trip en quito ecuador

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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21 Best Things to Do in Quito, Ecuador In 2024

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: March 25, 2024

Most people fly into Quito, Ecuador, when traveling to the Galapagos and barely give it a second glance. It wasn’t long ago that people booking a Galapagos cruise skipped the city completely and only explored the tiny archipelago off the coast of South America, but luckily, things have changed.

Quito is a wonderful city to explore. There are so many things to do in Quito that it’s no wonder that it was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1978 (along with the Galapagos Islands). Thanks to its untouched cultural and historic center, it is the best-preserved old city in Latin America. If you are planning a visit to Ecuador, make sure to spend a few days in the capital city to enjoy its beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and welcoming culture.

Table of Contents

About Quito, Ecuador

Quito has many unique qualities besides being the capital of Ecuador. It is the second-highest capital city in the world, sitting at an altitude of 2850 meters and the closest capital city to the equator. Surrounded by 14 volcanoes, one of which is the only snowcapped location on the entire Equator, Quito’s stunning natural beauty will take your breath away. In our humble opinion, Quito is also one of the most beautiful cities on earth.

We visited Quito before and after our HX Hurtigruten Cruise to the Galapagos. Right now they are offering huge discounts up to 50% off for Galapagos Cruises and other destinations worldwide. See more details here.

Quito may be close to the Equator, but with its high altitude in the Andes mountains, it feels cool and comfortable year-round. Known as the city of Eternal Spring, Quito offers travelers a chance to immerse in the history and culture of South America while offering plenty of adventures in the mountains and jungle.

With its strategic location, Quito is the gateway to the Amazon rainforest, the cloud forests, and the Galápagos Islands, making it a hub for nature lovers and eco-tourists. So, are you ready to enjoy Quito, Ecuador?

We toured Quito with Metropolitan Touring, which has seven decades of experience leading tours in Ecuador. Led by local guides, we gained firsthand knowledge about local life, culture, and cuisine.

Best Things to do in Quito, Ecuador

We have had the good fortune to visit Quito three times, and each time, we enjoy the city more than the last. In this guide, we will help you decide whether you should stop in for a day or two before or after your Latin America adventure or if you should stay in the city for a few days and make it a base to explore the surrounding area.

1. Tour the Historic Centre

During our last trip to Quito, we stayed right in the heart of the city center overlooking Plaza de San Francisco. Being in the heart of all the action helped us to truly immerse in the city’s heartbeat. We started with a walking tour of Quito’s Old Town with our local guide from Metropolitan Touring, who took us through the historic center where we tasted local food and enjoyed the Old Town with its stunning colonial buildings, highlighting Plaza de la Independencia, La Compañía de Jesús (with its stunning gold-leaf interior), and the gothic Basílica del Voto Nacional.

2. Take a Free Walking Tour

If you want a guided tour but don’t want to splurge on a private guide, free walking tours are offered in the Old Town. You can choose from a Spanish or English local guide to take you through the historical center of Quito’s colorful streets and Colonial district.

The free walking tour is put on by GuruWalk, and you can visit the Presidential Palace, Plaza Grande, Plaza de San Francisco, and other top attractions in the city center. It’s a great way to spend a few hours and get acquainted with the city before exploring independently. Even though the tour is free, we recommend giving your guide a few dollars each for their time.

3. Plaza de San Francisco

The iconic Plaza de San Francisco is a pivotal site nestled in the heart of Ecuador’s capital. It is also where we had the privilege to stay at the opulent Casa Gangotena .

This sprawling square, framed by the majestic San Francisco Church and Convent, offers a deep dive into the architectural and cultural legacy of the city. It is at this square that you will also find the oldest market in Quito, Ecuador. We saw people lining up first thing in the morning to grab their fresh produce at the Saturday Market.

As one of the largest and oldest historical plazas in Quito, Plaza de San Francisco serves as a lively gathering spot where the past and present converge. Visitors can explore the impressive complex, marvel at the intricate art and religious artifacts inside, or simply soak up the bustling atmosphere, where locals and travelers alike mingle.

4. Convento Maria de Santiago

Located at the same square, we had the chance to step into the serene and sacred grounds of Convento Maria de Santiago. This hidden gem dates back to 1573 and offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. This historic convent provides a unique glimpse into the spiritual and architectural heritage of Quito.

Visitors to Convento Maria de Santiago are greeted by an atmosphere of peace and reverence, with its beautifully preserved cloisters, Moorish arches, stunning religious art, and intricately carved woodwork. A man played the pipe organ as we took in the beautiful architecture.

You will also find paintings by Miguel de Santiago, a famous 17th century painter of religious art.

Visiting this convent promises a profound and introspective experience for those looking to explore Quito’s less-trodden paths. It’s a perfect spot for history buffs, art lovers, and spiritual seekers alike.

5. Casa Gangotena

Speaking of our accommodation, we overlooked the plaza from our luxurious room at Casa Gangotena. With two terraces overlooking the square, we had a bird’s eye view of all the hustle and bustle below.

It was amazing to be in the heart of Ecuador. Many tours stop at Casa Gangotena for lunch, but if you can spend a night or two, we highly recommend it.

The plaza is surrounded by quaint cafes and shops, offering the perfect opportunity to sample traditional Ecuadorian cuisine or pick up unique souvenirs.

Sunset at Casa Gangotena

This may be a hotel, but it is also an attraction unto itself. Set in the former home of one of Quito’s richest families, this casa is like stepping back in time. Inside, there is a beautifully decorated courtyard that takes you back in time.

There is a rooftop bar at Casa Gangotena and this was the perfect place to go for sunset overlooking the Old City. Quito is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and to see it from above is spectacular.

If you can’t access the rooftop bar, consider visiting the chocolate factory next door. It, too, has a terrace overlooking the square.

Dinner at Casa Gangotena – Perfect Bite

One of the best dinners we had in Ecuador was at Casa Gangotena. Each dish is a work of art, and the chef prepares the perfect bite. Serving staff bring out dishes and add sauces before your eyes. They then describe how best to eat them and mix the infusion of tastes together to create the perfect bite.

If you do go to Casa Gangotena for lunch or dinner, make sure to order one of their Fiesta Cocktails. These, too, are a work of art with cocktails inspired by the great festivals of Ecuador.

6. Relax at Plaza Grande – Independence Square

When stepping into Plaza Grande, you will feel the heart of Quito, Ecuador. Also known as Plaza de la Independencia (or Independence Plaza), Plaza Grande is the bustling epicenter of Quito.

As the main square in the city’s historic center, this UNESCO World Heritage site is surrounded by iconic landmarks, including the Presidential Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace.

The plaza is a living museum where centuries of Ecuadorian history come to life. Visitors can bask in the lively atmosphere, where political, social, and cultural events frequently unfold, or relax in one of the many nearby cafes to people-watch and soak up the local ambiance.

7. Changing of the Guards at Presidential Palace

When we last visited Quito, the Presidential Palace was closed to tourists due to the State of Emergency. That has now passed, and things should be back to normal. One of the top things to do in Quito is to experience a vibrant display of Ecuadorian tradition and patriotism with the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Presidential Palace.

This spectacular event takes place every Monday at 11:00 am in the historic Plaza Grande, drawing both locals and tourists to witness the precision and pomp of the guards as they perform their duties.

The ceremony is a unique opportunity to see Ecuador’s rich military traditions up close, complete with marching bands, horse-mounted cavalry, and perhaps even the chance to catch a glimpse of the President of Ecuador, who often appears on the palace balcony.

This free event is a must-see for anyone visiting Quito. Visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, as the plaza fills quickly with spectators eager to partake in this weekly spectacle.

8. San Francisco Church

San Francisco Church is one of the earliest religious structures established in the New World and lies just a short walk from the Plaza de la Independencia.

Visitors can enter the church free of charge, though donations are appreciated. Inside, you’ll be greeted by a rich display of Baroque art, including lavish gold altars, captivating religious paintings, and detailed wood carvings that reflect a harmonious blend of Spanish and indigenous influences.

The complex also houses a museum showcasing religious artifacts, a peaceful convent, and serene courtyards that provide a quiet retreat from the bustling city streets.

Other notable attractions are nearby, such as La Compañía de Jesús Church, known for its gold-laden interior, and the bustling La Ronda Street, where visitors can enjoy traditional Ecuadorian cuisine and crafts.

9. Church of the Order of Jesus – Jesuit Church

One of the most ornate churches in Quito is the Jesuit Church. Located in the old city, this church is decorated with gold. No photographs were allowed inside, but it is worth witnessing its beautiful Baroque architecture.

Nestled in the heart of Quito’s bustling historic center, you will be blown away by its breathtaking interior, adorned with lavish gold leaf, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant paintings.

As one of Quito’s most impressive landmarks, the Jesuit Church offers visitors a unique glimpse into the religious and artistic traditions of Ecuador, making it an essential addition to any “best things to do in Quito” list. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply seeking to experience the beauty of Quito’s colonial past, the Church of the Order of Jesus promises an unforgettable experience that encapsulates the spirit and splendor of this UNESCO World Heritage city.

10. Calle de La Ronda

Take a stroll down Calle de La Ronda, a narrow street in the historic center lined with colonial buildings, art galleries, shops, and cafes.

This picturesque cobblestone lane offers visitors a taste of authentic Ecuadorian culture, with street performers and an array of artisanal shops offering handmade jewelry to colorful textiles, you’ll want to walk along this street.

The street is also home to some of Quito’s most delightful cafes and bars, where you can enjoy a cup of the country’s finest coffee or a refreshing canelazo, a traditional spiced fruit drink often shared amongst friends.

As the sun sets, Calle de La Ronda transforms into a vibrant hub of music and festivities. This is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the local nightlife and engage with friendly locals, making your visit truly unforgettable.

11. Chocolate Workshop

Ecuador is known for its rich chocolate, and one of our best experiences in Quito was visiting Chez Tiff Artizinal , where we learned all about chocolate production and watched demonstrations about how these artisans make chocolate by hand.

The process was fascinating, but more importantly, we could sample dark chocolates, milk chocolates, and bonbons. Of course, we had to purchase some chocolate to take home, although it never made it on the plane. We dove into the rich and delicious treat that evening!

12. Quito El Panecillo

One of the best views in Quito is at Quito el Panecillo. This is a beautiful lookout with the Winged Virgin Mary standing tall overhead. This is a great place to go for sunset or early in the morning.

Quito el Paneciloo means the Little Bread Roll. I didn’t understand what that meant until I was strolling in the city center and looked up to see the hill. It looks like a little bread roll rolling out over the city.

You can hike up to the top or take a tour. Either way, make sure to go to the top for a panoramic view of the beautiful city of Quito, Ecuador.

13. Cable Car to Pichincha Volcano

Take a Ride on the TelefériQo to experience one of South America’s highest aerial lifts. TelefériQo cable car to the slopes of Pichincha Volcano is one of the city’s most exhilarating attractions. Starting from the city’s edge, the cable car lifts you over stunning landscapes, providing a panoramic spectacle of Quito below and the Andean horizon beyond.

At the top, standing over 4,000 meters above sea level, visitors are treated to awe-inspiring views of the volcano and the opportunity to hike or simply soak in the natural beauty. The cost for this unforgettable experience is approximately $8.50 for adults, with reduced rates for children and seniors, making it an affordable must-do for tourists.

14. the Basilica del Voto Nacional

As the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas, this imposing structure is noteworthy for its stunning stained glass windows and detailed gargoyles representing Ecuadorian animals. Visitors can climb the towers for a panoramic view of the city, adding a unique adventure to the experience.

The basilica is not only an architectural marvel but also offers panoramic vistas of the city and the surrounding Andean landscape. The intricate gargoyles, inspired by Ecuadorian animals, add a unique touch to the building’s facade, making it a photographer’s delight.

15. Discover the Churches of Quito

Dave and I always say that we become religious when traveling. It is because the churches of cities have so much history and beauty. Quito is famous for its beautiful and ornate churches.

We have already mentioned the gold-laden La Compañía de Jesús, one of the most stunning baroque churches in Latin America, and the Basilica del Voto Nacional, known for its gothic architecture. Let’s check out a few other churches that are worth visiting.

Catedral Metropolitana de Quito (Quito Cathedral): Located on the south side of Plaza de la Independencia, the Quito Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in South America.

Santo Domingo Church (Iglesia de Santo Domingo): This church stands out for its beautiful interior, highlighted by the ornate gold altarpiece and the ceiling’s Moorish design. It’s also home to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, showcasing exquisite wood carvings and paintings.

La Merced Church (Iglesia de La Merced): Known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and the iconic Virgin of Mercy painting, La Merced is steeped in history and religious tradition. The church also features an impressive bell tower and offers a tranquil respite from the bustling city.

El Sagrario Church (Iglesia El Sagrario): Adjacent to the Cathedral, El Sagrario is renowned for its beautiful Baroque façade and interior that houses significant religious art. It originally served as the Cathedral’s baptistery and has its own historical charm.

16. Central Market – Mercado Central

Dive into the heart of Quito’s culinary scene at the bustling Mercado Central, a vibrant hub with no entrance fee. Visitors can wander through aisles brimming with exotic fruits, vegetables, fresh seafood, meats, and a wide array of local specialties.

Beyond the produce, the market is famed for its affordable and authentic food stalls, where you can indulge in traditional Ecuadorian dishes such as ceviche, locro de papa (potato soup), and hornado (roasted pork) for just a few dollars.

17. Taste Ecuadorian Cuisine

If you want to indulge further in Ecuadorian Cuisine, Quito is a great place to explore Ecuadorian gastronomy. At markets and restaurants throughout the city, you can try local specialties like locro de papa (potato soup), empanadas, and ceviche.

One of the best places to eat is at Heladeria San Agustin. This restaurant was so popular that they locked the doors and didn’t let anyone in until a table left.

Quito offers its own versions of food, such as Ceviche. This beloved seafood dish, made with fresh fish marinated in lime juice, onions, and cilantro, has its own Quito flair, feeling far heavier than the usually light-tasting ceviche. Dishes to try in Quito are Ceviche.

Locor de Papa is a hearty potato soup served with avocado, cheese, and hot sauce. Ajiaco is a soup that contains chicken, corn, potatoes, and a herb called guascas, offering a comforting and aromatic experience. It’s a hearty meal perfect for Quito’s cooler evenings.

We already mentioned Canelazo: While not a food, this traditional hot alcoholic beverage made with aguardiente (sugar cane alcohol), cinnamon, and naranjilla (a local fruit) juice is a must-try, especially in the cooler Andean climate.

18. Casa Del Alabado

We spent a good chunk of our morning in the Casa del Alabado museum, one of the newest and best museums in Quito. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich pre-Columbian history of Ecuador, located in the heart of Quito’s historic center.

Housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century colonial building, just steps away from the iconic Plaza San Francisco, Casa Del Alabado offers visitors a unique glimpse into the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region.

With an impressive collection of over 5,000 archaeological pieces, including ceramics, textiles, and gold artifacts, the museum skillfully narrates the stories and beliefs of Ecuador’s indigenous cultures through its thoughtfully curated exhibits. The tranquil atmosphere, combined with the depth of the collection, makes Casa Del Alabado a fascinating destination for history buffs, art lovers, and anyone interested in understanding the roots of Ecuadorian heritage.

19. Visit Other City Museums

Like many other cities in Latin America, Quito’s museums are fascinating, and you could spend days enjoying them. Ecuador’s capital is brimming with cultural treasures, and its museums are gateways to exploring the city’s rich history, art, and indigenous cultures.

Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum): Located in the historic Old Town, the Museo de la Ciudad occupies a former hospital building that dates back to the 16th century tracing Quito’s history, from its pre-Hispanic origins to the present day, highlighting the social, cultural, and urban development of the city.

Capilla del Hombre (Chapel of Man): This art museum is dedicated to the work of Oswaldo Guayasamín, Ecuador’s most renowned contemporary artist.

Museo Nacional del Ecuador (National Museum of Ecuador): As the country’s largest museum, it offers an extensive overview of Ecuadorian art, culture, and history. The exhibitions showcase various artifacts, including pre-Columbian ceramics, colonial art, and contemporary works.

Museo Fundación Guayasamín: This museum showcases the private collection of Oswaldo Guayasamín, including his paintings, sculptures, and archaeological pieces.

Yaku Water Museum: An interactive museum dedicated to educating visitors about the importance of water in urban and rural environments. Located on a hillside overlooking Quito, Yaku offers engaging exhibits and stunning city views, making it both educational and visually captivating.

Museo Mindalae: This ethnographic museum offers a fascinating look at the diverse cultures of Ecuador through its extensive collection of handicrafts, textiles, and artifacts.

20. La Floresta

La Floresta is an eclectic neighborhood known for its unique blend of traditional charm and contemporary culture. This area stands out as a hub for artists, filmmakers, and musicians, making it a lively spot that draws a creative and youthful crowd.

La Floresta is famous for its array of street art that adorns the walls of its buildings. The art showcases the work of local and international artists and adds a colorful and dynamic visual aspect to the neighborhood.

The neighborhood also boasts a number of independent movie theaters, cultural centers, and galleries, providing spaces for cultural expression and engagement with the arts. Events such as film festivals, art exhibitions, and live music performances are regularly held in La Floresta, contributing to its reputation as a cultural hotspot in Quito.

21. Parque Carolina 

If you are looking for a little outdoor action in Quito, Parque Carolina is a sprawling urban park located in the heart of the city.

Spanning over 67 hectares (approximately 165 acres), it features meticulously landscaped gardens, large open green spaces, and several ponds, making it a perfect spot for picnics, leisurely walks, and relaxation.

One of the park’s highlights is the Botanical Garden, which houses an impressive collection of Ecuador’s native flora, including orchids, cacti, and medicinal plants, arranged in thematic gardens. We always love walking through a park to get a glimpse of local life in its most relaxing form.

Day Trips from Quito

Old town Quito is worth visiting in its own right, but it is what lies beyond the city limits that will really make your Ecuador itinerary pop.

La Mitad del Mundo Monument

The most popular day trip from Quito is a visit to Mitad del Mundo. Visit the monument and museum marking the equatorial line, where you can stand with one foot in each in the northern and southern hemispheres. Located just a short drive from Quito, the Middle of the World City (Ciudad Mitad del Mundo) marks location of the equator.

It’s not surprising that Ecuador was named for its prime geographical feature—the equator and when you visit Quito, the Equator is a place that you simply can not miss.

Who doesn’t love straddling the midpoint of the world? But here’s a quirky twist: Mitad del Mundo is the “fake” equator. Yes, you heard that right. The towering 30-meter-tall Mitad del Mundo monument was erected in the late 1970s, which, thanks to the precision of modern GPS, turns out to be a little off the mark.

The site includes a monument, a museum, and several experiments demonstrating the peculiarities of being at the equator. It’s a fun and educational experience for all ages.

