A Comprehensive Guide To Quito Ecuador: Things To Do and How To Travel (2024)

Would you like to walk on the equator line found in South America? Enjoy colonial architecture in the place designated as the first UNESCO World Heritage City? Then, pack your bags, prepare your itinerary, and head to Quito Ecuador, now!

Formerly known as San Francisco de Quito, Quito is the most populous city in Ecuador, with an estimated population of 2.8 million.

This Latin-American destination is special because it is the second-highest capital city worldwide. Located on the slopes of the Andes mountains, the city’s total elevation from the ground is around 9,350 feet (2,850 meters). Travelers hoping to reach the city’s peaks will surely face challenges.

Quito is only 226 miles (364 kilometers) from the Colombia-Ecuador border, so it is also a starting destination for travel between the two countries. Moreover, with a total distance of only 284 mi (457 km), Quito is the closest city to Cali, Colombia, one of the South American cities and most visited tourist spots.

Now that we covered the basics, this article can serve as your travel guide to this wonderful city. Learn how to get there, the best things to do, and places to stay in Quito.

Best Things To Do in Quito Ecuador – Activities

1. Walking Tour

A walking tour is the best way to learn about the city’s history. Visiting the old sites and structures with a guide that tells the place’s stories allows you to form a deep relationship with it.

A walking tour to the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City) is a must. Within the grounds is the Monument to the Equator, highlighting the Equator’s exact location, a nod to the origin of the country’s name. It also hosts the Museo Etnográfico Mitad del Mundo, an ethnographic museum about the indigenous people of Ecuador.

If you want to get deeper into the city and cannot afford to miss anything, we recommend selecting from 3 tour options mentioned below:

• Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito
• The Delicious Side of Quito
• Explore Old Town Quito

2. Shopping at Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal

The Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal is best for picking up local artisan crafts at a very low cost. It is located near Plaza Foch in the Mariscal district. You can find handicrafts such as llama jumpers, flutes, and leather bags.

Locals are very accommodating tourists looking to bring home Ecuadorian culture to their respective homes. At the same time, the sellers are usually very experienced in identifying tourists and asking for a high price for the items, so make sure you bargain.

Any day tour here can be challenging yet fulfilling for any tourist.

3. Pichincha Volcano Activities

Pichincha Volcano is where you can spend all day long participating in various activities.

First, you can take a cable car called Teleferiqo to reach the volcano’s base at 8.50 USD (229,416 Ecuadorian Sucre [ECS]) per person for a round-trip ticket. The total ride takes about 18 minutes to reach the destination. The steep ride is an unforgettable experience as you move 13,100 ft (4,000 m) above sea level inside a cable car, enjoying the views of the city from the skies.

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This volcanic paradise will surely be a trip to remember. You will be able to see the valleys surrounding the place, and your treks will be a memory you can treasure in your life. Just make sure you don’t get altitude sickness when visiting this highland.

As you reach the upper station, there are many activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and viewing the city from a giant swing. In addition, you can also get to the top of the volcano, but the activity requires high fitness levels as it involves 5-6 hours of hiking.

4. Baños Activities

If the activities at Pichincha Volcano were not enough to make you feel tired, there is more for you to experience. Head towards this famous backpacker town, located in the middle of a cloudy forest of Andes lowlands, and enjoy various activities, such as trekking, ziplining, rafting, hiking, and canyoning.

Baños is famous not only for the variety of activities but also for some breathtaking sights. You can experience many natural hot springs, amazing waterfalls, and an active volcano.

Best Things to Do in Quito Ecuador – Sights

5. Plaza Grande

Quito’s center, Plaza Grande, is the first place to be recognized as a UNESCO cultural heritage site, mainly due to its amazing architecture. The place is a must-visit as this old, well-preserved town has everything you want to know about the city’s history.

As you enter the city center, the plaza is right in the middle, surrounded by the most beautiful buildings in the city, such as San Agustin Church, Presidential Palace, and Plaza San Francisco. Also within the historic center is the Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus, a Baroque Catholic clerical center completed in 1565.

6. Basílica del Voto Nacional

Basílica del Voto Nacional is one of the most iconic sites in the city of Quito. The fact that makes it unique is it’s Latin America’s largest neo-Gothic Basilica. During your visit, you can also enjoy the views of the city from the top of the cathedral.

Also, the entrance is free, so don’t forget to add this place to your visiting list if you are traveling on a budget.

7. Ronda Street

Ronda Street is a hotspot for tourists. It is only open for pedestrians to enjoy the beautiful colonial buildings. These buildings were first constructed in the 1600s, and now most of them have been turned into shops and cafes. Trek around the city, and you will delight your senses.

8. Plaza Foch

For nightlife, Plaza Foch is an ideal place to visit. You will find some great cafes, bars, and restaurants in the La Mariscal area. There are also some great hostels where you can plan your stay for a few days, getting a complete Quito nightlife experience.

