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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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14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Quito

Written by Alison Abbott and Diana Bocco Updated Mar 22, 2023

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, often takes a backseat to the more well-known Galapagos Islands. Tourists are not always aware that the city offers its own panoply of unique attractions. After all, the entire city of Quito was crowned the very first UNESCO World Heritage site in the world .

With over two dozen historic churches, a wide variety of museums and tourist attractions, and a developing foodie culture paying homage to traditional ingredients, this gateway city is one visitors should not overlook.

Add in a vast array of hotels at all price points and an equatorial climate that keeps the temperature comfortable and uniform year-round, and this South American charmer might just become your new favorite city.

Plan your visit with our list of the top things to do in Quito.

El Panecillo

Ciudad mitad del mundo, catch the views from teleferico, the crystal palace, eat empanadas, la forest street art tour, walk down la ronda, stop by plaza grande, basilica del voto nacional, casa del alabado museo, chapel of man, convent and monastery san francisco, spend an afternoon at parque carolina, map of attractions & things to do in quito, quito, ecuador - climate chart.

On the south side of Old Town, perched high on the hill overlooking Quito, is El Panecillo, one of the city's top attractions. This major landmark in Quito is home to the La Virgen de Quito, a luminous madonna statue that was constructed in 1976 entirely of aluminum by Spanish artist, Agustin de la Herran Matorras. The views of Quito and the volcanos are epic if you can catch a glimpse and tour on a clear day.

Be sure to climb the steps up to the base of the statue for the best view. An insider tip is to try and visit first thing in the morning before the clouds roll in.

For a sneak peek into the history of Ecuador and its indigenous people, head to the Cuidad Mitad del Mundo. This national landmark (the equator) has several statues; a small village; and a charming, old-school museum.

Don't be fooled by its size, the museum has exhibits from Highland and Amazonian tribes, which include their history, and a homey collection of musical instruments, clothes, textiles, and more. Combined with the adjacent Middle of the Earth, this is one of the best things to see in Quito.

Make sure to try some of the experiments on offer where there's a new normal for gravity, and you can even balance an egg on top of a nail. Where else can you straddle both sides of the equator?

Be sure to allow some time and stop in the gift shop, which sells goods handcrafted by local artisans. Again, like most of the things to do in Quito, early is better.

The many churches of Quito are within walking distance of one and other, but if you can only visit a single church during your stay in Quito, Compañia de Jesús should be the one. The extraordinary exterior of the building is only surpassed by the jaw-dropping interior. Imagine seven tons of gold leaf. It covers all surfaces in excess that could only belong to a house of worship.

Often called Quito's Sistene Chapel, the breathtaking interior will not disappoint. Centrally located, the structure was begun in 1605 and completed 160 years later. Well known for the decorative and expansive central nave, the Jesuit church is considered the finest example of Spanish Baroque architecture in South America.

Those with acrophobia take note. For breathtaking views and a nail-biting ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat, stop by the Quito Teleferico. This sky tram is one of the highest aerial lifts in the world . The ride is only 10 minutes, but you will marvel at the views over Quito as it climbs up the side of Volcan Pichincha and comes to a rest on top of Cruz Loma.

This is the gateway for more adventures. Visitors can hike, cycle, or enjoy the rides at the amusement park, Vulqano Park , at the base station of Rucu Pichincha. There is also a swing at the top for the ultimate Instagrammable picture.

Surrounded by Guayas river, which winds through Quito, Itchimbia sits high above the Old Town. Head to this serene grassy park in the Guayaquil neighborhood to take a stroll or just take a break from a busy day of sightseeing, all while taking in the panoramic views.

In Itchimbia, you will see one of the landmarks from the past, the Crystal Palace . Designed by engineers Francisco Manrique and Carlos van Ischot and overseen by Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame, the structure was brought over from Belgium piece by piece and rebuilt.

Along the riverbank, this impressive structure is abandoned but is still a must-see for tourists solely on its architectural integrity. Once a bustling marketplace, it is now vacant but well loved by photographers and others who want to walk through its vast center hallway. The surrounding plaza is often a hub of activity.

Do you enjoy eating local foods when you travel? If you have never had an empanada, you will be hooked after a visit to Quito. This delectable staple in South America is one of Ecuador's favorite street foods. There are many places you can find empanadas around the city, from restaurants to sidewalk stands.

At the top of our list are empanadas de viento , with a cheese-filled center and dusted with sugar. Another choice is empanadas de verde , made from green plantains, a plentiful staple in South America. After getting your fill, it will be time for some active fun. La Forest Street Art Tour is the perfect way to burn off those tasty calories.

If you want to get a view of the city on foot, from one of the locals, try the free La Forest Street Art Tour. You will spend three hours winding your way through historic houses, learning more about Ecuador's colorful history and even more about its colorful murals and prolific graffiti art scene. On the tour, you will also head to the famous Ocho Y Medio , an independent cinema with one-of-a-kind movies.

No tour of Quito would be complete without some of the delicious coffee and local treats. This activity happily obliges with a stop at one of the local coffee shops to recharge. After this tour, you will have a better understanding of the vibrant culture and warm people who make up Quito's population.

La Ronda is one of the best-preserved streets in colonial Old Town . Colorful and full of activity, the cobbled street is lined with cafés, galleries, and the best of traditional artisans invited by the government to share their craftsmanship with the public. If you come early in the day, the area is still sleepy and a great spot for a quiet cup of coffee. Later, the street hums with movement from both the shopkeepers and tourists.

Don't miss some of the vendors tucked in the back of shops or little alleyways. They represent the best of local Quito and are great spots to find souvenirs and keep traditional crafts alive.

Spending some time in one of Quito's popular crowd-gathering plazas is a must for visitors. Soak up the popular culture and see how the locals meet and greet. Street food vendors and buskers are all part of the activity on offer.

A favorite is Plaza Grande, aka Independence Square , which is bordered by the Presidential Palace , City Hall , a cathedral, and the Archbishop's Palace . Choose a bench and enjoy the people watching. Multi generations gather, and the central statue is a favorite spot for photos.

Vendors of all kinds make their way through the paths of cobblestones that radiate from the center. Should you need it, you'll have many a chance to get your shoes shined.

If you enjoy getting an overview of a new city, visit the Basilica for a 360-degree, bird's-eye view from the twin bell towers. The climb to the Neo-Gothic Tower is not for the faint of heart, but no worries, an elevator is also available. If possible, arrange your tour in the early morning or late afternoon for the best photography light.

Keep your eyes peeled for the gargoyles on the exterior. The sculptors have playfully carved indigenous animals of Ecuador into the exterior. Armadillos, tortoises, birds, and dolphins replace traditional goblins and religious figures.

Located just a short distance from the main square of Plaza San Francisco, the collection represents the Pre-columbian world of indigenous American people. Visitors will find the rooms broken down into small, manageable bites of related objects.

Taking the tour brings sightseers through the relationship of communication, rituals, and nature. Illustrating how they are all intertwined, the related objects are decorated with images from the celestial, underworld, and middle earth.

The center courtyard offers an opportunity for a light bite, a bit of rest, and a shaded spot to organize your next round of sightseeing.

It's easy to overlook the story of the indigenous population during travel. There is no better place to learn more than the powerful museum featuring the work of Oswalso Guayasamín . He was an Ecuadorian master painter and sculptor of Quechua and Mestizo heritage who championed the story of the underprivileged.

Located high on a bluff overlooking the city, the museum was completed in 2002, shortly after the artist's death. The Chapel of Man is dedicated to the struggles of the indigenous people both before and after the arrival of the Spanish explorers. The artist's enormous paintings fill the unique space, and the enormity of the subject matter is important for travelers to experience.

The setting is quite somber and dramatic, with plenty of intimate spaces to pause and ponder the ideas the artist presents. Make sure to look for all of the street art on the drive up to the structure.

Iglesia San Francisco is Quito's first church and also the largest religious complex in South America . The entire compound of buildings will transport visitors back to the 16 th century. Close your eyes, and you might even hear the faint sound of monks chanting in a muffled hush.

Inside, along with an appropriate musty scent, the woodcarvings are spectacular. Crowning the altar is the exquisite Winged or Dancing Virgin sculpture by Bernardo de Legarda. The design of her dress and folded hands give a feeling of motion. This particular Virgin can be seen throughout the northern Andes as a popular cult figure.

The adjacent museum has an impressive collection of artwork and décor. In addition, an airy courtyard complete with a ring of swaying palms is a welcome respite from the buzzing streets outside. Make sure to ask your tour guide about the devil's connection to the building-a great inventive folk tale sure to raise the hairs on your neck.

Known as the "Central Park" of Quito, this massive 165-acre urban space is a popular place to visit on weekends for city dwellers looking for some greenery, as well as for those looking for things to do. Rent a paddleboat, explore the bicycle trails, or try the skate park. On weekends, the park comes alive with performances, kite flying, and impromptu soccer games. You'll find plenty of food stalls and even a defunct air force plane that now holds an exhibit.

The Quito Botanical Garden is located within Carolina Park and houses both native and foreign plants, a lagoon, an orchid garden, a beautiful cloud forest, a garden dedicated to medicinal plants (including the native South American plant, Cinchona officinalis, used to cure malaria), and a hydroponic rose collection.

The park is also home to a vivarium and the Quito Exhibition Center, which often hosts exhibitions and fairs. The Museum of Natural Sciences is also part of the park. You'll find exhibits of flora, fauna, and paleontology here. Learn about the biological diversity of animals in Ecuador; see a large collection of insects; and explore the botanical exhibit, which consists of over 200,000 specimens. The museum's main attraction, however, is Tito, an almost complete mastodon skeleton found in Ecuador.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Guide to Ecuador: If Quito is just a gateway to the rest of your trip, be sure to see our guide to the Top Attractions in Ecuador . Learn about other important cities like Cuenca and Guayaquil, as well as the markets, beaches, waterfalls, and other major attractions across the country.

