Welcome to Quito, Ecuador’s stunning capital, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes in the heart of the Andes. At nearly 2,850 meters above sea level, Quito is one of the world’s highest capitals and among the most fascinating Ecuadorian tourist attractions. Join Machu Travel Peru to discover the best things to do in Quito.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkably preserved colonial center, Quito combines history, art, adventure, and warmth. Between its cobbled streets, ornate churches, colorful markets, and breathtaking landscapes, you’ll find a city that embodies the spirit of South America.
Discover the 16 best things to do in Ecuador
- Explore Quito’s Historic Center and Independence Square
- Visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional
- Climb to the Virgin Mary at El Panecillo Hill
- Take the Cable Car to Pichincha Volcano
- Stroll through La Ronda
- Explore Cotopaxi National Park
- Discover the Quilotoa Crater Lake
- Journey to Chimborazo
- Paragliding in Salinas
- Visit traditional markets and meet local communities
- Taste Ecuadorian Cuisine
- Chase waterfalls and enjoy nature near Quito
- Trekking the highlands
- Experience la Compañia de Jesus and Quito’s Civic Parades
- Rest comfortably in the best Hotels in Ecuador
1. Explore Quito’s Historic Center and Independence Square
Start your journey with a walking tour of Quito’s Historic Center, the heart of the city and one of the most beautiful in Latin America. The elegant Plaza de la Independencia (or Plaza Grande) is surrounded by key landmarks: the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral Metropolitana, and the Archbishop’s Palace.
This vibrant square perfectly blends old and new, where street musicians, political events, and families all share the same space beneath colonial arcades. Wander its nearby streets to admire the architecture and sample local coffee or chocolate.
A short walk away lies the San Francisco Church, a 16th-century masterpiece and one of the oldest churches in Ecuador. The complex also contains a small museum of religious art, making it a must-see stop in Quito’s Old Town.
2. Visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional
One of the most striking sights in Quito is the Basílica del Voto Nacional, a monumental example of the largest neo-Gothic architecture in South America. Its towers dominate the skyline, and climbing them rewards you with spectacular panoramic views of the city framed by volcanoes.
What makes this church unique is its Ecuadorian touch; instead of traditional gargoyles, it features stone carvings of iguanas, condors, and turtles. Inside, light filters through stained glass windows depicting scenes from Ecuadorian history.
For colonial architecture and photography lovers, the Basílica is highly recommended.
3. Climb to the Virgin Mary at El Panecillo Hill
No trip to Quito is complete without visiting El Panecillo, a hill topped by a towering aluminum statue of the Virgin Mary. Known locally as the Virgin of Quito, she overlooks the city with outstretched wings, symbolizing protection and peace.
From the viewpoint, you’ll find stunning 360-degree views of the entire capital and its surrounding valleys. Go early in the morning or at sunset for the best light and fewer crowds. The site is one of the top Ecuador tourist attractions for good reason.
4. Take the cable car to Pichincha Volcano
If you love adventure and fresh mountain air, ride Quito’s TelefériQo cable car, which takes you from the city up to Cruz Loma, on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano.
At nearly 4,000 meters above sea level, this is one of the world’s highest aerial lifts. Once at the top, you can enjoy coffee with a view, take short walks, or hike toward the summit of Rucu Pichincha. On clear days, you’ll see other volcanoes like Cotopaxi and Antisana in the distance.
It’s one of Quito’s most highly recommended outdoor experiences, an unforgettable mix of city views and natural beauty.
5. Stroll through La Ronda
Down in the Old Town, La Ronda is Quito’s most romantic and artistic street. Once home to poets and musicians, today it’s a lively area filled with galleries, handicraft shops, and traditional taverns.
During the day, you can explore workshops where artisans make candles, metal crafts, and chocolate. At night, the cobblestone street comes alive with live music, traditional desserts, and the aroma of canelazo, a hot cinnamon drink perfect for the cool Andean evenings.
La Ronda captures the soul of Quito: vibrant, creative, and welcoming. Whether you visit for dinner, shopping, or people-watching, it’s an essential stop on any Quito itinerary.
6. Visit the Mitad del Mundo, the middle of the World
About 30 minutes north of Quito lies the famous Mitad del Mundo, or middle of the world, where the equatorial line divides the planet into two hemispheres.
Here you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere and take the classic “on the Equator” photo. The monument also houses an ethnographic museum of the indigenous cultures of Ecuador.
Although the true equator lies slightly north, the experience is symbolic and educational. This day trip is among the popular places to visit in Ecuador and an easy addition to your Quito travel plans.
7. Explore Cotopaxi National Park
Rising just south of the capital, Cotopaxi National Park protects one of the world’s tallest active volcanoes. Cotopaxi Volcano reaches 5,897 meters and is easily recognizable by its perfect snow-capped cone.
Within the park, you’ll find breathtaking highland scenery, wild horses grazing near Limpiopungo Lagoon, and trails suitable for hiking or cycling. The park’s mix of rugged landscapes and wildlife makes it one of Ecuador’s premier national parks.
For the best experience, visit on a clear morning and watch as the Andes mountains glow pink with sunrise, a memory you’ll carry forever.
8. Discover the Quilotoa Crater Lake
Another highly recommended day trip from Quito is to Quilotoa, a stunning turquoise lake formed inside a volcanic crater. The descent to the water takes about 30 minutes, and you can rent a mule for the way back up if the altitude feels challenging.
