Quito in 5 days

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.

Day 1, Get oriented

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

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.

Eat: Locro de papa (creamy potato and cheese soup)

Day 2, Iconic sights

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

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.

Eat: Llapingachos (cheesy potato patties)

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

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

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.

Eat: Ceviche, Ecuadorian-style with popcorn

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Guápulo, A steep, artsy neighbourhood tumbling into the valley with great views.

Morning: The Saturday Otavalo market day trip for textiles and crafts.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Guápulo, A steep, artsy neighbourhood tumbling into the valley with great views.

Evening: Café-hopping in La Floresta away from the tourist trail.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Fresh tropical fruit juices and Ecuadorian chocolate

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: González Suárez, Upmarket ridge with hotels and panoramic city outlooks.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in González Suárez, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore González Suárez, Upmarket ridge with hotels and panoramic city outlooks.

Evening: Dinner at Locro de papa (creamy potato and cheese soup), then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in González Suárez.

Eat: Locro de papa (creamy potato and cheese soup)

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.

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.

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