Quick Answer
Quito is Ecuador's capital and the launching pad for the Galapagos, the Amazon, and Andean adventures. The UNESCO-listed historic center is one of the best-preserved in South America, the equator monument is 30 minutes away, and Otavalo market is 2 hours north. Hotels start from $60/night. June through September is the dry season.
Explore Quito in Detail
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Top Tours in Quito
Quito Historic Center and Equator Day Tour
Full-day combining a guided walking tour of the UNESCO old town (Plaza Grande, Compania de Jesus, San Francisco) with afternoon Mitad del Mundo equator monument and Intinan Museum.
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Cotopaxi Volcano and Refuge Day Trip
Coach south to Cotopaxi National Park, hike up to the Jose Rivas refuge at 15,800 feet, with views of the active volcano (weather permitting). Includes lunch.
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Otavalo Indigenous Market and Cuicocha Lake
Coach to Otavalo (Saturdays best) for the largest indigenous market in South America, then Cuicocha crater lake and Cotacachi leather town.
Book This Tour →Top Things to Do in Quito
The experiences travelers come back to Quito for, year after year.
Itineraries for Quito
Day-by-day plans built by travelers who actually went.
Quito in 3 Days
The essential first-time itinerary — the must-sees you came for, plus the local moments you came home talking about.
Quito for Couples
Quiet mornings, slow dinners, and the views the brochures don't show. Built for two.
Quito with Kids
Activities everyone enjoys, restaurants that welcome little ones, and downtime built into the plan.
Getting Around Quito
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Quito at your own pace. Compare rates from all major suppliers in one search.
Best Time to Visit Quito
Best months to visit Quito: April–June and September–October offer mild weather and fewer crowds. July–August is peak season. December–February is coldest but cheapest.
Why Visit Quito?
Quito is the highest official capital city in the world (9,350 feet) and most travelers transit through for the Galapagos. The colonial center alone justifies a couple of nights, and the city’s altitude prep makes it a smart Andes acclimatization stop.
The historic center (Centro Historico) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest and best-preserved colonial centers in the Americas. Plaza Grande anchors the heart with the Cathedral, Government Palace, and Carondelet Palace. The Compania de Jesus church is gold-leaf baroque at its most over-the-top. The Basilica del Voto Nacional is the city’s largest gothic cathedral with climbable towers that give you the best panorama. San Francisco Church and Plaza is the oldest in Quito. La Ronda is the restored old street with colonial shops and traditional Ecuadorian restaurants. La Mariscal (Gringolandia) is the modern tourist district with restaurants and nightlife. El Panecillo, the hill in the middle of the city, has the giant winged Virgin statue and the best photo of the colonial center below. The TelefriQo cable car climbs from 10,000 to 13,000 feet on Pichincha Volcano for spectacular views (and altitude testing). Beyond the city, Mitad del Mundo (the equator monument) is 30 minutes north (note the actual equator is at the Intinan Museum next door). Otavalo has the largest indigenous market in South America (Saturdays best). Cotopaxi Volcano is 2 hours south for hiking and climbing. The Galapagos depart from Quito or Guayaquil by flight (2 hours).
Frequently Asked Questions — Quito
How much do hotels in Quito cost?
Hostels start at $10/night for private rooms. 3-star hotels run $60-$120. 4-star hotels are $120-$220. Luxury 5-star hotels like Casa Gangotena, Hotel Plaza Grande, or JW Marriott Quito are $250-$500/night.
When is the best time to visit Quito?
June through September is dry season with sunny days and mild temperatures (60-70F year-round at altitude). October through May is rainy season but rain typically falls in short afternoon bursts. Year-round daylight from 6am-6pm due to equatorial location.
How many days do I need in Quito?
Two to three days for the city itself, including a Mitad del Mundo trip. Add 7 days for a Galapagos cruise. Five days lets you add Otavalo, Cotopaxi, or a few days in the Amazon. Many travelers use Quito as a base for a 10-14 day Ecuador trip.
Is Quito safe for tourists?
Quito requires standard South American precautions. Stay in La Mariscal or the historic center (during day). Avoid Old Town at night. Pickpocketing is common around the bus terminal and tourist areas. Use Uber or registered taxis. Solo female travel is comfortable with awareness.
What area should I stay in?
Historic Center (Centro Historico) for first-timers who want the UNESCO district at the door (best for hotels but quiet at night). La Mariscal for restaurants and nightlife. La Floresta for a hipper local feel. Cumbaya in the valley for upscale calm. Avoid hotels far from a TaxiSafe stand.
How do I get around Quito?
Uber and Cabify are the safest tourist options, with rides usually $2-8. The Trolebus and Ecovia are bus rapid transit lines covering north-south. Walking is fine in the historic center during day. Skip the local buses unless local-savvy. Yellow taxis (with meter) are usually fine if you confirm the meter is on.
What food should I try in Quito?
Locro de papa (potato-cheese-avocado soup) at Pim's, fritada (fried pork with hominy) at any colonial-center restaurant, llapingachos (potato cheese pancakes), ceviche (Ecuadorian style with chifles plantain chips) at the coast restaurants, and humitas at any market. Try canelazo (warm cinnamon-aguardiente drink).