Things to Do in Quito, Ecuador

Quito, Ecuador's captivating capital, sits majestically at 2,850 meters above sea level in the Andes Mountains, making it the world's second-highest capital city. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts one of the best-preserved colonial historic centers in Latin America, where cobblestone streets wind between baroque churches, ornate plazas, and colorful colonial buildings that tell the story of Spanish conquest and indigenous resilience. The city's dramatic setting is enhanced by surrounding volcanic peaks, including the nearby Pichincha volcano that looms over the urban landscape. Modern Quito extends far beyond its colonial heart, encompassing bustling commercial districts, vibrant neighborhoods, and contemporary cultural spaces that reflect Ecuador's dynamic present. The city serves as the perfect gateway to explore Ecuador's incredible diversity, from the Amazon rainforest to the Galápagos Islands, while offering visitors a rich tapestry of museums, markets, culinary experiences, and outdoor adventures. Quito's unique blend of indigenous, colonial, and modern influences creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in South America, where ancient traditions coexist with urban sophistication against a backdrop of stunning Andean scenery.

Top Things to Do in Quito

Historic Center Walking Tour

Explore Quito's UNESCO World Heritage colonial center, wandering through Plaza Grande, visiting the stunning La Compañía de Jesús church with its gold-leafed interior, and climbing the towers of Basílica del Voto Nacional for panoramic city views. The historic center contains over 130 monumental buildings and is considered one of the most important historic centers in Latin America.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours are available daily starting around $10-15 per person in tips, while private guided tours cost $40-80. Visit churches in the afternoon when lighting is best for photography, and wear comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets.

Equator Line Experience

Visit the famous Mitad del Mundo monument marking the equatorial line, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere and learn about the unique geographic phenomena that occur at latitude 0°. The nearby Intiñan Museum offers interactive experiments demonstrating equatorial physics, including the famous water drain demonstration and balancing eggs on nails.

Booking Tip: Entry to Mitad del Mundo costs around $5, while Intiñan Museum is $4. Many tour operators offer half-day trips for $25-40 including transportation. Visit in the morning for clearer skies and better photo opportunities.

TelefériQo Cable Car Adventure

Ride South America's second-highest aerial lift system up the slopes of Pichincha volcano to an elevation of 4,050 meters for breathtaking panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding Andes mountains. At the top, you can hike to the Rucu Pichincha summit, visit the amusement park, or simply enjoy the spectacular vistas while acclimatizing to the altitude.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost around $8.50 for adults and can be purchased on-site or online. Go early morning or late afternoon for clearest views and bring warm clothing as temperatures drop significantly at altitude. Allow 2-3 hours for the full experience.

Local Market and Food Tour

Immerse yourself in Quito's vibrant food culture by exploring traditional markets like Mercado Central or Mercado San Francisco, sampling exotic fruits, local specialties like llapingachos and cuy, and learning about indigenous ingredients and cooking techniques. These tours often include visits to local restaurants and street food vendors for a comprehensive culinary experience.

Booking Tip: Guided food tours range from $35-70 per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Book tours that include multiple neighborhoods and markets for variety. Go hungry and bring cash for additional purchases at markets.

Day Trip to Otavalo Market

Journey to the famous Otavalo indigenous market, one of South America's most important textile markets, where you can shop for handwoven alpaca goods, colorful textiles, and traditional crafts while experiencing authentic Andean culture. The trip often includes stops at scenic crater lakes like Cuicocha and visits to traditional weaving communities in surrounding villages.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $45-80 per person including transportation and guide. Saturday is the main market day with the largest selection. Bring cash for purchases and bargaining is expected. Tours typically last 10-12 hours.

Getting There

Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) serves as Quito's main gateway, located about 45 kilometers east of the city center in the Tababela area. The airport connects Quito to major cities across the Americas and Europe, with direct flights from Miami, Madrid, Amsterdam, and most South American capitals. From the airport, travelers can reach the city center via taxi (45-60 minutes, $25-35), private transfer, or the public bus system which is more economical but takes longer. Many hotels offer airport shuttle services, and ride-sharing apps like Uber operate in the city. Overland travelers can reach Quito by bus from other Ecuadorian cities and neighboring countries, with the main bus terminal (Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe) located in the south of the city.

Getting Around

Quito's public transportation system centers around the Metrobús rapid transit network and an extensive bus system that connects all parts of the city efficiently and affordably. The historic center is best explored on foot, while taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber provide convenient transportation between neighborhoods and for evening outings. The city's layout runs north-south along the Andean valley, making navigation relatively straightforward. For day trips outside the city, organized tours are often the most convenient option, though car rentals are available for independent travelers. Walking is pleasant in the historic center and modern districts like La Mariscal, but be prepared for the altitude and carry layers as weather can change quickly in the mountains.

Where to Stay

Historic Center (Old Town)

La Mariscal (New Town)

La Floresta

Quito Norte

Cumbayá Valley

La Carolina

Food & Dining

Quito's culinary scene beautifully blends traditional Ecuadorian flavors with international influences, offering everything from street food stalls serving empanadas and fresh fruit juices to upscale restaurants featuring contemporary interpretations of Andean cuisine. The historic center and La Mariscal neighborhood contain the highest concentrations of restaurants, from casual comedores serving hearty almuerzo lunch sets for under $5 to fine dining establishments showcasing Ecuador's diverse ingredients like quinoa, plantains, and fresh seafood from both coasts. Don't miss trying local specialties like locro de papa (potato soup), hornado (roasted pork), and ceviche, while adventurous eaters can sample cuy (guinea pig) at traditional restaurants. The city's growing craft beer scene and excellent coffee culture, thanks to Ecuador's high-altitude growing regions, provide perfect accompaniments to any meal.

When to Visit

Quito enjoys a spring-like climate year-round due to its equatorial location, with temperatures typically ranging from 50-70°F (10-21°C) regardless of season. The dry season from June to September offers the clearest skies and best conditions for outdoor activities and mountain views, making it peak tourist season. The wet season from October to May brings afternoon showers and more cloudy days, but also fewer crowds and lush green landscapes. December through February can be particularly rainy, while March to May offers a good balance of occasional showers with plenty of sunshine. Any time of year is suitable for visiting Quito, but travelers should pack layers and rain gear regardless of season, as mountain weather can be unpredictable and temperatures vary significantly between day and night.

Insider Tips

Arrive a day or two early to acclimatize to the 2,850-meter altitude before attempting strenuous activities - drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol initially

Carry small bills and coins as many vendors, taxis, and small restaurants cannot make change for large denominations

Learn basic Spanish phrases as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas and hotels, and locals greatly appreciate the effort

Things to Do in Quito