The Intiñan Solar Museum

Modern GPS has told us that the real Equator line is now just a stone’s throw away, the real equator lies at The Intiñan Solar Museum. Here, you get to do that iconic straddle across hemispheres, a bucket-list moment if there ever was one.

But it’s not just about geographical bragging rights; the museum is a heartfelt nod to the rich indigenous Ecuadorian culture and history. And for a bit of fun, they’ve got some mind-bending science experiments that really bring the magic of the equator to life. Only here can you see water drain straight down with no swirl, balance an egg on a nail, and witness firsthand the reduced gravitational pull.

Quitsato Sundial

We also visited the Quitsato Sundial, which is the most accurate place to stand on the Equator. If that is your bucket list, make sure to go here! Tours are offered where guides will give you insight and information about the Equator. For example, did you know that the equator is the only place you can see the entire Milky Way? And when straddling the equator, you can see the stars in both the north and south hemispheres. Imagine seeing the Southern Cross and the Big Dipper all at once!

The Quitsato Sundial itself has an impressive 52-meter diameter. On sunny days, the central pole, standing 10 meters high, projects a shadow that reveals the current time. Remarkably, at noon, with the sun at its zenith, the pole casts no shadow.

Cotopaxi National Park

Another popular day trip from Quito is Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi is home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Just a short drive from Ecuador’s capital, this natural wonder offers adventure seekers and nature lovers alike the chance to explore its stunning landscapes, from vast plains dotted with wild horses to the snow-capped peak of Cotopaxi itself.

Ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, the park provides a variety of trails that cater to all levels of fitness and experience. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the park’s diverse wildlife, including Andean condors and foxes.

Whether you’re looking to summit the volcano (which is temporarily closed at the moment), enjoy a leisurely walk around Limpiopungo Lake, or simply soak in the awe-inspiring views, Cotopaxi National Park is a must-visit destination that promises an exhilarating escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Remember to pack layers, as the weather can change quickly, and always check the park’s conditions before heading out to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Explore the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve

Venture into one of the only inhabited volcanic craters in the world, just a short trip from Quito. It’s a great spot for hiking, horseback riding, and enjoying stunning views of the Andean landscape.

Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve is just a short journey from Quito. This unique destination offers a serene and lush landscape brimming with diverse flora and fauna. It is an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers seeking a tranquil retreat from the city.

The Reserve’s rich volcanic soil supports a vibrant ecosystem, where you can explore walking trails that meander through verdant forests and past scenic viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas of the crater and its surrounding peaks. Pululahua also boasts a fascinating history and culture, with small communities living within its boundaries.

Visit the Cloud Forest

Located a few hours outside of Quito, the Cloud Forest is more than a day trip. We spent three days at Mashpi Lodge in the heart of the Mashpi Reserve. Located just three hours from Quito, the cloud forest can be visited on a day trip, but we highly recommend making it more.

This biodiversity hotspot is home to a stunning array of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and orchids. Hike through the lush cloud forest, soar above the canopy on a sky bike, and refresh yourself under cascading waterfalls. It’s a true immersion in Ecuador’s natural wonders.

Quito, with its rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, offers an endless array of experiences for travelers. Whether you’re wandering through its colonial streets, sampling its flavorful cuisine, or exploring its surrounding natural beauty, Quito invites you to discover its many layers.

Papallacta Hot Springs

We didn’t make it to the hot springs. Still, if you want to soak your muscles after trekking in the jungle or cruising through the Galapagos, the Papallacta Hot Springs are renowned for its thermal baths, fed by volcanic hot springs, which are rich in minerals and renowned for their healing properties.

Visitors to Papallacta can indulge in various experiences, from soaking in the soothing, naturally heated pools to exploring the surrounding cloud forests, home to an abundance of unique wildlife and lush vegetation. The area also boasts luxury spa treatments, traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, and comfortable accommodations, making it a must-visit for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the beauty of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Where to Stay in Quito

Casa Congatena – located in the heart of the old town, this is the best place to stay in Quito. Read reviews and check rates on Booking.com. This boutique Hotel blends luxury, history, and cultural heritage. Located in the historic Plaza San Francisco, it is a beautifully restored mansion that dates back to the early 20th century. Casa Gangotena’s prime location allows visitors easy access to Quito’s stunning array of historical landmarks, museums, and the famed cobblestone streets of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

JW Marriott Hotel Quito – We also stayed at the JW Marriott Hotel in Quito , which was spectacular. At a JW Marriott, you can always count on unparalleled luxury and comfort. This hotel is located in the financial and commercial district.

This premium hotel offers guests a lavish stay with its array of top-notch amenities, including a fully-equipped fitness center, a rejuvenating spa, and an outdoor pool that provides a serene oasis in the heart of the city. The hotel is not located in the old center. Still, its location offers easy access to the city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is near popular attractions such as Parque La Carolina and the TelefériQo cable car.

Tips for Quito

• Safety – Safety is a number one concern for people visiting Ecuador. We visited during its state of emergency and felt very safe in Ecuador as much of the unrest is due to cartels and internal conflicts. We have an entire article talking about Safety in Ecuador to help you decide if visiting is right for you.
• Transportation – Quito now has a new subway system, making it easier to get around from the Financial District to the Old Town. For safety, we highly recommend booking private drivers and organized tours.
• Currency – Ecuador uses USD for currency. Bring cash and small bills for tipping and markets
• Altitude – Quito is located at a high altitude, so drink plenty of water and take it easy as you settle in. Coca Tea is used to help ease the effects of high altitude.
• Pack good walking shoes – Heels are not a good idea for Quito, as the streets are uneven and cobblestoned, so make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes.
• Dress in Layers, as Quito’s weather can be quite variable since it is located at a high altitude. Bring a jacket or wrap for the evenings.

How to Get to Quito

Quito is serviced by the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), located about 30 minutes from the city center. Major airlines offer direct and connecting flights from North America, Europe, and other parts of South America.

We suggest booking a private transfer in advance for safety and comfort. Your driver will be waiting at the airport with your name upon arrival and you can enjoy a smooth transition from the airport to the heart of Quito’s historic charm and natural beauty.

And there you have it. All the reasons to visit Quito when you plan your South America travels. Quito is a fascinating city that is one of the best preserved old cities in the world. It will take you back in time as you enjoy its history, culture and stunning scenery. So what are you waiting for? Make sure to add a few days in Quito to your Ecuador travels.

Plan your trip to Ecuador with these valuable resources.

• Is Ecuador Safe To Visit – Travel Warnings and Safety Tips
• Unique Galapagos Islands Animals in Photos
• What to Expect on a Galapagos Cruise with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions
• 26 Fun and Interesting Facts About South America
• 25 Best Things to Do in Lima, Peru
• 18 Amazing Reasons To Visit Peru
• 21 of the Best Things to Do in Peru

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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3 Days in Quito, Ecuador: The Perfect Itinerary and Travel Guide

A World in Reach contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here .

Planning on spending 3 days in Quito, Ecuador? Keep reading for my comprehensive travel guide to Quito, including an itinerary and useful travel tips.

Quito, Ecuador is an incredibly fascinating city. The Ecuadorian capital is a South American gem – as one of the first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, this is a city that’s worth visiting for much longer than just a quick stop en route to the Galapagos. From the beautiful colonial architecture to the incredible viewpoints throughout the city, there are a ton of things to do in Quito to keep you busy.

During my first visit to Quito, I spent several days taking in the sights and absorbing the Ecuadorian culture. If you only have a short time to spend exploring Quito, or if you’re just stopping over before heading to the Galapagos Islands, 3 days in Quito is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the city and begin your Ecuador adventure. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the city’s top sights, try some delicious local food, and take in the views from some of the most incredible lookouts.

Ready to spend 3 days in Quito, Ecuador? Keep reading for a sample itinerary and helpful travel tips on where to stay in Quito, where to eat, how to stay safe, and more!

Table of Contents

Top Travel Tips for Quito, Ecuador

Quito, ecuador basics.

• Location: South America
• Ecuadorian Currency: US Dollar
• Language: Spanish
• Visa Information: If you’re a US Citizen visiting Ecuador for less than 90 days, you do not need a visa. You do need to have at least six months of validity remaining on your passport. If you’re from a country other than the US, click here to see if you’ll need a visa .
• Tipping: In most restaurants, rounding up your bill is an acceptable tip for the servers. In many fancier restaurants, a service charge (usually 10%) may be added to your bill – in this case, there’s no need to tip. In taxis, it is also acceptable to round up the fare. If the driver assists with your bags, consider giving an extra $1 or so for their help.

When is the best time to visit Quito?

There is truly no bad time to visit Quito. With the city’s high altitude and location near the equator, temperatures remain relatively consistent year-round. June through September are the driest and warmest months. It’s also the high season, so you can expect to see more tourists and slightly higher prices during this time.

From January to May, temperatures tend to be a bit cooler and the city sees more rain (and fewer tourists). October and November generally see lower temperatures, fewer tourists, and cheaper prices, while in December, there tends to be a boost of tourists over the holidays.

I visited Quito between May and June and had excellent weather during my visit. The temperatures were warm but not too hot, and we had little rain other than the occasional sprinkle. Even if you plan to visit during the warm months, bring a jacket with you. The mornings and evenings can get a bit chilly, and if you ride the TeleferiQo, the temperature will be several degrees cooler at the top.

If you enjoy planning your travels around local holidays and festivals, consider checking one of these out:

• Quito Carnival – early February before Ash Wednesday
• Semana Santa (Holy Week) – the week before Easter Sunday (late March or early April)
• Ecuadorian Day of the Dead – November 2
• New Year’s Eve – December 31. Not a local festival, but Quiteños know how to celebrate!

Quito Safety Tips – 3 Days in Quito

When I told my friends and family that I would be traveling to Quito, they were all concerned about my safety. My aunt even told me I should dye my hair dark and go tanning since I wouldn’t fit in as a pale-skinned blonde (spoiler alert: that was not necessary). Despite their worries, I found Quito to be a very safe city. Like anywhere else in the world though, you should always take basic precautions and use your common sense. Here are some of my top tips for staying safe during your 3 days in Quito:

Don’t walk around with your valuables in sight.

Petty theft and pickpocketing are common in Quito. I even nearly got my phone snatched out of my hand! Keep your valuables, like your phone or camera, secure in a purse or backpack when they’re not in use.

Don’t put your wallet or your phone in your back pocket. Carry only the spending that you’ll need for the day, as well as one debit and credit card, while you’re out exploring the city. Leave the rest of your cash as well as a back-up debit card (use a separate bank account from your primary debit card) and credit cards secured safely back at your hotel. I like to keep my extra money hidden in a pocket inside my suitcase.

If you’re concerned about pickpockets or bag slashers, consider getting a pickpocket-proof bag. I bought this Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack for my trip to Quito and love it. It’s traveled the world with me since!

Getting Around Quito: Use only registered taxis, or call an Uber.

Taxis and Ubers are very cheap in Quito; while the buses are cheaper, taxis or Ubers will nearly always be more convenient. To ensure that you get a registered taxi, call one from the Easy Taxi app or Uber .

During my visit to Quito, I had no issues hailing taxis from the street. Each ride generally costs between $2 and $5. If you go this route, make sure to check and see that the taxi has a green sticker on the side – this will let you know that it is an official, registered taxi. When you get in the taxi, make sure to tell the driver to turn on the meter, or else you will get overcharged. If the driver refuses to use the meter, find another taxi. If you’re going on a longer trip, like to/from the airport, agree on a price before getting in the taxi. For example, $25-$30 is a reasonable fare for a trip from the airport to the center of Quito.

Don’t underestimate the altitude.

Quito’s altitude is 9350 feet above sea level. Chances are, that’s a pretty big difference from what you’re used to back home. When you first arrive in Quito, you might notice a slight headache and that you get out of breath sooner than you do at home. You should acclimate after your first day or so, but if you notice your symptoms getting worse, seek medical attention. Altitude sickness can be serious!

Enjoy a drink or two, but don’t drink too much .

This is especially true if you’re traveling solo. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a night out and a few alcoholic beverages, but make sure not to get too intoxicated. Ensure that you are able to navigate back to your accommodation.

When drinking, never let your drink out of your sight. Walk with your hand covering the opening and never accept a drink from strangers. It could be laced with something, and you could end up being drugged and robbed or sexually assaulted.

If you’re traveling with friends, make sure to take care of one another. If you notice that one of your friends seems like he or she has had too much, make sure that they make it back to your accommodation safe and sound.

Stay safe if you plan on meeting up with someone.

If you plan on using an app like Tinder during your 3 days in Quito, make sure to take necessary precautions so that you stay safe. Have a conversation with them and do a little bit of internet stalking before you decide to meet up, and if you do meet up, do so in a public place. Always let a travel buddy or a friend back home know what’s going on – send them a photo of a person as well as their name and a link to their social media. I also recommend sharing your location on your phone with someone you trust in case something goes wrong.

Spending 3 days in Quito? Don’t forget travel insurance!

When I book a trip, my first step is booking a flight. My second step? I buy travel insurance.

If cases of stolen belongings, altitude sickness, or ankle sprain during your 3 days in Quito, travel insurance will help you get reimbursed for unexpected expenses. During all of my travels, including my trip to Quito, I use World Nomads Travel Insurance. I’ve never had to make a claim but had my phone gotten snatched out of my hand, I would have been so glad that I had the option to do so!

Click here to learn more about World Nomads or get a quote for your next trip .

What to Pack for 3 Days in Quito: The Essentials

• Umbrella – Quito can be rainy at anytime, even during the dry season. Pack an umbrella for those unexpected (or expected) showers!
• Waterproof Jacket – Quito can get a bit chilly, especially if you’re going to be at the top of one of the nearby mountains. Bring a waterproof jacket to help you stay warm. It’ll help keep you dry during the rain too!
• Sunscreen – Quito is located at the equator, so the sun is strong! I got a pretty bad sunburn on one of the coolest, cloudiest days of my trip. Make sure to pack some sunscreen and apply it every day!
• Camera – You’ll want a camera to capture the beauty of Quito. Make sure to have one on hand – it’s up to you whether you use your phone or a dedicated camera! I’m a big fan of my Sony a6000 .
• Pickpocket-Proof Bag – As I said earlier, pickpockets are common around Quito. I chose to protect my belongings with a pickpocket-proof bag. The zippers lock together and the material is slash-proof. It’s not fool-proof, but it will help deter opportunistic thieves. My anti-theft bag is made by Travelon ; they have several options for women and men.
• US Dollar Bills – Ecuador’s currency is the US Dollar. Before you leave the US, go to your bank and get some $1 and $5 bills. In many markets, shops, and cafes, the shopkeepers may be unable to accept larger denomination bills. These small bills are also handy for covering taxi fares.

3 Days in Quito Itinerary

3 days in quito // day 1, morning: take a free walking tour of quito.

Start off the first morning of your 3 days in Quito with a free walking tour . There are a few different tours in Quito, but I recommend Free Walking Tour Ecuador , which is operated by the kind folks at the Community Hostel. On this tour, a local guide will take you around Quito’s beautiful and historic colonial center and tell you all about the history of the city and its sights. You’ll see the plazas, churches, and more that make Quito unique.

Free Walking Tour Ecuador’s morning tour of Quito runs every day and meets at 10:20 AM. The afternoon tour meets at 2:20 PM and runs Monday-Saturday. All tours depart from Community Hostel . Walk-in availability may be available, but I recommend booking your tour in advance to secure your spot.

Make sure to bring along some cash to tip your guide! While the tours are free, the guides do work off tips. I usually budget at least $10 USD as a tip when I take free walking tours.

Afternoon: Take a trip to the Middle of the World

After the walking tour, grab lunch somewhere nearby (I recommend checking out Mercado Central for a delicious, cheap local meal) before heading back to Community Hostel for their Middle of the World Tour .

You can’t visit Quito without paying a visit to Ecuador’s namesake: the equator! First, you’ll be taken to the Intiñan Museum , home to the the most geographically accurate equator line. Here, you’ll spend some time learning about Ecuadorian history and performing some fun experiments to witness the magnetic forces of the equator. Up next, you’ll visit the more widely known Middle of the World Monument before being taken back to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, the driver may give you the option of being dropped off at the TeleferiQo or back at the meeting point. Skip the TeleferiQo for now as you’ll be going there tomorrow!

The Middle of the World Tours run from Monday to Saturday. The tour is $10, which does not include admission to the Intiñan Museum nor the Middle of the World Monument. Admission to the Intiñan Museum is $4 for adults, while the Middle of the World Monument costs $5. Like the free walking tour, it is recommended to book your spot for the Middle of the World Tour in advance.

Evening: Spend an evening exploring Quito’s Old Town

Quito’s breathtaking Old Town is the centerpiece of the city, and it should be visited both during the daytime and the evening. While you got an introduction to Old Town during the day while on the free walking tour, you’ll spend day 3 of your 3 days in Quito exploring it more in-depth.

During the evening, Quito’s Old Town transforms while retaining its charm. Visit La Ronda, the main street of Old Town, to be wowed by street performers. The area is full of delicious restaurants and there’s a nightlife spot for everyone. If you’re a fan of beer, check out  Bandido Brewing , a pub and microbrewery where you can get dinner and a drink (or two).

3 Days in Quito // Day 2

Morning: take the teleferiqo to see quito from above.

Begin day 2 of your 3 days in Quito with beautiful views of the city.

One of my favorite things that I did on my trip to Quito was taking the TeleferiQo up to the Cruz Loma lookout. The TeleferiQo, a combination of the words “teleférico” and “Quito,” is Quito’s version of a sky tram and one of the highest aerial lifts in the world. At the top, you’ll have breathtaking views of sprawling Quito below from atop Cruz Loma lookout.

When you get to the top, spend some time walking around and taking in the gorgeous views. For the adventurous, there are some hiking trails to the summit of Rucu Pichincha. You can hire a guide or go on the trails yourself. If you choose to do the hike, make sure you are well-acclimated to Quito’s altitude!

Tickets for the TeleferiQo are $7.50 for adults. I was recommended to take a taxi to the TeleferiQo entrance as the neighborhood surrounding it is not the safest. Also, make sure to bring a jacket as the temperature is several degrees chillier at the top! The TeleferiQo opens at 9:00 AM; go as early as possible for the clearest views.

Afternoon: Shop for souvenirs at the Mercado Artesenal La Mariscal

When I travel, I love dedicating some time to shopping for souvenirs. My favorite places for souvenir shopping are local markets, and Quito’s Mercado Artesenal La Mariscal is one of the best I’ve visited.

You’ll find everything here: blankets made from alpaca wool, t-shirts, chocolate bars, and more. They even had thimbles, which are my souvenir of choice!

