any new city is on a free walking tour, and this is definitely something I’d recommend on your first day in Quito . There is no better way to learn about Ecuador’s long history, the city’s vibrant culture, or its many significant buildings and works of art than with a knowledgable local— and Free Walking Tour Ecuador operated by friendly Ovi is seriously one of the best city walking tours I’ve been on.

Over the course of several hours, explore the Plaza de la Independencia and Plaza de San Francisco , visit the Museo de la Ciudad , learn about the national conversion from sucres to US dollars at the Banco Central de Ecuador , sample local cacao and chocolate in La Ronda , walk through the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesus , and ultimately discover what makes Quito so special.

Although the tour is “free”, it’s expected that you’ll give a tip, and I think at least $10USD per person is appropriate considering how much information you get.

8 | Eat amazing Ecuadorian food

In addition to the obvious highlight of insanely fresh seafood along the coast, Ecuadorian cuisine is amazingly good, primarily consisting of mouthwatering grilled meat, aji for a bit of spice, and a lot of delicious starchy sides like patacones (fried plantains), potatoes, and rice.

I would even go so far as to say Ecuador has some of the best meat I’ve ever had in my life , and that’s a big call with Argentina and Brazil also in the mix!

For some of my favourite food in Quito, check out these great restaurants around the city:

• Leña Quiteña : Charming rooftop restaurant serving traditional food and drinks like canelazo , a sort of spiced rum (plus wine by the bottle), overlooking the Virgen de El Panecillo
• Dios no Muere: Trendy cafe built in an old monastery serving local Ecuadorian fare and authentic Cajun cuisine, owned by a slightly eccentric man from Lousiana
• La Casa de Los Geranios : Located on Calle de La Ronda, this is an upscale restaurant that still has reasonable prices for incredible traditional dishes like llapingachos con fritada or seco de chivo
• Fried Bananas: Delicious local seafood dishes served in bustling Plaza Foch

9 | The Virgen de El Panecillo

Gracefully presiding over Quito from atop one of the city’s large hills, the Virgen de El Panecillo (also called the Virgin of Quito) is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the capital, a 41m-tall winged aluminium statue of the Virgin Mary that is both the largest aluminium statue in the world and one of the tallest statues in South America (amazingly even taller than Rio’s Christ the Redeemer).

Visible from most any spot in Quito , particularly the rooftop restaurants of La Ronda ( #2 on this list ) and the Condor’s Tower in the Basílica del Voto Nacional ( #4 on this list ), it’s also possible to visit the statue directly for views looking back at the city from Panecillo Hill . Take an Uber here for just a few dollars or walk from the southern end of Quito. There’s a $1USD entrance fee, but it’s well worth it!

10 | Day trip to Otavalo

One of the absolute best (and easiest!) DIY day trips from Quito is to the nearby town of Otavalo, famous for its bustling artisan market filled with alpaca sweaters, colourful scarves, and silky blankets .

It’s an excellent place to stock up on inexpensive souvenirs, mingle with the locals, and even do some waterfall chasing out to stunning Cascada Peguche right outside of town. I was travelling with my mum at the time, and we both found it to be entirely safe making the trip on our own.

To get to Otavalo, take an Uber (about $10USD) from central Quito out to Terminal Carcelen , a 30min drive to the north. Proceed through the gates and find one of the bus companies operating out to Otavalo, such as Cooperativa Otavalo — they’ll either be shouting “Otavalo, Otavalo, Otavalo” or have flashing signs with the name.

Tickets are less than $3 each way and buses run consistently throughout the day, taking a little over 2hrs to reach Otavalo. From the bus station, it’s a super simple 10min walk to the Otavalo Markets, and Cascada Peguche is a short 4km beyond that.

The Otavalo Markets are at their most extravagant on Saturday and Wednesday (in that order), so try to choose one of these days to see the market in full swing.

11 | Day trip to Cotopaxi

Snow-capped and burnt-red Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes , is an easy 2 hours from Quito , making for an excellent day trip from the city— that is, if you don’t have enough time in your schedule to dedicate a few days entirely to the National Park! Top activities include scenic horse rides, hiking to the Cotopaxi glacier via Refugio José Rivas (4,800m) , and admiring the peak from Laguna Limpiopungo.

The best way to do this trip is with a tour company, as the park is quite large and poorly connected to public transport. Ecuador Hop has an excellent 1-day tour out to Cotopaxi for just $49USD , including a knowledgable local guide, amazing meals at Chuquiragua Lodge, and heaps of park highlights.

