Best Time to Visit
June to September (dry season), though Quito's spring-like climate makes it pleasant year-round
Language
Spanish, Kichwa (indigenous)
Currency
United States Dollar (USD) — Ecuador adopted the dollar in 2000
Time Zone
ECT (UTC-5)
Airport
Mariscal Sucre International (UIO)
Population
2.8 million (metro area)
Climate
Subtropical highland, avg 10-21°C year-round due to 2,850m elevation
Safety Rating
Exercise Increased Caution (Level 2)
Altitude
2,850m (9,350 ft) — take it slow on day one to acclimatize
UNESCO Status
First city inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1978)
The heart of Quito's UNESCO-listed colonial center, flanked by the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the Archbishop's Palace. Free to wander; guided walking tours from $10-15. Allow 3-4 hours to explore the surrounding streets.
A stunning neo-Gothic basilica with gargoyles shaped like Galapagos animals. Climb the twin clock towers for panoramic city views. Entry: $2. Open daily 9AM-5PM, allow 1.5 hours.
Stand on the Equator line 23 km north of Quito. The main monument complex charges $5 entry; the nearby Intinan Museum ($5) has quirky equator experiments. Allow 2-3 hours including travel.
Ride to 4,050m on the flanks of Pichincha volcano for jaw-dropping views of the Andes and the city below. Tickets: $8.50. Open daily 9AM-6PM. Bring warm layers — it's cold at the top. Allow 2-3 hours.
Often called the most beautiful church in the Americas, covered in 7 tonnes of gold leaf inside. Entry: $5. Open Mon-Sat 9:30AM-5PM. No photos allowed inside. 10 minutes from Plaza Grande.
One of the world's highest active volcanoes (5,897m), 50 km south of Quito. Day tours from $60-80 include transport, guide, and lunch. You can hike to the refuge at 4,864m. Best visited in clear morning weather.
A narrow cobblestone lane in the old town that comes alive at night with live music, artisan chocolate shops, and canelazo (cinnamon liquor) bars. Free to walk; budget $10-20 for food and drinks. Best after 7PM.
Ecuador produces some of the world's finest cacao. Visit Republica del Cacao or Pacari in the old town for guided tastings ($10-25). Learn bean-to-bar processes and sample single-origin varieties.
Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) and transfer to your hotel in the La Mariscal or La Floresta neighborhood. At 2,850m elevation, take it easy today — altitude sickness is real. Drink plenty of water, skip alcohol, and eat light.
Airport transfer to La Mariscal(45-60 minutes)
Fixed-rate taxi from the airport counter costs $25-30, or take the Aeroservicios shuttle bus for $8 to the old town
Light lunch at Zazu(1 hour)
One of Quito's best restaurants in La Mariscal — try the ceviche de camarones with a side of patacones, mains from $12-18
Gentle walk around Parque El Ejido(1.5 hours)
A low-key stroll through Quito's central park where weekend art markets set up along the pathways. Good for easing into the altitude
Coca tea at the hotel(30 minutes)
Ask your hotel for mate de coca — it's legal in Ecuador and locals swear by it for altitude adjustment
Dive into Quito's UNESCO-listed colonial center — the first city ever inscribed as a World Heritage Site (1978). The old town is compact and walkable, with major sights within a few blocks of each other. Wear comfortable shoes on the cobblestones.
Plaza Grande & Presidential Palace(1 hour)
The heart of colonial Quito flanked by the Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, and Presidential Palace. Free guided tours of the palace run on the hour (bring your passport)
La Compania de Jesus Church(45 minutes)
Often called the most beautiful church in the Americas, covered in 7 tonnes of gold leaf. Entry $5, no photography inside. 10 minutes from Plaza Grande
Almuerzo lunch at a local comedor(1 hour)
Look for signs saying 'Almuerzo $3' — a full set menu with soup, main course, juice, and dessert for $2.50-3.50. Try one on Calle Venezuela near the church
Basilica del Voto Nacional tower climb(1.5 hours)
Climb the twin clock towers of this neo-Gothic basilica for panoramic city views. Note the gargoyles shaped like Galapagos iguanas and tortoises. Entry $2
Evening on La Ronda Street(2 hours)
This narrow cobblestone lane comes alive after 7PM with live music, artisan chocolate shops, and canelazo bars. Try the hot cinnamon canelazo ($2-3) and browse the handicraft workshops
Ride the TeleferiQo cable car up to 4,050m on the flanks of Pichincha volcano for staggering Andes views, then spend the afternoon exploring a quieter side of Quito. Bring warm layers — it drops below 10°C at the top.
TeleferiQo cable car ride(2.5 hours)
Take an Uber to the base station ($3-5 from La Mariscal). Tickets $8.50, open 9AM-6PM. At the top, walk the Cruz Loma trail for even better views. Don't overexert — you're at 4,000m+
Lunch at Café Mosaico(1.5 hours)
A hillside restaurant overlooking the old town with floor-to-ceiling windows. Their locro de papa (potato soup with avocado and cheese) is a Quito classic. Mains $8-15
Chocolate tasting at Pacari(1 hour)
Ecuador produces some of the world's finest cacao. Pacari's guided tasting in the old town costs $10-15 — sample single-origin bars and learn the bean-to-bar process
Sunset from Itchimbia Park(1 hour)
A hilltop park east of the old town with 360-degree views of the city and surrounding volcanoes. The crystal palace (Centro Cultural Itchimbia) glows at sunset. Free entry
Head 23 km north to stand on the Equator line — one of those bucket-list experiences that's surprisingly fun. Combine with the nearby Pululahua volcanic crater for a half-day outing, then return for an afternoon at leisure.