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Must-see attractions in Quito

Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

Capped by green-and-gold domes, La Compañía de Jesús is Quito’s most ornate church and a standout among the baroque splendors of the Old Town. Free guided…

For spectacular views over Quito’s mountainous landscape, hop aboard this sky tram, one of the world's highest aerial lifts, that takes passengers on a 2…

Casa Museo Guayasamín

In the former home of the legendary painter Oswaldo Guayasamín (1919–99), this wonderful museum houses the most complete collection of the artist's work…

Capilla del Hombre

One of the most important works of art in South America, Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín’s Capilla del Hombre stands next to the Casa Museo…

Palacio de Gobierno

The low white building on the northwestern side of Plaza Grande is the seat of the Ecuadorian presidency. Visitors can enter by joining a free guided tour…

Museos Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana

Newly reopened following a full-scale makeover, Museos Casa de la Cultura encompasses three museums in a single bright, modern space. The expansive Museo…

Museo Nacional

Located in the circular, glass-plated, landmark building of the Casa de la Cultura is one of the country’s largest collections of Ecuadorian art, with…

Catedral Metropolitana

On Plaza Grande's southwest side stands Quito's cathedral. Although not the most ornate of the Old Town’s churches, it has some fascinating works by…

Museo Franciscano

To the right of the Iglesia de San Francisco’s main entrance, and within the Convent of St Francis, this museum contains some of the church’s finest…

El Panecillo

Topped by a 41m-tall aluminum mosaic statue of La Virgen de Quito (Virgin of Quito; completed in 1976), with a crown of stars, angelic wings and a chained…

Plaza Grande

While wandering around colonial Quito, you'll probably pass through the Plaza Grande several times. Its benches are great for soaking up the Andean…

Monasterio Museo del Carmen Alto

The Monasterio Museo del Carmen Alto, built in 1653 and still home to an order of 20 Carmelite nuns, now houses an interesting museum. Exhibits explore…

Jardín Botánico

Parque La Carolina’s most popular attraction is this peacefully set botanical garden with native habitats covering páramo (high-altitude Andean grasslands…

Mindalae – Museo Etnográfico de Artesanía de Ecuador

Just north of Mariscal Sucre, this worthwhile museum has displays on the spiritual beliefs and practices, artwork, clothing and utensils of Ecuador’s…

Museo de la Ciudad

This first-rate museum depicts daily life in Quito through the centuries, with displays including dioramas, model indigenous homes and colonial kitchens…

Cumandá Parque Urbano

The Old Town's old bus terminal has been converted into a sparkling covered cultural center and sports complex with a volleyball court, soccer pitch,…

Casa del Alabado

Housed in an elegant colonial-era home, this privately owned museum with contemporary displays showcases an impressive collection of pre-Columbian…

Quito Observatory

Opened by President García Moreno in 1864, this four-sided observatory is the oldest on the continent. It houses a museum of 19th-century pendulums,…

Parque Itchimbia

Sitting high on a hill above the Old Town, this grassy park boasts magnificent views of the city, running and cycle tracks and a children's playground. It…

Santuario de Guápulo

In an elegant square in Guápulo stands the neighborhood’s centerpiece, the 17th-century Santuario de Guápulo, surrounded by sheer valley sides. It has an…

Plaza San Francisco

Walking from the Old Town’s narrow colonial streets into this open plaza reveals one of the finest sights in all of Ecuador: a sweeping cobblestone plaza…

La Ronda is a colorful cobblestone street featuring colonial houses mostly given over to souvenir shops, bars and restaurants, and carefully restored for…

Centro de Arte Contemporáneo

Inside a beautifully restored former military hospital, this excellent museum showcases cutting-edge multimedia exhibits as well as top modern-art shows…

Museo Alberto Mena Caamaño

Get a glimpse of Quito’s early colonial history through wax figures depicting the city's key events, including the massacre of August 2, 1810 when some…

Parque La Carolina

North of Mariscal Sucre lies expansive Parque La Carolina. The attractively landscaped park fills on weekends with families who come out for paddleboats,…

Plaza Santo Domingo

Plaza Santo Domingo, near the southwest end of Calle Guayaquil, is a regular haunt for street performers. The plaza is beautiful in the evening, when the…

Convento de San Diego

Overlooking the Old Town, this beautiful 17th-century Franciscan convent sits in a quiet courtyard behind thick walls. Inside, you’ll find outstanding…

Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco

Construction of the convent, the city’s largest colonial structure, began only a few weeks after the Spanish establishment of Quito in 1534, but wasn't…

Centro Cultural Metropolitano

Just off Plaza Grande, this beautifully restored building houses the municipal library and lecture rooms, and hosts temporary art exhibitions.

Convento San Agustín

This monastery is a fine example of 17th-century architecture, with unusual Moorish arches decorated with hundreds of golden pineapples. Many of the…

Basílica del Voto Nacional

On a hill in the northeastern part of the Old Town looms this massive Gothic church, Quito's largest, built over several decades beginning in 1892. Rather…

Iglesia La Merced

This 18th-century church boasts the highest tower in colonial Quito and a wealth of fascinating art, including paintings that show volcanoes erupting over…

Mirador de Guápulo

The views from the lookout platform are magnificent: on a clear day, you can see Volcán Cayambe and Cerro Puntas as well as the upscale suburb of Cumbayá …

Capilla de Cantuña

The Cantuña Chapel houses a small art collection from the Quito School. It’s shrouded in one of Quito’s most famous legends, that of the indigenous…

Cima de la Libertad

Up the flanks of Volcán Pichincha, this monument offers one of the finest views of the city. It was built at the site of the May 1822 Batalla de Pichincha…

Monasterio Museo Santa Catalina de Siena

Guided tours (in Spanish) of the museum at this fully functioning Dominican monastery, founded in 1592, take in 18th-century religious paintings, some of…

National Assembly

Between Parque Alameda and Parque El Ejido stands the National Assembly building, the equivalent of the Houses of Parliament or the Capitol Building. A…

Parque La Alameda

Breaking up the New Town's sea of concrete and glass is this welcome splash of greenery, containing the Quito Observatory and a small boating lake. A few…

Museo del Agua-Yaku

Housed in a stunning modern glass building on the lower slopes of Pichincha, at the site of the city's first water distribution tanks, this museum tells…

Parque El Ejido

Northeast of La Alameda, the pleasant, tree-filled Parque El Ejido is a popular spot for impromptu games of soccer and volleyball. The park teems with…

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15 Best Things to Do in Quito, Ecuador

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

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

Stand on the Equator at La Mitadad del Mundo

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

Ride the TeleferiQo Up the Pichincha Volcano

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

Play in the Park at Parque Metropolitano del Sur

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

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

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

Climb the Stairs of Basilica del Voto Nacional

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

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

Meet the Angel Overlooking Quito at La Virgen del Panecillo

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

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

Gander at the La Floresta's Street Art

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

Stumble Through the Plaza de Independencia

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

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

Go Bohemian on Calle La Ronda

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

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

Shop for Colorful Andean Textiles

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

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

Take a Sunday Bike Ride on Quito Ciclopaseo

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

Eat Eclectic Ecuadorian Street Food

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

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

Wander Through the Botanical Garden of Quito

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

Ride the Historic Quito Trolley

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

Embrace Art & Culture at Quito's Museums

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

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

Cheer at the Atahualpa Olympic Stadium

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

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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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Quito Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 11, 2024

Quito is the cultural heart and political capital of Ecuador . Surrounded by mountains, Quito offers a mix of colonial Spanish architecture and sprawling modernity that makes the city both interesting and beautiful.

I really liked my visit to Quito. I didn’t really know what to expect but I found the city lively, gritty, and full of welcoming people.

Quito might not be where you’ll stay the longest when you visit the country but it offers enough to fill a few days. Its UNESCO Old Town and proximity to the equator ensure there is enough to keep you busy for a couple of days before you move on.

This travel guide to Quito can help you plan your visit there, stay safe, and save money as you explore Ecuador’s capital.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• How to Stay Safe
• Where to Stay
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• How to Get Around
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Quito

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in quito.

1. Visit the old monasteries

Quito has several ancient monasteries to visit, including Santo Domingo, San Augustin, and San Diego. The San Diego convent, built by the Franciscans, is one of the city’s largest. It’s the oldest church in Ecuador, dating to 1534, and construction took 150 years to complete. Although it has been rebuilt several times after earthquake damage, you’ll still find original tilework in the chapel and a set of stairs that were originally designed for the Vatican. Santo Domingo was constructed in the 16th century in Baroque and Moorish styles. It’s very ornate and there’s a small museum on-site featuring paintings and other works of art as well.

2. Cross the Equator

Located near Quito, you can visit both real and fake equatorial monuments. Quito is the world’s closest major city to the equator. The “fake” monument was built in the 1970s to mark the equator. However, when GPS was invented, it revealed that the original calculations were off. On the weekends you can enjoy the lively plaza with music and dance performances. There’s also a museum nearby with a planetarium, ethnographic information, local art, and fun chocolate and beer exhibits. Museum entry is $5 USD.

3. Go to El Panecillo

E Panecillo (“the bread roll”) is a hill overlooking the city. It’s famous for its views and used to contain an Inca temple honoring the sun. The Incas called it Shungoloma , which means Hill of the Heart. Later, the Spanish built a fortress on the hill to serve as a lookout. On the hill is a 140-ft-tall aluminum mosaic statue of the Virgin Mary constructed in 1976. The best time to enjoy the view of the city and snap some pictures from here is early to mid-morning to avoid the crowds and the afternoon cloud cover.

