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Capital city of Ecuador
Photo: Ángel M. Felicísimo, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an ancient Inca city. Quito's Old City is the largest in the Americas and was one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized as the largest and most intact colonial city center remaining in the Americas. It has undergone a restoration and revitalization program and boasts more than 40 churches, and 16 convents and monasteries. In 2022, 1.8 million people lived in Quito, with 2.9 million in the metropolitan area.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
This church dates to 1537 and was devoted to St Francis, since the Franciscan order was the first to settle in the area. Hence the city's official name: San Francisco de Quito. The church contains masterpieces of syncretic art, including the famous "Virgin of Quito" by Legarda. The sculpture represents a winged virgin stepping on the devil's head (in the form of a serpent) and is displayed in the main altar. The virgin would later be inaccurately replicated on top of Panecillo hill. The museum next door to the church is arranged through the monastic compound and includes access to the choir. Next to the choir you can also climb the stairs to enter the bell tower and the church roof, offering great panorama of the square.
Main plaza of Quito with national significance that features the monument to the independence heroes of August 10, 1809.
Perhaps Ecuador's most renowned museum with different rooms, devoted to pre-Columbian, Colonial and gold works of art, among other topics. Some of the famous pieces include whistle bottles shaped like animals, elaborate gold headdresses and re-created miniature scenes of life along the Amazon. The museum is well-organized, and it takes about 3–4 hours to see everything. Entrance $2. Guides who speak several different languages including English, French and Spanish are available for a small fee. Do not confuse this museum with the Banco Central which is a small exhibition downtown, across from La Compañía church. This exhibit usually shows currency or stamps.
Shows a patchwork of local artists.
A lovely museum with two floors encircling two quiet courtyards, the "Museo de la Ciudad" provides more of a social history of Ecuador than other museums in Quito. Re-enacted scenes from daily life of Ecuador's citizens through the years include a hearth scene from a 16th-century home, a battle scene against the Spanish, and illustrations of the building of Iglesia de San Francisco church.
Jardin Botanico
It's a wonderful escape from the city, with all of Ecuador's ecosystems represented with a wide variety of flora. You can take a guided tour or just wander. The highlight for many people are the two glassed-in orchidariums.
Ethnohistoric Museum of Handicrafts of Ecuador Mindalae
An extremely original project in the north part of the Mariscal District, this museum provides an 'ethno-historical' view of Ecuador's amazingly rich cultural diversity. You can find out about the country's different peoples, from the coast to the Andes to the Amazon, and their crafts in a specially-built and designed structure. The museum has a large fair-trade shop that sells handicrafts and natural products.
This hill provides stunning views of central and northern Quito, as well as the distant peak of Cayambe to the northeast. The hillside was made into a park and an impressive cultural centre established here in 2005. The centre holds temporary exhibitions. At the weekends, there are workshops and fun for children. Pim's restaurant is open at the complex. The complex closes at 18:00. Once it closes, you can head to the nearby Cafe Mosaico to watch the sunset until about 19:00. It's a great spot to watch the fading of the light on the mountainside with the floodlights of the Old Town's churches.
Guayasamin Museum and Chapel of Man
This museum houses the collection of Ecuador's most renowned contemporary artists, Oswaldo Guayasamin. It has a fine collection of pre-Columbian, colonial and independence art, and houses many of the artist's works. The adjoining Chapel of Man was built posthumously to house some of Guayasamin's vast canvases on the condition of Latin American Man.
This street in the Old Town was restored by Municipality and FONSAL in 2007. It was transformed with the help and cooperation of the local residents. It's a romantic cobbled street just off the Plaza Santo Domingo (or it can be reached via Garcia Moreno by the City Museum). There are shops, patios, art galleries and modest cafe restaurants now, all run by residents. Cultural events are common at the weekends. It lacks the liveliness and buzz of the adjacent streets. Go in the late afternoon to find the most shops open and people wandering the laneway.
El Panecillo is a large hill on top of which is La Virgin del Panecillo, a large statue of the 'winged' Virgin Mary. She can be seen from most points in the city. Local legend has it that she is the only virgin in Quito. Never walk up the hill, always take a taxi or a bus as the walk up can be dangerous.
