Ecuador

Quito

Andean capital where colonial gold glitters under volcano skies.

Local time
UTC-5
Population
2.8M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Moderate
  • Food$$$$$About $36 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $60 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $1.4 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇺🇸 USD =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

UIONuevo Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal SucreMain gateway, about 14 km straight-line and 18 km by road east of the centre near Tababela.
HowCostTime
Public busRío Coca, Quitumbe or Carcelén terminals$2.40about 1 hour
Three routes stop outside the terminal; pay in US cash.
Airport express busCity centre$8 one way, $14 returncheck locally
Look for red signs on the terminal ground floor.
TaxiCentro Histórico or hotel zones$25-3545-70 min
Use the taxi kiosk left of the information desk; fares are listed by zone.
UberCity hotels$20-3045-70 min
App pickup points may be outside the terminal; check the app.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Quito

Getting around

Metro for main corridors; taxis or apps for short hops and evenings.

  • Metro ★Runs Quitumbe to El Labrador via Centro Histórico and La Mariscal in about 30 min. Fares $0.45 general, $0.22 reduced. Hours 05:30–23:00 Mon–Fri, 07:00–23:00 Sat, 07:00–22:00 Sun and holidays.
  • BusEl Trole, Metrobus and Ecovia cost about $0.35 per ride; pay at station entrances.
  • Taxi / ride apps ★Yellow taxis with door numbers: day minimum $1, night minimum $2, most city trips under $5. Easy Taxi and Uber work; hotels can call a vetted taxi.
  • Rental carUseful for day trips outside the city. Traffic and parking in the centre are hard; check licence rules.
  • WalkingBest in the old town, which is car-free on Sundays. Watch traffic and take care at altitude.
Recommended stay★ 2 nights (3 days)

Two nights cover the old town and the cable car; add a night for a Cotopaxi or equator day trip.

Best for
  • CultureGold churches, colonial streets and Andean markets.
  • NatureVolcano views, cloud forest and the high páramo.

Weather by month

17°8°Jan🌧 25d
17°9°Feb🌧 25d
17°9°Mar🌧 29d
17°8°Apr🌧 28d
17°8°May🌧 25d
17°7°Jun🌧 18d
17°7°Jul🌧 12d
19°7°Aug🌧 13d
19°7°Sep🌧 15d
18°8°Oct🌧 25d
17°8°Nov🌧 27d
17°9°Dec🌧 26d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

High-altitude equatorial climate: mild all year, cool nights, and rain possible in any month. July to September is driest.

  • Rain in most monthsRain days range from about 12 in July to 29 in March. A light rain jacket beats an umbrella in the wind.
  • Mild days, cool nightsHighs stay near 17–19°C all year; lows are 7–9°C. Bring a warm layer for evenings.
  • Best time: July to SeptemberFewer rain days and slightly warmer days. Best odds for volcano views and hikes.
  • Altitude mattersQuito sits very high. Take the first day easy, drink water and go slow on stairs.
  • Mornings are clearerClouds and showers often build in the afternoon. Do outdoor sights early.
  • What to packLayers, a rain jacket, sturdy shoes and sunscreen. The sun is strong at altitude even when cloudy.

Landmarks 15

Must-see · 5

  1. 1

    Historic Centre of Quito

    A UNESCO-listed colonial old town packed with churches, plazas and balconied streets, and the first thing any visitor should explore. Go early in the morning for quieter streets and better light; it is walkable from most central hotels and taxis are cheap.

  2. 2

    Middle of the World City

    The monument marking the equator, where you can stand with a foot in each hemisphere, is Quito's most famous photo stop. It is north of the city, so allow half a day and take a taxi or tour bus; go on a clear morning for views.

  3. 3

    Church of the Society of Jesus

    This Jesuit church is famous for its gold-leaf interior and is one of the most ornate sights in the old town. Dress respectfully and note that a small entry fee applies; visit early or late to avoid tour groups.

  4. 4

    Virgin of El Panecillo

    A huge winged statue on a hill with panoramic views over Quito and the surrounding volcanoes. Go on a clear day and take a taxi up rather than walking, especially after dark.

  5. 5

    Basilica of the National Vow

    A neo-Gothic basilica with towers you can climb for rooftop views over the old town. Wear comfortable shoes for the stairs and ladders; a small fee is charged to go up.