There’s also a 2-day option that combines the visit to Cotopaxi with Laguna Quilotoa and includes an overnight stay at the beautiful Chuquiragua Lodge for $149USD.

Read more: HIKING TO REFUGIO JOSÉ RIVAS & COTOPAXI GLACIER IN ECUADOR

12 | Day trip to Laguna Quilotoa

Slightly farther from Quito but undeniably worth the 4hr road time is Laguna Quilotoa, an impossibly-turquoise crater lake situated in the caldera of an active volcano.

It’s one of Ecuador’s most impressive natural wonders and an undeniable highlight of my time exploring the country (even if I didn’t have time to complete the popular 4-day hike around its shores). With a single day, Laguna Quilotoa is still SO worthwhile.

On a day trip, the Laguna is definitely best explored with a tour group, and I’d again recommend Ecuador Hop as an excellent choice . For just $59USD , spend an entire day exploring the dramatic beauty of the Ecuadorian countryside, stopping to photograph Cotopaxi and rugged Toachi Canyon before arriving at Quilotoa and Shalala Viewpoint.

Read more: AN HONEST REVIEW OF ECUADOR HOP

*Practical information

Getting to & from quito.

Most travellers to Quito will arrive into Mariscal Sucre International Airport, from which a taxi into the city is a reasonable $25USD (the drive is about 1hr). Although it’s usually far safer and cheaper to order an Uber in Quito, taxis from the airport are generally considered to be safe and all operate a fixed-rate between the airport and the city, so in this instance it can be more convenient.

By public bus

If you’re arriving into Quito overland from another destination in Ecuador , or from neighbouring Peru or Colombia , you’ll most likely come into Terminal Quitumbe, the city’s large bus station located about 30min south of the centre .

Expect to pay around $15USD for a taxi , or if you have a local SIM card, definitely use Uber for a lower fare.

By tourist bus

Another option for getting between Ecuador’s main tourist attractions efficiently and safely is with Ecuador Hop , a new hop-on/hop-off bus service operating through Quito, Baños , Cuenca, Guayaquil , and Montañita with additional stops at Laguna Quilotoa, Volcán Cotopaxi, and Riobamba.

If arriving on an Ecuador Hop bus, you’ll be dropped off directly at your hostel (or at least very nearby), cutting out the need to take a taxi or Uber.

Getting around Quito

As previously mentioned, Uber is typically the safest, cheapest, and most convenient way to get around Quito. Now, technically, Uber is illegal in the city, so you’ll usually have to sit in the front seat so it looks like you’re just a pair of friends, but I found Uber to be very reliable and consistently less expensive, so I’d recommend it over taking a taxi in almost every situation. Get a local SIM card when you arrive so that you’re able to use Uber, as well as Google Maps, to get around.

Movistar tourist SIM cards are available in the Arrivals Hall of the airport for $25USD , which includes 2GB of data, unlimited WhatsApp , and some calling/texting credit (which you probably won’t use). I found reception to be perfectly adequate, especially in and around Quito, and it was excellent peace of mind to know that I could always pull up maps if I got lost or call a car if I wanted to head back to the room!

Multiple locals specifically warned me against taking a taxi anywhere in Quito on my own in the evening, so definitely exercise additional caution as a solo female after dark. However, there are some situations, like to and from the airport , where a taxi might be simpler (given that Uber drivers are avoiding police due to local laws on ridesharing and therefore don’t usually want to go to the airport).

Wherever possible, get your hostel or hotel to call a registered taxi for you or use an app like Cabify instead of just flagging one off the street.

Quito is a large and incredibly spread-out city, but within the historical centre or specific neighbourhoods, it’s definitely possible to walk between attractions. During the day, I felt entirely safe in the city and had no problem with my camera or my phone being in my hand.

Use common sense, as with any city, but don’t feel as if you aren’t able to walk around at all. For solo travellers and young females after dark, probably keep the walking to a minimum.

Where to stay in Quito

My absolute FAVOURITE hostel in Ecuador is Community , a pair of simple hostels in Quito and Baños that really shine for their amazing, well, community vibes. Expect comfortable rooms ($10USD/night), incredible breakfasts, nightly events, and shared long-table-style dinners for just $5, which is such an excellent way to mingle with other travellers and make friends without having to go to a backpacker bar (although that does also happen). I met a bunch of wonderful people through Community , several of which I’m still in contact with, so I really can’t recommend it highly enough. The Quito location is also just a few blocks off Plaza de la Independencia , so very convenient to explore the city, and has a great rooftop!