Haggling is necessary when shopping at the market. Typically, you can negotiate the price to about one-third of their original asking price. Make sure you have small bills, as many of the shopkeepers may not be able to make change.

Evening: Have dinner and a drink in Plaza Foch

After your visit to the Middle of the World, take a taxi to Plaza Foch , the main square of Mariscal Sucre, Quito’s New Town. Here, you’ll find tons of cool restaurants, bars, and clubs. Find a nice place to have dinner and a drink to unwind after a long day of exploring. If you still have some energy, visit one of the clubs in the area to dance the night away.

This area is known to have scammers and pickpockets around who prey on tourists, so make sure to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

3 Days in Quito // Day 3

Spend the last of your 3 days in quito exploring some of the city’s top sights..

As touristy as they may be, I highly recommend spending day 3 of your Quito adventure exploring the rest of the city via the Quito Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Bus .

For just $15, you can get a ticket on the Quito Tour Bus, which will double as your tour guide and mode of transportation for the day. The bus route runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, so start early to make the most out of your ticket.

Make your way to the tour’s main stop at Boulevard Naciones Unidas . You can book your tickets here on the day of your tour or do so online in advance . From here, you can take the bus around Quito, listening to the audio tour and hopping off at any sites that pique your interest. Here are some of my favorite stops on the tour:

Jardín Botanico de Quito

If you enjoy seeing local fauna and flora, make a stop at Quito’s Botanical Garden. The garden has an extensive collection of Ecuadorian and South American plants. Make sure to check out the orchid garden! Tickets to the botanical garden are $3.50 for adults.

Basílica del Voto Nacional

Located in Quito’s Old Town, the Basílica del Voto Nacional is the largest and most famous church in Quito. Pay the $2 entrance fee to climb to the top of the tower for breathtaking views over Old Town.

I recommend getting off at this stop and spending some time exploring elsewhere in Old Town during the day. Visit Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús ( Church of the Company of Jesus in English), which is known as Quito’s “gold church” – you’ll see why when you go inside! Other must-see sites in Old Town include Plaza Grande, Quito’s Municipal Building, and the Palacio de Carondelet (the Presidential Palace).

Mirador el Panecillo

At the top of El Panecillo Hill, there is a statue of the Virgin Mary that is visible from nearly all of Quito. The views of Quito from atop the hill are also great. The tour bus stop here is 30 minutes, so you’ll be able to get off and explore a bit while the bus waits on you.

3 Days in Quito – Where to Stay in Quito

During my visit to Quito, I stayed at Otavalo Huasi II , a family-run hostel with comfortable beds and a delicious breakfast served each morning. A bed here costs about $25 a night and includes breakfast.

Here are some of my other picks of great, affordable accommodations in Quito:

• Community Hostel – Located in the historic center of Quito, Community Hostel is consistently ranked as one of Quito’s best hostels. It is the perfect spot for solo travelers who are looking to make friends and who are traveling Ecuador on a budget . Dorm beds cost from $10 a night; private rooms are also available. Read reviews of Community Hostel on TripAdvisor ; when you’re ready to book, you can do so on Booking.com .
• Casa Joaquin Boutique Hotel – On my next visit to Quito, I hope to stay at Casa Joaquin Boutique Hotel . Located in the heart of historic Quito, this small boutique hotel is full of charm. With rooms starting around $80 a night, this hotel is a great value for traveling couples. Read reviews of Casa Joaquin Boutique Hotel on TripAdvisor ; when you’re ready to book, you can do so on Booking.com .
• There are tons of great, affordable vacation rentals in Quito that are perfect for budget travelers. This luxurious apartment is located in a safe neighborhood and has amazing views over the city. This gorgeous Authentic Spanish Colonial Home in Colonial Quito is just steps from Old Town Quito and sleeps up to 8 people, making it perfect for groups. Click here for more Quito vacation rentals .
• Find more Quito hotels on Booking.com

<br /> (function(d, sc, u) {<br /> var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0];<br /> s.type = 'text/javascript';<br /> s.async = true;<br /> s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date());<br /> p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p);<br /> })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_basjs/flexiproduct.js');<br 3 Days in Quito – Where to Eat in Quito

There are tons of affordable, delicious restaurants in Quito. Here are some of my favorite places to eat in Quito:

• Mercado Central – This local market is full of stalls selling fresh produce, juices, and multi-course Ecuadorian meals. A meal here can be as cheap as $5, so this is a great place to try a variety of Ecuadorian staples. I recommend getting seafood from Las Corvinas de Don Jimmy ! ( map )
• Cafe Plaza Grande – Located in the historic Hotel Plaza Grande, Cafe Plaza Grande is a delicious restaurant right in Old Town’s main square. A meal here will cost around $15-20 so it’s a little more expensive than other places in Quito. Make sure to order the homemade ice cream for a unique surprise! ( map )
• Bandido Brewing – This microbrewery/pub combo serves up delicious pizza and cold beer. It’s perfect for when you need a break from Ecuadorian food! ( map )
• La Pradera Food Truck Garden – If you and your travel buddies can’t agree on what to have for dinner, hit up the La Pradera Food Garden. Here, you’ll find all sorts of food trucks that will satisfy everyone’s appetite. ( map )

Spending more than 3 days in Quito?

If you have more than just 3 days to spend exploring Quito, check out my guide to some of the best things to do in Quito, Ecuador . Here are some other great things to do in and around Quito:

• Experience Ecuadorian culture and cuisine by taking a Quito Food and Beer Tour
• Take a day trip to Cotopaxi National Park , where you’ll encounter spectacular views of the Cotopaxi Volcano
• Spend a day in Otavalo , Ecuador’s most famous market town. Saturdays and Wednesdays are the best days to visit.
• Get in touch with nature or have an adrenaline rush by taking a day trip to Mindo Cloud Forest , located just 2 hours from Quito.

This itinerary for 3 days in Quito, Ecuador is a perfect introduction to this charming South American city. Have you been to Quito, or are you planning a trip there? Let me know in the comments!

Planning a trip to Ecuador? Read these posts next:

• How to Travel Ecuador on a Student Budget: Budget Travel in Ecuador
• 13 of the Best Things to Do in Quito, Ecuador
• Ecuador: First Impressions

After traveling outside of the US for the first time while studying abroad, I quickly developed a love for travel and an obsession for exploring as much of the world as possible. Now, I'm on a mission to teach college students, young adults, and anyone else who wants to see the world how to travel while minimizing their expenses and maximizing their experiences.

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.

Traveler, Writer, Entrepreneur

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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The Top Things to Do in Quito, Ecuador

Built upon the foundations of an ancient Incan city, Quito is one of the world’s highest capital cities. If that doesn’t make you giddy, check out our top things to do when visiting this unique and fascinating city.

Hoping to visit Ecuador in the near future? Let Culture Trip be your guide and join our action-packed eight-day adventure – led by our Local Insider to ensure you get the fullest cultural understanding through intimate encounters.

1. Visit the Virgin of El Panecillo

Architectural Landmark

Guarding the historic streets of Quito’s Old Town, The Virgin of El Panecillo is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. According to local legend, the large statue faces the north and blesses those living there, while her back is turned to the south, explaining the wealth disparity between the two parts of the city. The road to the statue winds around the hill of El Panecillo, which appropriately translates to “little bread roll”. You can even ascend the statue for an even better view of the city below.

2. Journey to the middle of the world

Just a short drive north of Quito sits the equator line, for which Ecuador receives its name. Marked by a massive monument where French explorers initially calculated the equator to be, Mitad del Mundo (middle of the world) lets travelers be in two places at once. The monument is surrounded by an area known as the city of Mitad del Mundo. Here, you’ll find shops, restaurants and small museums which capture Ecuadorian culture perfectly. Keep your eyes peeled for handmade alpaca blankets (you won’t need to look far), freshly made Ecuadorian street food – including guinea pig – and traditional dance performances sporadically taking place in the streets.

A trip to Mitad del Mundo is included as part of Culture Trip’s eight-day adventure through Ecuador , led by our Local Insider to help you make the most of your experience.

3. Cheer in Atahualpa Olympic Stadium

One of the best ways to experience pure excitement in Quito is to watch a soccer game at the Atahualpa Stadium. Ecuadorians from near and far will travel to see their team play, and to say it can be intense might be an understatement. Like football fan culture across all of South America , fans will relentlessly chant team songs while standing and waving banners, on both sides of the stadium. When either team scores pandemonium ensues, so be careful not to spill your drink.

4. Take Pichincha Teleférico

Looming over the city is the dormant volcano Pichincha, and you can get there via the TelefériQo skyrail to take in the epic views from the top. The rail ascends from Vulqano Park , a small amusement park on the side of the mountain, to a lookout area with spectacular views and a restaurant. You can go horseback riding here, but if you want to climb to the peak of Pichincha, take one of the hiking trails leading from the station. It’s definitely worth doing on a clear day.

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5. Visit Plaza Grande (Plaza de Independencia)

At the center of Quito’s Old Town, this plaza is a constant hub of activity, often serving as a site for political activism or public opinion, but also buzzing with travelers from around the world. In the middle is a large monument installed in the late 19th-century in commemoration of Ecuador’s independence. The plaza is also the site of the assassination of Ecuadorian president Gabriel Garcia Moreno in 1875. Ecuador’s Presidential Palace overlooks the plaza and around the exterior are a variety of good restaurants as well as the extravagant Hotel Plaza Grande .

6. Climb the Basilica

7. Visit La Compañia de Jesus

8. la floresta.

Tucked away from the hustle of Quito’s main valley, Guapulo offers an escape from the city crowds. Descend down the steep cobblestone path towards the eponymous church, and you’ll find examples of boho culture the area has become known for. Pizzeria Ananke, found at the base of the hill, for example, is adorned with arty posters – and happens to be a lovely spot to grab dinner with a view over the valley lit up at night. The ornate Church of Guapulo, or Sanctuary to the Virgin of Guapulo, is open to visitors every day except Sunday.

10. Stay in Plaza Foch and visit the Artisan Market

Looking for nightlife in Quito? Plaza Foch is the place. Surrounded by dozens of hostels and eateries, Foch caters to travelers in search of a lively stay. With clubs, hookah bars, and pubs open until the early hours, the party usually doesn’t die down until late. Visit during the day to explore the Artisan Market – it’s full of traditional crafts, Ecuadorian art and artisanal food that you can snack on or stock up on if you’re there to prepare for the Ecuadorian cooking class included in Culture Trip’s exclusive eight-day adventure in Ecuador.

11. Play in Carolina Park

Often compared to New York’s Central Park, Quito’s Carolina Park exemplifies the spirit of the city. During the weekend, it’s a hub of activity where hundreds of families gather to relax. Popular park activities include Ecuavoli (volleyball with three people per team and specific rules), paddle boating and, of course, lots of soccer. There’s also an exotic botanical garden, a reptile house, a skate park, a large airplane-turned-playground, a planetarium and a small museum to explore.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

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The Essential 3-Day Planned Itinerary For Quito, Ecuador

3-day quito itinerary, day 1 in quito - historical centre walking tour & basílica del voto nacional, breakfast - en dulce or honey cafe.

First thing’s first, breakfast. Depending on where you stay, there are several options.

If staying close to Plaza Foch, try Honey Café for a great selection of bread, baked goods, and coffee.

Alternatively, head over and have breakfast in Old Town before you start sight-seeing. En Dulce B akery in the historic centre has the best reviews in Quito with a range of set breakfasts and freshly baked bread and croissants each morning.

Morning Activity - Quito Free Walking Tour

• Start: 10:30AM or 2.30PM
• Timings: 3 hours
• Days: Monday to Saturday
• Cost: Free but bring $2-3 for a tip as it’s run by volunteers
• Website: Free Walking Tour Ecuador

One of the first UNESCO heritage sites in the world, Quito’s historical centre is filled with enough museums, European architecture, and cultural attractions to keep you entertained for most of the dat. The best way to get yourself accustomed to the city is by booking on to the Community Hostel walking tour. The tour takes you to most of the main sights in the historic centre, including:

• Plaza Grande – the main square which includes the presidential palace
• La Compañia – a 17th-century church with beautiful architecture and a gold interior
• Plaza San Francisco – another huge plaza lined with churches, cafes and with great views of El Panecillo and the surrounding mountains
• La Ronda – a long winding street filled with galleries, craft shops and restaurants

Want to spend the whole day exploring the historical centre? Quito is home to several museums suiting every interest including modern art, archaeology, religious art and pre-Colombian indigenous history.

Two of the best museums are:

• Museo Casa Del Alabad – holds a permanent exhibit of more than 600 Ecuadorian pre-Columbian objects and artefacts.
• Museo de la Ciudad – set inside the city’s first hospital, it tells the long history of the capital from the Incas and the Spanish conquistadores to its time as a colony and its eventual fight for independence. For more information on the museums of Quito, check out this article.

While in the historic centre, make sure you try Ecuador’s famous chocolate . Here are four places to visit, all selling organic Ecuadorian grown chocolate:

• Café Galeria  
• The Kallari Cafe
• Republic de Cacao

After the walking tour, you may wish to return to your favourite sights, alternatively head to one of the food or drink recommendations given on the tour. The tour ends at La Ronda , so this is the perfect time to try some Ecuadorian cuisine.

Lunch - La Ronda Street

Time to sample some traditional Ecuadorian food such as the hearty soup, Locro de Papa , with a side of empanadas, or if you are feeling brave, you can try deep-fried guinea pig, a speciality in Ecuador.

Check out La Casa Los Geranios along La Ronda street, it’s known for serving traditional Ecuadorian dishes with flair. 

If you aren’t ready for lunch yet, why not stop for a warm drink? Time to try Ecuador’s popular local drink canezalo – a spiced hot drink made by boiling water with cinnamon and sugar and mixing it with local sugar cane alcohol.

Can Ferran Restaurante is another recommendation where the Trip Advisor reviews rave about the canezalo .

• La Casa Los Geranios
• Can Ferran Restaurante

Afternoon Activity - Climb The Basílica Del Voto Nacional

• Opening times: 9AM to 5PM weekdays, 6AM to 6PM weekends
• Cost: $2 for the church entrance, $2 for the tower entrance
• Timings: It will take you 30 minutes to an hour to climb to the top and explore the church

The Basílica del Voto Nacional is the largest neo-Gothic church in South America and climbing up the central tower is quite an adventure. The steep steps and narrow passageways leading to the top are not for the faint-hearted or those scared of heights, but the views are spectacular and well worth the journey.

Make sure to go around to the side entrance in the courtyard for the viewpoint entrance, which will cost you $2. The entry to the towers isn’t inside the main church.

Reaching the top of the tower is the highlight of the visit as it offers fantastic panoramic views across the city. There is also a café and tourist shop in one of the towers if you want to stop and have a coffee or beer.

Don’t forget to check out the Basílica’s unique gargoyles around the edges of the church – they all represent animals endemic to Ecuador such as iguanas, tortoises, armadillos, and condors.

Dinner - Bandido Brewing

Bandido Brewing is a fantastic craft beer and pizza place in the old town. The establishment is right opposite Community hostel so it’s perfect if you’re already staying there. Share a pizza and a few Ecuadorian craft brew specialities to celebrate your first successful day in Quito.

• Bandido Brewing

We don’t expect you to eat out every day, these are just some suggestions which you can spread over this 3-day itinerary. Eating out as a backpacker adds up and eating out three times a day will break the bank.

For tips on how to stick to a budget in Ecuador, read more here:

• Ecuador Backpacking Budget: Daily, Weekly & Monthly Suggestions

Day 2 In Quito - Visit The Middle Of The World & Drinks At Plaza Foch

Breakfast/lunch - mercado central.

We won’t suggest breakfast, lunch, and dinner options for each day of this itinerary as we’ve only visited so many of these places ourselves. But if you are looking for a cheap meal, Mercado Central offers great set meals costing $2-3.

You usually get a soup, then a rice and meat dish along with a drink—great value for money. You can also buy fresh fruit smoothies for $1 a go . The perfect way to start the day!

Afternoon Activity – The Middle Of The World (Mitad Del Mundo)

• Cost: $5 entrance fee to Mitad del Mundo, $4 for Museo Solar Intiñan
• Transport cost: $8-10 taxi each way or $1 local bus each way
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Timing: Allow 3-4 hours. It’s a 45-minute journey to get there, you’ll need one hour at the equator or two if you want to visit the second museum and then 45 minutes getting back to central

Head to the central bus station in town and look out for buses displaying ‘Mitad Del Mundo’ (middle of the world), buses leave every hour.  If you feel lazy, Uber is up and running in Quito. One way will cost around $8 .

Quick Tip – we often found yellow taxis cheaper than Uber because we could haggle, however, it’s good to know what it would cost on Uber before haggling so make sure you download the app. The middle of the world is in North Quito and takes about 45 minutes to get there via bus or taxi.

So, what is there to do when you are in the middle of the world? Take photos of you standing on the equator of course!

Then take the elevator up to the top of the museum where, on a clear day, you can see Cotopaxi Volcano and spend a bit of time wandering through the museum learning about science, local culture, and more. An interesting fact – during the summer solstice your shadow disappears entirely at the equator because the sun is perfectly positioned over-head.

After the equator line and museum, you will find several tourist shops, cafes, and a second museum called Museo Solar Intiñan where a tour guide will take you through some scientific demonstrations if you want to stay longer.

For example, demonstrating the Coriolis effect where water travels clockwise or anti-clockwise down a drain depending on the hemisphere (we think this is a trick played by the tour guide though and not an actual scientific fact – but fun to watch nonetheless).

Another option is a tour. This one costs $30 and includes your entrance fee, a good choice for those who don’t want to organise their own transport.

Evening Activity – Community Hostel Bar Crawl Or Drinks At Plaza Foch

• Cost: $10 for the bar crawl + whatever else you spend on drinks that evening

Quito has a buzzing nightlife scene, and Plaza Foch is the place to party.

Travellers and locals mix in bars and clubs around the central plaza, making for a lively atmosphere. Try Cherusker Cervecaria for an artisanal beer or Bungalow 6 for an energetic, after-hours club.

Looking to meet some fellow travellers on a night out? Community Hostel and Secret Garden both run bar crawls at the weekend. Don’t worry if you’re not staying at the hostels, anyone can join. Both are great hostels we’ve recommended here:

• The 10 Best Hostels In Quito, Ecuador

Day 3 In Quito – Ride The Teleferico & Head Up To The Volcano Pichincha Viewpoint

Morning activity – riding the teleferico (quito's cable car).

• Cost: $8.50 for the cable car round trip, and $4-6 for a taxi to the entrance and home once you are back down
• Timing: Full day alongside the Volcano Pichincha trek

The cable car is just outside of the Old Town, so we took an Uber which cost around $2-3. The cable car is a $8.50 return and takes about 18 minutes each way.

