Ecuador
Quito is a capital strung along an Andean valley at nearly 2,850 metres, where a UNESCO-listed colonial centre of gilded churches and cobbled plazas sits beneath the slopes of Pichincha volcano.
This guide books Quito properly: the Old Town on foot and with a food walk, the Baroque gold leaf of La Compañía de Jesús, the neo-Gothic Basílica del Voto Nacional with its tower climb, the TelefériQo cable car to nearly 4,000 metres, and the Mitad del Mundo equator monument. It then goes beyond the city with the day trips that define a trip to Ecuador, from the Otavalo craft market to a snow-capped Cotopaxi and the misty Mindo cloud forest. Two guides cover what to book and how to cope with altitude, and five hotels, from a restored mansion on Plaza San Francisco to a rooftop hostel, show where to sleep.
Quito Historic Centre (Centro Histórico)
The largest, best-preserved colonial centre in Latin America, and one of the first places ever listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plazas, gilded churches and steep cobbled lanes sit at nearly 2,850 metres above sea level. Free to wander and the right place to start.
Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World)
The monument and park that mark the equator just north of Quito, with exhibits, a monument tower and plenty of photo opportunities. Easy to pair with the nearby Pululahua crater and the old town in a single half-day trip.
Basílica del Voto Nacional
A huge neo-Gothic basilica in the old town, begun in 1884 and famous for gargoyles shaped like Ecuadorian animals. Climb the towers for a dramatic view over the rooftops of Quito, including the Panecillo hill.
Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
The most dazzling church in Quito, a Jesuit Baroque masterpiece whose interior is covered in gold leaf. It took the Jesuits some 160 years to build and sits on the edge of Plaza Grande.
FreeThe largest, best-preserved colonial centre in Latin America, and one of the first places ever listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plazas, gilded churches and steep cobbled lanes sit at nearly 2,850 metres above sea level. Free to wander and the right place to start.
A cable car climbs the slope of Pichincha volcano from the edge of the city to Cruz Loma, nearly 4,000 metres up, for views over Quito and the surrounding volcanoes. The ride, the viewpoint and the trails make it the capital's classic outing on a clear morning.
The monument and park that mark the equator just north of Quito, with exhibits, a monument tower and plenty of photo opportunities. Easy to pair with the nearby Pululahua crater and the old town in a single half-day trip.
The Andes' best-known craft market, a couple of hours north of Quito, where Indigenous Otavaleño weavers and artisans sell textiles, jewellery and ceramics. A classic day trip, liveliest on Saturdays, with lakes and volcano views on the way.
One of the world's highest active volcanoes, a near-perfect snow-capped cone about two hours south of Quito. A full-day trip takes in the park, the Limpiopungo lagoon and high-altitude walks, with entrances usually included in the tour.
A guided walk through the colonial centre with tastings along the way, from market snacks to local sweets and chocolate. One of the best-reviewed ways to see the old town, and a friendly introduction to Ecuadorian food.
A green, misty valley a couple of hours north-west of Quito, famed for birds, butterflies, waterfalls, coffee and chocolate. A day trip swaps city altitude for subtropical warmth and is a favourite for nature lovers.
A huge neo-Gothic basilica in the old town, begun in 1884 and famous for gargoyles shaped like Ecuadorian animals. Climb the towers for a dramatic view over the rooftops of Quito, including the Panecillo hill.
The most dazzling church in Quito, a Jesuit Baroque masterpiece whose interior is covered in gold leaf. It took the Jesuits some 160 years to build and sits on the edge of Plaza Grande.
A narrated open-top-style loop of the city highlights on a double-decker bus, a relaxed way to get oriented on a first day. Well reviewed, with nearly 600 reviews on Viator, and handy if hills and altitude slow you down.
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
$$$$Old Town (Plaza San Francisco)
A restored mansion on the corner of Plaza San Francisco, turned into a 31-room boutique hotel by Metropolitan Touring. The splurge in the Old Town, with a restaurant, terraces and views of volcanoes on clear days.
Rates on Expedia →
$$$La Mariscal
A large upscale tower hotel on Avenida 12 de Octubre in the modern city, with 275 rooms, an outdoor pool in gardens and several restaurants. The comfortable choice for business travellers and anyone who wants full services.
Rates on Expedia →
$$Old Town (near Independence Square)
A well-placed 3-star hotel at Sucre Oe 3-17 y Guayaquil, about two minutes from Independence Square. It offers free breakfast, a rooftop terrace and a library in a restored colonial house.
Rates on Expedia →Old Town (Historic Centre)
A 25-room boutique hotel in the Historic Centre with a bar-restaurant looking toward the Panecillo hill and Santo Domingo church. Breakfast and taxes are listed as included, making it a charming mid-range option.
Rates on Expedia →
$Old Town (Los Ríos)
A long-running Old Town hostel at Antepara E4-60 y Los Ríos with a rooftop terrace, restaurant and bar overlooking the colonial centre. Simple rooms at budget prices and a sociable atmosphere for backpackers.
Rates on Expedia →A first-timer's guide to Quito: what to book ahead, how to get around, how many days to allow, and where the Old Town, TelefériQo, Mitad del Mundo, Otavalo and Cotopaxi fit.
Where to stay in Quito: how the Old Town and the modern city differ, which neighbourhood suits you, and five hotels across budget, mid-range and luxury.