If hostels aren’t your vibe, I can also highly recommend this 2-bedroom apartment ($35USD/night) on Airbnb within easy walking distance of La Ronda and Plaza de la Independencia. My mum and I spent a few days here and found it to be really convenient, comfortable, and well-appointed, not to mention hosted by a very friendly local who was always happy to offer recommendations and organise airport transfers over WhatsApp.

Ecuador travel tips

• Situated at 2,850m above sea level, it’s very possible that you will experience some minor symptoms associated with the altitude while exploring Quito. In most cases, it won’t amount to anything more than  some shortness of breath walking up stairs and a bit of lightheadedness , but no two people react to altitude exactly the same. Check out this post for heaps more about travelling to high elevation cities in South America and how to avoid altitude sickness: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN SOUTH AMERICA
• As with most everywhere in South America,  there is a very real language barrier in Ecuador and I really wouldn’t recommend travelling here without learning some basic Spanish phrases . Any tour guides will speak English, but most waiters, cashiers, hostel staff, taxi drivers, bus station employees, and just general people on the street won’t speak a word. Yes, seriously, sometimes hostel reception will not speak ANY English.
• Ecuador uses the US Dollar as their official currency , although you will sometimes get change in a mix of Ecuadorian coins and US coins. To avoid exorbitant credit card fees, plan to pay with cash.

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brooke brisbine

I've spent the last decade exploring the world— everything from solo trekking in the Andes to overlanding in Zambia, all while completing a PhD in Biomechanics, teaching at a university & securing permanent residency in Australia. In 2020, I finally fulfilled my dream of becoming a full-time nomad! Whether it’s vanlife in Mexico, scuba diving in the Galápagos, ticking off incredible US National Parks, or climbing in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

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The 11 best places to visit in Ecuador

Sep 24, 2023 • 7 min read

Ecuador is all about mountain majesty and captivating cultures © Sunart Media / Shutterstock

Many of South America’s greatest hits can be found in Ecuador , from Andean peaks and the Amazon to tropical beaches, Inca ruins and the wonders of the Galápagos Islands. Pretty impressive for a country that's a fraction of the size of its neighbors!

The hardest part of any trip to Ecuador is deciding which part to visit first. To help you on your way, here's our pick of the best places to visit in Ecuador.

Best city for living the Andean highlife

Strewn across a mountain valley and surrounded by volcanoes, Quito is quite the spectacle. The Ecuadorian capital is a fascinating melange of cultures and a living museum of Spanish-era architecture. For the full panorama, take the TelefériQo gondola up the Pichincha volcano.

Back at street level, admire the faded grandeur of the charming, UNESCO-listed old town, calling at Museo de la Ciudad to learn more about the city’s colorful backstory. And visit the churches – Quito has one of the largest collections of old churches in South America, with the Basílica del Voto Nacional and the gilded Church of la Compañía de Jesús among the highlights.

Quito’s markets are another must-see. Watch shamanic healers ply their trade at Mercado San Francisco before sampling local specialties such as  locro de papas (potato stew), roast guinea pig and cow’s feet soup. And when the sun goes down? Head to La Ronda, a former red-light district turned entertainment quarter, which has live music and lots of cozy bars. 

Planning tip: At 2850m (9350ft) above sea level, Quito is one of the world's highest capitals. Give yourself a day or two to acclimatize to the lofty altitude before venturing to the high ground.

2. The Equator 

Best place to stand in two hemispheres at once

Straddling the equator – hence its name – Ecuador is one of the few places where travelers can take selfies of themselves with one foot in each hemisphere. A huge granite monument dubbed Mitad del Mundo (‘the middle of the world’) marks the location of the equator north of Quito – only it’s in the wrong place.

Modern GPS sets the record straight, placing the true equator near the Museo Solar Inti Ñan . Guides here will show you water swirling differently on each side of the line, plus other fun demonstrations relating to the equator. You’ll have to decide for yourself if it’s just a smoke-and-mirrors illusion or a real scientific phenomenon. 

Best place for volcanic adventures

Baños is the place to go if you like living dangerously. Its main draw is the menacing Tungurahua volcano, which has been belching lava and ash since the '90s, periodically forcing residents to flee. Why do they come back? Well, the volcano also heats the thermal baths that the town is named after and revered for. The steamy spas are highly restorative after a day of trekking, rafting or mountain biking through the surrounding forests.

Planning tip: As well as volcano hikes, Baños is a popular hub for mountain-biking trips, including the dramatic descent to the jungle town of Puyo.

