Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an ancient Inca city. Quito's Old City is the largest in the Americas and was one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized as the largest and most intact colonial city center remaining in the Americas. It has undergone a restoration and revitalization program and boasts more than 40 churches, and 16 convents and monasteries. In 2022, 1.8 million people lived in Quito, with 2.9 million in the metropolitan area.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Quito stretches across valleys between two mountain ranges which are part of the Andes. At an altitude of 2,850 m (9,350 feet), it is one of the world's highest capital cities. The altitude is high enough that most individuals will experience some degree of altitude sickness for the first few days, so plan accordingly. Quito is roughly divided into three parts: the Old City at the center, with southern and northern districts to either side.
Taxis and buses are everywhere and very inexpensive. There are 3 independent systems of buses, that have enclosed stations - the stops are roadside platforms, covered with entrances where you pay your fare on the way in. There are a few transfer stations, but most transfers involve exiting the station. They are very inexpensive ($0.35 for a single ride (Nov 2022). These lines follow north-south-lines down through the heart of Quito, and they have stations close to La Mariscal where most hotels are located. There is no tradition of waiting for people to disembark before people board, so this may take some getting used to. The buses are among the cleanest of South America.
1 Conjunto monumental San Francisco, Cuenca 477. This church dates to 1537 and was devoted to St Francis, since the Franciscan order was the first to settle in the area. Hence the city's official name: San Francisco de Quito. The church contains masterpieces of syncretic art, including the famous "Virgin of Quito" by Legarda. The sculpture represents a winged virgin stepping on the devil's head (in the form of a serpent) and is displayed in the main altar. The virgin would later be inaccurately replicated on top of Panecillo hill. The museum next door to the church is arranged through the monastic compound and includes access to the choir.
Explore the Old Town With its gorgeous mixture of colonial and republican/independence era architecture (late 1500s to 1800s), relaxing plazas and a stunning number of churches. If you happen to be there during Christmas or Easter, you'll be amazed at the number of events, masses, and processions that bring out the crowds. You'll find craft shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels across its grid of streets. Quito Free walking tour is the only Free walking tour that adapts its tours to what you want to see and has small groups so you don't have to struggle to listen to the guide, They can focus the tour on what you want to see and learn about.
You name it, and it's available in Quito. Restaurants range from the basic places offering chicken and rice for $1.50 to international food with very expensive prices. The country benefits from all worlds, with a variety of dishes inspired by both coastal and Andean produce. Seafood and fish is fresh and delicious, while meats, particularly pork, are excellent. These combine with typical ingredients such as potatoes, plantains and all sorts of tropical and Andean fruits. A good area to head to for eating out is the Plaza El Quinde (or Foch) which is in the Mariscal district at Foch y Reina Victoria. There are dozens of restaurants and eateries all around this area.
There are several Ecuadorian brands of beer, but you generally won't find any variety in Quito. Usually you'll get a choice of just two. The most prevalent throughout the country is Pilsener, with Club being a little more expensive, but not wildly more flavourful. There are some micro-brews available, but it's still a fledgling industry in Quito. There are also some alcoholic drinks which can only be found in Quito like Mistelas, etc. Sport Planet, Av. America y Naciones Unidas (on the 3rd floor of "Plaza de las Americas"), ☏ +593 2 267 790. It is the Ecuadorian version of Planet Hollywood. The night sky of northern Quito is incredible and the food is great.
As in every big city tourists should take special care in certain areas. Do not travel up El Panecillo on foot; use a taxi even during the day. Not only is the neighborhood bad, but the road leading up the hill has very narrow sidewalks, and sometimes no sidewalks at all. This is dangerous as large buses chug up and down the road with little room for pedestrians. It is probably best to avoid "Gringolandia" (La Mariscal area) alone at night, as there is quite a bit of assault even during the day. Drunk foreigners are easy targets in this neighborhood full of bars and clubs, so stick with a group.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
Top-rated tours and tickets from €4 — book ahead for the popular ones.
Tours and tickets provided by Viator (a Tripadvisor company). Some links earn Stayonomy a commission.
In Jul, Quito typically sees ~19°C daytime highs and 0 rainy days.
Cheapest destinations travellers searched recently — refreshed daily.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-07-24. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy