After 10 spectacular days in the Galapagos Islands, if Ecuador had something else to offer, Quito didn’t disappoint. Here’s the full guide of what to do in Quito.

I wasn’t expecting it to hit me the way it did, but from the very first day I felt something special about this city. Its colonial beauty, the overwhelming number of churches, the Virgin watching over the city from above, and those sunsets where the clouds slide down the mountains like a white, ethereal waterfall. Quito feels dramatic, intense, and deeply historical.

There’s also the altitude (You are at 2800 Mts). You feel it. Breathing is harder, walking is slower, and on the first day your body reminds you constantly that you’re well above sea level. Taking it easy is not optional, it’s part of the experience.

One thing that really surprised us was how cheap Uber is in Quito. We walked as much as possible, always preferring to explore on foot, but when it was time to go back to our apartment up in the mountains, we didn’t think twice. It was rare to pay more than 3 USD per ride, so Uber became our best ally for anything that wasn’t walkable.

For the first day, we focused entirely on the Historic Center, and I strongly recommend staying there if you can. Being immersed in it allows you to explore at a deeper pace and really feel the city.

Day 1

Plaza Grande

We started at Plaza Grande, the heart of Quito and one of the most historically important squares in Ecuador. This plaza has witnessed revolutions, political speeches, celebrations, and protests for centuries. It’s where colonial power, religion, and modern political life all collide.

Here you’ll find La Catedral Metropolitana (3 USD entrance) and the Carondelet Palace, the seat of government. The plaza is full of life and movement, making it very clear that you’re standing in the capital of a country. People selling flowers, religious fanatics shouting psalms, locals feeding pigeons, tourists stopping every few steps, and a constant flow of life going back and forth.

The cathedral is beautiful, and from its entrance you get a perfect view of the palace with the Ecuadorian flag waving proudly.

Centro Cultural Metropolitano

After walking around the plaza, head to the Centro Cultural Metropolitano (free entrance). Ask any security guard and they’ll show you how to go up to the terrace. From there, you get an incredible view over Plaza Grande and the cathedral.

Don’t miss exploring the building itself. It’s a stunning colonial structure with a spectacular internal courtyard, where two massive araucaria trees act as the focal point of the space.

From another terrace, you can already spot the next stop.

Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

From above, you’ll see the imposing façade of the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, one of the most impressive churches in South America. Built over more than 160 years, this Jesuit church is famous for its baroque façade carved entirely in volcanic stone and its interior covered almost completely in gold leaf.

The attention to detail is mind-blowing, and every corner tells a story of religious power, artistic obsession, and colonial ambition. Entrance costs 5 USD, and it’s absolutely worth it.

Plaza de San Francisco and Convent of San Francisco

Continue walking to Plaza de San Francisco, one of the oldest and most iconic squares in Quito. This plaza has been a central gathering place since pre-Hispanic times and later became a key religious and social hub during the colonial era.

Here you’ll find the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco (free entrance). The convent is enormous and historically significant, housing centuries of religious art and playing a crucial role in the evangelization of the region.

Minka Chocolate Experience

Right on the plaza, you’ll find Minka Chocolate Experience. This was a fantastic surprise and a great way to learn about chocolate and its preparation.

Ecuadorian chocolate is world-renowned, especially for its cacao fino de aroma, which represents over 60% of the world’s production. The experience costs 10 USD per person, lasts about half an hour, and is both educational and delicious.

Book in advance through Minka’s official website.

Casa del Alabado Pre-Columbian Art Museum

About 500 meters away is the Casa del Alabado Museum. If you’re into museums, plan around an hour and a half to explore it properly. Entrance is approximately 10 USD.

This museum offers a deep dive into pre-Columbian cultures through beautifully curated artifacts, giving important context to Ecuador’s ancient history.

Murals Plaza and La Ronda

If you keep walking along the same street, you’ll reach a small plaza filled with colorful murals, many of them carrying strong social messages.

Very close by is La Ronda, famous for its umbrellas and decorative lights. Honestly, it didn’t impress me that much, and the area didn’t feel particularly safe. I initially wanted to continue walking toward El Panecillo, where the Virgin statue stands, but it didn’t feel right.