4. The Avenue of Volcanoes 

Best place to hike close to the sun

A bit of trivia: the closest point on Earth to the sun is in Ecuador. The bragging rights belong to the 6263m (20,548ft) Chimborazo volcano . We know it’s not the highest summit on the planet – that’s Nepal's Mt Everest – but due to a phenomenon known as equatorial bulge, the planet isn’t perfectly spherical, and the top of Chimborazo is actually closer to the sun than anywhere else.

Chimborazo is one of eight snowcapped peaks that line the so-called Avenue of Volcanoes, which runs down Ecuador like a knobbly spine. All these peaks are incredible to hike up or around – if your body can handle the dizzying altitudes. Take it slowly to acclimatize; herds of vicuña , a wild relative of the domesticated llama, will keep you company on the way.

5. The Oriente  

Best place for natural wonders

Raindrops pattering on leaves, toucans darting between trees, lush greenery on all sides – The Oriente is a must for any naturalist. This steamy hotbed of biodiversity is where the cloud forests that flank the Andes plunge into the Amazon. More than 1600 bird species are found here, giving voice to one of the most glorious dawn choruses on the planet. Hidden in the trees like Bond villain lairs are wonderful ecolodges such as Mashpi , which offer guided nature walks and canoe expeditions, with profits helping fund conservation.

Best city for architectural treasures

Ecuador’s most beautiful city, Cuenca , has a springlike climate year-round and some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in South America. Its ornate buildings, leafy plazas and blue-domed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception helped the city earn a rightful place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The brutalist Museo Pumapungo proves Cuenca also has a modern outlook, housing a fine collection of contemporary art.

Planning tip: In the city’s backyard is Cajas National Park , a mountainous wildlife reserve with alpacas, Andean condors and giant hummingbirds. It's a great sampling platter of what Ecuador has to offer.

7. Ingapirca

Best place to discover pre-colonial Ecuador

For a glimpse of the country’s precolonial history, head to Ingapirca , where llamas graze among the best-preserved ruins in Ecuador. The settlement was originally inhabited by the Canari people before the marauding Incas came along. Spanish colonizers would later reduce the place to rubble, but enough remains to give a sense of its former grandeur.

Planning tip: Coming with a guide will bring color and context to a tour of the ruins; agencies in Cuenca run regular trips to the site.

8. The Galápagos Islands

Best place for experiencing a unique ecosystem

You could be forgiven for arriving on the islands of the Galápagos archipelago and wondering what all the fuss is about. In places, the archipelago looks more like a desert than a hotbed of biodiversity, but it slowly reveals its secrets – especially when you slip beneath the waves. Here, pirouetting sea lions, stealthy sharks, majestic rays, colorful fish, diving pelicans, swimming iguanas, whales, penguins and more await.

Planning tip: Don’t try to do it by yourself. Book a cruise and let resident naturalists provide the context to help you understand this remarkable, one-of-a-kind ecosystem. They'll also point out evolutionary marvels that you would otherwise miss.

9. Otavalo 

Best place to shop for local crafts

This picturesque little town is home to one of the largest permanent markets in South America. A one-stop shop for alpaca wool garments, handmade Ecuadorian jewelry, native art and other products made by the Indigenous Otavaleños people, it’s an ideal place to shop for souvenirs before jetting home. And it's easy to reach from Quito by local bus (two hours each way).

10. Guayaquil

Best city for culture and nightlife

The beating commercial heart of Ecuador, Guayaquil won’t win first prize in many beauty contests, but its burgeoning cultural scene, lively bars and revitalized neighborhoods are reason enough to hang around. The area known as the Malecón offers a masterclass in urban renewal; this rebooted riverside promenade is lined with sculptures, gardens and restaurants and is home to the quirky Museo en Miniatura , which tells the history of the city using miniature dioramas.

The hillside enclave of Cerro Santa Ana is another fine spot to while away an afternoon, with its colorful hillside homes, bars and cafes. For the best food in town, head to the suburb of Urdesa, northwest of the center; for nightlife, try Las Peñas, immediately north of downtown.

Planning tip: Check out the  Museo Antropologico y de Arte Contemporaneo (MAAC) theater for plays, concerts and films – but don’t expect much in English.

11. The Pacific shoreline

Best place to enjoy surfing and sunshine  

The frigid Andes feel a long way away when you’re sipping a cocktail on Ecuador’s Pacific coastline, which boasts a string of excellent beaches . The coastal town of Salinas spills out onto a fine stretch of shoreline, and it has a decent nightlife, making it popular with locals and tourists.