1Historic Centre of Quito2Middle of the World City3Church of the Society of Jesus4Virgin of El Panecillo5Basilica of the National Vow

Cultural

Christian 3

Old Town 3

Museum 1

Palace 1

Market 1

Statue 2

Park 1

Activities

Amusement Park 2

Cable Car 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Quito

    Otavalo · 1 h 22 by bus

    ★★★★☆ · Full day · 91 km from Quito

    Best way: Direct buses from Terminal Carcelén reach Otavalo in about 1h 22m, fast and frequent, dropping you in town near the market.

    Direct buses leave Quito's Terminal Carcelén north along the Panamericana to Otavalo in roughly 2 hours.

    • Bus ★1 h 22 · from $2-$55
    • Car1 h 37 · taxi ≈ $50

    What to see

    • Plaza de Ponchos market
    • Otavalo animal market
    • Peguche waterfall
    • Condor Park

    1 landmark quest to check off here

    Good to know

    • The famous handicraft market is biggest on Saturdays, with animal market early morning
    • Buses leave from Quito's Terminal Carcelén, north of the city
    • Market bargaining is expected; go early for the best selection

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Quito rewards visitors with a UNESCO old town, mountain views and cheap, easy transport. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    2 nights · Culture ★ Recommended length

    First-timers who want the gold churches, colonial streets and the equator line in two full days.

    Stay: Centro Histórico. Walk to the churches, plazas and museums. Quiet at night; car-free on Sundays. Many hostels and small hotels.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ USD 28
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ USD 48
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Hotel
    USD 70–320
    2 nights · Centro Histórico
    Day 1

    Old town on foot

    Tickets ≈ USD 13 pp · taxis ≈ USD 6
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      09:00–09:30 · Free

      Plaza Grande (Plaza de la Independencia)

      Start here to get your bearings. Altitude is high, so walk slowly.

      Open Always open · best in daylight

    2. 2

      09:45–10:45 · Free · guided visits only, book ahead

      Carondelet Palace Landmark quest

      Guided tours only on selected days. Check the schedule the day before.

      Open Guided tours on selected days, roughly 09:00–16:00, check on the day

    3. Taxi · 660 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ USD 1
    4. 3

      11:00–11:45 · ≈ USD 5 entry

      Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía) Landmark quest

      Gold-covered interior. Late morning light is best.

      Open Mon–Sat roughly 09:30–17:30 · Sun afternoon only, check on the day

    5. Taxi · 779 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ USD 1
    6. 4

      12:30–13:30 · Lunch ≈ USD 3–6

      Mercado Central

      Lunch upstairs: cheap set meals and fresh juice.

      Open Daily roughly 06:00–16:00

    7. Taxi · 1247 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ USD 2
    8. 5

      14:00–15:00 · ≈ USD 3 church · extra to climb the towers

      Basilica of the National Vow Landmark quest

      Climb the towers for views if you have the energy. Afternoons often bring rain.

      Open Daily roughly 09:00–17:00, check on the day

    9. Taxi back to your hotel · 1046 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ USD 2
    Day 2

    Equator and viewpoints

    Tickets ≈ USD 15 pp · taxis ≈ USD 42
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ USD 4
    2. 1

      08:30–11:00 · ≈ USD 9 return; check on the day

      TelefériQo cable car

      Go early for clear skies. The top is cold and much higher than the city.

      Open Daily roughly 08:00–20:00, weather permitting

    3. Taxi · 30 km · ≈ 1 h 46 min · ≈ USD 16
    4. 2

      12:00–14:00 · ≈ USD 5 entry to the monument complex; planetarium and extras cost more

      Middle of the World City (Ciudad Mitad del Mundo) Landmark quest

      About 45 minutes by taxi from the cable car. Weekday is quieter.

      Open Daily roughly 09:00–18:00, check on the day

    5. Taxi · 37 km · ≈ 2 h 7 min · ≈ USD 19
    6. 3

      16:00–17:00 · ≈ USD 1 to climb the statue; hill access free

      Virgin of El Panecillo Landmark quest

      City views from the hilltop statue. Take a taxi up, not a lonely walk.

      Open Daily roughly 09:00–17:00, check on the day

    7. Taxi · 1146 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ USD 2
    8. 4

      18:30–20:00 · Free to walk · food and drink extra

      La Ronda Landmark quest

      Evening stroll on the old cobbled street. Dinner here.

      Open Street always open · bars and shops busiest evenings

    9. Taxi back to your hotel · 740 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ USD 1

    Swap in instead

    • Add a day for the TelefériQo cable car and a short walk on the Pichincha slopes. Go early; clouds build by midday.
    • Swap a city afternoon for Mitad del Mundo and the Intiñan site on the equator, about an hour north.
    • Take a day trip to Cotopaxi National Park for volcano views and páramo walks. Book a tour; altitude is high.

