Quito
Ecuador · Sierra · 2850 m
Description
Quito is the capital of Ecuador, situated at an altitude of approximately 2,850 m (9,350 ft) in an Andean valley at the foot of the Pichincha Volcano. The world's second-highest capital after La Paz (Bolivia) is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved colonial Old Town, which was designated one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1978. Magnificent churches such as La Compañía de Jesús and the Basílica del Voto Nacional, along with historic squares, monasteries, and museums, reflect the rich history and cultural heritage of this Andean metropolis. Viewpoints including El Panecillo and the TelefériQo cable car offer spectacular panoramas of the city and the surrounding volcanoes, while the nearby Mitad del Mundo Monument marks the Equator. Blending colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and dramatic mountain scenery, Quito is widely regarded as the cultural and historical heart of Ecuador.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 4 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: July – August
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Quito Historic Center (UNESCO)
- Church of La Compañía de Jesús
- TelefériQo Cable Car
- Basílica del Voto Nacional
- El Panecillo and Virgin of Quito
- Mitad del Mundo Monument(Day trip)
- Intiñan Solar Museum(Day trip)
- La Ronda
- Plaza Grande (Independence Square)
- San Francisco Church and Convent
- Catedral Metropolitana de Quito
- Palacio de Carondelet
- Santo Domingo Church
- Virgin of El Panecillo Viewpoint
- Itchimbía Park
- Metropolitan Park Guangüiltagua
- Capilla del Hombre
- Guayasamín Museum
- National Museum of Ecuador
- Yaku Water Museum
- Botanical Garden of Quito
- La Mariscal
- Mercado Central
- Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal
- Pichincha Volcano Hiking Trails
- Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve(Day trip)
- Pululahua Crater Viewpoint(Day trip)
- Cayambe-Coca National Park(Day trip)
- Antisana Ecological Reserve(Day trip)
- Mindo Cloud Forest(Day trip)
- Mindo Bird Watching(Day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- UIO