Quito Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Calle La Ronda showing street scenes and night scenes as well as a large group of people

Quito Travel Guide Video

Ecuador’s capital, which merges colonial history and natural wonders, sits on the equator and is composed of a hilly landscape and white architecture.

Quito is a city on the equator that is enclosed by the scenic Andes Mountains and the imposing VolcanoPichincha. Take a leisurely stroll through the Old Town to explore and learn about the well-preserved historic district that was constructed atop a former Incan city.

Spend time perusing the shops, restaurants and monuments dotted around the Old Town that has been designated as a UNESCO site. In the centre of the historic region, admire the colonial architecture as you relax in the spacious plaza of Independence Square. Here, you will see the Quito Metropolitan Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Carondelet Palace. Admire the city’s spiritual side near the central plaza with La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, Santo Domingo Church, La Merced Church and San Francisco Church.

Remaining in the historic centre, relax in the quiet environs of a café and sip local wine, such as spiced vino caliente. Try other local delicacies, such as ceviche, which is a seafood dish popular to the region.

The city is the second-highest capital in the world at a height of 2,850 metres (9,350 feet), which might leave you feeling short of breath at times. Relish the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains from all around the Andean city. Gaze up at the volcanoes from El Panecillo hill, or go on a day trip to Pichincha Volcano or one of Ecuador’s proudest highlights, Cotopaxi National Park. Walk along the equator and take part in experiments at the Mitad del Mundo Monument.

The climate in Quito remains pleasant year-round, with slightly warmer weather from June to September. Take taxis and buses around the city or meander the charming streets of the city centre on foot.

Quito sits 35.4 kilometres (22 miles) from Mariscal Sucre International Airport. You can also arrive by rail from other cities.

Where to stay in Quito

La Merced Church showing a square or plaza and a church or cathedral

Quito Historic Center

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

Churches, museums and shopping are some highlights of Quito Historic Center. Make a stop by Independence Square or Catedral Metropolitana de Quito while you're exploring.

Quito Historic Center
La Carolina featuring a park and a pond

La Carolina

Visitors often come to La Carolina for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Parque La Carolina and El Jardin Mall. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Iñaquito Station.

La Carolina
Quito which includes a church or cathedral, heritage elements and interior views

Centro Histórico

While visiting Centro Histórico, you might make a stop by sights like Calle La Ronda and Santo Domingo Church.

Centro Histórico
Foch Square showing dining out, street scenes and modern architecture

La Mariscal

4/5(1 area review)

La Mariscal is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Foch Square and La Mariscal Craft Market while in the area.

La Mariscal
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Carcelén

While Carcelén may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado and Rumicucho Ruins.

Carcelén
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La Floresta

La Floresta is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Museo Amazónico and Trude Sojka Cultural House.

La Floresta
Holiday Inn Quito Airport, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Quito Airport, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Solar Numero 4, Barrio Santa Rosa, Calle conector Alpachaca y calle Cotopax, Tababela, Quito
The price is AU$143 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$143
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Tababela. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (606 reviews)
"New facilities. Excelent service."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Holiday Inn Quito Airport, an IHG Hotel
Wyndham Quito Airport
Wyndham Quito Airport
5 out of 5
Parroquia Tababela S/N Via Yaruqui, Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre, Tababela, Pichincha
The price is AU$207 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$207
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Tababela. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,422 reviews)
"I wish the staff in American hotels were half as attentive and pleasant."

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Wyndham Quito Airport
JW Marriott Quito
JW Marriott Quito
4.5 out of 5
Avenida Orellana 1172 Y Avenida Amazonas, Quito, Pichincha
The price is AU$212 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$212
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this luxury hotel in Quito. Enjoy 4 restaurants, 2 spa tubs, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (586 reviews)
"Great service!"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

JW Marriott Quito
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Suite Metropoli Bristol
Suite Metropoli Bristol
3.5 out of 5
Catalina de Aldaz, Quito, Pichincha
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly apartment in Quito. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Atahualpa Olympic Stadium and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (12 reviews)
"Todo excelente en general. Hace falta dar un poco de mantenimiento a la propiedad"

Reviewed on 18 Feb. 2024

Suite Metropoli Bristol
Torres de Suites by InAmazonas
Torres de Suites by InAmazonas
3.5 out of 5
Av. Orellana 1172 y Av. Amazonas, Quito, Pichincha
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Quito. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Parque La Carolina and Quicentro Shopping ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
"Very nice suite and clean! The staff is very helpful."

Reviewed on 2 Mar. 2023

Torres de Suites by InAmazonas
Old Town Quito Suites, Apartments & Boutique hotel
Old Town Quito Suites, Apartments & Boutique hotel
4 out of 5
José de Antepara E3-61 y Vicente Léon, San Blas, Quito, Pichincha
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Quito. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
10/10 Exceptional! (112 reviews)
"Paul and Freddie were awesome! Very helpful, friendly and professional. Freddie went out of his way to talk to us about the culture of the area, which we loved. A first class operation and the rooms were charming and perfect for our stay! When in Quito, this would be a perfect spot to rent for several ..."

Reviewed on 21 Mar. 2024

Old Town Quito Suites, Apartments & Boutique hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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