How do I get to Quito?

Mariscal Sucre Airport is located about 40 kilometers outside the city and is served directly from numerous North and South American destinations, with a bus reaching the center in about an hour.

Why is Quito's old town a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

As one of the best-preserved colonial old towns in Latin America, with its numerous churches and monasteries from the 16th to 18th centuries, Quito's historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, one of the very first sites ever.

What is the Mitad del Mundo near Quito?

At the nearby Mitad del Mundo monument, you can symbolically cross the equator, which gave Ecuador its name, with one foot in each hemisphere, while the nearby interactive Intiñan museum shows physics experiments around the zero line.

What volcanoes can you see from Quito?

Located at around 2,850 meters in an Andean valley, the city is framed by several active and dormant volcanoes, including Pichincha, which rises right above the city and can be climbed by cable car.

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Quito Travel Guide 2026: Historic Centre, Equator, Best Time to Visit, Costs & Tips

Quito, Ecuador's capital, sits at about 2,850 metres in a narrow Andean valley surrounded by volcanoes, making it one of the highest capital cities in the world. Its historic centre was among the first places in the world declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1978) and is one of the best-preserved colonial centres in the Americas, filled with baroque churches, monasteries and plazas. Highlights include the gold-covered La Compañía de Jesús church, the Gothic Basílica del Voto Nacional, and the Virgin of El Panecillo watching over the city. Just north of Quito, you can stand on both hemispheres at the Mitad del Mundo equator monument. Quito is also the gateway to the Galápagos, the Amazon, Cotopaxi volcano and the Otavalo market. This Quito travel guide covers the best time to visit, top places, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, entry rules and practical tips.

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Best Time to Visit Quito

Quito has a mild "eternal spring" climate, with daytime temperatures of about 15–22°C and cool nights, and weather that can change several times a day.

Dry season (June–September): Sunnier, with the clearest views of volcanoes such as Cotopaxi. It's the best time for hiking and excursions.

Wet season (October–May): Mornings are often sunny, with afternoon showers and occasional storms.

Events

Fiestas de Quito (late November–6 December): The city's biggest celebration, with concerts, parades and street parties.
Holy Week (Easter): The dramatic Procession of Jesús del Gran Poder with purple-robed penitents.
Inti Raymi (June): Andean solstice festivals in nearby communities.

Top Places to Visit in Quito

1. Historic Centre (Centro Histórico)

Explore Plaza Grande (Plaza de la Independencia), surrounded by the Carondelet Palace, the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace. Wander through narrow streets lined with colonial balconies.

2. La Compañía de Jesús

A spectacular Jesuit church whose interior is covered in gold leaf, considered one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in South America.

3. Basílica del Voto Nacional

A neo-Gothic basilica with gargoyles shaped like Ecuadorian animals, such as tortoises and iguanas. Climb its towers for views over the city.

4. El Panecillo

A hill topped by a large aluminium statue of the Virgin of Quito, with panoramic views. Visit by taxi.

5. TelefériQo

A cable car rising to about 3,950 metres on the slopes of Pichincha volcano, with views over Quito and nearby volcanoes. Hikers can continue to Rucu Pichincha (4,698 m).

6. Mitad del Mundo and Intiñan Museum

Visit the equator monument about 25 km north of the city, and the nearby Intiñan Museum, located closer to the GPS-measured equator, with interactive experiments.

7. La Ronda

A restored colonial street with cafés, craft shops and live music, lively in the evenings.

Also worth visiting: San Francisco Church and Monastery, Casa del Alabado pre-Columbian art museum, La Mariscal nightlife district, Parque La Carolina and Capilla del Hombre, dedicated to the artist Oswaldo Guayasamín.

Beyond Quito

Otavalo: One of South America's most famous indigenous markets, about 2 hours north.
Cotopaxi National Park: One of the world's highest active volcanoes, about 1.5–2 hours south.
Mindo: Cloud forest with birdwatching, butterflies and chocolate tours, about 2 hours away.
Quilotoa: A turquoise crater lake.
Papallacta: Hot springs in the mountains.

Suggested 4-Day Quito Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the historic centre, La Compañía, Basílica and La Ronda in the evening.

Day 2: Ride the TelefériQo and visit Mitad del Mundo and Intiñan Museum.

Day 3: Day trip to Otavalo (best on Saturday market day) or Mindo.

Day 4: Day trip to Cotopaxi National Park.

Quito Food Scene

Try locro de papa (potato and cheese soup), fanesca (a rich soup at Easter), hornado (roast pork), empanadas de viento, llapingachos, humitas and canelazo. The Mercado Central and Mercado San Francisco offer cheap local food.