4. Explore the markets

Quito has tons of great markets and they offer amazing opportunities to experience Ecuador’s cultural diversity. Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal has tons of artisanal goods, including everything from alpaca blankets to Ecuadorian chocolates. Mercado Municipal Santa Clara is another popular market for purchasing local art and experiencing Ecuadorian craftsmanship. Otavalo Market is where you go for gifts made by the indigenous people in the area, while Inaquito Market is the best place for regional foods.

5. Spend time in the Old Town

Here you’ll find the old Spanish city, with the central plaza at the heart. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the plaza features the Palacio del Gobierno, the Cathedral, and the Palacio Presidencial. Wander through the quaint streets as you take in colonial architecture and explore Quito’s rich history. You can enjoy some of the best vistas in the city from Basilica del Voto Nacional, a stunning church that offers a 360-degree view of Quito. It’s usually busy here so take some time to people-watch and enjoy the bustling ambiance.

Other Things to See and Do in Quito

1. hang out in parque metropolitano.

Parque Metropolitano is a sprawling 1,433-acre park on top of a hill with views overlooking the whole city and the Cumbayá Valley. This place is enormous, with camping sites, cafes, barbecue pits, scenic viewpoints, mountain biking, and hiking trails. While you’re on the trails, keep an eye out for the bright Crimson-Mantled Woodpecker and other exotic birds.

2. Visit the Museo del Banco Central

The Central Bank Museum has an extensive collection of artifacts from all of Ecuador’s regions and cultures, including pre-Incan artifacts and a seemingly endless collection of pre-Columbian ceramics and gold artifacts. Some of the coolest things to see here are the Chorrera ceramics from 900-300 BCE, including bottles shaped like little creatures that mimic animal noises when you pour water into them. Admission is $2 USD.

3. Hang out in La Mariscal

This is where all the expats and tourists hang out. I couldn’t walk five feet without bumping into a Texas BBQ or an Irish Pub. It’s full of bars and posh restaurants. I wouldn’t spend a lot of time here (it’s pretty pricey) but it’s an exciting place if you want a night out. The main plaza often has live music and entertainment, and the Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal is worth a stop for if you want to go souvenir shopping.

4. Ride the Teleferico

Located on the eastern side of Pichincha Volcano is the world’s second-highest cable car. At 12,000 feet, you can see over six volcanoes on a clear day. You can just do a round-trip, or get off at the top to continue a trek along Pichincha’s ridge. The trail begins at Cruz Loma and is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) long, and it’s a challenging one due to the altitude and steep incline in some places. The views are completely worth it though. Avoid this hike if the forecast calls for poor weather, as the route can get treacherous. Gondola rides are $8.50 USD round-trip.

5. Visit the Jardin Botanico

On the southwest side of Parque La Carolina you’ll find this tranquil garden escape. You can experience some of Ecuador’s ecosystems here on a guided tour or on your own, including native habitats like high-altitude grasslands, wetlands, and cloud forests. This is also a prime spot for bird watchers, with over 141 different species to keep an eye out for. The two glass orchidariums (enclosures specifically for orchids) are the main highlights of their incredibly colorful collection. Be sure to check out the 100 bonsai trees in the Japanese garden. Tickets are $4 USD.

6. Visit the Itchimbía Park and Cultural Center

Established in 2005, this park and cultural center sits on top of Itchimbia Hill with panoramic views over the city and beyond, all the way to the snow-capped mountains and Pichincha Volcano. There’s also a glass house here that serves as an exhibition center and museum which regularly hosts workshops, art shows, and other events. There are about 40 different species of birds and 400 types of tropical flowers to admire here too.

7. Admire La Compañia church

La Compañia is considered the most ornate church in Ecuador. It took 160 years to build (1605-1765). Although its dominant architectural style is Baroque, it also includes Moorish elements (like the geometric shapes on the church’s pillars), stucco decoration in the Churrigueresque style, and Neoclassical touches in the chapel. The central nave is completely covered in gold and is incredibly ornate and lavish. It’s $5 USD to visit.

8. Hang out in La Floresta

If you want to go where the locals hang out, spend some time in La Floresta visiting its many coffee shops, galleries, and street art locales. Pop into the Ocho y Medio indie movie theater, or visit one of the craft breweries. In the evenings, some bars host live music.

9. Take a free walking tour

There are a few free walking tours available in Quito. This is the best (and cheapest) way to explore the city while getting a detailed overview of its culture and history. I recommend Free Walking Tour Quito because they also offer more in-depth tours to lesser-known neighborhoods. Just don’t forget to tip your guide at the end!

How to Stay Safe in Quito

The risk of violent crime is low in Quito, however, petty crime like pick-pocketing happens a lot. This can occur around high-traffic areas, especially in busy plazas and on public transportation.

Public transportation tends to get very crowded because the fares are so low, so be alert. Leave your valuables at home and don’t flash around your iPhone, camera, or expensive jewelry. Keep your valuables secure and out of reach at all times just to be safe.

Use caution at night. Avoid the Old Town and Carolina Park after dark, as well as Ave. de Los Shyris.

La Ronda, República de El Salvador, and Plaza Foch are safer places at night.

Don’t climb El Panecillo on foot, night or day. It’s best to use public transportation to avoid muggings or assaults, which are unfortunately very common in this area.

Solo female travelers should take the standard precautions (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For more specific information, read one of the many solo female travel blogs out there that can have more specific tips.

Scams are rare, however, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

When in doubt, always trust your instincts. If a taxi driver seems shady, tell them to stop and get out. If your hotel or accommodation is seedier than you thought, go somewhere else. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, in case of an emergency.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Where to Stay in Quito

Quito has lots of social and affordable hostels. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• The Secret Garden Quito
• Community Hostel
• Vibes Hostel
• Minka Hostel

Quito Travel Costs

Accommodation

• Hostel dorms – $6-15 USD per night
• Hostel private rooms – $15-50 USD per night
• Budget hotels – $25-100 USD per night
• Airbnb private rooms – $20-30 USD per night
• Airbnb apartments – $45 USD per night
• Street food – $1-2 USD
• Traditional restaurants – $3-10 USD
• Western restaurants – $13-25 USD
• Fast food (think McDonald’s) – $7 USD
• Beer – $3.50 USD
• Cappuccino/latte – $2.50 USD
• Bottled water – $0.65 USD
• Groceries for a week – $20-30 USD

Quito Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – $30 usd per day.

On a backpacking budget, you can stay in a hostel dorm, eat some street food and cook some meals, take a free walking tour, and use public transportation to get around. If you plan on drinking, add $5-10 USD per day to your budget.

Midrange – $105 USD Per Day

On a midrange budget, you can stay in a private hostel room, budget hotel, or Airbnb. You can eat out for all your meals, take the occasional taxi to get around, enjoy all the drinks, take a paid tour or two, and visit most museums.

Upscale – $245 USD Per Day

On a “luxury” budget, the sky is the limit. You can stay in a hotel, eat out as much as you want, and you won’t have to worry about any restrictions on your spending. You can do anything!

Quito Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Quito is an affordable destination to visit, but it never hurts to save money! Here are a few tips to help you cut down your costs during your visit:

Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes in handy in Quito since you shouldn’t drink the tap water. Save money and reduce your reliance on single-use plastic and get a bottle that can purify the tap water for you. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw .

Make sure your taxi is metered – Don’t get into a taxi unless the driver is using his meter. There are many stories of drivers unscrupulously overcharging tourists.

Eat at the markets – This is the place to do your food shopping. You can find meals for just a few dollars, making this the best way to eat cheaply in the country.

Stick to almuerzos – Many restaurants have “almuerzos” i.e., cheap lunches from a set menu. These are usually just a couple of dollars and usually include a drink.

Carry small change – Forget about carrying any bills over $20 USD as you’ll have trouble changing them — even $20s can be difficult to break in small towns.

Drink local beer – Ecuador produces many of its own beer brands which are cheaper than imports. Drink like the locals and save your money!

Couchsurf – Use Couchsurfing to connect with locals who can provide free accommodation and share their insider tips and advice.

Take a free walking tour – Quito Free Walking Tours offers free tours around the city. If you want to see the main sights and learn some history, this is a great place to start. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end.

How to Get Around in Quito

Public transportation – The bus is the most common and efficient way to get around Quito. A local bus ticket costs $0.25 USD and can get you anywhere you need to go. Although there are designated bus stops, the driver will usually let you get off at any street corner. You should note that the buses stop running at 9PM.

Currently, Quito is building a new subway system that should be in operation by early 2023.

Taxis – Taxis are very affordable in Quito, and they’re metered (unlike elsewhere in the country). A short taxi ride shouldn’t cost much more than $5 USD. At night, the minimum rate is $2 USD; it’s $1.50 USD in the daytime. Always make sure your taxi is metered before you get in. If the driver won’t turn on the meter, get out and find one that will.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Quito and it’s usually cheaper than taxis.

Bicycle – BiciQuito is Quito’s free bike-sharing program with stations all over the city. Best of all, it’s free! You’ll need to register online and download an application from the website — and then deliver the application to one of the stations or at the AMT offices for approval. It’s not as easy as simply using a digital app, but at least the rides are free.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as $35 USD per day for a multi-day rental. However, you don’t need a car to get around the city. Renters need to be at least 21 years old. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Quito

It can be pretty chilly in Quito year-round due to its high-altitude location in the Andean mountains. The peak season to visit is from mid-June to September and then December-January. The average daily high is 15°C (60°F) while the average daily low is 8°C (48°F). Temperatures are slightly higher in July and August, averaging about 18°C (66°F) per day. In short, no matter when you visit you’ll want to bring a sweater or jacket.