More laidback and less developed is the ramshackle beachfront village of Montañita  – its cheap digs, decent waves and party vibe attract a steady stream of bronzed backpackers.

Planning tip: To escape the crowds, check out the low-key beach towns of Ayangue, north of Salinas, or Puerto Cayo, north of Montañita.

This article was first published Jan 3, 2022 and updated Sep 24, 2023.

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10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ecuador

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Sep 24, 2021

More than making up for its small size with an array of Indigenous cultures, colonial architecture, scenic landscapes, and dense rainforests, Ecuador is one of the most fascinating nations in South America. Bordered by Colombia , Peru , and the Pacific Ocean on the continent's west coast-and no larger than most US states-this beautiful country of nearly 18 million people attracts tourists from across the globe for a myriad of reasons.

For outdoor sports enthusiasts, there are endless climbing and trekking adventures to partake in. For nature lovers, it's Ecuador's lush, ecologically important forests that are the big draw, while wildlife watchers will also gravitate to its famous Galápagos Islands. And for sun seekers? Ecuador's pristine tropical beaches are widely considered to be among the best and least spoiled in the world.

Once a part of both the Inca and, later, the Spanish Empires, Ecuador still displays many influences from both groups. These lasting influences are perhaps nowhere more notable than in the rich culture of its people, and the splendid colonial architecture of the capital city of Quito, much of which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

To learn more about this lovely South American country, be sure to read through this list of the best attractions and top things to do in Ecuador.

1. The Galápagos Islands

2. quito: ecuador's historic andean capital, 4. cotopaxi and cajas national parks, 5. the boardwalk of guayaquil, 6. la nariz del diablo: the devil's nose, 7. the hot springs of baños, 8. otavalo market, 9. exploring the amazon's upper reaches in tena, 10. the beaches of salinas, bahía, and montañita.

Since their "discovery" in the 16th century, the Galápagos Islands have intrigued and inspired visitors from around the globe. Named for the giant tortoises on the islands, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a unique ecosystem that largely evolved without outside influences (mainland Ecuador lies some 1,000 kilometers to the east). Consequently, a visit to this unspoiled region offers an exceptional opportunity for wildlife viewing. Here, you can see a variety of rare creatures both on land and in the surrounding seas.

The Galápagos Islands remain one of the most active volcanic regions in the world, and the formation of the islands is still in progress. Most of the 13 large islands, six smaller islands, and 42 islets that make up the Galápagos were declared part of the Galápagos National Park in the 1950s.

Not surprisingly, visiting this fragile ecosystem can only be undertaken as part of a guided tour to designated visitor sites. There are, however, one or two areas visitors can go without a guide, including some areas popular with scuba divers.

The main attraction here are the region's many rare bird species, of which 28 are unique to the islands. These include the Galápagos penguin, flightless cormorant, and waved albatross, along with the 13 species of Darwin's famous finches.

Hot Tip: If you're fortunate enough to make it to the Galápagos Islands, be sure to book a behind-the-scenes visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station , located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Tours of this important research facility can be made in advance of your arrival and are certainly worth it.

Official site: www.galapagos.org/about_us/about-us/

Set high in the Andes, Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is filled with well-preserved examples of colonial architecture and is the largest historic center in South America. Preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its many old churches, beautiful public squares, and world-class museums, this city of 1.6 million people has long been a favorite with artisans and is a great place to shop for local art and crafts, from ceramics and wood carvings to colorful clothing.

The most famous attraction in Quito's historic center is the San Francisco Church on the Plaza San Francisco. Dating back to the first half of the 1500s, the church's white-washed twin towers flank each side of the entrance to this massive complex. It's notable for its splendid Baroque interior and the Convent Museum of San Francisco with its religious paintings, sculptures, carvings, porcelain, textiles, and handcrafted furniture.

Other beautiful churches to visit include La Compania de Jesus Church . Constructed in the early 17th century, it's listed by UNESCO as one of the top 100 most important buildings in the world . Equally attractive is Quito's cathedral, Basílica del Voto Nacional , which was constructed in the 1560s.

One of the top things to do in Quito is to explore Plaza Grande . This beautiful square is surrounded by many important points of interest, including the cathedral, the Presidential Palace, and the Archbishop's Palace. It's also where you'll find the Municipal Palace, as well as Calle La Ronda , a buzzing street lined with restaurants, cafés, art galleries, and other entertainment.

