Top 7 Things to Do in Quito, Ecuador for First-Timers

7 Best Things to Do in Quito

1. Explore all the Churches around the Old Town (Plaza Grande)

It's amazing how many beautiful European-indigenous churches there are in Quito, and they are mostly concentrated in one area, the Plaza Grande. You can spend hours and hours going from one to another.

A few of my favorites are Carondelet Palace, Church of Saint Francis, Church of the Jesuit, and Catedral Metropolitana de Quito. I know it's a lot, but I assure you, if you like taking photos of stunning interiors and architecture, you will not be disappointed by any of these churches.

If you are staying in the accommodation I recommended here, you should be able to walk to Plaza Grande without any problem.

2. Climb up the Towers of Basílica del Voto Nacional

One of my favorite photo spots in Quito is from the Towers of Basílica del Voto Nacional. You will have to climb up the stairs to the balcony, through the roof of the Basilica, and climb up to the 2 towers, and you will be rewarded with a postcard-worthy view of Quito.

The entry fee is 2 USD, but I assure you, this is one of the most photogenic places in the city. There's nothing quite like it. You will have to go up some steep stairs, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and pace yourself slowly.

Relevant Reading: 34 Breathtaking Photos That Will Inspire You To Visit Ecuador

3. Climb up the El Panecillo Hill

While you are at the top of the Basílica del Voto Nacional, you might notice a big hill with the Virgin Mary statue on the summit. That's El Panecillo, and if you are looking for a panoramic and expansive view of the city, this is the place to be. You can either climb up the hill or take a taxi from the Basilica up to the summit.

4. Hike the Pichincha Volcano

One of the best one-day hikes you can do near Quito is to go up the TelefériQo city viewpoint, but don't stop there. Hike another 4 hours up to the summit of Pichincha Volcano for a stunning view of the landscape around the capital city.

To get there, you will either have to take a taxi or a bus to the Quito Teleferico (TelefériQo), and you will have to buy an entry ticket to the park, which should cost around 8 USD. From the viewpoint, walk west, and you will find a trail to follow that will lead you to the top of the inactive volcano.

The trail is simple at first but gets a little tricky once you are about to reach the summit, as you will have to find your way through boulders and slippery gravel trail. But once you are up there, you will be able to see both sides of the landscape.

You might also find this friendly little guy up there as well. Getting down is pretty simple since it's mostly gravel, and you should be down in about an hour or two. The summit is 4,700m high, so be sure you have already spent a few days acclimatizing in the city before tackling the Pichincha volcano.

For more information on the trail: Hiking 4700m to the Top of the Pichincha Volcano in Ecuador.

5. Visit the Center of the World (Ciudad Mitad del Mundo)

Another cool thing to do near Quito is to take a day trip up north to the Center of the World monument, well, almost at least, since the real center of the world is located about 240m from the monument. They miscalculated it in the 80s, and now they have a big stunning monument built before they can move it.

Nonetheless, the symmetrical architectural style of the monument is very pretty and photogenic. The entire park is also best appreciated up at the top of the monument, so be sure to climb up there before you leave.

6. Visit La Capilla del Hombre museum

For me, a rainy day is a museum day, so if you happen to find yourself stuck in Quito with heavy rain, you should spend that day in La Capilla del Hombre Museum, a museum dedicated to Oswaldo Guayasamín, a renowned Ecuadorian master painter and sculptor. His work is famous for his depiction of the suffering of the indigenous people, such as political oppression, racism, and poverty, in a unique style that matches no one. A good place to spend a rainy day in.

7. Go on a Day Trip and Hike Cotopaxi

Another day trip you can do from Quito is to go hike Cotopaxi, one of the most prominent, cone-shaped active stratovolcanoes in Ecuador. Standing tall at 5,897 m above sea level, you can literally see it all the way from Quito.

In order to get to Cotopaxi, you will have to go to the southward bus terminal and take a direct bus to Cotopaxi. Be sure to let the driver know you want to be dropped off at the entrance of the park. Once you arrive, you will see a few locals with their pickup trucks waiting for you, offering to guide you up the mountain. You can either pay for the entire truck or wait until more people show up and share the ride up the mountain with them. It should cost you around 25 USD for the entire truck.

You are not going all the way to the summit since it is closed off, so there is no need for mountaineering equipment. A day pack, layers, and gloves are enough for the hike. That said, you will still be able to go up to the mountain hut at 4,800m, where you can appreciate Cotopaxi up close.

The ride from the entrance will take around an hour before you arrive at the trailhead, where you can hike the steep trail for about an hour to the hut. At the hut, you will be able to buy a $2 cocoa or some snacks if you want one.

You can go a bit further to the glacier if the weather permits. Unfortunately, there was a hailstorm when I was there, so we didn't go onward. Getting down to the parking lot takes only 15 minutes. Once you are down, the driver should take you back to the main road where you can flag any bus heading towards Quito to go back.

If you prefer doing it with a tour instead, read: Climbing Cotopaxi with CarpeDM Adventures.

