Is Quito worth visiting? The Complete Guide to Quito
As someone who lived in Quito for four years, I can tell you without a doubt that Quito is worth visiting, as part of a broader trip to the country of Ecuador. Ecuador is incredibly diverse and you won’t want to limit yourself to just one place! However, I’m here to answer all your questions about visiting Quito: the best attractions in Quito, how to get around Quito, where to stay in Quito, and more.
An iconic view of Quito’s historic center with the Panecillo hill in the background on a typical partly cloudy day in the city.
What to know about traveling to Quito, Ecuador
Quito is a city located at 9,350 feet in the gorgeous Andean mountains. From the city itself, on a clear day you can see many volcanos, including Antisana, Iliniza Norte and Iliniza Sur, Cayambe, and the famous Cotopaxi, among others. Its weather is fairly mild year round as a result of the fact that it is at high elevation but a mere 15 miles from the equator.
Quito was founded in the 16th century, and stands on the ruins of an ancient Incan city. It has the best preserved historic center in Latin America. The city sprawls from south to north, with the historic center located generally in the middle. You can see baroque style architecture with the old churches that accent the area, and you can even climb up some of them.
A vibrant city, Quito has rich artistic traditions, some incredible food, and more to explore than meets the eye. Quito is worth visiting. I think Ecuador in general is too often overlooked by travelers; it has so much to offer!
General information about Ecuador
Currency and costs in Ecuador
Ecuador utilizes the US dollar, which is convenient for US travelers (hello, not having to do calculations for how much you’re spending!). In general, it’s an affordable destination, where you can find modest private rooms at hostels for under $30 a night. You can find set lunches, called almuerzos, for $3-$4, plates that include a juice, a soup, and a main plate, and sometimes even dessert. City bus rides are $.35 per ride, and intercity buses roughly cost around $2 per hour on the bus.
One of the BEST things about Ecuador is the soup. Seriously. Every typical lunch will include a bowl of soup and it might be my favorite thing about Ecuadorian food. This is sancocho, a hearty soup made with yuca, green plantain, corn on the cob, peas, carrots, and meat.
Safety in Quito: Is Quito Safe?
I won’t sugar coat it. Crime is an issue in Ecuador, particularly in Guayaquil, some coastal areas, the deep jungle that borders Colombia, and Quito. You will need to exercise high levels of caution to avoid being the victim of petty theft.
Some general tips: Never leave your backpack on your back while on public transit, don’t let your valuables out of sight on longer bus rides (keep all valuables on you and not in a pack that goes below the bus), and hold on tight to your belongings. Don’t keep phones in pockets. It’s not a bad idea to spread out your cash in a few different places so that if something is taken, you still have some money.
Additionally, don’t ever walk around at night. Take a taxi if you’re going out to dinner or drinks. It is not safe to wander Quito’s streets in the dark.
Overall, Quito has gone through safer and less safe periods. It’s not a bad idea to check the latest safety and security information through your country’s state department.
Enjoying walking around exploring Quito. Don’t let safety concerns keep you from having a good time. Just be cautious and don’t carry valuables. Then, appreciate the beauty of the city!
When to visit Quito
While the weather is mild year round, there are rainier months and sunnier months. The best time to visit Quito is in the drier season of May-October, when you can expect more clear days.
Where to Stay in Quito
There are a few great areas that I’d recommend staying when you visit Quito (and some I’d definitely avoid). Not all areas of the city are ideal for convenience, safety, and proximity to local attractions.
Many travelers also like to stay in the historic center, but I personally wouldn’t suggest this as this area is not as safe or clean as others. You should certainly explore the historic center during the daytime, though.
The main neighborhoods I recommend staying are La Floresta, La Carolina, and Guapulo. These neighborhoods are all conveniently located and have great restaurants and bars nearby, which is important as a traveler. They are also a bit safer and cleaner than some of the other common tourist hotel choices (like the historic center or La Foch).
La Carolina Area Hotels
- Blue Zone Apartments is an excellent choice, located on the east side of Parque La Carolina. I used to live on this street and think it’s one of the best places in the entire city. You’ll have access to the park one block away, and a variety of great restaurants and bars literally on your street.The apartments themselves are gorgeous, with kitchens, city views, and amenities like a gym and a sauna. Check prices now.
- The Rocky House Executive Suites is another fantastic option with comparable amenities and a similar location. They offer 24 hour check in, a washing machine, and a sun terrace. Check prices now.
This area is beautiful, modern, clean, and conveniently located next to Parque La Carolina. I loved living here and highly recommend it as a base for exploring Quito.
Guapulo Area Hotels
- Hotel Stubel Suites & Cafe is a gorgeous option in Guapulo. What’s especially nice about this hotel is the views from the glass-sided dining room out over the valley. They have a restaurant, a gym, a sauna, and cocktails at the bar. It’s incredibly popular and well-loved among Quito visitors. Book your room now.