The beautiful city of Cuenca-officially known as Santa Ana de los cuatro ríos de Cuenca-is located in southern Ecuador. Home to some 660,000 souls, this picturesque city is a delightful place to visit and explore on foot. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city brims with splendid colonial influences and architectural treasures spanning 400 years and encompassing both Spanish and Indian elements.

The historic city center is also where many of Cuenca's key attractions lie, one of the most important being the Old Cathedral of Cuenca (Iglesia del Sagrario). Built in 1567 from stones taken from nearby Inca buildings, highlights include its old organ from 1739, its tower clock from 1751, and the Museum for Religious Art.

Also worth a visit is the massive New Cathedral of Cuenca . Built in the 1960s, it's hard to miss for its three beautiful blue-tiled domes. The Church of San Sebastian with its mix of Gothic and Neoclassical elements is also worth seeing.

As you wander Cuenca's pleasant narrow streets, be sure to spend some time exploring the many squares and parks. The best of these include Calderon Park in the heart of the old town; Plaza San Blas Square , dominated by the Church of San Blas; and Plaza de San Francisco, with its merchants selling textiles and other goods.

Two of Ecuador's most popular national parks, Cotopaxi (and Cajas, are within easy driving distances from the cities of Cuenca and Quito and make wonderful day trips. Of the two, Cotopaxi National Park (Parque Nacional Cotopaxi), just 50 kilometers south of Quito, is perhaps the best known.

Highlights of a visit include the opportunity to see its many volcanoes up close. The most remarkable of these is the massive (and still active), Cotopaxi volcano. With its last eruption as recent as 2015, this massive volcano, along with the smaller Rumiñawi and Sincholagua volcanoes, dominates the area's stunning scenery.

About 30 kilometers from Cuenca in Ecuador's stunning highlands, Cajas National Park (Parque Nacional Cajas) offers a very different experience due to its numerous hills and valleys, making it a perfect place to hike and bike. It's also a delight for water sports enthusiasts, particularly kayakers and canoeists, thanks to its more than 270 lagoons and glacier-fed lakes.

Finally, Podocarpus National Park , often referred to as the "Botanical Garden of America," offers a diverse range of flora and fauna. Located in the southeast part of the country, its humid mountain forests are home to more than 4,000 species of plants and trees. Some of these specimens are as tall as 40 meters, including the famous cinchona, Ecuador's national tree.

Official site: https://national-parks.org/ecuador/cotopaxi

Ecuador's largest city in terms of population (2.7 million), the Pacific port of Guayaquil is well known as the gateway to the Galápagos Islands . In addition to its many historic sites, Guayaquil boasts great shopping and entertainment venues in its many picturesque squares and plazas, as well as along its splendid waterfront.

The highlight for those who enjoy exploring on foot is the magnificent Malecón 2000 , a two-and-a-half-kilometer-long boardwalk adjacent to the Guayas River. Undoubtedly one of the world's most memorable promenades, this remarkable urban renewal project winds along the river's west shore past many of the city's best attractions.

Along the way, you'll see numerous important historical sites, gardens, museums, and entertainment venues. For a real treat, take a tour boat on an evening trip up the river, when the city is lit up to beautiful effect.

Other highlights include the splendid Guayaquil Metropolitan Cathedral and Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporaneo . The latter is worth seeing for its fascinating displays and collections focusing on the country's rich culture and history.

A visit to the stunningly beautiful La Nariz del Diablo ("The Devil's Nose") should be on everyone's bucket list. Whether you're a train enthusiast or not, this spectacular part of the Andes mountains near the town of Alausí is best seen aboard one of the country's superbly restored railways.

Part of a network that stretches across the country to some of its most scenic locations, the 12-kilometer return trip to Nariz del Diablo is undoubtedly one of the most popular. Highlights include a fantastic sightseeing trip aboard a train that zigzags through a number of switchbacks as it climbs the near vertical sides of the mountain to the viewing station at its top.

Along the way, you'll have the chance to experience the rich culture of the Andes. Highlights include a visit to the Puñuna Condor Museum with its exhibits and displays relating to the area's Indigenous people.

Thanks to its lovely surroundings and numerous hot springs, the small town of Baños de Agua Santa is a popular tourist destination within central Ecuador. Located at the western edge of the Amazon basin, Baños is nestled among dense jungle-like forests and offers numerous recreational opportunities including hiking and mountain biking.

But the big draw are its mineral-rich hot springs and many waterfalls. Some of the best of these beautiful waterfalls are easily accessible from the town via a series of trails incorporating rope bridges with incredible views over the falls and their deep pools.