Quito is very rarely overcrowded, but if you want to avoid inflated prices, come during the shoulder seasons or off-seasons. June to November is the low season in the Galapagos, and Quito is also quieter during this time as people aren’t hopping off to the islands. This is a good time to visit if you want to purely appreciate all that Quito has to offer without moving on to the Galapagos.

Quito Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

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The Definitive Quito, Ecuador Visitor Guide

LAST UPDATED – 9/13/24 – Quito, Ecuador Visitor Guide

While many countries sit along the world’s equator, few of them come to mind with travelers as much as the country of Ecuador in South America.  In fact, the country is named after its geographic proximity to the Equator, making it one of the only countries in this world that are named after a geographic feature.  However, there is much more to this fantastic country of over 16 million people than its name.

At 9,252 feet (or 2,820 meters) in elevation, the city of Quito, which is Ecuador’s capital city, is the second-highest capital city in the entire world.  Not only that, but the city of Quito was also one of the very first World Cultural Heritage Sites designated by UNESCO back in 1978. 

The city’s beautiful historic center, with its cobblestone streets and beautiful 16th-century stone houses, is absolutely beautiful.  Touring this area of the city alone is worth a visit to Quito.  Not to be forgotten, Quito is the perfect city to fly into to launch a trip to another Ecuadorian treasure, and the world’s very first Cultural Heritage Site, the infamous Galápagos Islands.

In this Quito, Ecuador visitor guide, I am going to give you all of the information you need to plan a successful trip to Quito.  I cover the best times to visit and the best ways to get there so that you can maximize what you can see and do on your trip.  In addition to this, I also outline the top things to see and do while you are there and where the best places to stay and eat are.  With this information in hand, you can be confident that your trip to Quito will be one that you remember for the rest of your life.

Quito Visitor Guide Navigation Menu

At a glance.

Before you start making any travel plans, you need to be sure you meet the country’s entrance requirements. This includes all of the passport, VISA, and immunization requirements for Ecuador. 

In addition, you need to make sure you have a clear understanding of what languages they speak in Ecuador. This way, you can plan any translation needs you may have. Not only that, but you will need to know what currency they use in Ecuador. Knowing this, you can plan to exchange currency before your trip if necessary.

I have included some of this key information in my Quito, Ecuador visitor guide below for you to review as you start to make your travel plans.

Passport Requirements

Before you travel to Ecuador, you must ensure you meet all of the passport and VISA requirements. For more information on these requirements, please check out my guide to the Ecuador entrance requirements linked below.

Travel Insurance

Before you head to Ecuador, I would recommend that you purchase travel insurance.  You will want to have this if something happens and you must postpone or cancel your trip.  It would also be a great idea to purchase emergency medical evacuation insurance . 

Should an emergency occur and you need to be medically evacuated from the country, that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars. For more information on protecting yourself and your trip with travel insurance, please review the article I have included in my Quito, Ecuador visitor guide below.

Travel Immunizations

Another step that you will need to take to be prepared for your travel to Ecuador is making sure that you have all of the proper vaccinations. Not only to protect yourself but to protect others. If you aren’t sure about which vaccinations to get, you are in luck. I have linked to my guide to the Ecuador entrance requirements for you to review below. In this guide, I outline the recommended vaccinations and health precautions for travel to Ecuador.

Packing Tips

Outside of knowing the entry and immunization requirements, there is no pre-travel task more important than packing. Don’t worry, I am here to make sure you are packed and prepared for your trip. I have included links to my packing resources in my Quito, Ecuador visitor guide below for you to review.

Top Things to See and Do in Quito, Ecuador

In addition to being one of the best spots to fly into to begin an adventure to the Galápagos Islands, there are plenty of amazing things to see and do in the city of Quito itself.  Quito seems to have something for every type of traveler to enjoy. The beautiful old town section of the city is great for those who love history and architecture.

The spectacular local cuisine is sure to excite even the pickiest of foodies. And not to forget, the city’s breathtaking plazas and cathedrals are some of the most beautiful in South America. To assist you in filling out your itinerary, I have included some of my favorite things to see and do in Quito for you to review in my Quito, Ecuador visitor guide below.

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Mitad del Mundo

If there is one thing you absolutely cannot miss when you visit Quito, it is a trip to the Equator.  While the Mitad del Mundo monument doesn’t sit on the exact Equator, it is the most famous monument in the world celebrating this important geographic landmark.  The Monument to the Equator at Mitad del Mundo was built in the 18th Century and the measurements they took at the time weren’t as precise as the measurements we can do today.

The result is that the monument is roughly 240 meters off from the exact line of the Equator.  Still, the monument is cool enough that I would absolutely recommend visiting.  It is a quick 1.5 hours outside of Quito, so you will either need to rent a car or purchase a tour.  While you are out there, you can make the short trek from Mitad del Mundo to the nearby location of the actual Equator, which is located at the nearby Museo de Sitio Intiñan .

Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

Without a doubt, the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús is one of the most beautiful churches that I saw while in South America.  Construction on this stunning, Spanish Baroque-styled church began in 1605 and was completed nearly 160 years later. 

In addition to being one of the most ornate buildings in all of Ecuador, it is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in all of South America.  Beyond the stunning architecture, the church also showcases 44 paintings and 56 sculptures by local artists, which include the infamous “16 Prophets” by Nicolás Javier de Goríbar and sculptures of the Holy Trinity by Bernardo de Legarda.

The church is located along García Moreno and Sucre in the historic center of Quito, about a block to the southwest of Plaza Grande.  It is open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

One of the things that make the city of Quito so beautiful is its prominent location at the foothills of the Andes Mountains.  The best way to appreciate the stunning views of this high-altitude city is to take the city’s famous TelefériQo cable car up to the foothills of Pichincha Volcano above the city. 

The TelefériQo rises from 10,226 feet (3,117 meters) to 12,943 feet (3,945 meters), making it one of the highest aerial lifts in the world.  From the top, you can get some absolutely stunning photographs of Quito in all its glory.  Before you head back down, you can also choose to take a walk on the volcano, which I strongly recommend.

Virgin of El Panecillo

One of the most recognizable landmarks in Quito sits up on the bluffs overlooking the heart of the city.  From its perch on the bluffs, the Virgin of El Panecillo looks over the town and its residents. 

Inaugurated in 1976, the nearly 150-foot-high statue made of aluminum sits over 650 feet above the city, so it can be seen from various points around the old-town section of Quito. 

If you are up for a walk, you can hike to the statue and even enter inside and climb up to the top. From there, you will be treated to some truly spectacular views of Quito.

Parqueadero Basílica del Voto Nacional

If you love beautiful and historic churches, then you won’t want to miss out on visiting the Parqueadero Basílica del Voto Nacional. It is the largest neo-Gothic church in South America that is part of some interesting if not troubling, superstitions. According to legend, if the construction of the basilica is ever officially completed, the world as we know it will end.

That alone sets this church apart from many others that you will visit in South America and throughout the world. The inside of the church is as beautiful as the exterior, with a long central nave that has two smaller, adjoining naves. Throughout the basilica, you will find the most beautiful stained glass windows.

The gargoyles on the exterior of the basilica represent some of the native animals you will find in Ecuador, including iguanas, tortoises, armadillos, and condors. If you decide to visit, the $2 entry fee that you pay to enter also allows you to ascend to the top of one of the two towers of the church. If you are up for the climb, the views from the top are well worth the effort.

Plaza de la Independencia

In the heart of the beautiful historical center of old Quito, Plaza de la Independencia, which is known colloquially as Plaza Grande, is one of the busiest and most well-known plazas in Quito.  The square is not short on history, with the Heroes of the Independence statue in the square’s center and four of the city’s most historical buildings surrounding it. 

Among these are the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral of Quito.  If you are going to visit the plaza, I would strongly recommend you try and visit on a Monday morning.  This is when the “Changing of the Guard” occurs at the Presidential Palace, and it is a wonderful tradition to witness.

Catedral Metropolitana

Though it has had to survive numerous natural disasters including a volcanic eruption and an earthquake since being constructed in the 16th Century, the Catedral Metropolitana de Quito still stands and attracts flocks of visitors to this day.  While the exterior of the church is a clean white, the interior of the church showcases several colorful murals, marble columns, and decorative gold. 

The church is so important to the people throughout Ecuador that it was officially declared the country’s most important church back in 1995.  If you decide to visit, the price of entry includes a guided tour that you should take advantage of.  The tours are in both Spanish and English and include a wealth of historical information about the church and city.

Plaza de San Francisco

There is a lot of history to see in Quito’s historical old town. With its cobblestone streets and old buildings, touring this area will really take you back in time.  Perhaps the place where this is more true than anywhere else in the old town is the infamous Plaza de San Francisco.  Throughout much of the history of Quito, the Plaza de San Francisco was the place where people would congregate to trade.  Today, the plaza is a place to congregate in a cafe to enjoy the company of your friends and to people-watch.

What hasn’t changed is the beautiful Monastery of San Francisco, which still sits in the plaza to this day.  If you’re interested in touring the monastery, there is a great collection of 16th-century artwork and beautiful, intricate furniture inside.  You will also note a collection of images of the sun that decorate the interior. 

These were used by the monks of the monastery to try and convert the native people to Christianity when the monastery was opened.  With so much history, it is little surprise that the Plaza de San Francisco and the Monastery of San Francisco are two of the biggest tourist attractions in Quito to this day.