- Hotel Muros Quito is also located in Guapulo and offers gorgeous, light-filled rooms and they offer an excellent buffet breakfast. You can use the entertainment room for playing games or watching movies, and there are laundry services available as well. Reserve your room now.
La Floresta Area Hotels
- Olympus Apartments is a wonderful option in the Floresta neighborhood, with full apartments offering kitchens with stoves, tvs, and washing machines. They have a fitness room and many rooms have gorgeous city views. You’ll be walking distance from cool spots like Cafe Ochoymedio and Frida tacos. Book your room here.
- NH Collection Quito Royal is a wonderful hotel in La Floresta that offers rooms with air conditioning, flat screen tvs, and free toiletries. You’ll be treated to excellent city views as well. Guests are particularly fond of the walkability of the surrounding area. Book your room now.
Getting around Quito
There are many ways to get around Quito. Most of the attractions in Quito are easily accessible via public transportation; there is excellent coverage with buses and the train. There are a few main public transportation types to be aware of.
While renting a car is possible, it’s not a very common method of getting around Quito (or Ecuador in general). The buses are great; long distance buses are comfortable and affordable. Taxis are cheap and easy to use as well.
The Ecovia, the Trole, and the Metrobus
All of these buses are special buses that run in the middle of the street. They have their own stations with attendants and each cost $.35 per ride. Some of them will have separate north and south bound stations, so be aware of that. The Trole is connected to a wire like traditional trolleys. They all run north-south, as Quito is a very long and narrow city.
The Ecovia
The ecovia is red and runs mainly on avenida 6 de dicembre. There are many popular areas along this route, and in fact it is the transportation I utilized most when living in Quito. You can get to La Marin (and Bandido’s Brewing) in the historic center, the Casa de la Cultura and Parque El Ejido, Plaza Foch, La Carolina park, and Quicentro shopping along this route.
The Trole
The trole is white and can take you to the civil registry in southern Quito, the Plaza del Teatro in the historic center, and Avenida colon and La Carolina park. In the north, you can ride the trole all the way to Carcelen terminal.
The Metrobus
The metrobus is blue and is probably the least useful in terms of getting you around the city for tourist attractions; there aren’t a bunch of tourist spots on this route. It also runs in the center of the road in its own lane. Most importantly, the metrobus can take you to Ofelia terminal, where you can catch a bus to Mindo.
Regular blue buses
There are many companies that run blue buses all around the city of Quito and surrounding areas. Unfortunately there is no master map of these routes, but you can generally see a list of the key places buses stop on the poster at the front of the bus. Google Maps also provides some helpful guidance for getting from one destination to another using the city buses.
You generally pay the $.35 cent fare to the ayudante (helper) or the bus driver.
Each blue bus should have a poster (or posters) in the front windows indicating streets and neighborhoods along the route.
Taxis
Taxis are a relatively cheap way to get around Quito as well. There are a couple of things to look for when hailing a cab from the street, for safety reasons:
- An orange license plate
- A municipal registration tag on the side door or back of the car
These two factors demonstrate that the taxi is a legal taxi, and safer than the “taxi piratas”, or unregistered pirate taxis.
Example of a legal taxi above.
The minimum fare during the day is $1.50 and it’s $1.75 at night. Be sure to request that the driver use a taximeter regardless (taxímetro in Spanish) so you get fair pricing.
Uber
Uber is also available and easy to use in Quito.
Things to do in Quito: The best attractions in Quito
1. Teleferiqo and Rucu Pichincha
The number one activity you do not want to miss in Quito is taking the cable car up the mountain to the base of the volcano Pichincha. You will be treated to stunning views of Quito from above and the surrounding Andes mountains. Grab a coffee at the local shop, stroll around the area to take in the mountains, and swing on the swingsets. Be sure to bring warm clothing because it can get COLD up there.
If you are in good shape and not struggling with the altitude, hiking Rucu Pichincha is an incredible experience. From the Teleferiqo, you’ll follow the trail up the volcano to the top. It’s 5.9 miles round trip with 2,565 feet of elevation gain, which will bring you to 15,696 feet. It’s a good idea to hike in the morning as afternoon storms are common.
Hiking Rucu Pichincha means being prepared for all types of conditions. It was clear when we started, and by the end we got hailed on.
Cost of the Teleferiqo in Quito: $7 per child, $9 per adult, $6.50 for seniors and persons with disabilities
Hours of the Teleferiqo in Quito: 10-6 Monday-Thursday, 8-6 Fridays, 8-5 Saturday and Sunday
Simply arriving at the top of the gondola ride is an experience worth having. Level it up by hiking up the Rucu Pichincha volcano!
