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Ecuador Quito travel guide
12 things to do in Quito, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Quito
- Cathedral of Quito — Catholic cathedral in Quito, Ecuador (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Basilica of the National Vow — church in Quito, Ecuador (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Church of Saint Frinci — church building in Quito, Ecuador (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Church of the Society of Jesus — Jesuit church in Quito, Ecuador (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Plaza de la Independencia — plaza in Ecuador (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Basilica of La Merced — church building in Quito, Ecuador (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Parque El Ejido — park in the city of Quito, Ecuador (visit ≈ 45 min)
- La Capilla del Hombre — art museum in Quito, Ecuador (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Quito Botanical Gardens — Botanical garden and park in Ecuador (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Sucre House — museum in Quito, Ecuador (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Gustavo Orcés V. Natural History Museum — natural history museum in Quito, Ecuador (visit ≈ 120 min)
- City Museum — History museum in Quito, Ecuador (visit ≈ 120 min)
1-day Quito walking itinerary
Starting point: Centro Histórico. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 6.2 km · 8,420 steps · 1 h 23 min on the way): Plaza de la Independencia → Parque El Ejido → Basilica of the National Vow → Basilica of La Merced → Church of Saint Frinci → Cathedral of Quito → Church of the Society of Jesus → Sucre House
Where to stay in Quito
- Centro Histórico: UNESCO-listed old town; churches and plazas on your doorstep.
- La Floresta: Calm, artsy neighbourhood with good cafés.
- La Mariscal: Hub of budget hotels and bars; take care at night.
- La Carolina: Big park and business area; modern hotels and a safe choice.
Getting from the airport to Quito
- Mariscal Sucre (UIO): Aeroservicios bus to Parque Bicentenario ≈ 45 min, then a taxi; direct taxi or ride-hailing app ≈ 45–60 min.
Getting around
The Ecovía and Trole buses and the new metro cover the main routes. At night use registered taxis or apps (Uber, Cabify).
Classic places to eat
- Heladería San Agustín: Paila ice cream churned in copper pans since 1858.
- Café Mosaico: On the Itchimbía slope; terrace overlooking the old town.
- Mercado Central: Local market; eat locro de papa and fried corvina.
- Hasta la Vuelta Señor: Classic Ecuadorian food in the Archbishop’s Palace courtyard.
- Tianguez: Under San Francisco church; café and craft shop facing the plaza.
Romantic views
- El Panecillo (Sunset): From the hill with the Virgin statue you see the old town and volcanoes.
- Calle La Ronda (Evening): With balconied old houses and lanterns, this lane is charming at night.
- Itchimbía Park (Sunset): The lawn in front of the glass palace gives a broad view of the city.
- Plaza Grande (Evening): Framed by the lit cathedral and palace, the square is lovely at night.
Football stadiums in Quito
- Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado: Home of Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito
- Estadio Rumiñahui: Home of Independiente del Valle
- Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa: Home of Club Deportivo El Nacional, S.D. Quito
Good to know before visiting Quito
- Fine: In Galápagos touching wildlife or entering protected areas without a guide is banned; a separate entry fee applies.
- Fine: Drug offences carry severe penalties.
- Warning: Security varies by region; follow any state-of-emergency announcements.
- Warning: Quito sits at about 2,850 m.
- Warning: Carry ID.
- The currency is the US dollar.
- Emergency: 911
- Plugs: A/B, 120V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: About 10% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Ecuador, Wikivoyage — Ecuador, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Quito travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Quito?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 1 day at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 2 days for the top 10 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Quito?
- Highlights: Cathedral of Quito, Basilica of the National Vow, Church of Saint Frinci, Church of the Society of Jesus and Plaza de la Independencia. The map has 12 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Quito?
- Centro Histórico: UNESCO-listed old town; churches and plazas on your doorstep. Other options: La Floresta, La Mariscal and La Carolina.
- How do you get from the airport to Quito city centre?
- Mariscal Sucre (UIO): Aeroservicios bus to Parque Bicentenario ≈ 45 min, then a taxi; direct taxi or ride-hailing app ≈ 45–60 min.
- How do you get around Quito?
- The Ecovía and Trole buses and the new metro cover the main routes. At night use registered taxis or apps (Uber, Cabify).
- What is the emergency number in Quito?
- Emergency: 911.
- Do you tip in Quito?
- About 10% is customary.
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