Best Things to Do in Quito Ecuador – Food

9. Seafood at Zazu

Zazu is a restaurant run by Peruvian chef Rafael Perez. The taste of his local Ecuadorian cuisines has no competition in the city, especially the seafood. We highly recommend you try snow crab ceviche and octopus parrilla.

10. Soy-Glazed Tuna Steak at Lau

Lau is another great place to enjoy the best Ecuadorian cuisine in Quito. It is run by celebrity chef Alexander Lau. The restaurant is within walking distance of La Mariscal. The most delicious items on his menu are tiradito parmesan and soy-glazed tuna steak, representing the chef’s Italian-Chinese heritage.

How To Get to Quito Ecuador

Quito Ecuador – By Air

If you want to travel to Quito by air, there are 2 international airports: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Code: UIO) and José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. There are very few countries outside of Latin America that offer direct flights to Quito.

So, know your departure plans beforehand to know where to book.

For traveling directly to one of Quito’s international airports, you can buy a ticket for a direct flight to Quito in these cities:

• Miami, Houston, Atlanta (United States)
• Madrid and Amsterdam (Europe)

One of the best airlines you can choose to reach Quito is the American airlines and TAME. They offer the cheapest and the most comfortable travel experience. The airfare tickets can be quite expensive during school breaks, so make sure you avoid traveling during these days.

Quito Ecuador – By Road

To enter Ecuador by land, you can take a direct bus from Peru or Colombia. The route from Tulcan, Ecuador would be the ideal choice to reach Quito early, as the total distance between the places is only 153 miles (247 km).

On the other hand, the route from Peru via Huaquillas, Macara, and La Balsa is the safest.

Weather in Quito

Because of its high altitude, the weather in Quito is unpredictable, so make sure that you take all precautionary measures beforehand.

Temperatures in Quito vary from 48 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit (8.9 to 18.9 degrees Celsius), which is ideal for people who want to spend their vacations in a cold environment. However, it often fluctuates in the rainy season between March and April.

Where to Stay in Quito Ecuador

When traveling to Quito, you want to stay in a fun area. Here’s exactly where to stay in Quito and have a good time in the city.

1. Old Town

If you travel to Ecuador and visit Quito for the first time, we highly recommend staying in the Old Town. Here, you can learn the most about the country and its old city’s history. Some of the best accommodations in the old town are:

• Hotel Casa Gangotena
• Casa Hotel Las Plazas
• Masaya Quito

2. La Floresta

La Floresta, only 2.49 mi (4 km) from the Old Town, is ideal for people who want to enjoy Ecuador’s colorful surroundings and old architecture.

Moreover, the place is a paradise for food lovers. A full day here means a great day for your food cravings.

If we look into the accommodation options, the best hotels here are:

• Swissotel Quito
• NH Collection Quito Royal
• Casa Aliso Hotel Boutique

3. La Mariscal

La Mariscal is the best, with the best hotels, bars, and restaurants to enjoy the Ecuadorian nightlife. A day trip would fall short of the bountiful activities this city can offer.

3 of the best hotels in this area are:

• Park Inn by Radisson Quito
• Hotel Reina Isabel
• Hotel Vieja Cuba

4. Bellavista

Bellavista is another great spot to enjoy nature and nightlife. It is located 7km northwest of the historic center.

If you are searching for a mid to low-range hotel, this is the place. The best options include:

• Air Suites Hotel
• St. Gallen Haus

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Tips On How To Stay Safe In Quito Ecuador

To enjoy and ensure your safe stay in Quito, follow these tips.

• Stay active while using public transport to avoid pickpockets.
• Do not use your cell phone in public spaces, especially in public transportation.
• Look for the green sticker and identification number on the side of the taxi before hiring it.
• Do not walk alone in the streets of La Mariscal with valuable items at night.
• Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Quito Ecuador

What Is Quito Most Known For?

Quito is most known for the beauty of its historic architecture. The city, founded in 1534, is the oldest capital in South America. It has a UNESCO world heritage site good for expeditions and hikes for everyone looking for those kinds of thrills on their vacation.

Is Quito, Ecuador Worth Visiting?

Yes, Quito has everything for every kind of traveler.

From different historic sites to delicious foods to never-ending activities, Quito is worth a visit at least once in a lifetime. It should be a part of your choices for South American travel.

What Is It Like Living in Quito, Ecuador?

Living in Ecuador, within this marvelous city, means enjoying the landscapes, free healthcare, good security, and friendly Ecuadorians. These things make life in Quito idyllic versus the usual metropolitan way of living.

Conclusion – Quito Ecuador

You will need a long vacation with all the unique places, thrilling activities, and delectable cuisine to enjoy in Quito. This beautiful capital city of Ecuador will surely leave you with wonderful and memorable experiences.

The best tip we can give before traveling to this wonderful city is to learn their mother tongue. It doesn’t hurt to also learn the Spanish language, as this is Ecuador’s most commonly used dialect.

So, will you include Quito in your tour of South America? Yes? Then, enjoy your trip!

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