Mitad del Mundo monument complex(1.5 hours)
The main Equator monument and surrounding park with museums and shops. Entry $5. Take an Uber from the city ($8-12) or a bus from Ofelia terminal ($0.35)
Intinan Solar Museum(1 hour)
The quirky museum just 200m from the main monument claims to be on the 'real' equator line. Fun experiments like balancing an egg on a nail and watching water drain both ways. Entry $5
Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve viewpoint(1 hour)
A 15-minute drive from Mitad del Mundo brings you to the rim of a volcanic crater with a farming community living inside. The Ventanillas viewpoint is free and spectacular
Free afternoon — rest or explore La Mariscal(3 hours)
Browse the Mercado Artesanal (fixed-price crafts market) on Calle Juan León Mera, or rest at the hotel to recover from yesterday's altitude
A full-day excursion to one of the world's highest active volcanoes (5,897m), 50 km south of Quito. Day tours include transport, guide, and lunch for $60-80 per person. The drive through the Avenue of Volcanoes is stunning.
Drive through Avenue of Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park(2 hours)
Most tours depart hotels at 7AM. The park entrance fee is $10. On clear days, the snow-capped cone is visible for much of the drive
Hike to Cotopaxi Refuge (4,864m)(2 hours)
A 45-minute hike from the parking lot at 4,500m to the José Rivas refuge. Take it extremely slow — the altitude is punishing. Hot chocolate available at the refuge ($2)
Mountain bike descent from the parking area(1.5 hours)
Many tours include a thrilling downhill bike ride through the páramo (high-altitude grasslands). Bikes and helmets provided. Mostly downhill, suitable for beginners
Lunch at a hacienda near Cotopaxi(1 hour)
Tour operators typically include lunch at a traditional hacienda. Try llapingachos (potato patties with peanut sauce) — a highland Ecuadorian specialty
A relaxed day exploring Quito's cultural side — world-class museums in the morning, then a free afternoon to revisit favorites or simply soak in the city's atmosphere. Today is your rest day.
Museo Nacional del Ecuador (MuNa)(2 hours)
Housed in the Casa de la Cultura, this museum covers 10,000 years of Ecuadorian history from pre-Columbian gold to contemporary art. Entry $2. Open Tue-Sun 9AM-5PM
Mercado Central lunch(1 hour)
The central food market near Plaza Grande where locals eat — try encebollado (tuna and onion soup, considered Ecuador's national hangover cure) for $3-4
Free afternoon at leisure(4 hours)
Rest at the hotel, revisit the old town, or book a cooking class through your hotel. Many hostels and hotels offer evening Ecuadorian cooking workshops from $25-35 including dinner
Last morning in Quito before transferring to the airport. Use the early hours for final souvenir shopping or one last walk through the old town. Remember the airport is 37 km east — allow 45-60 minutes for the drive.
Morning walk and last-minute shopping(1.5 hours)
Pick up Panama hats ($15-50 — they're actually Ecuadorian!), chocolate bars from Pacari or Republica del Cacao ($3-5 each), and tagua nut carvings from the Mercado Artesanal
Breakfast at Café Dios No Muere(45 minutes)
A cozy spot on Calle García Moreno in the old town — their humitas (sweet corn tamales) and fresh fruit juice are a perfect farewell meal
Airport transfer(45-60 minutes)
Take an Uber ($12-15) or arrange a hotel transfer. Allow extra time for traffic, especially on weekday mornings. International flights: arrive 3 hours early
Citizens of the US, Canada, EU, UK, and Australia get 90 days visa-free. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry. No extensions — you must leave and re-enter for a new 90-day period.
At 2,850m, altitude sickness is real. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol on day one, and eat light. Locals swear by coca tea (legal in Ecuador). If you feel dizzy or nauseous, rest — symptoms usually pass in 24-48 hours.
Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas around Plaza Grande, La Mariscal, and on trolleybuses. Use a money belt, keep your phone in a front pocket, and avoid displaying expensive cameras around bus terminals. Avoid walking alone after dark in La Mariscal.
UIO airport is 37 km east of the city center. A taxi costs $25-30 (fixed rate, pay at the counter inside arrivals). The Aeroservicios shuttle bus runs to the old town for $8. Allow 45-60 minutes for the drive depending on traffic.
Uber and inDrive work well in Quito and are safer than hailing random cabs. If you do take a yellow taxi, ensure the meter is running — short trips in the city center should cost $2-5.
Set lunch menus (almuerzos) at local restaurants include soup, a main course, juice, and dessert for $2.50-3.50. Look for signs saying 'Almuerzo $3' — they're everywhere in the old town and are how locals eat.
If heading to the Galapagos, flights depart from UIO or Guayaquil. The $100 Galapagos National Park fee and $20 transit control card are paid in cash upon arrival at the islands — bring US dollars.
StoriesDay-by-day journal from my week at 2,850m — including the moment I almost passed out on Cotopaxi and the canelazo that fixed everything.
Travel GuidesTwo high-altitude capitals, two wildly different vibes. I've spent months between them, and the answer isn't as obvious as you think.
SeasonalWhile everyone books Machu Picchu and Patagonia, Quito's dry season delivers cloudless volcano views, empty churches, and $60 Cotopaxi tours without the crowds.