1. Extra. Organize your trip to the Ecuadorian Amazon or a flight to Galapagos

I always enjoy adding a little bit of an extra tip at the end of these kinds of articles 😄. For this one, Quito is the perfect place for you to organize other tours you want to do in the country.

If you want to experience the Ecuadorian Amazon, I would recommend you buy the 4-day budget Amazon tour from CarpeDM Adventures. I had a great time with them, and it only cost 270 USD for everything (food, accommodation, and transportation). However, you will have to take an overnight bus to Nueva Loja by yourself (you do not need to pay for the ticket) before they transfer you to the Cuyabeno Natural Reserve.

For Galapagos, you may be able to find a good deal on flights, but DO NOT book the cruise from here. It's cheaper to do it on the island.

For more info about traveling to the Galapagos:A Guide To Galapagos On A Budget

When to Visit Quito?

The best time to visit Quito is June to October as it is the dry season. Quito is 3000m above sea level, so the temperature is generally cold. Therefore, prepare layers, especially if you are planning to hike Cotopaxi and Pichincha volcanoes. It will rain a lot more often outside of these months, so I would recommend you stick to this period.

How to Get to Quito?

There are several major airlines that fly directly to Quito from the US, such as Delta, United, and American Airlines. From Europe and Asia, you can fly via KLM and Air France. From within South America, LAN and Aero Mexico are also good options. To look for the cheapest flights available, browse through both Skyscanner and Expedia to find the best deal possible.

How to Get Around Quito?

Quito and the Old Town are easily walkable. For traveling further, you can take the cheap local bus systems such as the El Trole, Metrobus, and Ecovia. The price is as low as 0.25 USD. If you stay in the central area, you can take the bus from Estacion Marin Central to almost everywhere mentioned in this itinerary.

If you want to take a taxi, always go with Uber. It's easier and less troublesome than getting a local taxi, which may or may not rip you off.

For the Center of the World (Ciudad Mitad del Mundo), you will have to get to the Terminal de La Ofelia (Northward bus terminal) via Uber or local transportation and then find a direct bus to La Mitad del Mundo. It will take you around an hour and will cost you only 0.15 USD.

For Cotopaxi, you will have to go to Estacion Quitumbe, a southward bus terminal, and get on a bus labeled Cotopaxi. Tell the driver to drop you off at the entrance of Cotopaxi, and from there, you will find plenty of local trucks waiting along the street. Wait until more people arrive and hire them to guide you up and down the mountain for 25 USD. Once you are back down, you can wait on the road and flag any bus that is heading towards Quito to go back.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Ecuador?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Quito, Ecuador without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Quito, Ecuador:

Claro serves me well for a local SIM card with internet, allowing me to stay connected to the world when I'm out and about. They have reliable coverage not just in Quito, but all over Ecuador, although it is a bit slow in Galapagos and Mindo. You can easily top up your SIM card at any store bearing the Claro logo sign.

For more info: Ecuador Data SIM Card Wiki.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Is Quito Safe?

Like most big cities, petty theft is quite common in crowded areas, so always be aware of your belongings when you are taking public transport. If you are taking a long overnight bus somewhere, keep your belongings with you at all times. Do not put them under your seat! I have had 2 friends who got their bags stolen that way.

A good rule of thumb when traveling in South America is to avoid walking alone at night. If you don't see any locals around, that's probably because they know it's dangerous. If the locals don't do it, you don't do it.

One last thing, Quito is 3000m above sea level, and you can get Altitude Sickness if you are not careful. Don't take this lightly, as Altitude Sickness can be lethal. Take it slow on your first day in the city before heading out to hike volcanoes, and you should be fine. Do not be alarmed if you feel like you are always out of breath; that is what the altitude does to your body.

What to Pack for Quito, Ecuador?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Quito, Ecuador:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for South America? Check out:What to Pack For South America: The Essential Packing List

Further Reading for Ecuador

There's so much more to do in Ecuador, and I have written a few articles about my experience in Ecuador. To read further about Ecuador, be sure to check out these articles:

• Looking for a complete travel guide for Ecuador? Here's a the perfect one-month itinerary for Ecuador.
• Banos is a place you may not have heard of, but you have definitely seen a photo of it. It is where the famous "swing at the edge of the world" photo was taken, and it is a must-visit when you are in Ecuador. Here’s a complete travel guide on how to spend one day in Banos, including zip-lining, swinging off cliffs, and more.
• Galapagos, one of the many reasons to visit Ecuador, is not the cheapest place to visit, but there are ways to minimize your cost. Here's the cheapest way to travel to Galapagos based on my personal experience.
• Not convinced by my words about Ecuador? Check out 34 breathtaking photos that will inspire you to visit Ecuador.
• You can also watch my Ecuador travel video here: Ecuador Crossing travel video.
• To see all articles about Ecuador, visit the Ecuador Travel Guide page.
• Looking for a place to go after Ecuador? Popular destinations after Ecuador are Colombia and Peru. Be sure to check out my Colombia travel guide page and Peru travel guide page.
• Looking for more travel guides for South America? You can find more on my South America Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.