Casa del Alabado Museum
The permanent collection is made up of pre-Columbian archaeological pieces, from most societies that once inhabited all regions of what is now Ecuador. The Alabado is organized thematically and not chronologically or geographically to allow visitors to generate their own visual and cultural connections about the pieces, in an innovative cultural framework. The works are displayed beautifully in a restored colonial building just off the Plaza San Francisco. Tours in Spanish, English or French every day, at 10:30, 12:00 and 15:30. Services for visitors with reduced mobility: ramps, lift, bathroom and wheelchair.
Just outside of Quito is where the measurements were first made that proved that the shape of the Earth is in fact an oblate spheroid. Commemorating this is a large monument that straddles the equator called Mitad del Mundo or middle of the world. The entrance for the park is $5 (included entrance to small museums - Dec 2019). Visit here if you're interested in learning some alternative facts and seeing some kitsch. Because it's not on the equator itself, and it's not a serious cultural or educational experience. No, the water doesn't really go down the plughole the opposite way in the hemispheres, and if you want to take it seriously you won't enjoy your time here. For some of the attractions like the planetarium, the price is $7.50. You can also go to the Intiñan Solar Museum which is right next to the monument, on the other side of the north fence. The museum is actually on the equator. For $4 you can have a tour of this little museum.
Church of the Jesuits
This church is regarded by many as the most beautiful in the Americas. Partially destroyed by fire, it was restored with assistance from the Getty Foundation and other benefactors. Stunning.
Basilica of the National Vow
It is said to be the largest Neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas. Construction began in 1892. You can climb the bell towers and explore the roofs, including a cafe and souvenir shops in the various upper levels, and spectacular views of Quito.
A museum about water's role in science and society.
See some representative Ecuadorian species here as well as other animals.
A historic building from 1622 that features temporary art exhibits. Also be sure to see Museo Alberto Mena Camaño, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and Palacio de Carondelet along the Plaza Grande for more important historical perspectives on Ecuador.
Old convent from colonial period with lots of gold leaf inside.
Planetarium and unique building offering views of Quito.
Modern art museum.
Indigenous attraction alongside the Puluahua Geobotanical Preserve (Crater).
It's the world's second-highest cable car. It's on the eastern flanks of the Pichincha Volcano which overlooks the whole city. It hoists visitors up to an amazing 4,000 m (12,000 feet). On clear days, you can spot half-a-dozen volcanoes and see the entire city below. The 18-minute cable car trip costs $5.25 for locals, but $9.00 (Dec 2022) for foreigners ($7.00 for children, $6.50 for seniors, and $4.00 for small dogs). There is also an express lane option for more money. Take a taxi to the base of the TelefériQo ($4-6 from La Mariscal) or ask your hotel about buses. Don't let the taxi driver make you pay for parking. They don't pay, so it is just a scam.
You can hike from the upper TelefériQo station to the Guagua Pichincha Volcano, which is active. You should set out from the upper cable car station before 10:30. This is not an easy hike, and there have been reports of robberies. Do your research. Hiring a guide is recommended.
Even if you do not hike the entire path to the volcano, it is worth walking a short distance along those same trails to the first and second viewpoint ("mirador") for amazing city views, and (of course!) a photo opportunity with a giant swing. Use your judgment, but a guide should not be needed to the viewpoints, as other visitors frequently make the same trip and you are unlikely to be alone on that part of the path.
Biking Dutchman mountain biking tours
There are many outfits offering one- to multi-day mountain biking trips to the surrounding volcanos, lakes, and valleys. Biking Dutchman is one of the oldest and most well-regarded.
The Pululahua Crater is one of the most amazing places to ride, but chances are you will not find anything about it in your guide book. Astrid, the owner of the ranch who moved to Ecuador from Germany, will pick you up in Quito and bring you to the ranch (about 45-minute drive). Rides of various lengths are available and she has a wide variety of horses ready for novices and experts. She and her staff are incredibly friendly and everything is included in the price.
An Ecuadorian franchise. 4 locations: Panecillo, Cumbaya, Itchimbia and Isabel La Catolica (next to the Swissotel).
Restaurante El Techo del Mundo
Luxurious restaurant with a spectacular view located in the 5-star hotel “Hotel Quito”, international and Ecuadorian cuisine.
Nice tempeh platter and hominy here at this vegetarian restaurant.
A Mongolian Grill in the heart of trendy gringolandia new town. All you can eat buffets (vegetarian $3.99, with meats $5.99. Includes salad or soup entre, and one free drink. Great quality meat.
Need a break from all the new tastes, get a taste and comfort from home. This American style Sports Bar has great food and you can watch all your favorite sports on TV.
