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Before you go
Your trip to Quito.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Quito – Pichincha Destination Quito and Mindo Capital
How to get there
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Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre (UIO) Tababela · 40 km
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Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe 10 km
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Terminal Terrestre Carcelén 14 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Confirm before buying. Mariscal Sucre International Airport is in Tababela, about 40 km from downtown; a taxi takes 45 minutes to 1h30, and there are buses to the city. Within Quito, the metro links north to south passing through the Centro Histórico, and the Trolebús plus the dedicated-bus corridors complete the system. The Quitumbe terminal in the south and Carcelén and La Ofelia in the north serve other cities.
How many days
Three days cover the Centro Histórico, El Panecillo, the TelefériQo and the Mitad del Mundo. With more time, Quito is a base for day trips to Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park and Mindo.
When to go
Temperatures vary little: mild days around 20 °C and cold nights. From June to September it usually rains less; from October to May showers are more frequent, generally in the afternoon. Altitude often affects many travelers during the first days; keep the first day light.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The Centro Histórico is explored on foot, and the metro, taxis and ride-hailing apps cover the rest. Traffic can be heavy and there are license-plate restrictions. For the Mitad del Mundo and Mindo, take a bus, an organized tour or a private driver.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Quito
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Morning
Plaza Grande and La Compañía
Start at the Plaza Grande, with the Cathedral and the Palacio de Carondelet, then continue to the church of La Compañía on García Moreno.
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Afternoon
San Francisco and El Panecillo
Visit the San Francisco convent and museum, have lunch in the center and take a taxi up to El Panecillo.
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Late afternoon
Basílica del Voto
Go to the Basílica del Voto Nacional to see the gargoyles and the downtown view at the end of the day.
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Evening
La Ronda
Dine in La Ronda, with empanadas de viento, canelazo and music.
2 days in Quito
Day 1
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Morning
Historic Center
Plaza Grande, Cathedral, La Compañía and San Francisco.
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Afternoon
Basílica and El Panecillo
Climb the towers of the Basílica del Voto and visit El Panecillo by taxi.
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Late afternoon
Plaza de Santo Domingo
Walk to Plaza de Santo Domingo, in the southern part of the center.
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Evening
La Ronda
Dinner and music in La Ronda.
Day 2
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Morning
TelefériQo
Take the TelefériQo early up to Cruz Loma, bring a jacket, for views of the city and the volcanoes.
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Afternoon
Mitad del Mundo
Head to the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo and the Museo Intiñan in the north.
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Late afternoon
Return to Quito
City stroll and rest at the hotel.
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Evening
La Floresta
Dine in La Floresta or La Mariscal.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
How to get from the airport to downtown Quito?
By taxi from the official rank, 45 minutes to 1h30, or by bus to the city. The airport is in Tababela, about 40 km away.
What to eat in Quito?
Locro de papa, potato and cheese soup with avocado; fanesca at Easter; empanadas de viento; humitas; and canelazo, a hot cinnamon drink.
Does the metro pass through the Centro Histórico?
Yes, with stations such as San Francisco, beneath the square of the same name.
Where to stay in Quito?
In the Centro Histórico to walk to the churches; in La Floresta and La Mariscal for restaurants and bars; in La Carolina for modern hotels.
Can you see volcanoes from Quito?
On clear days, yes: from the TelefériQo, from El Panecillo and from the Basílica you can see Cotopaxi, Cayambe and Antisana.