Riding the cable car up to the summit of Pichincha is good fun, and you will get some fantastic views of the Old Town and the entire city. But the best views are once you reach the top.

Spend about half an hour at the top taking in the views of all the volcanoes surrounding Quito. You should be able to see Cotopaxi Volcano in the distance on a clear day. And obviously, jump on the famous swing so you can get some photos for Instagram. There’s also a small café to have a coffee or buy snacks before climbing Pichincha.

Afternoon Activity – Volcano Pichincha Summit Trek

• Cost: Free (factor in $5-10 for snacks and drinks to bring on the trek)
• Timings: 3-5 hours round-trip depending on fitness

Time to start your first trek in Ecuador. Two days in Quito should be enough to acclimatise to the altitude. If you’re planning more trekking, this is a great first trek to get you used to hiking at altitude.

The start of the trail is well signposted when you exit Teleferico at the top. Follow the path to the swing and carry on from there.

The trek takes roughly 3-4 hours (10km in total) and will take you up to 4,784 meters, so come prepared.

The early section is clearly marked, and it’s more of an amble at first with a gradual incline. The last hour is challenging as the trail gets steeper and sandier. For the last 15 minutes, you will have to scramble a bit and climb rocks.

Don’t let that put you off though as the views from the top are insane. This is a great acclimatisation hike if you plan to do further treks in the country such as Cotopaxi Glacier.

Check out our packing guide for the Quilotoa loop which should give you a good idea of how to pack for hikes in Ecuador:

• Quilotoa Loop Packing Guide

If hiking isn’t for you, then head back down to the city and pick one of the many other great activities to do in Quito. You can find the full list here:

• The 19 Best Things To Do In Quito

How Much Should I Budget For 3 Days In Quito?

As a backpacker, you should budget between $35-$45 a day for accommodation, food, transport, and activities whilst in Quito.

Here’s a summary of activity costs listed above in the 3-day itinerary:

*take the local bus if you want to save money here

None of the backpacker hostels cost more than $10 a night in a dorm , giving you $20-30 for food, activities, and transport.

Most hostels include breakfast, if you eat at local markets or food stalls, it will cost $2-3 a meal , which keeps costs down. If you want to eat at a restaurant once or twice a day, increase your daily budget to factor this in. A meal at a restaurant in tourist areas like La Ronda costs between $8-12.

Average costs per day:

• Accomodation – $8-10
• Food – $6-10
• Transport – $5
• Activities – $15-20

For more information on budgeting for Ecuador:

• Ecuador Daily, Weekly & Monthly Suggested Backpacking Budget

How Many Days Do You Need In Quito?

Two full days is the perfect amount of time needed in Quito.

You can spend the first day exploring the old town and wandering through the historical center.

On the second day , you should ride the Teleferico up to Volcano Pichincha for incredible views of the city and the surrounding backdrop of volcanoes.

Depending on what time you arrive and where from, you may want to plan an extra day to adjust to the altitude. Quito sits at a mean 2,850m (9,350 ft), so you may want to take it easy for the first day or two and see how you adjust, especially if you had a long flight.

Quito 2-Day Itinerary

If you don’t have 3 days to spare in Quito, then here’s what we recommend:

• Day 1 – Walking Tour, La Ronda and the Basilica Del Voto Nacional
• Day 2 – Ride the Teleferico, Volcano Pichincha Hike and a night out at Plaza Foch

We would cut out Mitad del Mundo from the above itinerary for those of you who don’t have three days. It’s good fun, and not many people can say they’ve visited the equator, but we understand why it might not be for everyone. Seeing the beautiful historical centre and riding the Teleferico are the two best things to do in our opinion and you won’t miss out if you just do these.

Check out our longer backpacking itineraries to plan out your time in Ecuador:

• Ecuador Three-Week Backpacking Itinerary
• Ecuador 1-Month Backpacking Itinerary
• The Best 1-Month South America Itinerary (Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia)

Quito 4-Day Itinerary

If you aren’t travelling through Ecuador (you may just be visiting Quito and the Galapagos Islands , for example), then taking an extra day for a full day tour outside of the city is a must. Ecuador has so many incredible sights 1-2 hours away that would be a shame to miss them.

• Day 1 – Historical Centre, La Ronda and the Basilica
• Day 2 – Mitad Del Mundo
• Day 3 – Teleferico and Volcano Pichincha Hike
• Day 4 – Day Tour (Cotopaxi Volcano)

We’ve outlined more tours and other ways of getting to Cotopaxi here if you decide on this plan:

• 4 Great Ways To Visit Cotopaxi National Park

What Are The Best Day Tours From Quito?

The three best day tours from Quito are:

• Cotopaxi Volcano
• Mindo Cloud Forest
• Otavalo Market

These three are the cheapest tours from the city (between $40-100), are a maximum of 2-3 hours away and also some of the best sights in the whole of Ecuador.

1. Cotopaxi Volcano

This is the tour we recommend picking out of all three options. With the close proximity to Quito (1 hour) and the beauty of Cotopaxi Volcano, this makes it the best and most time-efficient tour of all three options. 

You also need a guide to enter Cotopaxi National Park, so this isn’t something you can organise yourself.

• Get Your Guide – Cotopaxi Volcano Tour From Quito

If you are staying in Ecuador for longer, then we recommend visiting for a couple of days. Secret Garden Cotopaxi Hostel offers a $95 package which includes all your meals, 2 treks and 2 nights accommodation . Our guide below has everything you need to know:

• Secret Garden Cotopaxi Review: Is It Worth It?

2. Mindo Cloud Forest

In the small town of Mindo, there’s a wealth of activities to suit every traveller. You can go on a chocolate tasting experience at one of the chocolate farms, hike through the cloud forest along the ‘Route of Waterfalls’ or if you prefer something more extreme, go tubing down the jungle rivers.

How To Get There: The bus leaves from the northern bus terminal called Terminal de la Ofelia. It’s a bit of a journey outside the city and took us around 40 minutes to get there in a uber (costing $8), or you could take a metro bus from the central terminal in town. Once at the bus station, find one of the counters selling tickets to Mindo and hop on the next available bus. Buses in Ecuador are super cheap, and the ticket cost us no more than $2 each.

Due to the time spent on transport for this one, we think it’s best to book a tour, so your journey is efficient. If you prefer to have the transportation and day organised, we recommend this tour:

• Get Your Guide: Mindo Cloud Forest Full Day Tour

This is only if you are short on time and need to come back to Quito the same day though. The better option is to pack a day bag and stay for the night. Mindo is a great town for backpackers and well worth the time.

Everything else you need to know about Mindo is here in our guides:

• The Bests Things To Do In Mindo
• How To Hike The Mindo Waterfall Sanctuary

3. Otavalo Market

If there’s one market to visit during your time in Ecuador, it should be this one. Otavalo’s market is the oldest and largest Indian handicrafts market in all South America.

It spreads out from the main square for a couple of blocks in each direction. It sells everything from blankets and ponchos to jewellery, instruments, leather goods, platters, spices and more, all made by the talented indigenous craftspeople living in the region. Saturday is the best day to visit as the animal market joins the main one.

How To Get There: Getting to Otavalo from Quito is straightforward, taking two hours by bus. The bus leaves from the northern bus terminal in Quito, called Terminal de la Ofelia (same as the journey for Mindo). Once at the bus station, find one of the counters selling tickets to Otavalo and hop on the next bus.

Again, if you prefer a guided tour, then here is one option:

• Get Your Guide: Otavalo Market Tour

But in our opinion, it’s best to visit yourself and save money.

Or alternatively, stay a night or two. The crater lake trek just outside of town is a great experience and worth an extended trip if you can spare the time. Read our complete Otavalo guides for more information here:

• The Best Things To Do In Otavalo
• How To Visit Laguna Cuicocha

Where’s your next destination after Ecuador? If you are going on an extended South America trip, make sure to check out our expertly curated itineraries from anywhere to a month to three months:

• Is Montanita Worth Visiting? 10 Great Reasons To Visit In 2023
• The Perfect 3-Month South America Backpacking Itinerary
• 4 Expertly Planned Three-Week Backpacking Itineraries For South America
• The Ideal Two-Month Backpacking Itinerary For South America
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Joe Bayfield

Hi I'm Joe Bayfield, Bayf for short. I love South America and want people to visit this incredible continent. I’ve travelled through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina and also lived in Lima, Medellin and Buenos Aires. I write detailed South America itineraries to help you plan your next adventure!

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How to Spend Three Fantastic Days in Quito, Ecuador: A 2023 Itinerary

The capital city of Ecuador, Quito, is a vibrant and culturally rich destination that offers visitors the chance to experience South American culture at its best. Whether you’re looking for amazing architecture, historical landmarks, delicious food, or lively nightlife, you are destined to find it.

Ecuador is a relatively small country, and Quito is located in the middle of it. This makes it easy to get around, whether you’re traveling by taxi, bus, or on foot.

Often overlooked by travelers, Quito is a city that should definitely be on every adventurer’s bucket list. With so much to explore and experience, you’ll want to spend at least three days in this stunning city, soaking up all of the culture, history, and beauty it has to offer.

The country’s capital is home to a number of impressive historical landmarks and monuments, including the Presidential Palace and Basilica. You will learn about Quito’s history, by visiting one or both of these sites.

Of course, no trip to the city would be complete without a sampling of the delicious food. The local cuisine has been heavily influenced by Spanish, African, and indigenous cuisine, resulting in a fusion of flavors that will satisfy any foodie’s palate.

Along with the history and food culture, the city has everything you need for a vibrant latin nightlife. From cozy local bars and restaurants to pulsating dance clubs, you will be able to salsa the night away or practice your Spanish with one of the bartenders.

Whether you’re looking to kick back with friends or go out on the town with your significant other, you’re sure to have a great time! In this guide we will go over all of the best ways to spend three days in Quito, so that you can experience this amazing city at its very best.

Day One in Quito

Located in the center of Ecuador, Quito lies on an elevated Andean valley at 9,350 feet above sea level. This altitude makes it one of the highest capitals in the world and means that you’ll want to acclimatize by spending your first day exploring some of the city’s many attractions and taking it slow.

Head out on a free walking tour of the historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I recommend the one that leaves from The Secret Garden hostel . You’ll get to explore some of the city’s most iconic attractions, including Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compania de Jesus (the largest religious building in South America), and Plaza de la Independencia.

On the tour you will learn the history and significance of these places, while also getting a taste for the unique Ecuadorian culture that makes Quito such a special place. You will have the opportunity to try some Ecuadorian chocolate, the best empanadas in Quito, and some freshly squeezed juices as you walk.

The walking tour leaves at 10 AM and goes until about 1 or 2 in the afternoon depending on the speed of your group, since the walking tour is free, you will be asked to give some sort of tip to your tour guide at the end. Around $5 is the standard amount to tip. 

Once you’re done exploring the historic center, head over to Museo de la Ciudad for some more history and culture. You can either pay a small entrance fee or take advantage of the free entry on Sundays from 9 AM until 3 PM. At this museum, you’ll get an in-depth look at Ecuadorian history as well as the city of Quito. There are also some interesting interactive exhibits that help to bring the past to life.

After a long day of exploring, you’ll probably be ready for lunch. Head over to Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal and try out one of the many cafe or restaurant options in this bustling market that is filled with delicious local flavors. You’ll find everything from fresh fruit juices and empanadas to traditional Ecuadorian ceviche from the various stalls, restaurants, and cafes.

The best part about eating at La Mariscal is that you can try some of the more unusual dishes for a fraction of what you would pay at an upscale restaurant. Some of my favorites are the ceviche, chifles (fried plantain chips), and traditional Ecuadorian tamales.

You can also purchase some of the local spices and foods to take home as souvenirs and grab some fresh fruit. It is sold by the dollar, so you can get quite a lot of fruit for very little money. If you’re still hungry after your meal, try one of the many dessert options like buñuelos (fried sweet dough) for a delicious sweet treat!

Once you’ve had your fill of food, head back to the basilica. During the walking tour you will only see the gothic structure from the outside. So now is your chance to head inside and take a look at the amazingly detailed interior. This church is considered one of the most important examples of Spanish Baroque architecture in South America.

Climb to the top of the tower for sweeping views of the city, and there is a cafe at the top where you can enjoy a beer while you take in the views. The basilica closes at 5PM, so once you’re done exploring head back to your hotel and get ready for dinner.

For dinner, I recommend heading down to the La Floresta neighborhood which is known for its wide array of hip and trendy restaurants. My favorite restaurant there is Cafe Mosaico which has a great atmosphere and amazing food. Try some local specialties like cuy (guinea pig), seco de chivo (goat stew), or quinoa with shrimp.

After dinner, head over to one of the many bars in the area and check out some live music or dance the night away at a salsa club. Quito has some of the best nightlife in all of South America, so make sure you take advantage of it while you’re there!

Day Two in Quito

Wake up early and head out for breakfast at a local spot, like the farmer’s market right off of Plaza Foch. Try some fresh tropical fruits or el tigre, which is my personal favorite. It is mashed plantains with cheese, tomatoes, and avocado, and a nice runny egg on top – the perfect way to start your day. I am drooling just thinking about it!

After breakfast, head out to The Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, which is sort-of the middle of the world. Located about an hour from the city center, it’s a popular tourist attraction that many people visit as part of their day trip. You’ll get to stand equidistant from both the northern and southern hemispheres, which really puts everything into perspective.

The easiest and cheapest way to get there is by taking a local bus, but it does take a bit longer due to all the stops it makes. If you want a bit more comfort and convenience, you can also take a taxi or organized tour bus.

Most people spend around an hour or so touring the various interactive exhibits and learning about Ecuador’s rich history.

After exploring the middle of the world, head back into town for lunch at one of the many delicious local restaurants in the city. One of my favorites is a casual little spot called De la Llama. Try their famous Ecuadorian meat soup or a heaping bowl of quinoa with vegetables and your choice of protein, it’s always fresh and flavorful.

After lunch, head to catch the Teleferiqo, a cable car that takes you up to an elevation of over 12,000 feet. Spend some time walking around the park at the top and enjoying the incredible views of the city below. There’s also a museum at the peak where you can learn more about the history of this unique transportation system. This is a must do in Quito, especially if you’re looking for a fun and unique way to enjoy the stunning views of the city.

If you still have time, I recommend taking a taxi to Mirador el Panecillo. This hilltop park offers a gorgeous view of the city and is home to a famous sculpture of an angel — the Virgin del Panecillo — that can be seen from all over Quito. DO NOT WALK HERE. This area of town is not safe and it is much better to take a taxi than risk putting yourself in danger.

Finally once the sun sets, head back down into town and look for a spot along Parque El Ejido where you can catch an evening concert or show. There are often cultural festivals, street performers, and other types of entertainment taking place throughout the city, so be sure to keep a look out for an event that interests you.

As the evening comes to a close, head back to your hotel and get some rest before another exciting day of exploration tomorrow!

Day Three: A day trip to Otavalo, Cotacachi & Cuicocha

Today we are getting out of the hustle and bustle of the city and heading out to explore some of the stunning natural beauty that surrounds Quito. Start your day bright and early by joining this tour to the north of Quito, which will take you to the picturesque towns of Otavalo and Cotacachi as well as the stunning Cuicocha Lake.

Otavalo is a town famed for its vibrant markets, where you can find all sorts of local artisan goods. If you are wanting to experience the uniqueness of Ecuador and the life of a small town, then this is the place to be.

The town is located about 2 hours north of Quito, so expect this to be a full day trip.

Once you arrive in Otavalo, you will have the opportunity to explore the famous open-air market where locals sell all sorts of handmade goods including blankets, jewelry, clothing, and more. Be sure to keep an eye out for some of the incredible traditional textiles that are produced here or purchase a painting or embroidered item from one of the many talented local artists.

This bustling market is one of the largest in South America, and your tour will make sure to set aside enough time for you to explore all of the stalls and shop for souvenirs. 

If shopping isn’t your thing or you don’t have enough room in your suitcase, you can check out all of the incredible food and drink vendors that line the streets. This is the perfect place to try some of the local delicacies, from rich Ecuadorian hot chocolate to savory empanadas.

After spending some time exploring Otavalo, you will head to the beautiful town of Cotacachi. This small town is a major center for leather goods, so you can expect to find a lot of high-end shops here selling everything from handbags and wallets to jackets and shoes. These are all handmade by local artisans. It is okay to haggle a bit here but keep in mind that these are mostly small family businesses, so be considerate and don’t try to over-extort them!

Finally, before the day ends, you will make your way to the beautiful Cuicocha Lake. This crater lake is surrounded by lush green hills and boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Here, you can go hiking or take a boat ride across the lake to really appreciate the beauty of this place.

You can check availability for the specific tour I took using the widget below:

After a long day exploring all that this region has to offer, make your way back to Quito and enjoy your last evening out on the town. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner or just want to catch some live music and dance, there is no shortage of exciting things to do in Quito on your last night!

Quito: What to Know Before You Go

Planning a trip is never easy, from where to stay, what to do, and when to visit. If you’re planning a trip to Quito, there are a few things that you should keep in mind before you go and luckily, I know all the best tips and tricks.

Where to Stay

Quito is a large and diverse city, so you will want to choose your accommodation wisely depending on your travel style. If you’re looking for more of a local experience, there are plenty of cozy bed and breakfasts throughout the city that offer comfortable lodging at affordable prices.

If you prefer a bit more luxury, there are also some great hotels in Quito that offer everything you need, but at a higher dollar price.

For somewhere in between the two I recommend the Chakana Hotel Boutique , a small but cozy hotel in downtown Quito with top notch service and excellent amenities. Every room is dedicated to their ancestors and you can feel the love and respect they have for those who came before them, which is a wonderful way to get in touch with your roots.

Ecuador has a beautiful history and this hotel really showcases their culture, and will help you to immerse yourself in their traditions while still enjoying all the modern comforts of a luxury hotel.

You are going to love the yummy breakfast that is included making it easy to grab something before you head out on your adventures for the day. They also have a great bar on site, so if you want to unwind and grab a drink after a long day exploring the city they’ve got you covered.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Quito

The best time to visit Quito is during the dry season, which runs from mid-March to early November. This time of year has less rain and more sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the city’s many parks and historical sites.

Being a country that is often overlooked, it doesn’t get as busy as some of its neighboring countries, so you won’t find crowds of tourists trying to squeeze onto buses and into museums even during the peak tourist season.

If you’re looking for a more festive and lively atmosphere, be sure to visit Quito during one of their many festivals. These cultural celebrations are held throughout the year, and are a great way to experience all that Ecuadorian culture has to offer. I recommend Carnival which occurs in March or April depending on the year, and is a huge party that lasts for three days!

People from all over the country travel to Quito during these festivals, and the city really comes alive with vibrant colors and fantastic music.

How to Get Around Quito

Getting around the city is quite easy.