Psst! Looking for more amazing volcano hikes in Ecuador? Check out my guide to hiking to the Jose Rivas Refuge at Cotopaxi National Park. Or get the details on hiking to the Condor Machay waterfalls!
2. Capilla del Hombre and Casa Guayasamin
Capilla del Hombre is a gorgeous museum dedicated to the work of Oswaldo Guayasamin, Ecuador’s most famous artist. I am not generally a museum person (like, at all) and I LOVE visiting this place. It’s special. You’ll get to admire artwork from his various phases, like war, tenderness, and others.
You can also tour Guayasamin’s house, which I recommend doing as well. It’s right next to the Capilla del Hombre and beautiful, with additional artwork and a tour guide. There are tours offered in English and Spanish for both the house and the Capilla museums.
Afterwards, grab a coffee or a snack at Omama Coffee Shop nearby.
Cost to visit Capilla del Hombre: $10 per adult, and $5 for children, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and students.
Hours of Capilla del Hombre: 9 am to 4:45 pm, Monday-Saturday. Closed Sundays.
One of his most famous pieces, this painting depicts the tenderness of motherhood.
3. Climb the Basilica del Voto Nacional
The Basilica del Voto Nacional in the historic center of Quito is a defining feature of the city skyline and it’s unmissable. It’s gorgeous from the outside, and what makes it extra amazing is that you can actually climb up it! You’ll get to appreciate the stained glass pieces in the basilica, look at the church service area from above, and take in soaring city views on the outside. Beware that the final portion of the climb is not recommended for small children or folks with vertigo. It is VERY steep and exposed!
However, you can still enjoy most of the experience without going all the way to the top. There are some cute cafes along the route up that I recommend grabbing some local snacks like cevichochos or a canelazo drink. It is definitely one of the best attractions in Quito.
Cost to enter the Basilica del Voto Nacional: $2 per person to go up the towers
Hours of the Basilica del Voto Nacional: 9 am to 7 pm Monday-Saturday, 9-4:30 pm Sundays
One of my all-time favorite Quito activities is climbing up the Basilica del Voto Nacional for the views (and the workout!).
4. Taste local foods at cafes
There are an incredible amount of delightful cafes in Quito. You’ll want to taste local specialities while you’re in the city! Here are some of my favorites:
- Restaurante y Cafeteria Modelo: Located in the historic center, this spot is great for traditional foods like ponche (warm sweet drink), empanadas, tamales, quimbolitos (sweet steamed corn cake), sandwiches, soups, and more. You may even get a piano performance if you’re there at the right time!
- Endulce: The best bakery in Quito! You can taste delicious items like oregano bread, cheese croissants, cookies, and more. They also have delicious warm sandwiches (I loved the pesto chicken). The tamales de chocho are unique and delightful; they are made with local chocho beans as the dough. Be sure to request ají, the local hot sauce.
- Casa de la Humita y Tamal Lojano: Another spot where you can get yummy local items like empanadas de viento (airy cheese empanadas), mote con chicharron (hominy with pork), bolones (fried green plantain balls filled with cheese and/or meat), and full lunches during the lunch hour.
Delicious Ecuadorian savory pastries. I am totally obsessed with them. These are delightful empanadas de morocho.
- Las Quesadillas de San Juan is a hidden gem that I only learned about because my Ecuadorian husband lives in this neighborhood. They offer incredible baked goods (try the aplanchados, a very flaky cookie, and the quesadillas, which are slightly sweet cheese breads unlike anything else you’ve ever tasted) as well as some savory snacks like humitas (steamed corn dough with cheese inside) or empanadas de morocho (really delicious fried corn dough typically with ground beef filling).
- Las Tripas de la Asunción: If you’re looking for a typical dinner spot, please do not miss this place! You will likely be the only foreigner here, and it gets packed at night. You can try typical foods like tripa (intestines) but they also offer things like sausage and potato/hominy mixes in a delicious broth, menestra plates (grilled meat, rice, salad, and lentil or bean stews), and morocho (amazing sweet corn drink).
The most amazing chorizo paisa with potatoes. I could. not get enough of this broth!
5. Take a tour of the Catedral Metropolitana de Quito
One activity that is great for a quick experience in the historic center is climbing the passageways of the Catedral Metropolitana de Quito. It is such a cool experience to climb through areas that are hundreds of years old! At the top, you’ll get to take in expansive city views and hear more about the history of the cathedral and the city. After visiting the Cathedral, you won’t be wondering “Is visiting Quito worth it?” You will know it is!
Hours of the Metropolitan Cathedral in Quito: 10-5 Monday-Saturday and 10-2 Sundays.
Climbing up the Cathedral in Quito is an experience to remember!
6. Enjoy an afternoon at La Carolina park and an ice cream at DiSerggio
When you’re ready for a break from the city but still want to be close to activities, La Carolina park is where you want to go. A large park with lots of facilities, it’s about 3 miles to walk the perimeter. Inside the park you will find playgrounds, a paddleboat rental spot, a beautiful track with a crossfit style gym inside, street vendors, a garden, and more.
