MapVivid
Basilica del Voto Nacional and around
A day in Quito · 9:30–16:45 · 6 stops
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mapvivid.com/quito/itineraries/basilica-del-voto-nacional-and-aroundA walking day around Basilica del Voto Nacional, Teatro Sucre and Plaza Grande, with a lunch break nearby and Calle La Ronda to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Basilica del Voto Nacional ↗1 hGo early
Neo-Gothic basilica with gargoyles of Ecuadorian animals.
- Climb the towers for views
- Not for those afraid of heights
↓ 11 min walk
10:452Teatro Sucre ↗30 minAt night
Beautiful 19th-century theater.
- Check the performance schedule
- Visit the cafe for coffee
↓ 3 min walk
11:153Plaza Grande ↗1 hWatch your bag
Main square of the UNESCO-listed old town.
- Watch the changing of the guard on Mondays
- Sit with locals on the benches
↓ 2 min walk
12:154Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus ↗1 hGo early
Gilded baroque church covered in gold leaf.
- No photos inside
- Worth the entry fee
Lunch
13:15Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 3 min walk
Afternoon
14:305Oldest church complex in Quito with cobbled square.
- Visit the museum and cloister
- Great views from the plaza at dusk
↓ 7 min walk
15:456Calle La Ronda ↗1 hAt night
Narrow colonial lane full of balconies, cafes and music.
- Come in the evening for live music
- Try canelazo, hot spiced drink
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/quito/itineraries/basilica-del-voto-nacional-and-around
Day 1 of 29:30–16:456 stops
Basilica del Voto Nacional and around
A walking day around Basilica del Voto Nacional, Teatro Sucre and Plaza Grande, with a lunch break nearby and Calle La Ronda to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hNeo-Gothic basilica with gargoyles of Ecuadorian animals.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Climb the towers for views
- Not for those afraid of heights
📷 Photos
11 min walk
210:45 · 30 minBeautiful 19th-century theater.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Check the performance schedule
- Visit the cafe for coffee
- Pretty in the evening
📷 Photos
3 min walk
311:15 · 1 hMain 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 min walk
412:15 · 1 hGilded baroque church covered in gold leaf.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- No photos inside
- Worth the entry fee
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 13:15
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps3 min walk
Afternoon
514:30 · 1 hOldest 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
7 min walk
615:45 · 1 hNarrow 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
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Quito. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.