The city has an extensive public transport system that consists of metros, buses, and taxis. You can purchase a card from any convenience store or metro station which you can then load with cash and use to pay for rides.

If you are in the historical center you are perfectly fine to walk around and explore, but if you are planning to explore more of the city I would recommend getting a taxi or using the bus system as they are both easy, inexpensive, and safe. You can also download the uber app and call for a ride if you prefer the convenience of having a car arrive at your location and not have to worry about being scammed.

I do not recommend riding the local buses at night time as they are often targeted by pickpockets. It is just as cheap to take a taxi and it is a lot safer.

Safety Advice for Travelers to Quito

Speaking of safety, let’s get into how to stay safe in the city.

While Quito is a relatively safe city, it is still important to practice caution while you are there. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of what is going on around you, especially when in crowds or getting onto public transportation. 

One thing to keep in mind is that the busier the area, the safer, if you find yourself on a quiet street or a dark alley, be on your guard and get to a busy street as soon as possible. After dark, take a taxi or use the uber app if you feel uneasy walking by yourself.

It is also important to be careful not to drink too much alcohol while in Quito as there have been reports of tourists being drugged and robbed while they are intoxicated. I don’t say this to scare you, but as a friendly caution to make sure you don’t find yourself in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation.

I would also recommend staying in a hotel located within the historical center of town as these tend to be in quieter areas and are generally safer than hotels that are outside of this area.

Some other tips for staying safe while visiting Quito: avoid wearing flashy or expensive jewelry, take only what money you need when you go out and it even helps to use a burner phone on a night out.

Just a few more things to take note of when in Quito.

Be prepared for the altitude. Quito sits at an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, which can make it difficult to adjust if you’re not used to high altitudes. Make sure to take it easy and give your body time to adjust when you first arrive, and be sure to drink LOTS of water throughout the day. I can’t emphasize this enough.  It is so important!

Another thing to be prepared for is the weather. Quito has a very unique climate which experiences both rainy and sunny seasons, with temperatures ranging from the 40’s in winter, up to the low 80’s during the summer months. While rain can occur at any time of year, it tends to happen more frequently between December and April. You may want to bring a light rain jacket or an umbrella with you just in case.

In terms of food and drink, there are a ton of amazing restaurants in Quito that offer authentic Ecuadorian cuisine as well as cuisines from all over the world. A few things to make sure and eat while you are here are ceviche, fritada de chancho, tamales, and of course, the famous Ecuadorian dessert: sopa del viernes.

Overall, I would highly recommend spending 3 days in Quito to experience its vibrant culture, amazing architecture and delicious food. Whether you are looking for a relaxing cultural experience or an action-packed adventure, Quito has everything you are looking for and more!

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Ultimate Quito Itinerary: A Local’s Guide to 2 Days in Quito

Quito is a massive city, and the cultural heart of Ecuador , and there is so much to see and do here. Narrowing it all down and determining what to do in Quito for 2 days can be a challenge.

Two days in Quito might not seem like a long time to enjoy one of South America’s great cities (the best city in Ecuador for travelers!), but it’s a perfect amount of time for a beautiful introduction to an unforgettable place.

Keep reading for our ultimate guide to the best 2 days in Quito . We used this exact Quito 2-day itinerary when friends and family visited us in Quito through the years we spent living there. We’re sharing how to enjoy this city on a short tip and make the most of your two days here, traveling smart and seeing only the best!

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

Quito Itinerary

By spending 2 days in Quito, you’ll have time to visit all the best sites in Quito (some of the top attractions in Ecuador !) and the area immediately outside the city. Any less time than two days in Quito and you’ll be rushed, and miss some unforgettable travel experiences.

While Quito has plenty to do – enough to fill several days of your time – there are several main attractions that you just can’t miss, no matter how long you’re here.

Must-Visit Places in Quito

Looking for those must-visit destinations you’ll want to add to any Quito itinerary? Make sure you don’t skip these top attractions in Quito – they’re among some of the best things to do in Ecuador !

• Visit Old Town Quito : This is Latin America’s largest and best-preserved colonial center. There is so much to see and do here, including visiting opulent churches and exploring winding streets. Read More : Old Town Quito: Ultimate Guide to Quito’s Historic Center
• Mitad del Mundo : Spanish for “Middle of the World,” Mitad del Mundo is the Equator line. Here you can visit a monument to the Equator, straddle two hemispheres, and do some fun, campy “science experiments” that only work here.

With 2 days in Quito, you’ll be able to visit all of these must-see destinations. This guide to what to do in Quito for 2 days covers all of these sites and has space for a few extras as well.

Read More: 18 Best Things To Do in Ecuador

What To Pack for Ecuador

Check out our  Ultimate Ecuador Packing List   to help you pack for your trip – we’re sharing exactly what to bring to Ecuador and what we never travel without.

Quito Tours

With just two days in Quito, consider booking a tour or excursion to help you see the best of the city as easily as possible. You can find tours that cover all of the best of Quito in a day, or half-day tours to specific destinations within the city.  

Small group tours and excursions are also generally quite affordable in Ecuador , so even if you wouldn’t normally choose this option in order to stay within budget, they might be a great option for you here.  

Here are some of the best tours in Quito that I love recommending to visitors. These are especially fantastic if you’re looking for what to do in Quito for 2 days , or on another short Quito itinerary.

• Quito Historic Center Walking Tour
• Off the Beaten Path Historic Center Quito Tour
• The Delicious Side of Quito: Quito Food Tour

Some of the most popular excursions in Quito are excursions to Mitad del Mundo – though just a few miles outside of Quito, it can take up to an hour to get there by public transportation. Here are Mitad del Mundo excursions worth considering.

• Quito Historic Center and Mitad del Mundo Excursion
• Mitad del Mundo Half-Day Excursion
• Mitad del Mundo and TelefériQo Excursion – just $50 for a private tour and guide, including a visit to the TelefériQo as well!
• Private and Personalized Quito Tour, Including TelefériQo and Mitad del Mundo

Where to Stay in Quito

For most visitors to Quito, staying in the Historic Center of the city is your best bet, especially if you are here for just a few days on a short Quito itinerary. Here you’ll be close to many of the city’s best attractions. Plus, you’ll find hostels and hotels at every price point.

Here are the hotels in Old Town Quito that I most often recommend to travelers.

• ($) The Secret Garden
• ($$) Vista del Angel
• ($$) Hotel Casona 1914
• ($$ – $$$) Hotel Carlota
• ($$$) Casa Gangotena

Visiting Quito as a backpacker ? I generally recommend backpackers stay in the La Mariscal neighborhood. Selina Quito is my favorite option for budget travel in La Mariscal – here you’ll find great options for dorm rooms as well as private rooms.

Read More : Where to Stay in Quito: Neighborhoods & Accommodation Guide

Best Hotels & Hostels in Quito

• The Secret Garden, Quito ($)
• Selina Quito ($ – $$)
• Vista del Angel Boutique Hotel ($$)
• Hotel Carlota ($$ – $$$)
• Casa Gangotena ($$$)

2 Days in Quito

Below you’ll find my complete guide to what to do in Quito for two days. After living in Ecuador for two years, we were lucky enough to have enough friends and family visits that we became pretty good tour guides using this exact Quito itinerary.

Two days in Quito allows you to see most of the best parts of the city enough to really feel like you’re getting to know Quito more than just scratching the surface.

In each daily Quito itinerary, I’ve outlined a plan to get to you to best the city has to offer to make the best use of your time.

• Day One – TelefériQo, Mitad del Mundo, and the best of La Mariscal
• Day Two – Old Town Quito highlights, markets, and park

I’ve grouped activities together in a way that will make travel through the city easiest for you. I’ve organized each sight or activity to make travel easiest for you, so follow the order of the day! However, feel free to switch up which day comes first for you.

My biggest Quito itinerary recommendation? Check the weather of each day you’ll be in Quito, and plan to visit the TelefériQo and Mitad del Mundo on the day with the nicest weather. Visiting the TelefériQo is all about the view, so in the morning (typically fewer clouds high in the mountains!) on a nice weather day you’ll have the best experience.

Travel Essential

Don’t head out on your adventure without comprehensive travel insurance! Good travel insurance may cover lost or stolen gear, medical emergencies, delayed or canceled flights, and more.  Check out the policies available from  SafetyWing or compare plans using  Visitors Coverage .

Day One in Quito

Start the day by heading to the TelefériQo for the best views over the entire city of Quito. This cable car lifts passengers over the city and halfway up the towering Pichincha Volcano. You’ll have incredible views over the city, and of the surrounding valleys and volcanoes.

On the clearest of days, you can see up to five snow-capped volcanoes from the viewpoint at the top of the TelefériQo – some of the most breathtaking volcanoes in South America .

Make sure to bring a jacket when visiting – even if Quito is warm, up on the side of the volcano it gets windy and chilly fast! Don’t come unprepared or it will put a damper on your experience.

Don’t save the TelefériQo for later in the day – Quito weather generally has bright and clear mornings and cloudier afternoons with a rainstorm in the afternoon during the rainy season. Arriving at the TelefériQo when it opens means you’ll skip the later afternoon lines and have the best chance of getting a perfect view.

Interested in making it ALL the way to the top of the Pichincha? Climbing to the top of Rucu Pichincha – one of the peaks of this volcano – is a favorite day trip from Quito .

Read More: 10 Best Day Trips from Quito

Mitad del Mundo

Mitad del Mundo is a must-visit destination for any Quito itinerary. Just a few miles outside of Quito, the “Middle of the Earth” is home to the Equator line that gives Ecuador its name. Visitors to Mitad del Mundo can head to the following sites .

Monument to the Equator

Home to a massive, towering monument, the Monument to the Equator is actually not on the true site of the Equator – GPS revealed it’s just a few meters away! Still a great visit, within the complex you’ll also find a few interesting museum exhibits, restaurants, handicraft shops, and a planetarium with light shows.

Intiñan Museum

Located on the true Equator line, the Intiñan Museum is your best bet for visiting the Equator. You’ll learn how indigenous populations revered the sun and identified the true Equator before Europeans did .

You’ll get to straddle hemispheres and try some fun, campy “science experiments” that only work on the Equator. It’s a great, interactive museum that you’ll love.

I recommend that visitors on a short Quito itinerary (like just 2 days in Quito!) just visit the Inti Ñan Museum . It’s great to see the true Equator , and have a chance to try the “experiments” here!

However, a visit to both is still a great experience. Plan to spend about an hour to an hour and a half at each site you visit.

Read More : 9 Best Day Trips From Quito

Casa de la Cultura 

If you’re going to visit just one museum in Quito , I always recommend making it the Casa de la Cultura . This multi-use building is home to cinemas, stages for performances, galleries, and the National Museum, which has a fantastic permanent collection.

Here you’ll find a fascinating collection of antiquities from pre-Incan civilizations in Ecuador, including sculptures, statues, pottery, jewelry, and more. My favorite part of the exhibit it the mummy! There is also a section on colonial art, but the pre-colonial section is by far the star.

If you’re not the museum-going type, feel free to skip it, though entrance to the museum is free. It is worth a quick stop, regardless! If you have longer than two days in Quito, check back for performances and film festivals – there is so much to see and do here, most of it free or at a low cost.

Parque El Ejido

Directly across the street from the Casa de la Cultura, next head over to Parque El Ejido. One of Quito’s great parks , this is a great place for relaxing and people-watching.

You can also try some street food here . You’ll usually find vendors selling cups of fresh tropical fruit, espumilla (merengue), cevichocos (a ceviche-like snack with white beans instead of seafood), fried plantains, and fried corn.

You’ll also get a chance to see artists who set up their work in the northeast corner of the park near the Casa de la Cultura . It is a great opportunity to get something special to take home, or just appreciate the artwork.

Best Tours of Quito

• Personalized Quito Tour, Including TeleferiQo and Mitad del Mundo

Mercado Artesanal

In the heart of La Mariscal neighborhood, the Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal (La Mariscal Artisan Market) is the best place to go in Quito if you’re looking for handicrafts and souvenirs.

Here you’ll find rows and rows of artisan stalls covering an entire city block selling everything you can imagine . Alpaca sweaters and blankets, ponchos, clothing, tablecloths, carvings, artwork, jewelry… the list goes on. You could easily spend more than an hour wandering and shopping.

The market is mostly covered, except for a central courtyard, so it makes for a great rainy-day activity as well.

If you plan on traveling on to the Otavalo Market north of Quito , I recommend you hold off on any purchases until you visit there! Prices tend to be better and variety is greater at the Otavalo market than they are here. However, this market is still well worth a visit, even if Otavalo is yet to come.

Read More : Ultimate Otavalo Guide: Visiting the Otavalo Market and Beyond

Dinner in La Mariscal

La Mariscal is a lively neighborhood, especially at night, so it’s a great place to end the first of your two days in Quito.

There are tons of restaurants, bars, and clubs in this neighborhood, so you’ll have plenty of choices for where to eat and drink.

Here are some of my favorite places to eat in La Mariscal:

• Miskay : Great Ecuadorian food done well, this restaurant is a great place to try some of Ecuador’s best dishes . Excellent cooking but not pretentious , this is one of my favorite places in La Mariscal for a nice meal.
• Cosa Nostra Trattoria The best wood fired pizza in Quito. This is authentic Italian food in a cozy atmosphere , and another place I’ve come back to over and over again.

Day Two in Quito

Old town quito tour.

Start the second morning of your two days in Quito in Quito’s Old Town. This is an unmissable highlight of any Quito itinerary, and worth at least a few hours of your time, no matter how long you are in this city.

Quito has Latin America’s largest and most well-preserved colonial historic center, and there is so much to see and do here – more than just churches and palaces and plazas!

You can easily take your own self-guided walking tour of this compact neighborhood or book one of these small group tours of the neighborhood if you’d like the insight of a guide. For a Quito 2 day itinerary, these can be a great idea:

Here are the attractions you just can’t miss in the Quito Historic Center:

• Plaza Grande : The Historic Center of Quito’s central plaza, Plaza Grande is surrounded by some of the city’s most important landmarks. Here you’ll find the presidential palace (Carondelet Palace – take the free walking tour if you have time!), the Quito Cathedral, El Sagrario Chapel, and the Centro Cultural Metropolitano.

Read More : Old Town Quito: Ultimate Guide to Quito’s Historic Center

Mercado Central

To finish out a tour of Old Town Quito, make a stop at Mercado Central, on the edge of the Historic Center. This lively market is one used by Ecuadorians every day – you won’t find too many tourists here!

However, this is a great addition to 2 days in Quito – you’ll learn so much about Ecuadorian food and traditional dishes just by looking around here. If you’re looking for what to do in Quito for 2 days that is a bit off the beaten path, this is it!

You can even sample prepared foods on one of the market’s three levels, including classic dishes from the mountainous Andes region of Ecuador like hornado (whole roasted pig), locro (potato soup), and llapingachos (cheesy mashed potato balls).

Don’t think about traveling without a good  VPN (Virtual Private Network) . Using a VPN while connecting to the internet is an easy way to keep your personal information safe from hackers and trackers.  We’ve used  NordVPN  for years and couldn’t recommend it more – it’s a must for safety online, at home or abroad. 

Parque Itchimbia

This is my favorite park in Quito – though it is often left out of itineraries and guides to the city, it is well worth a visit (take a taxi or the public bus – the climb up the hill is truly brutal). The view from this hilltop park is spectacular – you’ll get an incredible view of the city wedged between the mountains, and see the whole length of Quito.

Make sure to walk around the front end of the park to see the entire view. You’ll sometimes find fun events here like food truck roundups, free concerts, or public art displays.

Check out the Palacio de Cristal on the hilltop for art expositions, too, and take the obligatory photo with the giant Quito sign and a view of El Panecillo.

If you have time, walk around the back end of the park and through the winding bicycle paths for a view of the valleys on the other side of Quito. This is a great place to walk, people-watch, and unwind if you have the time to spare in your 2 days in Quito.

Cafe Mosaico or Vista Hermosa

End your Quito itinerary by enjoying a meal overlooking all of this beautiful city. Just below Parque Itchimbia – across from the main entrance – you’ll find a row of restaurants that make the most of their enviable position on the hillside for an incredible view.

Check out either Cafe Mosaico or Vista Hermosa , but try to make a reservation if you want a balcony table or a seat near the window , as these are the most coveted spots in the house.

Cafe Mosaico is laid back and serves a mix of cafe food and full meals, including some classic Ecuadorian dishes, along with burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Vista Hermosa is fine dining with classic Ecuadorian dishes.

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

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Quito Travel Tips – A Complete Guide to Visiting Quito, Ecuador

If you’re planning a trip to Ecuador, then you’re most likely going to visit Quito, the country’s capital city. You’ve probably landed on this post because you’re doing research about the city. If that’s the case, then we hope that you’ll find everything you want to know prior to visiting Quito in this travel tips post.

This guide aims to answer every question you might have, such as how to get to Quito and get around the city, where to stay and eat, and how to stay safe and avoid altitude sickness.

You can spend as little or as long as you wish in the city, but about 3 days in Quito would give you the greatest chance to see the best it has to offer.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something. Clicking these links won’t cost you anything, but it will help us to keep this site up and running! Learn more about our affiliate policy.

Table of Contents

Introducing Quito, Ecuador

Quito is a huge city spread out along a valley on the eastern slopes of Pichincha Volcano. Situated at 2,850 m   (9,350 ft)   above sea level, the city is also one of the highest capital cities in the world.

The earliest settlers in the area were the Quitus; a pre-Inca tribe. The Incas then converted Quito into a major city and even connected it with a road to  Cusco  in Peru.

The capital of Ecuador was then founded by the Spanish in 1534 on the ruins of the Inca city, which is very similar to the way modern  cities across Peru   were founded.

In 1822 Simon Bolivar set Quito free and also formed Gran Colombia which included present-day  Ecuador ,  Colombia , Venezuela, Panama and parts of  Peru  and Brazil. Gran Colombia was dissolved in 1831 due to political differences and Ecuador became independent.

Quito has one of the best-preserved and least altered historic centres in The Americas. Because of that, in 1978 it was the first historic centre in the world to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Read Next: How to Spend 3 Weeks in Ecuador

Is Quito Safe?

Probably one of the biggest questions you’ll have before visiting Quito: is it safe?

Quito is the biggest city in Ecuador, and just like any big city in the world, that also means crime will naturally be higher. However, this doesn’t mean that you should skip visiting the capital. Quite the opposite. We think you should definitely spend at least 3 days in Quito, because there’s a lot of interesting things to do there.

Although we felt safe during our visit and I’m sure you will too, it’s good to be aware of a few things prior to your trip. Below, we’ll list a few health and safety precautions you should bear in mind before and during your travels around Quito. However,  for more official safety advice please visit the Government’s website.