Later, an Uber driver confirmed it. You can’t safely reach El Panecillo on foot, robberies are common, and the only safe way is by car. In hindsight, turning back was the right call. Once you’re back in the Historic Center, it immediately feels safe again.

Food Stop Options

On the way back through familiar streets, you’ll start climbing toward the mountain. If you want to stop for food, La Caponata is a good option.

If you prefer amazing, filling vegetarian food and don’t mind going a bit farther, Jumandy is absolutely worth it.

Basilica del Voto Nacional

We then continued toward the Basilica del Voto Nacional, an architectural giant and one of the most important neo-Gothic churches in Latin America. Entrance is 2 USD.

The basilica is massive and beautifully decorated, with intricate details everywhere you look. Walking inside feels overwhelming in the best possible way.

Chuta Madre Rooftop

Very close to the basilica, you’ll find Chuta Madre, a café with a rooftop terrace offering one of the best panoramic views over Quito.

It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset. Grab a coffee, order the pistachio croissant, and let the city do the rest. A perfect ending to an intense first day.

Day 2

Pucará de Rumicucho

On our second day, we left at 8:00 am on a private tour with Catherine (+593999280568 is her contact), a professional guide with an incredible amount of knowledge. She picked us up at our accommodation, and the entire drive felt like a moving history lesson. Her passion for Ecuador’s past is contagious. She offers different kind of tours, make sure to contact her directly.

Keep your eyes open, there are several volcanoes visible in the distance along the way.

Our first stop was Pucará de Rumicucho (2 USD entrance). This archaeological site was an important Inca military fortress, strategically positioned to control the surrounding valleys.

The view from the center of the ruins is stunning, with massive mountains in every direction and the city of Pichincha visible in the distance.

Volcán Pululahua

Next, we headed to Volcán Pululahua (free entrance), where you can see a small community living inside the massive crater of a dormant volcano.

There are only two volcanoes in the world where this happens, with fertile, geothermal land allowing people to live and farm inside the caldera.

We didn’t go all the way down due to time constraints, but the viewpoint alone was more than enough. There’s something mystical about seeing people living there, knowing that everything could change if the volcano ever wakes up.

Mitad del Mundo Monument

We then drove to the Mitad del Mundo Monument (5 USD entrance). The monument marks the equatorial line and houses a small complex that feels like a village.

Inside, you’ll find art exhibitions, cultural displays, and a small planetarium. Don’t forget the classic photo standing on the equator, and make sure to go all the way to the top of the monument for the view.

We spent around two hours walking around the park.

Fun fact: the real equator line is not exactly where the monument stands. It’s located on the top of a nearby mountain, but it wasn’t practical to build a park there.
The indigenous people had already identified the true center long before the French scientists arrived.

Intiñan Museum

Our next stop was a personal whim. I had seen Instagram videos showing experiments where water vortices change direction depending on which side of the equator you’re on.

I thought this was at the Mitad del Mundo monument, but it turns out it’s at the Intiñan Museum, just a few minutes away. If you’re a bit of a nerd like me, you’ll love this place.

Entrance costs 5 USD, and the museum is much more interactive, with hands-on experiments and fun demonstrations explaining Earth’s shape, gravity, and magnetic differences across the planet.

Another great day wrapped up.

Day 3

Cotopaxi Volcano

For our third day, we joined a tour with Quito Tour Bus to visit Cotopaxi, the second highest volcano in Ecuador.

Cotopaxi reaches 5,897 meters above sea level and is currently active. The full-day tour takes you through this protected area and up to the first refuge at 4,864 meters, where you get touch snow.

If you love trekking and mountains, this tour is for you. You’ll leave early in a van and visit:

Cotopaxi National Park, Laguna Limpiopungo, Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center and José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 msnm

Bring warm clothing, because it gets very cold as you climb higher. Take it slow, you’ll be close to 5,000 meters, and your body will feel it.

You’ll return to Quito in the afternoon, completely exhausted and happy, ready to rest after an unforgettable adventure.

Quito stole my heart. I arrived with low expectations and left completely in love. The food, the mountains, and the architecture fascinated me. I would absolutely come back.

And never forget to Exist to Travel and Travel to Exist.