Shop at the Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal

For those of you who love to do some shopping when you travel, one place that you will not want to miss out on visiting when you are in Quito is the artisan market.  The Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal is an indoor/outdoor market with vendors that sell a wide variety of hand-made goods and other items. 

You will find a good selection of clothing, jewelry, art, handbags, leather goods, and much more on the market.  Make sure you bring your haggling skills and have some fun bartering for deals on souvenirs to bring home.

Try the Street Food Near Parque El Ejido

Before you leave Quito, you absolutely have to try the wonderful street food in the city.  One of the best places to find great street food in the city is on the outskirts of Parque El Ejido.  You will find quite a few street vendors set up along Avenida Patria selling some delicious food you will want to try.  Here is a sample of some of the food you might find when you visit:

• Tortillas – These potato patties typically include sausage and are topped with a fried egg, chopped lettuce, tomato, and rice.
• Tripa Mishki – If you are on the adventurous side, this dish is something you might want to give a try as it is one of the most popular dishes in Ecuador. Consisting of seasoned and fried intestines, the texture takes a while to get used to.
• Empanadas de Viento – This dish is my absolute favorite in Ecuador. These tasty empanadas are filled with cheese and then deep-fried and sprinkled with sugar. Make sure you grab more than one as they are both very light and incredibly addicting.
• Seco de Pollo – This chicken stew is typically served with rice, boiled egg, and potatoes. It is so popular with the locals that it has become a staple in Ecuadorian cuisine. Though you will find this dish throughout Ecuador, the city of Quito is known for having some of the best.

How to Get to Quito, Ecuador

If you are visiting Quito from outside of Ecuador, the best way to visit is to fly into the city’s international airport.  There is a wide range of international flights into and out of Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) every day, so you should have plenty of options.  If you are visiting Quito from other areas of Ecuador, the easiest way to travel between cities is by airplane. 

There are several airports throughout Ecuador that you can take advantage of for your travel needs.  To assist you in your planning needs, I have included a map of the country’s many airports for you to review in my Quito, Ecuador visitor guide below.

The Basics of Bus Travel

If you are looking for a cheaper way to travel throughout Ecuador, your best bet is to use the country’s bus system.  From Quito, there are two main bus terminals: Quitumbe and Carcelén .  From here, you can visit many of the cities throughout Ecuador in a relatively reasonable amount of time. 

As a general rule of thumb, plan on paying between $1-$1.50 per hour for bus travel in Ecuador.  For instance, I have included some examples of travel times and costs for you to review in my Quito, Ecuador visitor guide below.

• Quito to Canoa = 6 hours ($6-$9)
• Quito to Guayaquil = 8 hours ($8-$12)
• Quito to Cuenca = 9 hours ($9-$13.50)
• Quito to Montañita = 10 hours ($10-$15)
• Quito to Baños = 3.5 hours ($3.50-$5.25)
• Quito to Tena = 6 hours ($6-$9)
• Quito to Coca = 7 hours ($7-$10.5)
• Quito to Otavalo = 2 hours ($2-$5)

While you are generally safe from violent crime while traveling by bus in Ecuador, the buses are known to be frequented by pickpockets.  If you are traveling with luggage in the bus’s hold, I would recommend locking your bags if possible. 

If you don’t have luggage locks, just make sure your luggage is closed well.  I would recommend keeping anything of value with you in the passenger compartment. 

If you are keeping a carry-on bag with you in the passenger compartment of the bus, do not put your bag in the overhead storage or on the floor.  Instead, keep your bag with you on your lap while on the bus.  This will prevent anyone from having convenient access to your bags.

Best Times to Visit Quito, Ecuador

The city of Quito is located in a subtropical highland climate.  At an altitude of roughly 9,350 feet (or 2,850 meters) and a location right on the Equator, the city has a fairly constant cool, but not cold, climate.  Throughout Ecuador, the climate in the country is divided into two primary seasons – the wet season and the dry season.  The dry season lasts from Jun through August, while the rest of the year sees a fairly high amount of rainfall (especially between February and April).

While the dry season may seem like an ideal time to visit Quito because of the nice weather, it is also the busiest time of year for tourism in the city.  If you visit during the dry season, expect to see larger crowds at the popular tourist spots.  It is also the best time to visit the Galápagos Islands, so there is a greater number of tourists traveling through Quito on their way to the islands as well.  Perhaps the best months to visit are the shoulder months of May and September.  These months tend to still be relatively dry, but there are also typically fewer tourists visiting during these months as well.

Average Temperature (°F)

One of the remarkable things about the weather in much of Ecuador, and especially Quito, is the consistency of the high and low temperatures throughout the year.  Because the city sits right on the Equator and at a high altitude, the high temperature throughout the year fairly consistently reaches the upper 60’s and the low temperature rarely falls below the lower 40’s.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

While there isn’t much variation in the high and low temperatures, there is much more variation in the amount of precipitation the city gets throughout the year.  The dry season in Quito is from June through August, whereas the wettest time of year is usually between February thru April.  If you are planning on spending a good deal of time outside, you might want to avoid visiting during these months.

Where to Stay in Quito, Ecuador

An important decision you need to make when planning your trip to Quito is where you will stay.  When you travel, the accommodations you choose are oftentimes amongst the biggest expenditures for your trip. 

So, not only do you need to be comfortable, but you need to be able to afford to stay there.  Finding the right accommodations for your trip involves looking at the amenities, the location, and most importantly, the price. 

If you are starting to plan your trip to Quito, you may be looking for some hotel and hostel suggestions. I included some great options at different price points in my Quito, Ecuador visitor guide below. As always, don’t be afraid to expand your search to room-sharing sites such as  Airbnb  or  VRBO  if you aren’t finding a hotel or hostel that meets your needs.

Where to Eat in Quito, Ecuador

In addition to all of the wonderful things to see and do within Quito, the local cuisine is very popular with tourists who visit.  There is no shortage of great restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors for you to sample during your stay.  If you are looking for some recommendations, I have included several highly-rated restaurants for you to review in my Quito, Ecuador visitor guide below.

Recommended Tours in Quito, Ecuador

No trip to Quito is complete without a little bit of adventure.  There is so much to see and do within the city and the surrounding area, that it is hard to know where to begin.  If you are looking for some recommendations for tours and excursions to take during your stay, I have included some recommendations in my Quito, Ecuador visitor guide below. 

Quito, Ecuador Photo Gallery

Quito is one of those cities where you don’t really have to put in much effort to get some amazing photographs when you visit.  With beautiful things around almost every corner, finding things to photograph couldn’t be much easier.  If you would like to see some of the photographs that I took during my stay in Quito, I have included a gallery of some of my favorite images for you to review in my Quito, Ecuador visitor guide below.

If you would like to see more of my travel photography, I would also encourage you to give me a follow on Instagram . Putting this blog together to pass on my free guides, itineraries, and travel photography tips is a lot of work and your support in the form of a follow-on Instagram would be so very much appreciated!

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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8 comments ›.

Oh my goodness! You know too much! Tell me you have a book or something?! South America has always interested us. We are a homeschooling family and want to do more world schooling; what are your thoughts on Ecuador with small children? I’m guessing wait until they’re in their teens, but wanted to check with you.

Thank you so much for the kind words!! I think Ecuador would be great for younger kids. We saw a number of families while in Quito and the Galapagos. It’s an amazing country! 😄

Really? Okay we will look into it when the world starts turning again; thanks for your reply.

No problem! Good luck and safe travels!

Hmmm… it kinda feels like the world is ending right now, so maybe they completed the cathedral?? Looks like a beautiful city – so cloudy though! Did you get any sun at all while you were there? Wonderful travel guide, as always.

Thank you!! It was very cloudy when we were there. Beautiful city though. Lots of American expats there. Also didn’t realize they use the US dollar. Fascinating!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Best Time to Visit Quito 

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

There are 2 seasons in Quito: 

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

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

How to Get Around Quito

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

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

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

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

Things to See and Do in Quito, Ecuador

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

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

Visit Historical Center and Plaza Grande

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

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

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

Join a Free Walking Tour

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

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

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

Get a View of the City from Basilica del Voto Nacional

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

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

Stroll along La Ronda Street (Calle de la Ronda)

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

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

Enjoy the Lively Atmosphere on Plaza Foch

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

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

Shop at Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal  

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

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

Admire La Floresta’s Street Art

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

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

Enjoy a Stroll in Carolina Park

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

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

Take the TeleferiQo  

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

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

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

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

Visit Ciudad Mitad del Mundo Monument

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

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

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

Get a View of Quito from Above 

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

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

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

Best Day Trips from Quito

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

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

Otavalo Market

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

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

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

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

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

Papallacta Hot Springs

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

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

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

Volcano Antisana

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

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

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

Cotopaxi National Park

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

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

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

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

Quilotoa Crater Lake 

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

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

Best Restaurants in Quito 

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

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

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

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

Casa Gangotena

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

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

La Purisima

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

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

Bandido Brewing

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

Best Hotels in Quito

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

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

Best Luxury Hotels in Quito 

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

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Quito 

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

Best Budget Hotel in Quito

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

How much time do you need in Quito, Ecuador?

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

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

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

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Oksana & Max St John

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Best time to travel to Quito.

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

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

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

Is Quito safe?

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

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

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

How to travel to Quito

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Quito

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

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

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

How to get around in Quito

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

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

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

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

Places to eat in Quito

Bandido brewing.

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

Tierras Del Sol

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

Cafeteria Modelo

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

Things to do in Quito

Visiting the historic center of quito..

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

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

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

Hiking up the Pichincha volcano.