Have Travel Insurance (The Most Important Quito Travel Tip)

Often at the end of most people’s travel planning checklist is insurance. However, it is one of the most important things you should be thinking about during your travel planning. Travel insurance will provide protection if you get ill, injured, have things stolen or suffer last-minute cancellations.

Whilst purchasing travel insurance can feel like a waste of money, if something happens during your trip, it’ll quickly become one of the best investments you’ll make.

We never go anywhere without travel insurance, so make sure to buy one prior to your visit too. There are many different companies out there offering varying levels of coverage depending on your needs. We personally use SafetyWing which offers a high level of coverage at a much more affordable price than most other insurances.

SafetyWing also allows you to sign up even if your trip has already started and you completely forgot about travel insurance in the midst of all the travel planning.

Crime Related Quito Travel Tips

Just like in any densely populated city in the world crimes are not uncommon. Although violent crime is low, petty crime isn’t unheard of. Whilst we never felt unsafe in Quito, here are a few travel safety tips based on our experience and research.

• Don’t walk alone at night. Even the buzzing Historic Centre can be a bit unsafe after dark, so get an Uber instead.
• Be extra vigilant at busy plazas, bus terminals and on public transportation. Keep your valuables hidden where possible and wear your backpack on your front just like the locals.
• Try to avoid using public transportation during rush hours. It’ll be super crowded and you’re more likely to get pickpocketed. We used  money belts  to store our cash and travel cards and always felt more secure with these.
• We also don’t recommend visiting certain places, such as El Panecillo, on foot. This is because our research indicated that robbery and assaults are common on this walking route.
• Make sure to only use licensed taxis. They are yellow cabs with orange license plates and are fitted with security cameras. Although the taxi situation has improved, fake taxis are still out there and robberies can happen.
• We recommend having a physical SIM card or an eSIM so you have a local phone number with 4G coverage. For an eSIM you can use  Airalo , which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone.
• Make sure to also have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark  which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 
• Book your accommodation in safer neighbourhoods, so you won’t have to worry about your belongings when you’re out exploring.

Tourism police are present in touristy areas of Quito. They might stop you and ask about your experience and take a photo with you.

Health Related Quito Travel Tips

One thing you want to avoid on your holiday is getting sick, especially in a foreign country where you might not even speak the language. Here are a few of our personal health related tips to reduce the risk of getting ill. For more official information, check out Ecuador-specific health advice from the  National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) .

• Avoid drinking the tap water. I suggest boiling your water, using a filtered bottle such as  WaterWell  or buying bigger bottles of water and filling up a reusable water bottle. This will help you to reduce your plastic waste too.
• Whilst you should avoid tap water, make sure to actually drink enough purified water to avoid dehydration and other issues such as altitude sickness. Quito is located at 2,850 m (9,350 ft)   above sea level, which means you could get altitude sickness.
• There are many pharmacies in Quito where you can buy medicine, so only bring your prescribed medication and some basic painkillers.
• We suggest buying some altitude sickness tablets when you arrive, especially if you’re heading to even higher altitudes afterwards.

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Quito, Ecuador?

It is important to know that  anyone can develop altitude sickness  and its symptoms can be less or more severe depending on the person. Symptoms of altitude sickness include dehydration, dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, heavy breathing, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.

To avoid altitude sickness, we recommend spending at least one or two full days in Quito. If you can spare more, that’s even better, especially if you’ll be visiting other parts of the mainland such as Cotopaxi Volcano.

Try to avoid drinking too much alcohol on your first day and don’t eat too many heavy foods either. It’s very important to stay hydrated to avoid dehydration and headaches. You can drink Coca tea like the locals do at high altitudes in South America. In addition, you can also buy some altitude sickness tablets at one of the pharmacies.

Natural Disaster Related Quito Travel Tips

Natural disasters are something you won’t be able to avoid if they occur during your stay. However, knowing what to do in case of an emergency is important.

Quito is located in an area of intense seismic activity. Therefore, there is a high risk of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions . We recommend reading  the US Federal Emergency Management Agency’s advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

How to Get to Quito?

By Plane  – Obviously the easiest and least time consuming way to reach Quito is by flying to Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Depending on where you’re coming from, there are many direct flights between Quito and other major cities in North, South and Central America. From Europe you can fly direct to Quito from Amsterdam or Madrid. You can check where you can fly direct to Quito from on this website.

Find Flights to Quito ✈️

By Bus  – If you’re coming from neighbouring countries, then you can opt to take an international bus to Quito too. There are a lot of different companies that provide these services depending on which country you’re coming from.

For example, from Peru you can arrive to Guayaquil with Cruz del Sur which was one of our favourite bus companies that we used in Peru. You can also arrive from Colombia via the Rumichaca border crossing between Ipiales in Colombia and Tulcan in Ecuador.

Bus travel between countries in South America is a popular and affordable way to travel for both locals and backpackers alike. Travelling by bus will also give you the chance to stop at other places of interest along the way. Our main online sources that helped us to find bus routes and companies operating to and from our next destination were  Busbud.com  and Rome2Rio .

How to get from Quito Airport to Quito Centre?

By Public Bus – The most affordable way to get to Quito from the airport is by public transport. There are buses departing from the airport to Río Coca Terminal located in the north of Quito. You can also reach southern Quito if you hop onto a bus heading to Quitumbe Inter-provincial Terminal .

A single bus ticket only costs $2 USD and it can take an hour to get to the terminal.

Rio Coca Terminal is definitely closer to the Historic Centre and other areas you might be staying in, such as La Mariscal District. You’d still need to take either a public bus, an Uber or a taxi from there though. If you’re arriving at unsociable hours, we recommend opting for private transport from the bus terminal.

Express Buses – Another option you can consider is the Airbuses  (Aeroservicios) . They offer a fast and direct service between the Airport and Quito. The cost varies depending on where you’re going but the Historic Centre is around $14 USD per person.

You can book the service at the arrivals hall or o nline.

By Private Taxi – You can also book a taxi from the airport if you have a lot of luggage and don’t feel confident taking public transport in an unfamiliar city. You can pre-book your taxi at the official desk outside the arrivals main terminal building. You’ll have to tell them your destination and they will calculate your fee.

It’s normally a set fee depending on the distance, but to the Historic Centre it can cost between $25-35 USD.

You might also be able to arrange a pick up with your hotel or Airbnb. We picked this option and it cost us $30USD. Alternatively, you can also just p re-book an airport pickup.

Where to Stay in Quito?

No matter how long you’re staying in Quito, you’ll want to be located close to the attractions. Therefore, we recommend staying somewhere in the Historic Centre.

There are a lot of hotels and hostels catering for all interests and budgets, so you’ll find a lot of tourists in this part of Quito. Below are some of our recommendations:

• The Secret Garden
• Friends Hotel & Rooftop
• Vibes Aurik
• Viajero Quito Hostel

La Mariscal is another popular area, especially because of the vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of hotels, hostels, bars and restaurants catering for everyone wanting to enjoy the city after dark. It’s in the modern part of Quito, so you’ll feel like you could be in any city in the world here.

• Selina Quito
• Hotel Reina Isabel
• Hotel Vieja Cuba

La Floresta is the hipster district of Quito located next to La Mariscal. This area is filled with street art, cool cafes and independent restaurants. It’s definitely a trendier area to stay in Quito.

• Casa Aliso Hotel Boutique
• NH Collection Quito Royal

What to Eat in Quito?

There are many places you can find authentic Ecuadorian cuisine in Quito.

You can head to Mercado Central to take a look at some typical Ecuadorian products. The market has several floors where vendors sell fresh fruit, vegetables , meats, and more. If you get hungry, there’s an entire section dedicated to ready to eat local dishes and fresh fruit juices.

There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in Quito where you can try some typical Ecuadorian cuisine such as bolones de verde, humita s, quimbolitos , and empanada s.

Top Tip. If you want to save some pennies whilst also having a more local experience, then definitely eat out around lunch time. Most local restaurants offer an ‘ almuerzo ‘ or ‘menu del dia’ deal. This will usually include soup for a starter, a main course and a drink.

Do you want to learn more about Ecuadorian cuisine? Then make sure to book a street food tour and have a fantastic gastronomic experience in the city.

Best Ways to Move Around Quito

Whenever we can, we enjoy exploring a new place on foot. You can discover so much more whilst walking than by taking taxis everywhere. Quito’s Historic Centre is definitely walkable and we suggest exploring some of the main sites on foot. It’s also a great way to slowly acclimatise to high altitude.

If you’ve just arrived in the city, it’s always a good idea to join a free walking tour where you won’t just see, but also learn, a lot about Quito.

Note. There are a few places that are considered unsafe to walk to such as El Panecillo viewpoint. If you need to walk greater distances you can always use the bus, Uber or a taxi. Lastly, make sure to avoid walking on your own after dark.

Places located further from the Historic Centre can be reached by local buses. Using public transport is affordable and can give you a real taste of how people move around the city.

You’ll most likely use either Ecovía, Trole or Metrobus buses. These connect the north and south of Quito and they run in dedicated lanes along the main roads. You’ll have to have small change on you to get through the gates. However, you can convert larger bills to smaller change with the booth attendants. Just don’t try to give them anything larger than a $5 note.

Top Tip. Always watch your belongings carefully. Pickpockets aren’t uncommon, especially when the bus is crowded. Keep your valuables in your backpack and wear that in front of you. You will see locals doing the same.

Taxi and Uber

Another way to get around Quito is either with a taxi or Uber. Now it’s probably worth highlighting that fake taxis are not uncommon in the city. You have to make sure that you only get into an official taxi, which should be yellow with an orange plate.

The taxi should be equipped with security cameras and a meter. If you’re going to and from the airport with a taxi, make sure to order one through your hotel or hostel.

Uber is also legal in Quito, so you can definitely use it to get around the city, especially for longer distances or during unsociable hours.

Main Bus Terminals in Quito

Quito is a large, very long city. Therefore, there are quite a few different bus terminals depending on where you’re going.

• Terminal Terrestre Carcelén – Quito Norte (Quito’s north bus station). You would need to go to this bus station if you wanted to visit places such as Otavalo or were heading to Tulcan to cross the Colombian border.
• Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe – Quito Sur (Quito’s south bus station). You would need to go to this bus station if you were visiting places like Guayaquil, Cuenca , Banos and the Amazon Rainforest (Lago Agrio).
• Terminal Terrestre La Ofelia . Another bus station in the north of Quito that you’ll need to get to if you want to visit Mitad del Mundo or Mindo . The Metrobus line’s northern terminal is at La Ofelia station.

Note that it can take anywhere between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to travel between Quito’s north and south stations by car, depending on traffic. With public transport it takes even longer, so always calculate that time in.

Top Tip. In the early morning and late at night, we suggest taking an Uber to these stops. In addition, if you carry a lot of luggage, it’s also more comfortable to take an Uber.

• How to Spend 3 Days in Quito, Ecuador
• 18 Best Things to Do in Quito, Ecuador
• How to Visit the TeleferiQo in Quito, Ecuador
• How to Visit Mitad del Mundo, Quito’s Equator Line
• 7 Best Day Trips and Multi-Day Trips from Quito, Ecuador

Final Thoughts on Quito Travel Tips

As always we did a ton of research prior to arriving in Quito. We never once felt unsafe walking around. However, we did get stopped by the local tourism police a few times in the Historic Centre asking us how we were finding the city and if they could take photos with us. We found the presence of police reassuring.

Initially, we only stayed a few nights in the city to explore its top sights. However, we always had to return to Quito to catch another bus to our next destination within Ecuador. This definitely allowed us to understand how the city operates in terms of their public transport system.

Have you ever been to Quito before? If so, what was your experience? If not, would you feel more confident spending a few days in the city after reading our guide? Let us know in the comments below.

Now, let your adventure begin,

Our Top Travel Resources

Accommodation:  For hotels we always use  Booking.com  and  Hostelworld  for hostels. We also book longer stays on Airbnb or  Vrbo.

Flights:  To find the best flight prices we always check  Skyscanner ,  Google Flights  or  WayAway.  Then we also check the airlines’ websites too for comparison.

Car Rentals:  We use  Discover Cars  when we want to rent a car as it compares local, national and international companies.

Activities:  If we book organised tours we always check either  GetYourGuide  or  Viator.

Foreign Currency:  Whenever we can we prefer to pay in local currency and for that we always use our  Wise card.   We can easily withdraw money from the ATM or pay by card at most shops and restaurants.

Travel Insurance: We never go anywhere without travel insurance. You never know what will happen on your trip, so good travel insurance like SafetyWing can protect you in case of injury, illness, theft and cancellations.

eSIM and VPN: To get data abroad we use  Airalo which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone in over 190 countries. Make sure to have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark  which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 

Remember…It all starts with a Pin…

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I have friends who visit various parts of Ecuador every year- I’d love to visit someday…buses look pretty cool..and beautiful scenerey.

Thanks Jennifer, we hope that you can join your friends on one of their future trip to Ecuador.

I feel like Ecuador often is overlooked in south america, ant that really is a shame. What a wonderful country it actually is.

We totally agree. We nearly skipped it, but so happy that we decided to go at the end. It’s a beautiful country with endless things to do.

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Ecuador , Quito , South America

Best things to do in quito, ecuador in 2 days.

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When I first started planning my trip to the Galápagos Islands , I learned, that in order to get to there, you first need to fly to mainland Ecuador. One of two options was Quito, Ecuador’s capital. Since most flights from US arrive late at night and flights to Galápagos leave in the morning, the trip requires an overnight stay. Of course I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to explore Ecuador’s capital. With quite a few things to do in Quito, we kept busy for 2 days before flying to the islands.

Quito is considered to be one of the most beautiful capitals in South America. With many well-preserved colonial buildings, various plazas and stunning churches, this title is sure well deserved. Also, situated at 2,850 meters (9,350 feet), Quito is also the second highest capital in the world.

Things to know before you visit Quito

• Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was the first city in the world declared as such in 1978. It’s full of buildings in colonial style, cobble stone streets, beautiful churches and what I loved the most : the mountainous landscape around.
• The city is situated at 2850 m (9,350 f) above sea level , which can be felt upon arrival. The altitude is no joke! The key is to slowly acclimate, which was hard to do for us, since we only had 2 days in Quito and wanted to see as much as possible. Limiting alcohol and drinking plenty of water definitely helps. Another popular way to treat altitude sickness are coca leaves. Even though I personally never tested it, tea made using the leaves, supposedly eases the symptoms.
• weather in Quito is unpredictable – it’s not unusual to experience sun, clouds and rain in one day. This is especially important to keep in mind when checking the weather before your trip. Don’t be discouraged if you see rain in the forecast, because that does not necessarily mean it would rain all day. Our 2 days in Quito were supposed to be rainy, but it never rained once. And as you can see from the pictures, we got quite a bit of the sunshine instead.
• the local currency is an American dollar
• learn some Spanish! – very much like in the Galápagos Islands , knowing some Spanish was very helpful, especially in smaller restaurants and taxis. 
• drinking tap water in Ecuador is NOT recommended!
• when taking a taxi , use only those with orange license plates. These are registered and legit.

Best things to do in Quito in 2 days

Visit plaza grande.

The main square in the city is Plaza de la Independencia, often called Plaza Grande. This is a very busy and lively place, as most people visiting end up at the square at some point. It also seems to be a popular with locals and definitely a great spot for people watching. 

If you’re looking for a quick bite and a drink, make sure to check out a little Café Fabiolita. This is a family run business, that’s been around for over 40 years. It was a great value, which was a nice surprise given the location and how most places in popular plazas tend to be overpriced. Aside from great food, they also have a great selection of beers from many local breweries.

Visit the Compañía de Jesús church

Out of all the churches in Quito, Compañía de Jesús is definitely the most impressive and often regarded as the most beautiful one. This is mostly because of its spectacular interior, that is literally covered in gold leaf. The church was built in mostly Spanish Baroque style and took over 160 years to complete.

You can walk around and admire the church on your own or visit it on a 30-minute guided tour (in either English or Spanish). The tour is included in the price of the ticket. Unfortunately, taking hotos and recording is not allowed inside of the church.

Open : Monday – Thursday 9.30 am – 6.30 pm / Friday 9.30 am – 5.30 / Saturday 9.30am – 4 pm/ Sunday 12.30pm – 4 pm

Cost : $5 cash only (free on first Sunday each month).

Basilica del Voto National

During your 2 days in Quito, visiting Basilica del Voto National is a must. This beautiful Neo-Gothic church in the Historic Center is one of Quito’s main attractions, one that’s not fully finished yet. The construction of the Basilica began in 1884 and has been going on ever since. A legend says, that the day the work is completed, the world will come to an end.

The massive church is the largest Neo-Gothic church in Latin America and can be seen pretty much from any point in Quito. One of its greatest features are the gargoyles, that are inspired by the animals found in Ecuador and Galápagos Islands. So instead of the usual scary creatures, the outside of the Basilica features tortoises, iguanas and armadillos.

The absolute highlight of visiting the Basilica, at least for me, were the spectacular views of Quito. As you head to the top, there are a couple of levels, where you can stop and take in the views of the city below you. If you choose, you can reach them by taking an elevator.

The elevator however, takes you about 2/3s of the way up. If you’d like to get to the very top, there’s a very steep ladder, that leads all the way to the roof. That’s where you get the absolute best panoramic views of Quito. If fear of heights is not an issue, this is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Quito. The views will be well worth the somewhat scary climb.

Open : Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm/ Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 6 pm

Cost : $2 (to enter the Basilica) and another $4 (to climb to the top)

Take a ride on TeleferiQo

For some amazing views of Quito from above, you can’t miss taking a ride on TeleferiQo. The cable car takes you on a 2.5 km ride ( 10 min ) arriving at the lookout Cruz Loma, located at 4,050 meters above sea level. Weather permitting ( it can get pretty cloudy sometimes), you will have spectacular views of the city spreading in front of you. It’s one of the best things to do in Quito and you really shouldn’t skip it.

The views are not the only attraction, as there’s more to do once you get to the top. If you are an avid hiker, you can use TeleferiQo to get you to the starting point of an incredible trek to the top of Rucu Pichincha. The hike to the summit is 10 km (6 m) long and takes about 3 hours. This is quite challenging, mostly due to high altitude. The summit of Rucu Pichincha sits at 4,784m (15,695ft), so it’s not a good idea to do it on your first or even second day in Quito. Before attempting it, make sure to give yourself proper time to get acclimated to the altitude in Quito.

If you want to take it easy, you can take a little walk up the path towards the Chapel. You will pass horses for rent, llamas for a great photo op and the newest addition: swings.

PRO TIP : Once you get to the top, it will be much colder than in the city, so make sure to bring something warm.