Around the rim, local villagers sell handmade crafts and share legends about the crater’s origin. The dramatic landscape, changing colors, and reflection of the sky make it one of the most picturesque spots in Ecuador.
9. Journey to Chimborazo
Further south lies Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest mountain at 6,268 meters. Due to Earth’s bulge at the equator, its summit is the closest point to the sun on the planet.
The surrounding reserve is home to Andean wildlife such as vicuñas, llamas, and foxes affectionately called the Bandidos del Páramo for their cunning nature. Snowfields and glaciers shimmer under the bright Andean light, creating a landscape of pure wonder.
For mountaineers, climbing Chimborazo is a lifetime goal; for travelers, even visiting its lower refuge is awe-inspiring.
10. Paragliding in Salinas
To balance your Andean adventures, head to the coast for an adrenaline rush in Salinas, Ecuador’s premier beach resort. Here you can go paragliding over cliffs and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, feeling the wind beneath your feet.
At sea level, the climate is warm and breezy, a complete contrast to Quito’s crisp mountain air. Combining Salinas with your Quito itinerary lets you experience Ecuador’s diversity: volcanoes one day, beaches the next.
11. Visit traditional markets and meet local communities
Quito’s culture comes alive in its bustling markets, where locals trade fruits, textiles, and crafts. Visit Otavalo or Saquisilí to experience centuries-old Ecuadorian traditions.
You’ll find artisans weaving ponchos, farmers selling fresh produce, and musicians performing Andean tunes. Don’t hesitate to chat with vendors. Ecuadorians are warm and proud of their heritage.
Trying local snacks like empanadas de viento or hornado (roasted pork) adds delicious authenticity to your visit.
12. Taste Ecuadorian Cuisine
Food is an essential part of understanding Quito. Start with comforting classics like locro de papa (potato and cheese soup) or fritada (crispy pork with corn). Street vendors sell humitas and quimbolitos, sweet corn cakes steamed in leaves.
For fine dining, explore restaurants inside the best hotels in Ecuador or elegant venues like Urko, Zazu, and Casa Gangotena overlooking San Francisco Plaza.
Ecuadorian cuisine fuses indigenous, Spanish, and coastal influences, and sampling it all is one of the tastiest Ecuador travel highlights.
13. Chase waterfalls and enjoy nature near Quito
Not far from the city, the Mindo Cloud Forest offers lush vegetation, orchids, and hidden waterfalls. A day trip here is perfect for hiking, zip-lining, or birdwatching. The region hosts hundreds of hummingbird species.
The Nambillo Falls trail is particularly popular and easy to reach. Surrounded by misty greenery, this area shows a different side of Ecuador’s biodiversity, far from the bustle of the capital.
14. Trekking the highlands
For those who love solitude and open landscapes, trekking across Ecuador’s páramo ecosystems is unforgettable. These high-altitude grasslands stretch between volcanoes and are home to resilient flora and fauna.
Join a guided hike known locally as the Bandidos del Paramo route, where foxes and birds accompany you through misty hills. The silence and vastness of the paramo reveal the true power of the Andes and make it one of the most authentic national park-style experiences near Quito.
15. Experience La Compañía de Jesus and Quito’s Civic Parades
Among all of Quito’s churches, none compares to La Compañía de Jesus, an extraordinary baroque temple covered entirely in gold leaf. Its intricate carvings, paintings, and symbolic details have earned it the nickname “The Golden Church”.
Located in the heart of the historic district, it’s a masterpiece that captures the fusion of European artistry and indigenous craftsmanship.
If your visit coincides with a national holiday, you may witness a civic parade through the streets filled with bands, traditional costumes, and cultural pride. These events showcase the warmth and unity of the Ecuadorian people.
16. Rest comfortably in the best hotels in Ecuador
After long days of exploring, unwind in one of Quito’s excellent hotels. The elegant Casa Gangotena offers colonial charm beside San Francisco Plaza, while Swissôtel and JW Marriott provide modern luxury and amenities.
Many hotels feature top-tier restaurants, spas, and stunning city views, ideal bases for planning your next day trip or adventure in the Andes. Choosing accommodation that suits your style ensures a balanced and relaxing journey.
Travel tips for visiting Quito
- Altitude: At nearly Quito altitude of 2,850 m, acclimate slowly to avoid dizziness or fatigue.
- Weather: Layer clothing. Mornings are sunny, and afternoons cool quickly.
- Transport: Taxis and rideshares are safe; for trips outside the city, hire certified guides.
- Safety: Keep valuables secure, especially in crowded markets.
- Language: Basic Spanish helps, though many guides speak English.
- Money: Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar, making travel simple for most visitors.
“WITH AGE COMES WISDOM; WITH TRAVEL, COMES UNDERSTANDING”
Quito stands proudly at the middle of the world, where history, Andean culture, and nature meet. It’s a city where every corner reveals a story: the laughter of vendors in the markets, the silence atop volcanoes, the shimmer of gold inside centuries-old churches. Whether you come for trekking, photography, culture, or food, you’ll find something unforgettable. As you wander through its plazas, climb its towers, and meet its people, you’ll understand why Quito is one of the most magical places to visit in Ecuador and a gateway to discovering the best of South America.
Quito has so much to offer; it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Ecuador and any tours around it. Make your Quito experience an unforgettable one! Contact us today to plan your dream adventure!
