Quito Travelers Recommend

Quito, the Ecuadorian capital, enjoys stellar scenery and a historic city center that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a destination in its own right and an excellent base for exploring other parts of Ecuador. Here are some recommendations for how best to spend three days in this Andean city.

Day 1: City Highlights

Quito’s beautifully preserved colonial center deserves at least half a day of exploration, so start things off with a tour through these historic streets. Venture out on your own aboard the convenient hop-on hop-off bus, or join a guided private or small-group tour to cover more ground in less time. No matter how you choose to explore, don’t miss Independence Plaza, the imposing Basilica of the National Vow (Basílica del Voto Nacional), Governor’s Palace, and the gilded interior of La Compañia church. After lunch, some tours continue on to the surrounding hills, visiting either El Panecillo to see the statue of the Virgin Mary that towers over the capital or the Teleferico Quito, a gondola to the top of the Pichincha volcano for some of the best views over the city. To complete your exploration of Quito, spend your evening wandering along pedestrian Calle La Ronda; grab dinner at one of the restaurants along the street.  

Day 2: History, Food, Culture

Now that you’ve had an overview of what Quito has to offer, you’ll have time today to dig deeper into your own personal interests. Foodies might want to sign up for a hands-on cooking class to learn about how traditional Andean dishes are prepared; most classes include a chef-guided visit to a local market to pick out ingredients. Those with an interest in history should visit some of the city’s excellent museums. Admire religious art at the Fray Pedro Gocial Museum or pre-Columbian art at Casa del Alabado, or learn more about Ecuador’s fight for independence at the Museo Alberto Mena Caamaño. End the day with a dinner show put on by the Ecuadorian National Folklore Ballet to enjoy dancing, music, and costumes from a diverse range of Andean cultures.

Day 3: Markets and Volcanoes

You’ve explored the streets of Quito, now it’s time to head out of town and experience a bit more of Ecuador. There’s a day trip for just about every interest. Cotopaxi National Park with its eponymous conical volcano is popular with adventure travelers, while the artisan market in Otavalo appeals to shoppers with its range of handwoven textiles and other handmade goods. Get off the beaten path with a day trip to the cloud forests of Mindo, an area known as one of the most biodiverse on the planet, or spend the day soaking in natural hot springs with spectacular mountain views at a thermal spa in Papallacta. Upon your return to Quito, top off your stay with a walking food tour that includes some of the city’s best spots.

Ecuador’s capital city is a South American gem, filled with colonial architecture, surrounded by mountain peaks, and blessed with a mild climate year-round. Even if you only have limited time in Quito, you’ll still be able to enjoy the highlights. Here are some ideas for how to make the most of your 24 hours.

Morning: Colonial Quito

Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Quito for an introduction to the capital’s history, culture, and well-preserved colonial architecture. Walking tours of the historic city center typically include visits to Independence Plaza, the Archbishop’s Palace, gilded La Compañía church, and the Church and Monastery of St. Francis. Cover more ground (and explore at your own pace) aboard the Quito hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. The 11 stops around town include the Botanical Gardens of Quito, El Ejido craft market, the imposing basilica, and foodie-friendly La Ronda.

Afternoon: El Panecillo and Mitad del Mundo

No trip to Quito would be complete without a visit to the top of El Panecillo, a prominent hill topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary standing watch over the city. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Cotopaxi volcano. Many city sightseeing tours make a stop here in the afternoon before heading just outside the city to another notable landmark, Mitad del Mundo. The Middle of the World Monument sits near the equatorial line—a popular spot for a photo op with one foot in either hemisphere. Alternatively, head to another Quito vantage point by riding the Teleferico Quito gondola to the top of the Pichincha volcano.

Night: Foodie Tour

This evening, join a local foodie for a tasting tour on foot through Quito’s Old Town. Learn about local food and culinary history as you sample specialties such as mote con chicharrón (corn with fried pork), empanadas, and salchipapas (fries with sliced sausage on top). Alternatively, catch a performance by the Ecuadorian National Folkloric Ballet over a dinner of haute Andean cuisine.

Quito ranks among South America’s most scenic capitals, and with two days to spend in the city, you’ll have enough time to wander its colonial heart, take in its panoramic views, and dig deeper into its culture and culinary heritage. Read on for tips on how to spend the ultimate 48 hours in Quito. 

Day 1: Around Town

**Morning:**This morning, orient yourself with a sightseeing tour of colonial Quito. The compact Centro Historico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to numerous points of interest, including the Governor’s Palace, basilica, San Francisco Church, and gilded La Compañia Church. Go at your own pace with a ride on the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.

**Afternoon:**This afternoon, head up to the hills for some of the best panoramic views over Quito. You have two main options (one or the other is often included in full-day city tours): El Panecillo with its hilltop statue of the Virgin Mary or the Pichincha volcano, accessible via the Teleferico Quito gondola.

**Night:**After a day of sightseeing, nothing beats a cold beer. Reward yourself this evening with a craft-beer tour to some of the city’s best breweries. Learn more about beer’s rich history in Ecuador, as well as how beer is made in Quito’s modern brewing facilities. If you’re not a beer drinker, opt for a walking food tour of the old city instead.

Day 2: Food and Culture

**Morning:**Learn all about Andean cuisine during a morning Ecuadorian cooking class. Most of these hands-on classes include a visit to the market to pick out ingredients, followed by a chef-led class where you’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes such as potato cheese soup, fish in coconut sauce, tamales, or empanadas. Dine on your creations for lunch.

**Afternoon:**Put one foot in each hemisphere with a quick half-day trip to Ecuador’s Middle of the World (Mitad del Mundo). Snap a photo at the equatorial line and learn more about the influence of the Earth’s poles at the Intiñan Museum.

**Night:**Celebrate the end of your time in Quito tonight with a live performance by the Ecuadorian National Folkloric Ballet. These shows feature traditional costume, dance, and music from a range of Andean cultures. Upgrade your experience to include an Andean dinner and drink before the show starts.

Though commonly associated with Mexico, the Day of the Dead is celebrated in many Central and South American countries, including Ecuador, where it’s known as Día de los Difuntos (Day of the Deceased). From traditional festive foods to graveside offerings, here’s what you can expect from Day of the Dead celebrations in the capital city of Quito. 

When to Go

Ecuador’s Day of the Dead is a national holiday when citizens pay respects to those who have passed away. The holiday takes place on November 2, which coincides with the Catholic feast of All Souls’ Day, though you’ll see evidence of the upcoming Day of the Dead festivities, such as seasonal pastries and drinks, in the weeks leading up to this date. 

Where to Go

Day of the Dead celebrations in Quito center around cemeteries, with families gathering beside the graves of loved ones. Though there are celebrations in the city center, more traditional festivities often take place in rural or indigenous communities such as Calderón and Otavalo.  

Ways to Celebrate

Most families hold vigils at the tombs of their loved ones, often adorning their graves with flower arrangements, candles, and decorative figurines made from bread dough. Head to one of Quito’s cemeteries or the cemetery in Calderón, about 30 minutes from Quito, to observe families celebrating the memory of the departed. 

In the weeks leading up to the Day of the Dead, you’ll see guagua de pan (a sweet bread roll decorated to resemble a baby or doll) and colada morada (a hot beverage made from blue or black corn flour, berries, and other fruits) for sale across Quito. Be sure to taste these festive specialties, which are as essential to Ecuador’s Day of the Dead as chocolate eggs are to Easter, or apples and honey are to Rosh Hashanah.