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

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

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

Exploring the Mitad del Mundo monument.

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

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

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

Taking a cable car ride over the city.

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

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

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

Checking out the street art in the Guapulo neighborhood.

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

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

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

Shopping at the Otavalo Market.

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

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

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

Bar-hopping in the Mariscal area.

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

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

Visiting the Capilla del Hombre art museum.

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

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

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

Trying local street food.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Things To Do In Quito, Ecuador: Our Travel Guide With Many Photos

Quito is Ecuador’s capital city, located at an elevation of 2,850 meters . Quito is best known as the gateway to the infamous Galapagos Islands . Most visitors come to Quito as a stopover on their way to or from the Galapagos Islands . However, there is more to discover in this city, and staying longer than a day is definitely worthwhile! It wouldn’t be the first city in the world to be named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for nothing, would it?

It was one of the cities we visited during our 15-day self-drive trip on Ecuador Mainland .

You can check quick recap of this do to in Quito in my video:

Where To Go and What To Do In Quito Ecuador?

There are a lot of attractions in Quito (not Kito) from historic towns to nature escapades. Below is the list of must-see attractions in Quito.

Quito Historic Center

Quito Historic town is known as Latin America’s best-preserved and least altered historic center. This distinction prompted Quito to become the world’s first city to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The baroque buildings in Quito’s Old Town have withstood time. Despite the earthquakes and modernization of the city, wandering among the beautiful architecture that has been here for nearly a half-millennium can still feel like stepping back in time!

There’s a lot to see in Quito’s Historic Center . To summarize, we have listed six must-see locations in Quito’s Old Town.

• Plaza Grande

Plaza Grande is the heart of Quito’s Old Town and is a great place to start your Old Town walk tour. Around the plaza, you can visit the Palacio de Gobierno (Presidential Palace), where Ecuador’s president lives and works. You can join a free tour inside however, take note that the sightseeing is limited to the unused rooms for security and safety purposes.

There is also the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is one of the old Catholic churches in town. The Cathedral also has a museum and also offers an exclusive tour.

• Iglesia de la Compañía

Iglesia de la Compañía is widely regarded as Quito’s finest and one of Ecuador’s most ornate religious structures. Its construction started in 1605 and the church has been completed 160 years later, in 1765.

• San Francisco Convent and Monastery

San Francisco Church is Quito’s first church and also the largest religious complex in South America. There is a museum adjacent to the church where there is a splendid collection of artworks.

• Santo Domingo Church

Another must-see old church in the Old Town is the Santo Domingo Church. Grandly erected over a wide plaza, Santo Domingo Church is one of the most important religious sites in Quito. Its original structure was built by Dominicans in 1540 which was later reformed by Italian priests in the 19th century.

• Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum)

If you are fond of learning history and culture, Quito’s City Museum is a place that you must not miss. They have a chronological exhibit about the history of the town.

Read our full guide on Quito’s old town here .

The TelefériQo is an incredible cable car that transports passengers high into the Andes. It is one of the highest aerial lifts in the world. The whole ride will keep you amazed with the aerial city view of Quito as it climbs up to the eastern slope of the Pichincha Volcano. 

In the upper station, you will find a platform where you can continue to take in the peaceful scenery.

If you are looking for an adventure, Rucu Pichincha is one of the two highest peaks of Pichincha, a stratovolcano in Ecuador.

DCIM100GOPROGOPR0433.JPG

The roundtrip hike up this active volcano usually takes about four to five hours. However, this activity is highly suggested for experienced hikers as the trail has steep parts.

Basilica del Voto Nacional

Basilica del Voto Nacional is not just a typical church. It is the largest neo-gothic church in the Americas. Its unusual exterior is sculpted of Ecuador’s indigenous animals such as armadillos, tortoises, and birds among many others, replacing gargoyles, goblins, and traditional religious figures.

But it’s not just the grandeur of the Basilica that makes it worth seeing. If you want to see the city in a 360-degree bird’s eye view, you can do so by visiting the Basilica’s twin bell towers. The climb to the tower is definitely an adventure to look forward to! Another uniqueness of the Basilica is the café on the top that serves beer. Yes, they serve beer in this church! The view is also great from the café so after your exhausting and nerve-racking climb, you can chill here and enjoy your cerveza with the city view. 

Ciudad Mitad del Mundo 

If you know your geography well, you know that Ecuador’s location on the globe is right where the equator crosses the country, thus the name middle of the world. Mitad del Mundo is where you can find the main equator monument and the big yellow equator line. This is a popular photography spot for tourists. There is also a museum here that exhibits the city’s history, from Highland and Amazonian tribes, as also a homey collection of musical instruments, garments, textiles, and other things.

All these touristy things aside, it is also fun to do some experiments and try how gravity works near the equator. You can try balancing an egg or you may also try straddling on both sides of the equator!

Parque La Carolina

There are a lot of parks in Quito but the one that stands out the most is Parque La Carolina. It is a park in the middle of the city that also holds football fields, running tracks, playgrounds, and a huge skatepark. You can also find here the Quito Exhibition Center, Quito Botanical Gardens, and a man-made river where visitors can rent paddle boats.

Check out the best tours in Quito:

What and where to eat in quito ecuador.

Having a taste of local cuisine is a must when traveling. Ecuadorian cuisine is something you should not miss when you are in Quito. Check out the must-try foods in Quito that we have listed.

• Locro de Papa

Locro de Papa is a hearty traditional Ecuadorian soup made mainly with potato, milk, cheese, and annatto. It is topped with avocado and cilantro for added flavors and plating purposes. If you are in the historic district, you may try this dish at Diosolopay Restaurante. This place is perfect for your fine lunch!

Empanadas are a staple in South America and it is one of the best street foods in Ecuador. It is sold everywhere in the city from sidewalk streets to restaurants. Our most recommended empanada to try is the empanada de viento , which is filled with cheese and dusted with sugar. Empanada de verde is also worth a try. This empanada is filled with green plantains, an alternative option for people watching their calorie intake.

Fritada is a stir-fried pork dish that is served with a variety of sides such as hominy, toasted corn, avocado, ripe plantain, and llapingachos .

• Llapingachos

Llapingachos are potato pancakes made from mashed potatoes, flavored with onions, and filled with cheese. They have crispy exteriors but are creamy on the inside. They are usually served as a side in Ecuadorian dishes but you can also enjoy eating them as they are.

Colada morada (traditional Ecuadorian drink)

Canelazo is a traditional spiced warm alcoholic drink that originated in Ecuador but is widely consumed in Central and South America. It is made of cinnamon, sugar, and fruit juice, usually naranjilla. The alcohol used in Canelazo is extracted from sugar canes. It is a popular drink during cold months but there are places in Quito that serve them all year round.

• Mote con chicarron

Mote con chicarron is one of the most popular street food in Quito. The cost is only $2!

Make sure to check our Quito’s restaurant guide .

Where to Stay in Quito?

There are a lot of choices when it comes to accommodations in Quito. From hostels to Airbnbs to boutique hotels, you will never run out of options!

We are naming a few favorite hostels in Quito below which are perfect for budget conscious travelers.

• The Community Hostel 

This hostel’s location is ideal as it sits right in the center of the Old Town. Their dorm beds’ nightly rate starts at USD10. Check the current price here .

• The Secret Garden

A popular hostel in Quito with great reviews is The Secret Garden. They have a rooftop bar with a garden where you can enjoy the amazing city view of Quito. Their dorm beds’ nightly rate also starts at USD10. Check the current price here .

• Masaya Hostel Quito

Masaya Hostel is another charming and affordable choice in the heart of Old Town. Their dorm beds are also priced starting at USD10. Check the current price here .

We also made a list of hotels that are excellent value for money.

• Hotel San Francisco Quito

A delightful and affordable hotel located in the heart of the historic town. Their rates start at USD60. Check the current price here .

If you want to stay near Plaza Foch and have accessible nightlife, Kitu Hotel is a great option. The nightly rates switch breakfast starts at USD50. Check the current price here .

• Casa San Marcos Hotel Boutique

If you prefer something classy and modern but want to stay in the Old Town area, Casa San Marcos Boutique Hotel might be the right place for you. It offers the conveniences of the modern world while having antique and classical charm. If you have a budget above USD150 then you might want to consider this place. Check the current price here .

• Hotel Patio Andaluz

An upscale boutique hotel near Parque La Carolina. They offer free parking and a breakfast buffet. Their nightly rates are around USD200. Check the current price here .

Private Residences

For longer stays, it is more affordable to book a private residenced instead. There are so many AirBnbs in Quito that you can choose from but we are only mentioning a couple of homes here that you could check.

• Ithchimbia Garden

It is a charming colonial house located near the Old Town. The place is charming and colorful with a beautiful garden. Their price ranges from USD30 per night. Check the current price and photos here .

• Casa De Los Leones

A little on the luxurious side, Casa De Los Leones has an amazing interior design. It has a chic contemporary style with a majestic view of the historic center. Not to mention a private jacuzzi, terrace, and gardens. Their nightly rate starts at USD70. Check the current price and photos here .

Transport in Quito

• Metered taxis are common in Quito. You could also negotiate with cab drivers if they can bring you to certain spots for a good deal. Be mindful of negotiating though so you will not end up paying more than the usual rate.
• Another option available is Uber. It is also widely used in Quito as they have almost the same rates as metered taxis, sometimes even cheaper. If you do not know how to speak Spanish, Uber is a better choice for you.
• For public transportation, Quito has Ecovia, trams and buses. It is cheaper to take public transportation however, it gets too crowded during busy times which is prone to pick-pockets. We suggest taking taxis or Uber especially if you are only traveling a few kilometers.