Restaurant
Among the best restaurants in town. Great service and food, taste the crepes de pangora (stone crab). Dishes are small, get an entry. Nice view of the plaza from some tables. Dress code: semi formal.
Great fresh Asian food (Vietnamese & Thai) in funky surroundings with friendly service. Excellent martinis & drink specials. Prices - Appetizers $3–4, Mains $7–10. Tofu & veggie options, Local Ecuadorian specialities.
Traditional Ecuadorian cuisine with a gourmet twist!
It is the Ecuadorian version of Planet Hollywood. The night sky of northern Quito is incredible and the food is great.
An English pub style bar that often has live music in the later hours. They have their own brews along with other popular beers. They also have pool tables, foosball, darts etc. Turtle's Head is also open in the nearby valley of Cumbaya, located in the main plaza across from the church.
German-run brew-pub with excellent beer, from Hefeweizen (blond wheat beer) to Stout. Offers mostly German food, such as sausages, schnitzel, potato salad and tasty Hamburgers. Has live sports on a big screen (HD), a beautiful garden and foosball. Wednesday Reggae Night, Thursday Classic and modern Rock. Packed on Fridays.
Upscale restaurant well worth the visit. Urban chic meets Quito, and the result is a very comfortable setting with outstanding cuisine and top notch service. Great wine list too. Located near the JW Marriott.
Cozy Irish pub with friendly atmosphere, loads of Live sports, free pool and foosball, draft beer and good pub food all day. Poker Monday, Table Quiz Tuesday and good craic every night of the week. Get in before 16:00 on Sundays!
A nice place to have a cup of delicious hot chocolate. They also offer coffee, cookies and souvenirs (e.g. chocolate and cool t-shirts).
Nice drinks with varied and modern music.
Place for "gringos" to mingle with the locals. It's an overall fun place to go - Wednesdays Ladies Night are the best day to go, definitely. LGBT friendly.
a unique Beatle Bar in the heart of La Mariscal/rock and roll and more.
Historic building in the center of town. Friendly atmosphere, cultural events, rooftop terrace with beautiful view, free wifi, bar, food service, kitchen, hot water, laundry service, tours, warm, comfortable beds, clean private and shared rooms.
Located between New and Old Quito, just up the hill from Parque Alameda. Plenty of clean rooms with sitting areas both inside and under a new glassed-in ceiling on the rooftop (with views of the Basilica and the Panacillo/Angel.) Hot water, free wi-fi internet in the common areas, laundry service, large breakfasts ($2–3). Door is locked 24/7 for security and the very friendly owners and staff are happy to help with directions, calling cabs, etc. Great spot away from (but within walking distance of) the much more touristy Mariscal Sucre.
Centrally and very quietly located in the heart of La Mariscal District. The rooms and bathrooms are very clean. Good kitchen for joint use, free WiFi. Big, comfy common rooms filled with fun things and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Parking space available at no extra charge.
An old, but well preserved, large mansion where every room is different, but all are nice with a lot of light. Most are shared bathrooms. Full kitchen available for use; nice courtyards, roof decks, and outdoor speaces. Breakfast and laundry available. German and English spoken. Free wifi and a computer for use. Friendly, relaxed staff. Quiet and tranquil, perfect for those over 30 who want to be in La Mariscal but away from the crazy college crowd.
Aleida's Hostal is a laid-back, family-run hotel a block away from La Floresta's big 5-star hotels. The building is a beautifully restored three story house built in the 1950s with friendly staff and a sunny courtyard in the front. Spanish and English are spoken and services include wireless internet, laundry, book exchange, and more. Breakfast included in the restaurant downstairs.
A colorful, homey hostel in the best part of the neighborhood, close to shopping, nightlife and entertainment. Great amenities: cafe and international library, and a beautiful antique house. Nice breakfast in a sunny restaurant. Walking distance to s 'Metro Bus' station.
Clean rooms, a popular cafe/restaurant and a tranquil shaded courtyard all housed in a beautifully decorated building in the Mariscal. The hostel has 6 rooms and dorm beds.
Single double and triple room. All rooms have shared bathrooms and there is a set price of $10 per person per night.
Has affordable rooms, a trilingual owner Pierre, and is a great spot for backpackers. Television room and free rum and coke nights three times a week. Food is also available. Showers aren't very hot though.
Rooftop kitchen and terrace with great views over the city, TV room with DVDs and SNES, free use of washing machines, free internet, free tea/coffee/aromaticas all day, friendly family run place, 2 mins from Itchimbia park - more great views. $6 per person per night.