    Getting around

    • Metro runs Quitumbe to El Labrador via Centro Histórico and La Mariscal in about 30 min; fares $0.45 general, $0.22 reduced.
    • Metro hours: 05:30-23:00 Mon-Fri, 07:00-23:00 Sat, 07:00-22:00 Sun and holidays.
    • El Trole, Metrobus and Ecovia buses cost about $0.35 per ride; pay at station entrances.
    • Taxis are yellow with door numbers; day minimum $1, night minimum $2, most city trips under $5.
    • Easy Taxi and Uber work in Quito; hotels can call a vetted taxi.
    • Old town is best on foot and car-free on Sundays; bikes allowed on Metro off-peak, first and last cars only.

    Where to stay

    • Centro Histórico · ≈ USD 35–160 a night
      Walk to the churches, plazas and museums. Quiet at night; car-free on Sundays. Many hostels and small hotels.
    • La Mariscal · ≈ USD 30–130 a night
      Backpacker and nightlife zone with the most restaurants and tour agencies. Metro stop nearby.
    • La Carolina · ≈ USD 60–220 a night
      Modern, safe and green next to the big park and malls. Good for families and business trips.
    • La Floresta · ≈ USD 45–150 a night
      Local, bohemian neighbourhood with cafés and food spots. Between the old town and the park.

    Food & drink

    • Try locro de papa (potato and cheese soup), hornado (roast pork) and llapingachos (cheese potato patties).
    • Set lunches (almuerzos) at small restaurants cost about $3–5: soup, main and juice. Great value.
    • Visit a market: Mercado Central or San Francisco for fruit, juices and cheap local plates.
    • Ceviche and seafood are good; highland trout is a common dish. Wash it down with canelazo (hot spiced drink).
    • Coffee is a local pride. Look for small specialty cafés in La Floresta and La Mariscal.

    Tips

    1. Altitude sickness is very common; hydrate well and take it easy on your first day
    2. Use Uber for safety and transparency
    3. Visit 'Mitad del Mundo' to stand on the equator line
    4. Take the TelefériQo cable car up the Pichincha volcano for incredible views
    5. The sun is very intense at this altitude; use strong SPF sunscreen daily
    Sources for prices and hours

      Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

      Tours & activities

      Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

      Historic Centre of Quito
      La Ronda
      • Walk the old town streets with a local guide
      • Sample Ecuadorian dishes and market flavours
      • 438 reviews · 4.9 rating
      Food tastingsSmall group

      Food & Culture Walking Tour with Ecuadorian Tastings

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (438)

      $40View tour

      Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

      Middle of the World City
      • Stand on the equator line at the monument
      • Combine with volcano viewpoints nearby
      • 259 reviews · 4.7 rating
      Entry includedHalf day

      Middle of the World and Volcano Tour

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (259)

      $40View tour

      Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

      Middle of the World City
      Historic Centre of Quito
      Teleférico de Quito
      • Ride the Teleférico for city views
      • Cover the equator site and old town in one day
      • 229 reviews · 4.4 rating
      7 hoursCable car

      Middle of the World, Cable Car & Old Town 7-Hour Tour

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.4 (229)

      $95View tour
      • Hike the slopes of Cotopaxi volcano
      • See high-altitude Andean scenery
      • 395 reviews · 4.8 rating
      Hike includedFull day

      Cotopaxi National Park Full-Day Tour with Hike

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (395)

      $75View tour

      Souvenirs

      Ecuadorian Cacao Chocolate

      USD 8–1850-70g, 2-3 bars · shop prices

      This is bean-to-bar chocolate made from Ecuadorian cacao. Ecuador is one of the world's known cacao origins, and Quito is a good place to find local makers.

      Where: Pacari official shop, La Floresta
      Pick a flavor with local fruit or salt, and check the label for the cacao percentage.

      Toquilla Straw Hat

      USD 35–1001 hat · estimate

      This is a hand-woven hat from toquilla palm fiber. Despite the name, the Panama hat comes from Ecuador, and the craft is still strong in the country.

      Where: Homero Ortega & Hijos, La Floresta
      Check that the weave is tight and even, and ask about the grade, since finer hats cost more.

      Otavalo Woven Scarf

      USD 15–351 scarf · estimate

      This is a scarf made in the Andean weaving style of the Otavalo region, near Quito. It reflects the long textile tradition of the Andes.

      Where: Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal
      Ask whether the scarf is wool or acrylic, since the fiber affects warmth, feel, and price.

      Flights

      Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

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