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Quito, Ecuador - Things to Do in Quito

Things to Do in Quito

Quito, Ecuador - Complete Travel Guide

Quito, Ecuador's captivating capital, sits majestically at 2,850 meters above sea level, making it the world's second-highest capital city. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts one of the best-preserved colonial centers in Latin America, where cobblestone streets wind between baroque churches, colorful plazas, and centuries-old monasteries. The city's dramatic setting in the Andes Mountains provides a stunning backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes and rolling green hills. Modern Quito extends far beyond its historic heart, offering vibrant neighborhoods filled with contemporary art galleries, trendy restaurants, and bustling markets. The city serves as the perfect gateway to Ecuador's incredible biodiversity, from the nearby cloud forests to the famous Galápagos Islands. Visitors can experience everything from indigenous markets and traditional crafts to world-class museums and exciting nightlife, all while enjoying the eternal spring-like climate that comes with its equatorial location.

Top Things to Do in Quito

Explore Historic Old Town

Wander through Quito's magnificent colonial center, visiting the stunning La Compañía de Jesús church with its gold-covered interior and the impressive Plaza Grande surrounded by important government buildings. The historic district offers countless architectural gems, charming cafés, and artisan shops tucked into narrow cobblestone streets.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours are available daily from Plaza Grande (tip-based, $10-15 suggested). For guided experiences, book through established operators for $25-40 per person. Early morning tours (9-11 AM) avoid crowds and offer the best lighting for photos.

Ride the TelefériQo Cable Car

Ascend to 4,100 meters above sea level on South America's highest cable car for breathtaking panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding Andes mountains. At the top, you can hike trails, visit the adventure park, or simply enjoy the spectacular vistas while acclimatizing to the altitude.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost around $8.50 and can be purchased on-site or online. Visit on clear mornings (8-10 AM) for best visibility. Bring warm clothes as temperatures drop significantly at the summit. Allow 3-4 hours for the full experience.

Visit Mitad del Mundo and Equator Line

Stand on both hemispheres simultaneously at this famous equatorial monument complex, just 30 minutes from Quito's center. The site features interactive museums, cultural exhibits, and the opportunity to perform fun equator-line experiments that demonstrate the unique physics of being at 0° latitude.

Booking Tip: Entry costs $5-7 per person. Half-day tours from Quito run $35-50 including transportation and guide. Visit the nearby Intiñan Museum ($4 extra) for more engaging equator experiments. Avoid weekends if possible due to crowds.

Experience Local Markets and Food Scene

Immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture at vibrant markets like Mercado Central or Mercado San Francisco, where you can sample exotic fruits, traditional dishes, and purchase handcrafted souvenirs. Food tours often include visits to local restaurants serving specialties like ceviche, locro de papa, and fresh empanadas.

Booking Tip: Food tours range from $45-75 per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Book with operators that include market visits plus 4-5 restaurant stops. Independent market visits are free, but go with locals or guides for safety and cultural context.

Day Trip to Cotopaxi National Park

Venture to one of Ecuador's most iconic volcanoes, Cotopaxi, standing at 5,897 meters with its perfect snow-capped cone. The national park offers incredible hiking opportunities, wild horse sightings, and stunning Andean landscapes, plus the chance to visit traditional haciendas and learn about local culture.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $65-95 per person including transportation, guide, and park entrance. Book tours that include Limpiopungo Lagoon and reach the refuge at 4,864m. Bring layers, sunscreen, and altitude sickness medication. Tours run year-round but dry season (June-September) offers clearest views.

Getting There

Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) is located about 45 minutes east of Quito and serves as Ecuador's main international gateway. The airport is well-connected with direct flights from major US cities like Miami, New York, and Houston, as well as European cities like Madrid and Amsterdam. From the airport, official taxis cost around $25-30 to the city center, while the public bus system offers a budget option for about $2 but requires transfers. Many hotels provide shuttle services, and ride-sharing apps like Uber are available and reliable.

Getting Around

Quito's public transportation system centers around the efficient Metrobus (BRT) system and the newer Metro line, both costing around $0.35 per ride with a rechargeable card. Taxis are abundant and affordable ($3-8 for most city trips), while Uber and Cabify offer reliable alternatives with upfront pricing. The historic center is best explored on foot, but be prepared for steep hills and altitude effects. For day trips outside the city, organized tours are recommended as public transport to attractions can be time-consuming and complicated.

Where to Stay

Old Town Historic Center
La Mariscal (New Town)
La Floresta
La Carolina
Cumbayá
González Suárez

Food & Dining

Quito's culinary scene brilliantly combines traditional Ecuadorian flavors with international influences, ranging from street food vendors serving $2 almuerzo (lunch specials) to upscale restaurants featuring innovative takes on local ingredients. The historic center offers authentic local experiences with family-run establishments serving classics like hornado (roasted pork), while the modern Mariscal and La Floresta neighborhoods feature trendy bistros, craft breweries, and international cuisine. Don't miss trying cuy (guinea pig), fresh ceviche, quinoa-based dishes, and exotic Amazonian fruits, paired with locally roasted coffee or traditional chicha de jora.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Ecuador

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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La Briciola

4.7 /5
(3424 reviews) 3
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Carmine

4.6 /5
(1527 reviews) 4

Trattoria Piccolo Mondo

4.5 /5
(1337 reviews) 3

Riviera Restaurant in Guayaquil

4.6 /5
(1040 reviews)

Benvenuti Da Mauro

4.7 /5
(723 reviews) 2

La Caponata

4.6 /5
(641 reviews) 2
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When to Visit

Quito enjoys a pleasant spring-like climate year-round due to its equatorial location, with temperatures consistently ranging from 50-70°F (10-21°C). The dry season from June to September offers the clearest skies and best mountain views, making it ideal for outdoor activities and day trips to nearby volcanoes. The wet season (October to May) brings afternoon showers but also lush green landscapes and fewer crowds, plus lower accommodation prices. December through February can be particularly rainy, while March to May offers a good balance of manageable rainfall and pleasant weather.

Insider Tips

Drink plenty of water and take it easy your first day to adjust to the 9,350-foot altitude - coca tea helps with acclimatization
Always carry small bills and coins as many vendors, taxis, and even some restaurants struggle with large denominations or cards
Learn basic Spanish phrases as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas, and locals greatly appreciate the effort

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