Quito's Neighbourhoods and Museums

Quito stretches for more than 40 km along its valley, and each area feels different. The historic centre in the south-central part of the city is the cultural heart, with churches, convents and museums such as the Museo de la Ciudad, the Centro Cultural Metropolitano and the Museo Casa de Sucre. North of it, La Mariscal is the traditional backpacker and nightlife district around Plaza Foch, while La Floresta has independent cafés, street art and an arthouse cinema. Further north, the business district around Parque La Carolina has modern hotels, malls and some of the city's best restaurants.

Art lovers should not miss the Capilla del Hombre and Casa Museo Guayasamín in the Bellavista neighbourhood, dedicated to Ecuador's most famous painter, or the Casa del Alabado, a beautifully presented collection of pre-Columbian art in the old town. The Basílica's towers, the TelefériQo and El Panecillo are the best viewpoints, but clouds usually build in the afternoon, so go up early.

Acclimatising to the Altitude

Quito is one of the best places in Ecuador to adjust before heading higher into the Andes.

Many travellers feel the altitude on arrival: shortness of breath, headaches, poor sleep or tiredness. Plan a gentle first day, drink plenty of water, eat light meals and limit alcohol. Try the local coca tea or herbal infusions, and save strenuous hikes such as Rucu Pichincha or Cotopaxi for later in your trip. If symptoms become severe, descend and seek medical help.

Where to Stay in Quito

Historic Centre: Colonial boutique hotels near sights; quiet at night, so choose well-located hotels.
La Floresta: Bohemian neighbourhood with cafés and a local vibe.
La Mariscal: Nightlife and many hostels; be careful at night.
González Suárez and La Carolina: Modern hotels, malls and safer residential areas.
Near Tababela Airport: Convenient for early flights.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Quito here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Quito

Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) is in Tababela, about 45–60 minutes from the city centre, with international flights from the Americas and Europe, and domestic flights to the Galápagos, Guayaquil and Cuenca. Search and compare cheap flights to Quito to find the best fares.

Getting Around

Quito Metro: A modern metro line runs north–south through the city.
Trolleybus and Ecovía: Bus rapid transit lines.
Ride-hailing apps and taxis: Affordable; use apps or registered taxis.
Walking: Good in the historic centre during the day; streets are steep.

Long-Distance Buses

Quito has two main terminals: Quitumbe (south, for Baños, Cuenca and Guayaquil) and Carcelén (north, for Otavalo and Colombia).

Travel Costs in Quito

Ecuador uses the US dollar (USD).

Travel style	Accommodation	Food & drink	Transport & activities	Daily total
Budget	US$12–25 (hostel)	US$10–20	US$5–15	US$27–60
Mid-range	US$50–100 (hotel)	US$25–45	US$20–60 (tours)	US$95–205
Luxury	US$150–300 (boutique luxury)	US$50–100	US$60–150	US$260–550

Visa & Entry Rules

Visa-free: Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and most other countries can visit Ecuador visa-free for up to 90 days in a 12-month period.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months.
Onward ticket and health insurance: Carry proof of both.
Galápagos: Pay the US$20 Transit Control Card at Quito airport before flying, plus the US$200 park fee on arrival.

Local Tips for Quito

Altitude: At 2,850 m, take it slow on arrival, drink water and avoid heavy alcohol on the first day.
Safety: Ecuador is rated Level 2 by the US State Department. In Quito, watch for pickpockets in the historic centre, on buses and in La Mariscal, and use ride-hailing apps at night.
Sun: The equatorial sun is very strong; wear sunscreen and a hat.
Layers: Weather changes quickly.
Staying connected: Buy a local SIM or use a travel eSIM. Get your Ecuador eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

Historic centre walking tour.
Otavalo market day trip.
Cotopaxi National Park hike or bike tour.
Mindo cloud forest and chocolate tour.
Quilotoa Loop tours.

Browse and book the best tours in Quito here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high is Quito?

About 2,850 metres above sea level, one of the highest capitals in the world.

How far is the equator from Quito?

The Mitad del Mundo monument is about 25 km north of the city, roughly 45–60 minutes by car.

Is Quito safe?

Quito requires normal big-city precautions. Use ride-hailing apps at night and watch for pickpockets.

Can I fly from Quito to the Galápagos?

Yes. Daily flights go to Baltra and San Cristóbal, often via Guayaquil.

What is the best day trip from Quito?

Otavalo market, Cotopaxi National Park and the Mindo cloud forest are the most popular.

Quito combines one of South America's finest colonial centres with the equator, volcano views and quick access to the Andes and the Amazon. Give yourself a slow first day to adjust to the altitude, then explore the old town, ride the TelefériQo and branch out to Otavalo or Cotopaxi.

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