Quito Altitude, Climate, and Weather

Quito has a subtropical highland climate. They only have dry and wet seasons. Most of the days, the weather in Quito is unpredictable so bringing a rain jacket or a foldable umbrella every time you are outside is a good idea. The driest months in Quito are from June through August but there are still occasional rains during this period.

Additionally,  Quito is known to be one of the highest capital cities in the world. Quito has an altitude of almost 3,000 meters . Some people may experience altitude sickness. It may take a few days to get acclimatized. Make sure to take ChlorOxygen 1-2 weeks ahead of the trip so it’s easier to deal with high altitudes.

Safety Tips While Exploring Quito Ecuador

• Do not forget to always bring your IDs with you — as a traveler, this is essential.
• Use sunscreens as the sunlight in Quito hit your skin differently because of the equatorial and altitude location. I’d recommend taking ChlorOxygen before the trip so it’s easier to deal with high altitudes.
• Just like any other destination,  beware of pickpockets. Pickpockets are everywhere and they usually take advantage of crowded tourist spots.

Booking.com (function(d, sc, u) { var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); })(document, 'script', '//cf.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js');

Overall, it is safe to travel to Quito . Just be vigilant and always watch your belongings. Quito is definitely worth visiting. You can see so much in a three to four days trip. If you are up for a longer stay, it is also worth it but there are plenty of things to do in Ecuador.

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About the author.

Oleg Galeev

I'm Oleg, and together with my wife, we've explored Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, journeying through more than 20 cities ( Quito , Cuenca , Banos , Tena , Puyo , Guayaquil , Riobamba , Otavalo , Mindo and more) and nearly every island in the Galapagos (including iconic ones such as Bartolome Island , San Cristobal Island , Isabela Island , Santa Cruz Island and more). In this blog, I give you my real thoughts about each place we visited. This info can help anyone planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands or mainland Ecuador . I'm just a traveler, not a tour company, so I'm not trying to sell anything. That means I'll tell you the truth—both the good and the bad — about traveling in Ecuador based on what we experienced.

Thank you Oleg! Very, very helpful blog.

We’re arriving on Sept 30th and leave for the islands on Oct 6th We can go on “3-Day Andes Adventure Visiting Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Baños” trip on the 2nd or on the 3rd. Which one do you think is the best date ?

Thanks and glad to be helpful! Regarding your travel plans, arriving on September 30th and leaving for the islands on October 6th sounds like an exciting adventure. As for the “3-Day Andes Adventure”, I recommend going on the 3rd. By doing so, you’ll have an extra day to acclimate to the high altitude in Quito, which is situated at 2800m above sea level. This additional day of adjustment will make your visits to Quilotoa (3900m) and Cotopaxi (4900m) slightly easier and more enjoyable.

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

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

Explore Quito Ecuador’s Attractions

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

Visual Tour of Quito Ecuador

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

Best Places To Visit In Quito Ecuador

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

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

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

Top 6 Quito Ecuador Tourist Attractions

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

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

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

1. Visit Quito’s Old Town

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Mitad del Mundo / Middle of the Earth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. TelefériQo: Cable Car Up Pichincha Volcano

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal/ Mariscal Artisan Market

This is the largest Artisan market in Quito . If you are looking for souvenirs at great prices then La Mariscal should definitely be on your list of Quito Ecuador tourist attractions. Some say it’s like a little Otavalo market.

Address of Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal –  Reina Victoria and Juan Leon Mera on Jorge Washington road , Quito 170150, Ecuador

6. Parque Itchimbia/Itchimbia Park

Quito has many beautiful parks, but if you only have time for one this should be it. Itchimbia park is situated on a hill and offers wonderful views of the city.

The main attraction in this park is the Itchimbia Cultural Center . This is a beautiful building make out of iron and glass.

At the Itchimbia Cultural Center, you can see art exhibits and cultural events. Watch this aerial video of Park Itchimbia, Quito.

If you’re planning on exploring more of the Andes you’ll want to read about the top 15 things to do in Ecuador’s Andes Mountains .

Address of Parque Itchimbia –  Iquique y Jose Maria Aguime , Quito 170150, Ecuador

Weekend in Quito Ecuador ( 7 Things to Do)

Here are 7 things to do in Quito on a quick weekend trip. This is trip suggestion is by Karissa Jobman of BucketPass.

When I arrived in Quito six years ago for the first time, I didn’t know what to expect. After all, it was my first time setting foot on foreign soil. My trip was short but I craved to understand as much of the country as possible.

Thankfully, I had a local to show me the magnificence of the country by whisking me around the city to the must-visit sites, in what she called her “Quiteño crash course” . Since then, I have been back several times, bringing friends and family members to the country to share a similar experience.

More reading: Where is Quito located?

Here is my crafted itinerary of things to do in Quito – so you can appreciate its history, culture, gastronomy, and scenery in as little as a weekend trip. We begin on Friday afternoon…

Friday in Quito

3PM: Teleférico Start your journey 500 meters above the city to enjoy the view of the sprawling metropolis. The Teleferico is a twenty-minute cable car ride that runs alongside the Pichincha Volcano. Afterward, you can grab snacks before making your way back down.

• First, a museum that the artist designed himself featuring solely his own work. Guayasamín’s collection goes through many stages, depicting the suffering of indigenous people and calls for peace and human rights.
• Second, the grounds also feature the home of the late artist. Here you can join a guided tour to understand his life and the history of the city.

Saturday in Quito

9AM: Quito Tour Bus Quito’s first and only double-decker bus starts at Boulevard Naciones Unidas to begin an action-packed day in the historic center.

This city tour allows you to see the city with convenient, reliable transportation, while exploring at your own pace.

Make your first stop at La Mariscal for some shopping in the artisan markets.

Stop six, the Basilica features the most iconic church in the city. For a small fee, you can climb the towers of church and lookout on the impressive downtown.

Reload the bus to head to the Historic District, where you can spend the afternoon visiting the Presidential Palace, admiring the gilded Iglesia de la Compañía, learning history at Museo de la Ciudad, and making chocolate at the Quinde Store.

A final ride on the tour bus will take you up to the Panecillo, the statue of the Virgen de Quito that watches over the city.

6PM: La Ronda After a trip to el Panecillo, the bus will take you back down to the base of the hill, where you can stop at La Ronda, a lively street known for live music, food and drinks.

Try a glass of Canelazo, a warm spiced cinnamon cocktail from the Andean region while listening to guitar players in the street.

Sunday in Quito

10AM: Mitad del Mundo On Sunday morning, head out of the city to the middle of the world, just north of Quito.

At this equatorial monument you can stand on two hemispheres at once, taking fun photos and learning the science behind the equator. The complex has nine ethnographic museums, an outlook at the top of the monument, exhibits, shopping and places to snack.

Read more about typical Ecuador food .

If you have more time to spend in Ecuador, leave Mitad del Mundo to Mindo, a town known as the cloud forest . Bucket Pass offers a bundled pass where you can enjoy a day of zip-lining, hiking to waterfalls, learning the production of chocolate , and much more.

Visiting Quito’s Parque La Carolina in Ecuador

Are you planning a trip to Quito?  Spending time at a park is a great way to relax and get a feel for the culture. It’s also a wonderful way to help the kids unwind after spending time exploring the city.

If you have kids you might also want to check out the fun park and the  TelefériQo .

Parque La Carolina in Quito:  When we arrived in Quito we were told we should check out Parque La Carolina and we are glad we did. This park is massive, and has a lot of wide-open green space!

Ecuadorian Families Enjoying Parque la Carolina

Parque la Carolina is a huge park right in the center of Quito. We always go there every time we visit Quito. Last month we enjoyed a day at Parque la Carolina in Quito Ecuador – and it was full. There were thousands of people – mostly families – playing, picnicking, and enjoying a Sunday off. Family time is highly valued by Ecuadorians.

The day had a feel of a carnival, with cotton candy, paddle boats and fried foods. We are sharing this video, to give other Gringos a glimpse into family life in Ecuador. And to show that life isn’t scary here – far from it, in fact.

Have you been to a park in Ecuador on a Sunday? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Parque El Ejido in Quito, Ecuador

Do your kids love playground equipment? Our daughter sure does! And we found lots of it at Parque El Ejido. Parque El Ejido in Quito:  If you have children aged 5-10 you’ll want to check out El Ejido Park (Parque El Ejido) in Quito.

We love to spend family time strolling around a park. So we were excited to find a park with a large area of playground equipment just a short walk from where we were staying.

The equipment was in really good shape, and there were always lots of kids around. That combination helped our daughter burn off a lot of that energy she gets from . . . ohhhhh, if only I knew!

While she played on the zip line (it was addictive) Bryan and I enjoyed chatting on a nearby bench, where we could keep a close eye on her.

After a while, we convinced her to take a break and check out the rest of the park. The park was very clean and well taken care of.

It has some nice wide open green spaces and a café!  So we had to stop for a coffee, being Canadian and all, it’s in our blood.

The café was comfy, with plush seats and a nice view of the surrounding park.  There was also a small art gallery attached to the café, and clean bathrooms with paper and soap!

What Will You Do in Quito?

I hope you’re even more excited about your upcoming trip to Quito now. Did you see anything that you’re adding to your travel plans? If so please tell us about it by commenting on this post.

If you feel we’ve missed anything that should be among the best places to visit in Quito please add it by commenting.

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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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.