Open : Monday – Friday 9 am – 7 pm/ Saturday and Sunday 8 am – 7 pm

Cost : $9 (adults) / $7 (kids under 18 years old)

Experience nightlife on La Ronda

Calle de La Ronda is a pedestrian street lined with shops, bars and restaurants. This is where you you want to be if you’d like to experience Quito’s nightlife. It’s one of those streets, that is sleepy and quiet during the day, but comes alive right after dark.

Visit the Equator

When you visit a country that is located on the Equator, it’s almost mandatory to visit the equator line . This is very easy to do from Quito, since it’s located just 25 km ( 16 miles ) away. However, there could be some confusion when you first start researching it, as two different spots might come up as ” the Equator “.

• Mitad del Mundo – this is the place, that for years was believed to be the real Equator. In 1736, the French Geodesic expedition led 3 scientist to that spot, which after taking proper measurements, was declared the equator line. It remained as such for a while, until the GPS got invented and it turned out the measurements were off by 250 meters. Still, Mitad del Mundo is worth a visit and one of the best things to do in Quito. A huge, almost 100 feet tall monument stands in the middle of Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, which makes for a great photo op.

Open : every day 9 am – 5 pm

• Intiñan Museum – just a few minute walk from Mitad del Mundo is Museo de Sitio Intiñan, the real equator line. Way more modest than Middle of the World, with just a sign proudly announcing you are on the equator line “00° 00’ 00’’ calculated with G.P. S. For $5 you can visit it either on your own or with a guide ( English or Spanish ), but I highly recommend taking advantage of the guided tour, which is included in the entrance fee. You will be able to learn a lot about the natives, animals and Ecuadorian culture. You can also participate in a couple of fun experiments, to further convince you you are located between Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Cost : $5 ( includes a guide in either English or Spanish )

For a more detailed guide read How to visit the equator in Ecuador

Visit Pululahua Volcano and Geobotanical Reserve

Pululahua Volcano wasn’t on our itinerary, but was suggested by the guide who we hired to take us to Mitad del Mundo. Visiting it made sense, as it’s located relatively close to the Equator line. It turned out to be a great stop and one of the free things to do in Quito. If you book this Full-Day Ciudad Mitad del Mundo Tour , Pululahua will be one of the stops.

Pululahua is an inactive volcano, that last erupted some 2500 years ago. Since volcanic soil is very fertile, the area was later turned into a farm. It’s still used today by farmers to grow variety of vegetables, that they later sell to local markets. What makes Pululahua crater unique, is that it’s one of only two inhabited craters in the world.

There is a viewpoint from which you get great panoramic views of Pululahua and the landscape below. If you visit in the morning, you’ll have better chances of clear skies, therefore better views. If you have more time, you can also take one of the trails all the way down and get a closer look at the village and the farm. The trek down takes about 30 minutes, but plan for up to one hour to get back up.

Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve is free to visit, but you’ll be asked to register when you arrive.

Open : every day 8 am – 5 pm

Try The Cuy 

A great trip is never complete, at least for me, without trying some local food. Getting to know a destination through traditional food really enhances my overall travel experience. I often go out of my comfort zone and try things I would have never eaten at home.

While doing my Quito research, I became familiar with one of the most traditional meals one can have in Quito: a cuy. Which is basically a roasted guinea pig. It’s usually served with a couple of side dishes. I actually planned on trying this local delicacy, until I got a chance to see my prospective meal being roasted on a pole. Whole body and all. After that sighting I could not bring myself to trying it. I opted out, but if you are looking for a unique and traditional dish, trying Cuy might be one of the things to do in Quito.

How to get from Quito Airport to the city center

Mariscal Sucre International Airport is located 43 km (27 miles) from the Historic Center of Quito. There are two ways to get from the airport to the center of the city: a taxi or a pre-arranged transfer. There uses to be a direct bus, Aeroservicios, but that is now suspended.

• Private transfer – the most convenient and hassle-free way of getting from Quito Airport to the city center is a pre-arranged pick up. The driver will be waiting for you when you arrive. They will have your flight information, so if you get delayed, they will monitor your arrival and make sure to be there on time. You can book your private transfer from Quito Airport here.
• Taxi – you can also hop in one of the taxis, that are lined up outside of the Arrivals Terminal. The taxis in Quito are regulated and a ride into Quito’s center will cost you a flat fee between $25-35 (depending which part of the city you are heading to).

If you enjoyed this article, you can download it via the GPSmyCity app – it will give you access to the guide, you will be able to use, even if you’re offline. Download it  here .

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8 thoughts on “ Best things to do in Quito, Ecuador in 2 days ”

I have to visit Ecuador and go to Mitad del Mundo, it seems so surreal. Also, I had no idea the local currency is American dollars!

Ah, Quito ❤️It’s such a beautiful city. La Basílica del Voto Nacional and Rucu Pichincha are two of my favorite spots here! I just love those mountain views. I’m glad you enjoyed your visit!

Such a great post on Quito! I have always wanted to visit but even more so now as it looks like a wonderful city. What month did you go? I’m heading to Peru next September and maybe considering making a stop here before or after! 🙂

It really is a great city and I highly recommend making a stop there, if you can pull it off. I visited at the end of November.

I really enjoyed visiting Quito, especially all those cultural events it offers. I found it crazy that those people in Punihuil live in a volcano crater that is not exactly dormant 😀

Cuy is tasty… Had it on pizza so no cute beastie to feel bad for.

Haha good to know. I’m sure if my first cuy sighting wasn’t the one of the poor thing being roasted on a metal pole, I would have tried it as well.

I have heard such good things about Quito. Peru and Ecuador are two countries I really want to visit. I loved this article!

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Day trips from quito.

Experience the enchantment of Quito on our website! Plan your trip with our essential guides, insider tips, and must-see recommendations.

Welcome to Quito Trip: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Day Trips from Quito!

Experience the wonders surrounding Quito with our exceptional selection of day trips. From breathtaking natural landscapes to culturally rich heritage sites, our carefully curated excursions promise to take you on a remarkable journey beyond the city limits.

Explore the captivating surroundings of Quito with our selection of popular day trips. Embark on an exhilarating journey to the mesmerizing Middle of the World Monument, where you can straddle the equator and delve into the fascinating world of Ecuador’s geographical significance. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Cotopaxi National Park, where the towering Cotopaxi volcano awaits, offering thrilling hikes and unforgettable views. Discover the enchanting beauty of the Mindo Cloud Forest, where lush greenery, stunning waterfalls, and a plethora of bird species create a true paradise for nature lovers. Uncover the mysteries of ancient civilizations at the captivating ruins of the Ingapirca archaeological site, a testament to Ecuador’s rich history. These popular day trips from Quito promise a delightful blend of cultural exploration, natural wonders, and unforgettable experiences.

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things to do in the old town quito

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Quito’s Historic District, a captivating destination in South America that boasts a rich cultural heritage and a multitude of attractions. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating history, vibrant architecture, and must-visit landmarks of this enchanting district. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking an immersive cultural experience, Quito’s Historic District has something to offer for everyone.

Unveiling the Historical Significance

Quito’s Historic District, also known as “Centro Histórico,” is a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses the heart of Ecuador’s capital city. It stands as a testament to the city’s colonial past, showcasing an intriguing blend of Spanish influence and indigenous heritage. Exploring this district is like stepping back in time, as its narrow cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and meticulously preserved buildings narrate stories of a bygone era.

Marvels of Colonial Architecture

One of the standout features of Quito’s Historic District is its exquisite colonial architecture. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Plaza de la Independencia, the main square that serves as the epicenter of the district. The square is adorned with significant buildings, including the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Marvel at the intricate details of the facades, the imposing bell towers, and the richly decorated interiors, all testaments to the architectural mastery of the past.

Cultural Gems Await

Venture beyond the main square and discover a treasure trove of cultural gems scattered throughout the district. Begin your journey at the Church of the Society of Jesus, commonly referred to as La Compañía. This baroque masterpiece is adorned with dazzling gold leaf decorations, intricate woodwork, and awe-inspiring religious artwork. Its ornate beauty is bound to leave you spellbound.

Continue your exploration to the San Francisco Church, an iconic landmark that dates back to the 16th century. Step inside to witness a harmonious blend of indigenous and European influences, as well as a magnificent courtyard that exudes tranquility amidst the bustling city.

Embrace the Authenticity of Calle La Ronda

For a taste of traditional Ecuadorian culture, make your way to Calle La Ronda, a charming street lined with colorful colonial houses that have been transformed into artisan shops, galleries, and lively cafés. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas of this vibrant neighborhood as you explore the local crafts, sample traditional delicacies, and perhaps even enjoy a captivating live music performance.

Museums: A Glimpse into the Past

Quito’s Historic District is home to an array of exceptional museums that offer profound insights into the city’s history, art, and culture. The Museo de la Ciudad, situated in a beautifully restored colonial building, showcases a diverse collection of artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that chronicle the city’s evolution over the centuries.

Art enthusiasts should not miss the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo, an avant-garde art museum housed in a former military hospital. Here, you can admire thought-provoking contemporary artworks from both local and international artists, providing a glimpse into the city’s vibrant art scene.

A Gastronomic Journey

No cultural exploration is complete without indulging in the local cuisine, and Quito’s Historic District offers an array of culinary delights. Visit traditional markets such as Mercado Central to savor authentic Ecuadorian dishes bursting with flavors and aromas. Don’t miss out on trying the renowned “locro de papa,” a delicious potato soup enriched with cheese, avocado, and herbs, or the delectable “ceviche,” a refreshing seafood dish infused with citrus juices and spices.

For a truly immersive gastronomic experience, consider joining a culinary tour that takes you through the vibrant streets of the Historic District, introducing you to hidden culinary gems and local delicacies. From freshly baked empanadas to sweet treats like “helado de paila,” a traditional Ecuadorian ice cream, your taste buds are in for a delightful adventure.

Captivating Cultural Events

Throughout the year, Quito’s Historic District comes alive with captivating cultural events that celebrate its rich heritage. If you happen to visit during the Holy Week, witness the vibrant processions and religious ceremonies that fill the streets with an atmosphere of reverence and devotion.

Another highlight is the Festival of Lights, an annual event where the district is adorned with mesmerizing light installations, creating a magical ambiance that illuminates the historical landmarks and transforms the city into a spectacle of colors and creativity.

Exploring Beyond the District

While the Historic District itself offers an abundance of cultural wonders, don’t limit your exploration to its borders. Quito is nestled amidst stunning natural landscapes, providing opportunities for outdoor adventures just a short distance away. Consider embarking on a day trip to the nearby Pichincha Volcano, where you can hike to its summit and revel in breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surrounding valleys.

Alternatively, venture to the Mitad del Mundo, a monument marking the equator line that divides the Earth’s northern and southern hemispheres. Here, you can straddle the equator and visit the Intiñan Museum, where fascinating experiments demonstrate the unique gravitational effects experienced at this global landmark.

Discovering the Ecuador´s capital in our: Quito old Town walking Tour

what are the Things to do in Quito?

Quito, the cultural gem of Ecuador, beckons with its rich history, awe-inspiring landscapes, and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a food lover, this enchanting city offers a myriad of experiences to suit every taste. In this expert guide, we unveil the top things to do in Quito, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this captivating destination.

Explore Quito’s Historic Center: Step back in time as you wander through Quito’s UNESCO-listed Historic Center, one of the best-preserved colonial centers in Latin America. Marvel at the intricate architecture, visit awe-inspiring churches and immerse yourself in the city’s captivating history.

Take in the Panoramic Views from El Panecillo: Climb to the top of El Panecillo, a prominent hill overlooking Quito, and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding valleys. Don’t forget to admire the iconic statue of the Virgin of Quito while savoring the picturesque scenery.

Immerse Yourself in Local Culture at La Ronda: Stroll along the charming streets of La Ronda, a historic neighborhood brimming with cultural delights. Indulge in traditional cuisine, enjoy live music performances, and explore artisan shops, capturing the essence of Quito’s vibrant cultural scene.

Discover the Mitad del Mundo: Stand at the equator line at the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) complex, where you can straddle the northern and southern hemispheres simultaneously. Explore interactive museums, experiment with gravity-defying demonstrations, and delve into the fascinating science behind the equator.

Embark on an Adventure in the Cloud Forest : Escape the city’s hustle and bustle and venture into the nearby cloud forest. Hike through lush trails, encounter diverse flora and fauna, and marvel at breathtaking waterfalls, immersing yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds Quito.

Enjoy visiting Quito City Tour, Cable Car and Middle of the World

Tour Guide Ecuador

pedro simon toaquiza

Hi, Welcome to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, I am Pedro Toaquiza passionate tour guide with over 10 years of experience dedicated to offering Daily tours, multi-day tailored to each traveler in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.

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13 Best Weekend and Day Trips from Quito, Ecuador

There’s a natural inclination to peer out of an airplane’s window in search of unfamiliar land and life below. And, as the faintest indicators present themselves, every traveller experiences a jolt of elation that takes them back to youthful Christmas days. Descending into Quito Airport provokes more robust feelings that’ll leave travelers breathless and stupidly saying “WOW”.

Situated high in the Andes, Quito, in Ecuador, unfurls more than 35km in length and just 5km in width. To the east, the Valle de los Chillos marks the decline towards the  Ecuadorian Amazon , while the west is strikingly enveloped by the steep verdure of Volcán Pichincha – the region’s active volcano. Even before landing, you’ll realize there’s an abundance of day trips from Quito that’ll tickle every type of fancy under the sun.  For some, one day is not enough and should be done as weekend trips from Quito.

NATIONAL PARK DAY AND WEEKEND TRIPS

Cotopaxi national park.

Like moths to a flame, travelers often seek experiences that defy the limitations of everyday life. One of the most exhilarating ways in which to achieve such a goal is to traverse headfirst over the contours of an active volcano.

A little over an hour from Quito city, the 33,393 hectares of Cotopaxi National Park is home to the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano – the second highest active volcano in the world. Its perfectly symmetrical cone towers 19,347ft over relatively flat terrain, meaning on a clear day its peak can be seen from Quito city centre.

With over 24 species of bird and a wide variety of ecosystems, forests, lakes, and lagoons, Cotopaxi National Park is a playground for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. The easiest way to see Cotopaxi National Park is to pre-book a tour with  Viator, who are offering many types of tours here .

Start your day trip here by hiking to Laguna Limpiopungo where Andean gulls and hummingbirds often nest. Then hike or bike to José Rivas refuge before continuing on a well-defined path to Cotopaxi’s summit ranger station. For those who love wild animals, there are hundreds of wild horses at Cotopaxi; and Tambopaxi Lodge is offering guided horseback riding tours – lasting from one to eight hours – to explore the national park. 

Weekend Trip to the Galápagos Island s

For millions of years, the Galápagos Islands were a well-guarded secret from mankind. During this time, the islands evolved into a colony of red- and blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, flamingos, sea and marine iguanas, and giant tortoises. There are more native species here than anywhere else in Ecuador. It’s no wonder Charles Darwin spent 19 days studying the islands in 1835: and his published work  On the Origin of Species  introduced the world to evolution and the exquisite beauty of the Galápagos Islands.

Although difficult to do as just a day trip from Quito, a weekend trip from Quito to the Galapagos islands can certainly be achieved. While you can’t do a Galapagos luxury cruise in that time frame, you can certainly explore one or two islands on a land trip. Flights from Quito to Galápagos depart multiple times each day : once landed, travelers should spend the day island hopping, snorkeling, and hiking.

NATURE RESERVE TRIPS FROM QUITO

Weekend trip to mindo valley.

Situated just 90km from the city of Quito ,  the pint-sized  pueblo  (small town) of  Mindo is the jungle retreat you never knew you needed. Mindo valley, the area that the town is located in, is the ultimate bucket list destination for bird watchers. With multiple nature and bird reserves , the area is known to have one of the largest concentration of birds in the world. In fact, there are many species of birds that are only found in the area.

Not that into birds? Don’t worry, there is plenty more to do in Mindo Valley. From visiting a butterfly farm to ziplining through dense rainforest, Mindo is the most diverse of day trips from Quito  and its off-the-beaten-track position lends itself to isolation and solitude. However, Mindo also hums with the subtle tones of native Ecuadorian wildlife – from its multitude of birds, sprightly butterflies, and many species flying to and from its orchid gardens.

It’s not a surprise then that Mindo has become a popular destination for backpackers. But it’s much more than that: it’s a spot for culinary experiences and delightful aromatics of chocolate and coffee made locally in the area which combined will delight your nose and tastebuds.

Hiking is also spectacular in the area. But for those who don’t want to  hike the   Mindo Cloud Forest,  the  tarabita  (cable car) transports small groups over the Nambillo River and Cascada Nambillo waterfall; then, you can tube down the Río Mindo River, mountain bike, or go birdwatching.

Weekend Trip to the Amazon Rainforest 

As the most diverse biosphere on the planet, the  Amazon Rainforest is known for being the “lungs of the Earth .” But it is also a place shrouded in mystery, with many dangers lurking beyond the designated paths, and its humid climate requires visitors to muster their innermost strength. It is the destination that cuts all ties with civilization, and the rustle of leaves and branches you thought you’d hear gives way to a deafening quiet similar to the stillness after a storm. 

Although a day or two is not enough to explore all the wonders of the Amazon rainforest, if you are short on time it could be done as a weekend trip from Quito.

How can you make the most of a short trip to the Amazon Rainforest?  Pre-book a trip with Viator , who’ll privately pick you up from your Quito hotel, and take you, for two days, into the thick of the jungle. An overnight stay is arranged in locally built lodges, and traditional cuisine is served at night. Rising before sunrise, travelers hike from their accommodation to meet local communities, traverse along calm rivers, and learn about the native wildlife from their private guide. 

Day trip to La Paz las Aves Refuge & Alambi Hummingbird Sanctuary

La Paz las Aves  translates to ‘Peace of the Birds Sanctuary’ and is considered to be one of the wonders of the natural world. For those who aren’t able to explore the Amazon Rainforest, this sanctuary is a superb alternative as it’s the best destination for birdwatching in Ecuador, with the Andean cock-of-the-rock in resident, five species of antipas, and more than 170 bird species roaming about.

Located in the private cloud forest between Nanegalito and Mindo ,  there are multiple trails where birding naturalists guide travellers past birds that are usually impossible to see in the wild, including toucanets, olivaceous pihas, the blue-winged mountain-tanager, and the colourful toucan barbet. Once you’ve had your fill of birdsong, head to the Alambi Cloud Forest Reserve for the melodious tunes of the hummingbird.

Pasochoa Forest Reserve

Declared a protected area in 1982 and later a Wildlife Refuge in 1996, the Pasochoa Forest Reserve is one of the few remaining original Andean forests. Situated within an extinct volcanic crater, travellers will become acquainted with their daredevil side as they can hike five different trails of varying lengths and difficulty through the Andean biodiversity, grasslands, and cloud forests, before marvelling at the exquisite viewpoints, including snow-capped volcanoes.