Suites near the airport complete with hot water, TV, Wi-fi, 24-hr staff and airport transfers, A/C, restaurant.
There is also a very good restaurant on the premises. Friendly staff.
2800 meters
This is an old mansion from the beginnings of the 20th century, nicely decorated. It has a mini-bar, guest kitchen, travel agency inside and extremely friendly and helpful English speaking staff. It has yards all around the house and wireless Internet to all the building (2 computers with Internet connection as well). Included breakfast: coffee (real coffee), tea, milk, fresh juice, 3 types of fruits, bread, cheese, 2 eggs, butter, marmalade, etc. There is a laundry service, Spanish lessons, book exchange, free maps, bike rental, luggage storage, etc. A nice TV room with a huge collection of movies. There are rooms with shared bathroom from $11 per person, and rooms with private bathroom from $15 per person.
Luxury hotel, offers spacious and luxurious rooms, along with first-class meeting facilities, an outdoor pool and garden, full-service spa and outstanding restaurants.
This hotel offers the following services: casino, restaurant, room service, Wifi, swimming pool, garden spa and fitness, business center, shops, parking, wet and dry cleaning, nanny service.
Very nice luxury hotel near downtown Quito. Has a great Japanese Restaurant and Fondue.
Nice place to make your base for your time in Quito. Clean but basic rooms, internet in-house and a big cheap breakfast. There is also a Swiss restaurant directly below.
Near all major public transportation, inside a traditional neighborhood of Quito called San Blas. 8 minutes away to the Main Square in the Old Town and 20 minutes away to the night life (walking distances). Private rooms with private and shared bathrooms and besides a mixed dorm room ensuite, internet, Wifi, housekeeping everyday, mailbox service, an amazing view point of Quito from their covered top terrace, luggage storage, security lockers, exchange books, bar, breakfast served at the top terrace, Spanish classes).
Four blocks from Plaza Grande.
A hostel in the historic district of Quito's Old Town. With a friendly staff and very clean environment.
Close to the crossing of Flores and Sucre.
Nice and clean hotel in the old town with helpful staff. Note that some of the rooms facing the street can be a bit noisy.
Hostel across the street from the historic center. Staff is super friendly and helpful. Facilities are basic but clean.
Offers a roof terrace with a great view and herbs grown by the volunteer staff. Moreover there is a wonderful view of the older section of Quito. Has a great in-house travel agency to help sort out Galapagos, Amazon, etc. There are fires nightly and the staff cooks three-course meals every night. The hostel also offers breakfast for $2.80.
A lovely, comfortable, converted estate house offering excellent value. Price includes a basic breakfast, which can be upgraded for a price. Some rooms on the courtyard and street are a bit noisy. There are no windows in most rooms. The restaurant also serves excellent dinners, priced in line with other à-la-carte restaurants.
Hand-made shoes. A wide selection in stock plus made to measure if you have 8 days to spare. A selection of corresponding (spectator shoes), riding boots and women's shoes, $80.
Master Luthier Cesar Guacan's quaint guitar workshop at the base of the Virgin del Panecillo - great guitars for both professionals and budget-conscious.
Art gallery and shops off the lobby.
Art studio, located on Amazon and Wilson, very close to the Mariott and the Hilton. Lessons in art, painting and watercolor, oil painting, modern art classes, Monday to Saturday.
Art gallery and shopsoff the lobby. This upscale hotel is 3 km from Parque La Carolina and 4 km from Plaza de la Independencia square.
Art galleries and shopping.
By bus
The old "Terminal Terrestre," which was in Cumandá (center of the city), has been replaced by two new terminals.
By bus
There are 3 independent systems of buses, that have enclosed stations - the stops are roadside platforms, covered with entrances where you pay your fare on the way in.
By metro
The Quito Metro opened in December 2023 and travels from Quitumbe bus terminal through the Centro Historico and La Mariscal to the El Labrador bus terminal at Parque Bicentenario in approximately 30…
By taxi
Taxis are generally an easy and cheap way to travel around Quito.
By train
The railway station is at the south end of the old city, close to the El Trole route. The railway is very rundown and services are erratic.
By car
You can rent a car in Quito, but it's not recommended for getting around the city. It's not worth the effort with taxis so cheap.
By bike
While some locals would warn you about "conductores locos" (crazy drivers) on local roads, Quito does have some bike infrastructure, including a number of bicycle lanes in several major streets, and…
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