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

17 Top Tourist Attractions in Quito

By Fiona Fiorentino · Last updated on May 4, 2024

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

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

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

17. Museo de la Ciudad

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

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

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

16. Intinan Museum

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

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

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

15. La Floresta

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

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

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

14. Quito Zoo

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

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

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

13. Museo Casa del Alabado

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

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

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

12. Parque La Carolina

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

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

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

11. Plaza Foch

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

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

10. Basilica del Voto Nacional

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

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

9. Casa Museo Guayasamin

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

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

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

8. Plaza Grande

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

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

7. La Capilla Del Hombre

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

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

6. Calle La Ronda

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

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

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

5. TeleferiQo

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

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

4. El Panecillo

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

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

3. Mitad Del Mundo

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

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

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

2. San Francisco Church

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

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

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

1. La Compania de Jesus

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Quito

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

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

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

How to get there

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

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

Approximate travel times

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

Best Time to Visit Quito

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

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

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

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

Map of Things to Do in Quito

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Locals pass by a church in Quito.

Discover the Best of Quito

Ten things to do in Ecuador's capital city.

Just outside Quito in the Tandayapa Cloud Forest Reserve , the secluded 370-acre San Jorge eco-lodges offer chances to spot many of Ecuador's 1,700 bird species—including 27 types of hummingbirds, Booted Racket-tails and Violet-tailed Sylphs. Several Old Town outfitters offer day trips to the misty Mindo Cloud Forest (120 species of birds, pumas, and bears) 90 minutes away.

National Park

Thirty-five miles south of Quito, Cotopaxi is Ecuador's most popular national park and home to one of the world's highest active volcanoes. The ever-rumbling Cotopaxi (19,347 feet) has erupted more than 50 times since 1738, and its picture-perfect snow-capped cone, sloping green highlands, and newly belched-up lava valleys are home to wild horses, Andean condors, llamas, foxes, and spectacled bears.

Archeological Site

Modern-day Quito was built upon the remains of a former Incan capital, and one of the best places to come face to face with the city's tangled (and bloody) past is at the ruins of Rumicucho. Located a short drive from the Mitad del Mundo, this hilltop fortress is believed to have been built between 1480 and 1500 by indigenous groups as a last holdout against the advancing Incan Empire.

UNESCO Site

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Quito's inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage city , and the 16th-century Old Town should be the focus of your visit. Amazingly, there are more than 200 churches, convents, and monasteries in this easily-walkable district. If you only visit three, check out the neo-Gothic Basílica del Voto Nacional, the gilded Compañía de Jesús, and the mammoth San Francisco.

Cultural Experience

Linger long enough in the Old Town and you'll inevitably spot signs advertising physical and spiritual cleansings from traditional curanderas (healers). After you strip to your underwear and select a treatment (cold remedy, stress relief, good fortune, etc.), the healer will select a bouquet of dried spices and flowers, brush them over your near-naked body and then shower you with Ecuadorean rose petals.

Best Day Trip

Ascend 1.5 miles into the heavens as you ride the TelefériQo cable car to a point 12,943 feet up the slopes of the Pichincha volcano. On clear days, you'll find sweeping views over the city and its parade of surrounding volcanoes. From the TelefériQo stop at Cruz Lomo, you can hike (and scramble) to the summit of Rucu Pichincha.

Most Iconic Place

Meander through Old Town's narrow cobblestone streets and the congested avenidas open onto one of South America's most show-stopping squares: Plaza San Francesco. Backed by the towering Pichincha volcano and framed by the white-washed walls and sharp spires of Ecuador's oldest church (San Francisco), the square is said to be built atop an ancient Incan temple.

Neighborhood to Explore

Don't leave Quito without exploring La Ronda, a recently restored, pedestrian-only neighborhood filled with artisanal shops and 17th-century buildings. Long home to writers, artists and musicians, the area comes alive at night when bars and restaurants pour cinnamon-spiced canelazo (alcoholic cider) and crowds pour into the narrow cobblestone streets.

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People-Watching Spot

Quito's largest, oldest, and most attractive square is also its best people-watching spot: the leafy Plaza Grande (also called Plaza de la Independencia). Quito's "living room" is abuzz with Quechua women in knee-length shawls selling handwoven clothes, young shoe-shiners busily polishing around the splashing fountain, and well-heeled politicians shaking hands a few steps from the president's palace.

Always Watching

Rio has Christ the Redeemer, Quito has El Panecillo (the "Little Bread Loaf"). Topping the loaf-shaped hill at the southern end of Quito's Old Town, a towering, 147-foot statue of the Virgin made from 7,000 pieces of aluminum watches over the city's 1.7 million inhabitants. Quiteños proudly claim she's the only Madonna in the world with wings.

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Top 10 Quito Ecuador Tourist Attractions

Ecuador’s capital city of Quito sits high in the Andes, a pocket of colorful buildings, classic architecture, and rich history with plenty for any vacationer to Ecuador to explore. The new and old of the country come together here, with a burgeoning culinary and modern nightlife scene developing right next to the ‘Old Town’ UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with colonial buildings and monuments.

Just outside of the city you’ll find even more dramatic attractions, from standing on the Equator to exploring volcanoes. Whether it’s nature, architecture, history, culture or culinary treats you seek, you can be sure to find what you’re looking for in Quito. Read on for our picks of the 10 top tourist attractions in Quito, Ecuador .

Calle La Ronda; Typical Colonial Street In Quito

  1. Old Town

Perhaps the most photogenic spot in the city, Quito’s Old Town is a beautiful historic walking area with well-preserved colonial architecture. Wrought iron balconies adorn rows of colorful buildings, with impressive churches and monuments scattered along the cobblestone roads. The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and easily tops our list of the best things to do in Quito. Visit the famous thoroughfare Calle la Ronda any time of day to wander and explore the quaint restaurants and cafes. If you can visit on a Sunday morning, you’ll also get to see the weekly festival with music, vendors, and dancers in native outfits.

La Compañiia Church At Night In Downtown Quito

2. Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus

Quito’s most ornate church, the Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus (Church of the Society of Jesus), is a sight even the non-devout can appreciate. The exterior of the church is understated yet elegant, but the interior is decadently decorated with gold.  If you only have time for one church in Quito, make sure it’s this one!

3. Capilla del Hombre

The ultimate art exhibit in Quito, Capilla del Hombre is a museum complex that includes the last residence and adjacent museum of painter Oswaldo Guayasamin, one of the eminent Ecuadorian painters. Art lovers will enjoy the focus on the painter’s work and life, as well as seeing many large pieces known for powerful themes such as poverty, race, religion, and politics. Included in the admission fee is a guided tour.

Magnificent View Of The Cotopaxi Volcano

4. Teleferico Quito

In just a 15-minute ride, this cable car will take you to the summit of Rucu Pichincha, a height of 4,100 meters above sea level. Incredible scenery and views of the entire city below await you, giving a bird’s eye view of all of Quito. For visitors with just a few days in the city, this is one of the best things to do to get a bit of perspective and understand the city from afar.

Middle Of The World Monument One

5. Mitad del Mundo

If you’ve ever wanted to stand directly on the Equator, this is your chance! Just two hours outside the city of Quito is the “Middle of the World” where you can straddle the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and take photos to prove it. The grounds also include a museum, planetarium, shops, restaurants, and several other related sites that are worth a look. Easily one of the best things to do in Quito, and hands down one of the most popular!

6. Reserva Geobotanica Pululahua

Just a couple hours outside of Quito (and only 4km from La Mitad del Mundo), this reserve is incredibly different from the many other popular things to do in the city. Make sure to check out the volcanic crater of the extinct Pululahua, almost 400m deep and 5km across. Nearby are hiking trails, including one to the Mirador de Ventanillas viewpoint on the southeast side of the reserve. Great for a day trip outside the city!

Carondelet Palace, In The City Of Quito

7. Palacio del Gobierno

An impressive white building in the Old Town, the current seat of the Ecuadorian presidency is an interesting visit with notable architecture. Visitors can see the interior through free-guided tours, which change depending on which rooms are not currently in use. If you’re in the city on a Monday morning, you can catch the changing of the guards around 11 am.

8. Plaza Grande (Independence Square)

People-watching is one of Quito’s popular plazas is a must to see the everyday hustle and bustle as the locals go about their lives. Perhaps the best plaza to do this is the Plaza Grande or Independence Square, with its spectacular surrounding buildings including the Presidential Palace, City Hall, a cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace. Soak up the Ecuadorian culture as a veritable plethora of vendors sell their wares from the surrounding cobblestone streets and snap a selfie from the popular central statue, or grab a table at a nearby restaurant to sample local dishes .

The Basilica Of Quito Ecuador

9. Basilica

The detailed basilica is a great thing to see in the city for any type of traveler. The exterior offers notable architecture, while those daring enough to climb to the top of the belfry and towers will be rewarded with views of the entire city, as far as the Virgin statue and mountains bordering Quito. Those afraid of heights will enjoy the beautiful gardens below with carvings of animals from the Galapagos .

Sculpture Of The Virgin In Panecillo Hill

10. El Panecillo

El Panecillo is a large monument to the Virgin of Quito. Situated high on a hill in the middle of the city, it is also known for offering sweeping 360-degree views over the rest of the city. Hire a taxi to take you to the top and witness the glimmering cityscape-one of the best views in the city! If you arrive before late afternoon, you’ll also have a chance to snack at the local food trucks right next to the monument.

There are so many tourist attractions in and around Quito, this top 10 is just the beginning! This makes spending a few days in Quito worthwhile as part of a larger visit to Ecuador .  After seeing these favorite sights in the city, you’ll find many other ways to appreciate the architecture, nature, and culture of the Ecuadorian capital.

While Rainforest Cruises aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information herein or found by following any link on this site. Rainforest Cruises cannot and will not accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies, or for any consequences arising therefrom, including any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the display or use of this information.

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