Adventure sports such as whitewater rafting and kayaking are also popular here. More sedate things to do include visiting landmarks such as the Virgen de Agua Santa church with its famous statue of Mary (it's claimed she appeared at one of the town's waterfalls).

Other things to do in Baños de Agua Santa include shopping for local goods. Some of the most popular Ecuador souvenirs found here include the colorful carved balsa parrots. Be sure to also sample the town's famous "melcocha," a type of candy made from cane sugar.

In a pleasant valley surrounded by mountains lies the picturesque town of Otavalo. The town's big draw is its excellent market, one of the largest in South America, where locals and tourists alike come to buy colorful locally made rugs and blankets, sweaters, bags, and other wool products made by the Indigenous Otavaleños people.

Other notable items are the unique tagua nut jewelry, leather goods, Indigenous costumes, as well as many interesting food items. Of these, some of the most interesting are the locally produced spices.

If visiting in June, be sure to check out the famous Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) music festival featuring numerous local musicians with their distinctive instruments and sounds.

Another excellent place to visit from which to experience some of the vast Amazon basin is the city of Tena, capital of the province of Napo. Famous as Ecuador's cinnamon capital, Tena was established by missionaries not long after the Spanish arrived in South America and is an increasingly popular destination for travelers due to its many opportunities for adventure.

Highlights here are jungle excursions into the Amazon, along with river journeys, including whitewater rafting, and canoeing. Kayaking down the Tena, Misahualli, and Napo Rivers, the latter of which flows directly into the Amazon, are also popular adventures here.

For those who enjoy their river action a little smoother, Tena also boasts a superb pedestrian bridge and tower high above the Tena River offering great views of the city.

While best known for its ecotourism and adventure travel opportunities, Ecuador also boasts a number of beautiful beaches worth visiting . Whether for a short break from sightseeing or as a base for a longer sun, sand, and sea vacation, you'll be spoiled for choice.

One of the most popular areas due to its many beach resorts is the coastal city of Salinas, located a little west of Guayaquil and boasting a consistently warm climate year-round.

Also popular is the Pacific coastal city of Bahía de Caráquez. Situated on a pretty peninsula jutting out into the ocean, Bahía attracts many tourists with its fine beaches, numerous hotels, and lively entertainment scene.

Another popular area, particularly among younger travelers and surfers, is Montañita in the south coastal region of the country (for families, head a little farther south to the quieter beaches of the fishing village of Ayangue).

More on Ecuador

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8 Overrated Tourist Attractions (And What to See Instead)

Posted: November 7, 2023 | Last updated: December 2, 2023

If your wish list of travel destinations keeps growing, you can’t afford to waste another vacation visiting overrated tourist attractions. So many of us have fallen into the trap of seeing the perfect Instagram shot in what appears to be a remote destination, a magical place that’s a must-see. 

Whatever the reason, savvy travelers know there are a lot of places that simply aren’t worth the hype. 

So whether you're worried about your next trip or are experiencing FOMO about not being there, here are eight overrated travel destinations that you can skip. 

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Visiting the Mona Lisa in Paris

Despite her never-ending popularity, the Mona Lisa may not actually be all she’s cracked up to be. Coming in at just two feet, six inches by one foot, nine inches, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to see her well enough to contemplate all the wonder and artistry of Leonardo Da Vinci. 

In fact, it’s pretty unlikely you’ll come anywhere near her at all — or at least, not for very long. According to recent reports, the Mona Lisa’s temporary new location makes seeing her even less tempting — since your time in the tiny room where she now resides only lasts a few seconds as guards pressure visitors to keep moving.

Instead, consider going to the Louvre, which hosts an amazing collection of works that go way beyond the favor La Joconde .

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Taking in Times Square in New York City

Unless you really like large, bright advertisements, you can probably pass up the flashiness of Times Square. It is an undeniably cool place to spend New Year’s Eve, but barring that? It’s frankly just a bit overwhelming.

People flock to see Times Square every year, only to arrive and realize it’s little more than a collection of very large TVs, colorful shop signs, and pure chaos. New York has a lot to offer, so don’t spend too much time in this spot if you do go and eliminate some money stress from your life from the tempting shops.

Instead, get a real (and much more chill) NYC vibe by taking a stroll down the High Line or even walking across the Brooklyn Bridge into DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass), a trendy, cobblestoned neighborhood in Brooklyn. 