Or they can do an extreme adventure excursion, climbing the rocky volcano and spending the night camping under the stars or enjoying the afternoon sojourning at the Pasochoa refuge lodge, kitchen, or picnic area. It is best to take the highway to Los Chillos Valley from Quito and continue on the road to San Rafael-Amaguaña. Here, hire a pickup truck that goes directly to the refuge. 

HIKING DAY TRIPS FROM QUITO

Cayambe volcano  .

At an altitude of 4,690m and situated within the Cayambe Ecological Reserve, Cayambe Volcano is Ecuador’s third-highest peak and the only peak in the world to be crossed by the Equator. For those looking for unique experiences, this is certainly a day trip from Quito made for you, as Cayambe Volcano is the only point on the Equator with snow cover. It is only 70 km north-east of Quito; and a day tour gives travelers a rare opportunity of hiking near a glacier. 

Starting in Cayambe town, your private guide will transfer you into a four-wheel drive to Oleas Berge refuge before driving over green farmlands – home to many grazing alpacas. From here, beginner hikers should enjoy the dramatic views from the foothills, while more experienced climbers can try their luck with the mountain’s technical terrain.

After a short time, Glaciar Hermoso, translated as ‘Beautiful Glacier’, provides the opportunity to marvel at the ice towers formed by the volcano. Before returning to Quito city, guests are invited to try a steaming cup of coca tea and traditional lunch at the refuge. 

Pululahua Volcano Crater & Mitad del Mundo

The saying ‘two for the price of one’ speaks to the bargain hunters within us all, and this  day trip from Quito to Pululahua Volcano Crater and Mitad del Mundo  – ‘Middle of the World’ – is up there with the best of deals. Taking the only double-decker bus from Quito, travelers set off with bilingual tour guides to Pululahua to see one of only two inhabited craters in the world.

From the small town in the crater, guests are transported to Mitad del Mundo monument and its Ethnographic Museum, where you can get a photo with one foot in the Northern and one in the Southern Hemisphere, after which you can tell your friends you’ve actually been in two places at once.

With a 4D movie theatre, a beer museum, Ecuadorean chocolate factory, an exhibition of Guayasamin paintings, and a planetarium, there’s certainly something to do for everyone.

Laguna de Cuicocha & Otavalo Market

A still, dark blue lagoon cushioned in a collapsed volcanic crater of 3km wide and 200m deep, the Laguna de Cuicocha is an exceedingly alkaline lake featuring two mounded islands. These uninhabited islands came into existence after a couple of eruptions: and, according to the indigenous people, the larger of the two resembles the appearance of a guinea pig – hence the name  cuicocha , meaning ‘guinea pig lake’. 

Laguna de Cuicocha is the lesser-known version of  Quilotoa Lagoon  (which is equally impressive to hike), and its jagged ridge and well-marked paths allow travelers to hike the lake’s entire circumferences – a 14 km circuit – without bumping into another person. 

Before returning to your Quito hotel, travelers have the option to visit Otavalo Market which is just a 40-minute drive from Cuicocha. There are  multiple tours to Otavalo Market , which is an excellent place to discover a community of indigenous locals who not only wear traditional clothing that maintains their cultural identity but are famous for their weaving skills and colourful textiles. 

HOT SPRINGS & WATERFALLS

Papallacta hot springs.

Only 40 miles from Quito lie the Papallacta Hot Springs . They are   surrounded by verdant mountains, tropical flowers, and native animals, including hummingbirds, wild Pampas cats, and pikas. Their website promotes ‘health through water’ and ‘relaxation, nature, rest’ – concepts that soothe the soul, nourish the mind, and rejuvenate the body. And, after bustling days in the city of Quito or hiking and sightseeing the best of Ecuador, a day or overnight stay at the spa is just what the doctor ordered. 

A place that combines the warmth of personable service and privacy with the splendor of the natural environment, the Papallacta Hot Springs thermal pools, lush gardens, restaurant, and plethora of treatments such as aromatherapy, massages, and facials will make you never want to leave. Its thermal volcanic waters have no end of health benefits due to its minerals, and the waters will gently exfoliate your skin. 

Peguche Waterfall 

Considered the most brilliant waterfall in northern Ecuador, Peguche Waterfall, otherwise known as  Cascadas de Peguche,  is located 3km from Otavalo and is easily accessible from the city of Quito. At 18m tall, the waterfall is considered to be sacred by the locals and during Inti Raymi – the festival of the sun in June – and it is a place of purification, with locals conducting ritual cleansing baths here. 

A cobblestone street marks its entrance with stalls of handicrafts, traditional snacks, and drinks, further welcoming visitors into the Ecuadorian culture. Continue on this path to the top of the river where a secret second waterfall and mysterious caves beg to be explored. Paddle or bathe in the neighbouring  hot springs  or amble along the modest stream where chinchillas, guinea pigs, or the sound of birds can be found. 

CITY GETAWAYS

Santo domingo.

For those looking for day trips from Quito that involve a shopping or nightclub fix, head to Santo Domingo.  It’s a driving distance of 132 km from the city of Quito. With its bustling energy, Santo Domingo also has a lot of history; and the statue of Ecuadorian hero, Antonio José de Sucre, stands tall in the middle of its plaza, pointing towards the area where the battle for Ecuadorian independence was won in 1822. 

Before heading to one of its multiple restaurants for delicious traditional Ecuadorian food, make sure to visit the Tsáchilla communities, whose inhabitants have bowl haircuts smoothed down with bright red  achiote  dye. It is no wonder these people became known as  Los Colorados , meaning coloured or red-heads. Then, pop over to La Perla Protected Forest, Lelia River, and ‘El Bombolí’ for a wonderful view.

For the thrill-seekers and adventurers, Banos is the ultimate weekend getaway from Quito. Although it could be done as one very long day trip from Quito, with so much to do it is recommended to spend at least a couple days in this beautiful town.

Banos (full name Baños de Agua Santa) is located approximately 3.5 hours driving from Quito. This small city truly has something for everyone. For those looking for day trips from Quito that have beautiful waterfalls, adrenaline-packed adventures including waterfall rappelling, white water rafting, swinging out over massive cliffs on swings or simply relaxing in a thermal spa, you can find it all in Banos de Agua Santa.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

All the aforementioned day trips from Quito can be taken on your own by renting a car. The roads in Ecuador are in great shape and driving is relatively easy. Alternatively, you could hire a driver for a day or take a tour to any of these destinations. Finally, Quito has great public transportation options if you prefer to get around by bus and train.

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The 10 best things to do in Ecuador

Jun 10, 2024 • 8 min read

Outdoorsy travelers will find plenty of adventure in Ecuador's mountains © BROTEstudio / iStockphoto / Getty Images

Outdoor adventures, incredible landscapes and diversity-driven culture place Ecuador high on any travel bucket list.  Spanning altitude-high Andean cities, sun-kissed beaches and wildlife havens, the South American nation offers some truly epic experiences.  

Upon arriving in Ecuador, travelers of all kinds will find themselves enticed by the wide range of options and activities available. Want to hike to the highest point on Earth, swim in the Galápagos Islands and taste one of the finest cacao varieties in the world? That’s all possible in Ecuador. 

Buckle up because you’re in for a ride. From exploring the Avenue of Volcanoes to strolling through UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these are the best things to do in Ecuador. 

1. Enjoy the beauty of the Galápagos Islands

Embark on a journey to the Galápagos Archipelago to explore one of the best-preserved natural sanctuaries on the planet. Hop between islands to see the region's famous wildlife at places such as the Charles Darwin Station, Tortuga Bay, Lavva Tunnels and Tintoreras Islet. Among the long list of species inhabiting the archipelago — some of which exclusively live in the islands — are giant tortoises, blue footed boobies, iguanas and the only penguins to live by the equatorial line.

Hike along trails untarnished by human activity and enjoy the breathtaking views. For an unforgettable next-level experience, venture on guided scuba diving or snorkeling excursions — encounters with sea lions, rare fish and turtles are guaranteed.

Planning tip: While many sports rentals and tourism agencies offer courses and provide equipment for underwater sports, it is always recommended to bring your own wet suit as rental availability could be limited by size and demand. 

2. Visit the Quilotoa Loop

Whether you opt for a full-fledged. multi-day trekking experience or you arrive by car from Quito, stopping by the Quilotoa Loop is non-negotiable. 

Located about 179km south of Quito, the Quilotoa Loop is a popular hiking destination that sits about 3,910m above sea level at its highest point. With emerald-green waters and a stunning view of the Andean mountain range, this crater lake in the Andean Highlands is either the perfect destination for a hiking trip or an Instagrammable stop-off as you explore the Andean range. 

Planning tip: Buses and transportation for day tours can take you straight to the crater, and they're bookable in nearby Latacunga. Catch a ride up and trek your way back to town, wrapping up your trip with a massive plate of chucgchucaras , Cotopaxi’s star dish. 

3. Support community-based tourism in La Amazonía

Communities across Ecuador have crafted sustainable economy initiatives and projects to promote community-based tourism. In the Amazon region, a network of hotels, reserves and guided tours are available thanks to villagers and Indigenous people. 

Explore the depths of the Amazon rainforest, learn about the lifestyle and traditions of Indigenous communities and marvel at the extraordinary wildlife at places such as the Sinchi Warmi community center in Puerto Misahuallí or Sani Lodge at the Yasuní National Park . 

Known as Ecuador’s gateway to the Amazon, Puerto Misahuallí offers canoe sailing trips down Río Napo, guided tours to the rainforest and animal-watching experiences (spotting Capuchin monkeys at plazas will be free though). At Sinchi Warmi, the women of the Kichwa community introduce travelers to Indigenous rituals, traditional food and handmade crafts. 

Deeper into the Amazon jungle, Yasuní National Park is a favored spot for bird watching, wildlife photography trips and learning about the Indigenous communities protecting this ultra-diverse biosphere.  

4. Witness La Diablada Pillareña 

It might only take place once a year, but villagers of Pillaro, a town in Tungurahua, prepare all year for La Diablada Pillareña. Steeped in tradition, spirituality and dose of irreverence, this festival perpetuates a quirky colonial-era tradition that originated as a way to defy oppression and exploitation from Spanish religious institutions: dressing up as the devil. 

Richly decorated masks, bold costumes and loads of symbolism are at the core of this celebration held every January. Communities come together to dance the day and night away in the streets, following classic banda de pueblo (instrumental band) tunes. 

Planning tip: La Diablada Pillareña takes place between January 1 and January 6. If you want to partake in this colorful celebration, it’s best to make a day trip as finding accommodation in Pillaro is difficult. For time-saving purposes, you can sneak a stop in as you explore the Central Highlands or travel from the closest urban city, Ambato.

5. Admire gold-capped churches and colonial art in Quito

While Quito is often overlooked as a top destination within Ecuador, the capital city’s UNESCO-recognized historical center deserves at least a day in your itinerary. 

Admire the Spanish-influenced architecture as you walk the cobblestone streets, apprise the gilded colonial churches and marvel at the art of mestizo and Indigenous masters from La Escuela Quiteña (Quito’s School of Art). Must-see landmarks include Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, Iglesia Convento de San Francisco and Catedral Metropolitana. 

Local tip: Before heading elsewhere, venture into the cafe-lined streets or stop by the restaurants at Palacio Arzobispal for a taste of quiteños ’ favorite treats. 

6. Touch down in Cuenca to discover southern Ecuador

Boasting a slew of nicknames including “the Athens of Ecuador,” Cuenca attracts tourists with picturesque streets, vibrant culture and cuencanos ’ charming accent. Artisans shops, museums, modern cuisine restaurants and the uber-popular blue-domed cathedral are among the most popular attractions in the city. 

Cuenca also serves as the perfect point of departure to nearby national parks and archeological sites, as well as a good starting point for a trip around southern Ecuador. 

Local tip: If you’re online, you’ve probably come across viral videos of energy limpias (cleansings) in Cuenca. Rooted in Indigenous tradition and syncretism, limpias are popular rituals throughout Latin America. The idea is that curanderas (healers) clean your energy and spirit as they rub herbs like eucalyptus, rue and rosemary all over the body  For the full experience in the city, hit a local market and for this traditional herbal cleanse – Mercado 10 de Agosto, Mercado 27 de Febrero and feria libre (open market) are some of the most trusted spots for a limpia in Cuenca. 

7. Enjoy traditional music and festivals in the Northern Highlands

Though Indigenous music and dance are prevalent across communities of the Ecuadorian serranía (highlands), Andean music tradition is particularly strong in the northern province of Imbabura. Visitors can immerse themselves in Indigenous culture at artisan workshops, local music stores and festivals. 

In the city of Otavalo and neighboring communities, Indigenous-owned establishments like Taita Gundo Casa de Música Andina and Taller Ñanda Mañachi offer a peek into music instrument creation and traditional performances. 

Festivals and religious celebrations such as Inti Raymi and Fiesta de San Juan also serve as an opportunity for tourists to enjoy and learn about Indigenous folklore. 

Planning tip: If you want to get a glimpse of some of the biggest festivities in the Northern Highlands, plan your trip during the summer. Celebrations commemorating Inti Raymi, San Juan and San Pedro y San Pablo take place between June 21 and June 28.  

8. Follow the Avenue of Volcanoes

Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can’t skip the chance to tour the Andean Highlands as they follow the Avenue of Volcanoes — the name given to a segment of mountain range that divides Ecuador into regions. 

Stretching about 350km, this route encompasses well-loved volcanos and snow-capped hiking destinations including Mount Chimborazo , Volcán Cotopaxi and the Quilotoa Loop. You can tailor this experience according to your preferences, stopping by small towns of the Ecuadorian serranía , lodging at haciendas such as La Ciénaga or Abraspungo , joining trekking and hiking excursions or even opting for horseback riding tours with chagras (Ecuadorian cowboys).   

Planning tip: Due to the high altitude of the mountain range, you could experience altitude sickness. Before embarking on this journey through the Andean region, let your body acclimate. Quito, sitting at 2850m (9350ft) above sea level, would be a great starting point to kick off this route. 

9. Eat, live and surf on the Pacific Coast 

Spanning five provinces, Ecuador’s coastline is a playground for all sorts of tourists, and the different types of swells converging in Ecuador make Montañita , Canoa and Ayampe prime surf destinations. 

Meanwhile, National Park Machalilla is the go-to spot for nature-loving individuals hoping to catch a glimpse of unique wildlife –pelicans, albatrosses, boobies and humpback whales all make appearances. Secluded beaches like Los Frailes, Playa Tortuga and Playa Rosada, on the other hand, are ideal for relaxed retreats due to their calm clear waters and the absence of major hotels and tourism hubs.

The common thread uniting all these destinations will be the fantastic gastronomic offerings, from Ecuadorian ceviche (brothy seafood marinated with citrus juices and served with fine herbs, onion and tomato) to coconut-based beverages. 

Planning tip: Humpback whales migrate every May to Puerto López in Manabí, attracted by the warm waters of the Machalilla National Park. The whale-watching season runs from June to September. 

10. Explore the Chocó Andino

Covering about one-third of the Pichincha province, the Chocó Andino is a biosphere reserve located northwest of Quito. Spanning an extension of over ​​2868 sq km, the mist-kissed hills and cloud forests are home to an impressive concentration of wildlife: rare birds, a wide variety of butterfly species, amphibians and the Andean Spectacled Bear inhabit this ultra-biodiverse but endangered area.

Bird-watching tours, wellness retreats at spas surrounded by lush forests, wildlife photography experiences and trekking are some of the options for those wishing to visit this protected haven.  

Keep planning your trip to Ecuador:

Save big and with these budget travel tips Takes notes on the best ways to get around Ecuador Families will love these kid-friendly activities What to know before you go – from a local

This article was first published Nov 26, 2021 and updated Jun 10, 2024.

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Hiking Quilotoa - Ecuador's Most Beautiful Lake

H iking Quiloto - Ecuador's most beautiful lake is a MUST add to your Ecuador bucket list. Quilotoa is a water-filled crater lake and the most western volcano in Ecuador's Andes. The 3-kilometre-wide caldera was formed by the collapse of a volcano. Quilotoa is 111 miles (178km) southwest of Ecuador's capital Quito, located in Cotopaxi province. Quilotoa Laguna is one of Ecuador’s best-kept secrets. If you want to get off the beaten path, you'll be rewarded by views that will take your breath away. 

Quilotoa Lake Highlights

The main highlight of visiting the region is hiking Quilotoa. The Quilotoa Loop is a well-known hike that takes several days to complete. The other main highlight is a visit to the beautiful lake, which can be done by hiking down to the lake from the main parking lot.

How to Get to Quilotoa in Ecuador

To get to Quilotoa in Ecuador you can take a full-day tour from Quito , which includes entrance fees and a beautiful ride through the mountains. However, if you plan on visiting Cotopaxi as well, then you might want to try a 2-day tour to both Cotopaxi and Quilotoa .

Things to Do in Quilotoa

Hiking is the main activity you can do in Quilotoa Ecuador. You can hike around the Quilotoa Crater Lake or undertake the multi-day  Quilotoa Loop hike . There are also a range of other day hikes in the area. Other activities in Quilotoa include visiting cheese factories or heading to local markets to shop where the locals shop. Kayaks are available for rent at the bottom of the trail. There's even a motorized boat that takes you around the lake.

Hiking Trails - Quilotoa Laguna

Most popular: quilotoa laguna playa.

Discover this 2.2-mile out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of 1,154 ft . (351.7 m) this is generally considered a challenging route . I struggled on the way back up the switchbacks I'm not going to lie. It takes an average of 1 hour 52 min to complete but plan for longer if you want to enjoy the lake. This is a trendy area for locals to come camping and hiking. The best times to visit this trail are October through May. We visited in June and it was chilly at the top in the higher elevation, so bring a jacket!

Multi-Day Hikes

Quilotoa Loop: Isinliví - Chugchilán: Check out this 7.7-mile point-to-point trail near Sigchos, Cotopaxi. Generally considered a challenging route , it takes an average of 4 h 16 min to complete . This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Quilotoa Loop: Chugchilán - Quilotoa Lagoon: Experience this 8.3-mile point-to-point trail . Generally considered a challenging route , it takes an average of 4 h 50 min to complete . The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

Where to Stay When Hiking Quilotoa

Hostería Chukirawa : Terrace with a 180-degree view of the Quilotoa Lagoon viewpoint. Just 66 ft away from the trail heads, this hostel is perfect for singles, couples, and people looking to meet other like-minded travelers. If you take the bus to get to Quilotoa, you will get dropped off just a short walk away from Hostería Chukirawa.

The Black Sheep Inn: Award-winning ecolodge in the heart of the rural Andes. The Inn can provide drivers to and from Quito, as well as to the start/end of each day's hike.

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