Quito, Ecuador travel guide

The Andes' highest capital: a gold-drenched colonial old town under snow-capped volcanoes.

Best time to visit: June-September (dry) and December-January
Average daily budget: $35 to $75 USD
Ideal trip length: 3 to 4 days

Quito sits at 2,850 metres in a valley ringed by volcanoes, with the best-preserved colonial old town in the Americas at its heart, all gilded churches and cobbled plazas. It's the launchpad for the Galápagos and the Amazon, but worth days in its own right. Joy Plus paces the old town and the day trips around the altitude and the reliably wet afternoons.

Quito itinerary

Day 1, Get oriented

Morning: Colonial old town walk. La Compañía's gold-leaf interior, the Basílica towers, and Plaza Grande.

Afternoon: Explore Centro Histórico, The UNESCO old town: La Compañía, the Basílica, and Plaza Grande.

Evening: Climb the Basílica. Scramble up the neo-Gothic towers for the city's best rooftop view.

Day 2, Go deeper

Morning: TelefériQo cable car. Ride to 4,000m on Pichincha for volcano views, weather permitting, go early.

Afternoon: Explore La Mariscal, The backpacker and nightlife hub, cafés and the artisan market.

Evening: Mitad del Mundo. Straddle the equator at the monument and the quirky Intiñan museum.

Day 3, Hidden side

Morning: Sunset over the city from the Panecillo hill (go by taxi).. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore La Floresta, Bohemian, leafy, the best independent cafés, cinema and restaurants.

Evening: A canelazo (warm spiced sugarcane drink) on a cold evening.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Best neighbourhoods

Centro Histórico: The UNESCO old town: La Compañía, the Basílica, and Plaza Grande.
La Mariscal: The backpacker and nightlife hub, cafés and the artisan market.
La Floresta: Bohemian, leafy, the best independent cafés, cinema and restaurants.
Guápulo: A steep, artsy neighbourhood tumbling into the valley with great views.
González Suárez: Upmarket ridge with hotels and panoramic city outlooks.

Must-do experiences

Colonial old town walk: La Compañía's gold-leaf interior, the Basílica towers, and Plaza Grande.
TelefériQo cable car: Ride to 4,000m on Pichincha for volcano views, weather permitting, go early.
Mitad del Mundo: Straddle the equator at the monument and the quirky Intiñan museum.
Climb the Basílica: Scramble up the neo-Gothic towers for the city's best rooftop view.

Hidden gems

Sunset over the city from the Panecillo hill (go by taxi).
A canelazo (warm spiced sugarcane drink) on a cold evening.
The Saturday Otavalo market day trip for textiles and crafts.
Café-hopping in La Floresta away from the tourist trail.

Daily budget

$35 to $75 USD per day.

What to eat

Locro de papa (creamy potato and cheese soup)
Llapingachos (cheesy potato patties)
Ceviche, Ecuadorian-style with popcorn
Fresh tropical fruit juices and Ecuadorian chocolate

Getting around

The old town is walkable but hilly and high, so take it slow. Use Uber or Cabify, cheap and safer than hailing taxis, for longer hops and at night. The Teleférico and Mitad del Mundo are short rides out. A booked driver or tour handles the Otavalo and volcano day trips.

Safety

Quito needs more street awareness than some capitals: avoid flashing valuables, use Uber/Cabify at night, and don't walk empty areas after dark. Altitude is the bigger issue, rest on arrival, hydrate, and ease into activity. Afternoon rain is common, so do outdoor sights in the morning.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Quito?

Three to four days: a day or two for the old town, a day for the equator and cable car, and time for an Otavalo or volcano day trip before heading on.

How do you handle Quito's altitude?

Take it easy on arrival, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol the first day, and don't rush uphill. Most people adjust within a day or two at 2,850m.

Is Quito safe for travellers?

It's fine with city smarts: use Uber or Cabify at night, keep valuables out of sight, and stick to busy, well-lit areas after dark.

When is the best time to visit Quito?

June-September (dry) and December-January is the sweet spot for weather and crowds. Shoulder season brings lower prices and easier bookings, while peak months mean higher accommodation costs and longer queues at the best known sights, so book early if you travel then.

How much does a trip to Quito cost?

Budget around $35 to $75 USD per person per day, covering a mid range room, local transport, two or three meals out and an activity or entry ticket. You can go lower with hostels, markets and free walking tours, or far higher with boutique hotels and private guides.

How much does a solo trip to Quito cost?

Budget on roughly $35-$75 USD per day in Quito as a solo traveller. That covers a hostel bed or simple room, local food, getting around and a couple of paid sights. Mid-range comfort with private rooms, sit-down dinners and the odd tour runs closer to double, while shoestring travellers who cook and stick to street food can come in under it.

How do you get around Quito?

Tours and activities in Quito | Quito in 3 days | Quito in 5 days | Quito in 7 days