High Andean capital with a gilded colonial core
Quito sits at about 2,850 meters in an Andean valley. Its colonial old town is among the best preserved in the Americas. The TelefériQo and the equator monument are favorites. It is a gateway to Galapagos and cloud forests.
Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.
One of the largest and best preserved colonial centers in the Americas, with dozens of churches, convents and plazas. It was among the first places named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Walking is the best way to explore.
Walking is free; church entries are paid.
A Jesuit church completed in 1765 whose interior is almost entirely covered in gold leaf. It is a masterpiece of Baroque art in the Americas. Photography is restricted inside.
Standard adult admission ticket; includes guided tour.
A large neo Gothic basilica begun in 1892 and officially still unfinished. Its towers can be climbed by steep ladders for views over the old town. The gargoyles are carved as local animals such as tortoises and iguanas.
Modest entry fee to climb the towers and cross the roof catwalk.
A hill south of the old town topped by a large aluminum statue of a winged Virgin. It gives the best overview of the colonial center. Take a taxi up rather than walking.
Price not verified for 2026; check the official site before you go.
A cable car climbing from the city to about 4,000 meters on the slopes of Pichincha volcano. The views reach snowy peaks on clear mornings. Trails continue higher, but the thin air makes them tiring.
Return gondola lift ticket.
The main square of the old town, also called Plaza de la Independencia. The presidential palace, cathedral and archbishop's palace face it. It is lively with locals, shoe shiners and street vendors.
Free public square.
A monument and park marking the equator, about 1 hour north of the city. The site has museums and exhibits. A nearby private museum claims to show the line's more accurate GPS position.
City monument admission; adjacent Intiñan Museum charges about 5 USD.
A restored colonial street in the old town with balconies, crafts shops and small bars. It is lively on weekend evenings. Try canelazo, a hot spiced drink.
Free public historic street.
A museum created by the painter Oswaldo Guayasamin, dedicated to the people of Latin America. His powerful paintings fill the building. His former house is next door and can also be visited.
Price not verified for 2026; check the official site before you go.
A market town about 2 hours north, known for its indigenous Kichwa traders and textiles. The craft market runs daily, but Saturday is the biggest day. It is easily combined with nearby lakes.
Entry is free; prices vary by what you buy.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it.
Choose how many days you have.
Day one old town, day two TelefériQo, day three Mitad del Mundo or Otavalo.
Volcano.
37 mi · Tour, about 1.5 hours
Cloud forest.
50 mi · Bus, about 2 hours
Birdwatching, waterfalls and chocolate tours.
50 mi · Bus or tour, about 2 hours each way
A deep green crater lake that is stunning on a clear day.
112 mi · Bus or private tour, about 3.5 hours each way
Thermal mineral pools nestled in the high paramo mountains at 3,300 meters beneath alpine peaks.
40 mi · Intercity bus toward Baeza from Terminal Quitumbe in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Best: June to September. Drier season.
Daily high and average, by month
Typical inches per month
Shoulder season. Good balance of weather and crowds.
Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.
Early December (founding day 6 December)
Week of concerts and street parties.
Around June 21
Indigenous communities celebrate the solstice with dance and music in nearby towns.
March or April
The Good Friday procession of Jesus del Gran Poder winds through the old town.
March or April
Dramatic Good Friday Procession of Jesus of Great Power where purple-hooded cucuruchos penitents walk barefoot through historic streets.
August
Light and digital projection festival illuminating the baroque facades of historic churches across the Old Town.
Ecuador is at US State Department Level 2 (exercise increased caution); citing crime; use app taxis and avoid empty streets at night.
Old town is walkable but hilly.
Metro and trolleybuses.
Sources disagree on: population.
The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.
Best for: first-timers
History.
Best for: couples
Cafes.
Best for: nightlife
Bars.
Best for: business travelers, families
Upscale area with a large park and malls.
Best for: luxury travelers, business, quiet views
Upscale modern residential ridge with high-rise hotels and views over the Guápulo valley.
| Main airport | Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), 25 mi from the center |
| To the center | Taxi about 45 to 60 minutes. Public buses take 60 to 90 minutes with changes. |
| Around town | Metro, app taxis and walking. |
| Ride apps | Uber, Cabify, inDrive, DiDi |
Potato soup.
Roast pork.
Cheese pastries.
A warm spiced cane spirit drink for cold nights.
Rich, braised goat or lamb stew simmered with chicha corn beer or fruit juice, served with yellow rice and plantains.
| Plugs | Type A and B, 120 V |
| Tap water | Use bottled water |
| Tipping | About 10 percent in restaurants is common. |
| Payments | Cards in cities; cash for markets and small towns. |
| Etiquette | Greet with a handshake or friendly hello; dress modestly in churches. |
Quito sits on the site of an ancient settlement of the Quitu people, later part of the Inca Empire. Spanish conquerors founded the city in 1534. It became a center of colonial art with a famous school of painting and sculpture. The first call for independence from Spain was made here in 1809. The historic center was among the first two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1978.
Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.