Quito
Save35 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Main square of the UNESCO-listed old town.
- Tip: Watch your bag
2 tips
- Watch the changing of the guard on Mondays
- Sit with locals on the benches
📷 Photos
- 2
Neo-Gothic basilica with gargoyles of Ecuadorian animals.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Climb the towers for views
- Not for those afraid of heights
📷 Photos
- 3
Gilded baroque church covered in gold leaf.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- No photos inside
- Worth the entry fee
📷 Photos
- 4
Oldest church complex in Quito with cobbled square.
3 tips
- Visit the museum and cloister
- Great views from the plaza at dusk
- Street vendors sell snacks
📷 Photos
- 5
Narrow colonial lane full of balconies, cafes and music.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Come in the evening for live music
- Try canelazo, hot spiced drink
- Be careful late at night
📷 Photos
- 6
Cable car up the Pichincha volcano.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Bring a jacket, it is cold up top
- Altitude is 4000 m, move slowly
📷 Photos
- 7
Hill with the winged Virgin of Quito and city views.
3 tips
- Take a taxi, avoid walking up
- Go in daytime
- Great panoramic photos
📷 Photos
- 8
Equator monument and cultural park north of the city.
3 tips
- Combine with Museo Intinan
- Take a bus or tour
- Bring your passport for the stamp
📷 Photos
- 9
Large urban park with a botanical garden.
3 tips
- Bike rentals available
- Sunday is busy with families
- Paddle boats on the lake
📷 Photos
- 10
Guayasamin's museum monument to humanity.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Combine with the artist house
- Impressive large murals
📷 Photos
Take this map with you
Opens Google Maps with these places, ready to save to your own list.
Before you go: Quito tips
Transportation
- Ride the Quito Metro: The metro line runs north to south through the city and is a quick way to avoid traffic.
- Use the Ecovia and Trolebus: These bus rapid transit lines cover major routes, but watch your bags as they can get crowded.
- Take the TeleferiQo: The cable car climbs the slopes of Pichincha volcano for big views over Quito and surrounding peaks.
Security
- Be careful at night: Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in the historic centre and La Mariscal; take an app taxi instead.
- Guard your phone: Phone snatching happens; avoid using your phone near the street and keep it out of sight on buses.
- Mind the altitude: Quito is at about 2,850 metres; go slow your first days and drink plenty of water.
Saving
- Eat almuerzos: Set lunches with soup, main and juice are cheap and filling at local restaurants.
- Explore churches and plazas: Plaza Grande and many sights of the historic centre are free to wander.
- Use public transport: The metro and city buses are far cheaper than taxis for getting around.
Weather/Clothing
- Four seasons in a day: Quito's weather changes quickly; pack layers, a waterproof jacket and sunscreen.
- Strong sun near the equator: The high-altitude equatorial sun is intense; wear a hat and sunglasses even on cloudy days.
- Drier mid-year: June to September is usually drier, while other months bring more afternoon rain.
Cultural
- Visit Mitad del Mundo: The equator monument north of the city is a classic trip; the nearby Intinan Museum is also popular.
- Try local dishes: Sample locro de papa, empanadas de viento and canelazo, a warm spiced drink.
- Greet with courtesy: Ecuadorians value polite greetings; say buenos dias before asking for help.
Local Hacks
- Go up early: Take the TeleferiQo in the morning for the clearest views before clouds roll in.
- Day trip to Otavalo: The Otavalo market is a few hours north and famous for textiles and crafts, especially on Saturdays.
- Climb the Basilica towers: The Basilica del Voto Nacional lets visitors climb its towers for great views over the old town.
1-day itineraries in Quito
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Basilica del Voto Nacional and around
🕘 9:30–16:45📍 6 stops
- 1Basilica del Voto Nacional
- 2Teatro Sucre
- 3Plaza Grande
- 4Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus
- 5Plaza de San Francisco
- and 1 more
Day 2 of 2
Parque La Carolina and around
🕘 9:30–16:30📍 4 stops
- 1Parque La Carolina
- 2Capilla del Hombre
- 3Mirador de Guapulo
- 4Museo Nacional del Ecuador (MuNa)