Bring your picnic blanket and sunbathe and people watch, or wear your workout gear and get in some exercise. Afterwards, grab some delicious gelato at DiSerggio, located on Avenida Republica de El Salvador on the eastern side of the park one block away. I recommend getting the unique fruit flavors like guanabana or naranjilla.
Everyone can get behind some delicious gelato, including the toddlers.
7. Explore Itchimbia park and grab a snack at Cafe Mosaico
Another fantastic park option is Itchimbia, located close to the historic center. Because it is on a hill, you’ll get fantastic views of the Basilica, the historic center, and Pichincha and the surrounding mountains. After strolling in the park, head to Cafe Mosaico for some canelazo and plantain chips. Be sure to get a seat on the balcony outside!
Babies! From my first year in Quito, Gonza and me visiting Itchimbia Park on a partly sunny day.
We loved grabbing canelazo and snacks at Cafe Mosaico after visiting Itchimbia Park. Gorgeous city views, yummy drinks!
8. Shop at the Quito Mercado Artesanal (artisanal market)
A trip to Latin America isn’t complete without a visit to an artisanal market. Ecuador is no different, and the Quito artisanal market is so easy to access. Located near El Ejido park, they have several aisles full of all the beautiful handmade Ecuadorian products you could want.
You’ll find leather jackets, alpaca ponchos and scarves and sweaters, locally made jewelry, Ecuadorian chocolates and coffee, artwork, purses, knick knacks, and more. This is a great place to visit towards the end of your stay so you can bring home something to remember your trip by. You won’t want to miss this, as the mercado is one of the best attractions in Quito.
You can definitely haggle at these markets if that’s something you’re comfortable with. Bring cash to make your experience easier.
We always find awesome products at Quito’s artisanal market. Last time, we got gorgeous alpaca scarves and a suede jacket for me.
9. Get drinks at Casa Gangotena
Casa Gangotena is a spectacular old hotel right on the Plaza San Francisco in historic Quito. It’s gorgeous and incredibly fancy and a ritzy place to stay. While we never stayed at the hotel, we definitely did enjoy visiting the bar and grabbing drinks at Casa Gangotena. They have local speciality cocktails that are unbelievably delicious, at the price of a basic cocktail in a big US city.
Pro tip: Be sure to make a reservation, as they are now much busier than in previous years. Last visit we weren’t able to go because they were fully booked for the entire evening when we walked in!
Sipping a delightful cocktail at the bar in Casa Gangotena.
10. Watch a movie and grab drinks at Cafe Ochoymedio
Cafe Ochoymedio is located in the artistic La Floresta neighborhood, a popular spot for restaurants, bars, and entertainment. The Cafe offers an adorable spot to grab food and/or drinks, in a funky environment. It also shows movies, both international blockbusters as well as more local Ecuadorian or Latin American films. Film viewing cost between $2 and $7 depending on the particular movie and the theater.
11. Visit the equator and the equator museum, Museo Intiñan
A quick taxi ride from the city center, you can visit the actual equator. Be warned: the massive monument featured in many tourism guides isn’t the true equator. Some folks like to visit both the fake monument as well as the real one (the fake equator was built before there were precise measurements to determine the actual location). If you’re going to visit just one, I recommend the real equator. The little museum there is a great opportunity to learn more about pre-Columbian cultures. You can also see a couple of small demonstrations, like how water drains in different directions depending on which side of the equator you’re on. The Museo Intiñan is one of the best attractions in Quito.
Fun fact: Ecuador was the very first country I visited outside of the US, when I was 17. I had no clue I’d end up living there at 22.
12. Grab drinks with a view at a rooftop cafe or bar
There are several really awesome spots to enjoy a drink with a view of the city. It’s one of my favorite ways to spend dusk, or to watch the city lights at night when the churches are all lit up. Some of the best places to grab drinks with a view are Vista Hermosa, Cafe Mosaico, and Secret Garden. If you visit Vista Hermosa, I recommend the location in the historic center (on Mejia between Garcia Moreno and Venezuela) over the Itchimbia location.
It’s great to visit Vista Hermosa any time of day, but I find dusk or night time to be especially magical.
Quito is generally the place you will fly into when visiting Ecuador, and while some people may immediately take off to the Amazon or the Galapagos, Quito is worth visiting for a few days. You won’t regret adding Quito to your Ecuadorian itinerary!
Do you have questions about Quito? Let me know in the comments. As someone who lived in Quito for four years, and regularly returns for extended visits, I have a lot of knowledge to share.
Ready to explore Ecuador BEYOND Quito? Check out my detailed itinerary, with budget breakdown, for 2 weeks in Ecuador for nature and adventure lovers.
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