Navigating the Spanish Steps in Rome

Stairs are pretty and all, but no matter where you’re from, you’ve seen them before. Like everything in Rome, these stairs have a story. But unless you like the feeling of being packed into a crowd with souvenirs shoved in your face, you can probably skip this destination.

After flying all the way to Europe, you don't want to waste a single day on an underwhelming tourist trap. Rome is positively overflowing with must-see destinations like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, so you may find your time better spent elsewhere.

Instead, you can visit Ostia Antica which is probably the most underrated destination near Rome. Once the harbor city of ancient Rome, Ostia Antica offers tourists an amazing opportunity to walk through an entirely excavated ancient city, seeing homes, bathhouses, and even pizza ovens once used by the people living there.

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Bondi Beach, Sydney

Bondi Beach certainly looks idyllic in photos, but visitors seem to agree that the reality is anything but. “Overcrowded” and “dirty” are some of the ways disappointed tourists in Sydney have described the beach in recent years. 

The consensus seems to be the same — if you only have a little time in Sydney, don’t waste it at this beach. Instead, put your best credit cards to use at numerous other offerings that Sydney has.

You could also take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens or peruse the attractions in Darling Harbor. If you’re looking for an indoor activity, take a walk through the hundreds of stalls in Paddy’s Markets.

Ciudad Mitad del Mundo in Ecuador

If you’re heading to Ecuador’s famous “middle of the world” just to say you went there, then we can save you the price of the ticket. Although this famous monument was built over what was once believed to be the equator, modern measurements confirm that it’s about 250 meters off its mark.

It should be mentioned that the monument does have a museum hosting some worthy artifacts and bits of history about the Highland and Amazonian tribes, which is one reason to make a quick trip without grabbing a “middle of the world” photo. 

Instead of getting caught up in the great equator debate, head to La Ronda, a charming street in colonial Old Town that’s worthy of a visit regardless of its GPS coordinates. 

Pick up a few souvenirs or duck into a cafe for a cup of coffee, then continue your tour of Quito — Ecuador’s capital city — by visiting its many famous churches, most notably the Basilica del Voto Nacional.

Taking on stroll on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles

Although this seems to be on everyone's must-see list for LA, anyone who has actually spent time on the Hollywood Walk of Fame will tell you to pass. 

While you can star hunt for your favorite celebrity’s name on the boulevard, it might be hard to see much beyond tourists’ shoes and people running around in costumes. LA has a slew of way better things to see and do.

Rather than trying to catch ‘em all on Hollywood Boulevard, take a walk instead on Venice Beach or cruise the famous Mulholland Drive for scenic views of the city. And if you’ve never been, go ahead and check out Disneyland. Whether or not you like rides, this iconic theme park has something for everyone.

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Phuket, Thailand

Thailand makes most people’s bucket lists for a variety of reasons, and when you see photos of it, imagining why isn’t very difficult. Phuket is the country’s largest island and receives more than 30,000 tourists per day, in addition to the quarter of a million people who already call it home.

Suffice it to say the place is crowded and expensive (you'll use your travel credit cards a lot more here). Unless you really want to see something specific on the island, there are many more relaxing places to visit in Thailand.  

Thailand is literally a collection of amazing and beautiful islands worthy of exploring; you’ll have quite a bit of choice in where you go if you want to avoid the chaos that is Phuket. 

Koh Chang, for example, is a large island not far from Bangkok that’s moderately developed but still has enough wild land to make memorable day hikes (without a million people around) a real possibility.

Seeing the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa

Not to be biased, but this country is one of the most amazing places to visit. However, its renowned world heritage museum is not. It's a bit expensive so you may need to earn some extra money if you do want to go.

The museum is small and although you see some really old bones, your time would be better spent watching a show about it on the Discovery Channel. Don’t waste any time that could be better spent elsewhere in and around Johannesburg by making the drive here.

Instead, learn some local history with visits to the Apartheid and Nelson Mandela museums. After visiting Nelson Mandela’s house (which is part of the museum) in Soweto, take a stroll up and down the vibrant Vilakazi Street for some authentic local cuisine and better (and more affordable) souvenirs than the ones you’ll find in Cape Town.

Bottom line

Whether you just started globe-trotting this year or are an old hand in the airport security lines, travel only gets easier the more you do it. It's important to make sure you know what you're getting into, or really missing out on, before you book a trip or get lost in the fear of missing out.

Take the time to find your perfect travel rewards card before booking your next dream destination. With one of the best travel credit cards in your wallet, you can start racking up some serious points to be sure your adventure funds never run out.

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