About Quito
Quito, officially San Francisco de Quito, is the capital of Ecuador, and the province of Pichincha. It is the largest city in Pichincha and the second-largest city in Ecuador, with an estimated population of 1.7 million in the city and 2.8 million in its metropolitan area. Quito is in a valley on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes.
Places to visit in Quito
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Church of La Compañía
ReligiousA Jesuit church with an interior almost entirely covered in gold leaf, a masterpiece of Baroque art. Photography is not allowed inside, so take your time to look.
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Basílica del Voto Nacional
ReligiousA large neo-Gothic basilica whose gargoyles are shaped like Ecuadorian animals such as turtles and iguanas. Climb the towers by steep stairs and ladders for some of the best views over the old town.
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TelefériQo
Viewpoint · 2 mi from centreA cable car that rises up the slopes of Pichincha volcano, with views over Quito and nearby peaks. Go early in the morning when the sky is clearer, and bring warm clothing.
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Mitad del Mundo
Landmark · 16 mi from centreA monument and park marking the equator north of Quito, with museums, shops, and exhibits about the region. Visit the nearby Intiñan Museum too, which offers playful hands-on demonstrations of equator experiments.
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El Panecillo
ViewpointA hill topped by a large aluminum statue of the Virgin of Quito, overlooking the historic center. Take a taxi up and down rather than walking, for safety.
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Basilica and Convent of San Francisco
ReligiousOne of the oldest and largest colonial churches in South America, facing a broad cobbled plaza in the old town. Visit the attached museum to see colonial religious art and the quiet cloisters behind the church.
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Cotopaxi National Park
Nature · 32 mi from centreA high-altitude park dominated by the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano. Join a day tour from Quito, and bring warm layers and sun protection for the altitude.
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Otavalo
Market · 36 mi from centreA town north of Quito famous for its large Indigenous craft market selling textiles, ponchos, and jewelry. Go on a Saturday, when the market spreads through the streets, and bargain politely but firmly.
Things to do in Quito by type
15 tours, tickets and experiences across 5 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Day Trips & Excursions 4 experiences Half-Day Middle of the World and Pululahua Volcano Tour -
Cruise & Water Tours 3 experiences Guayas River Catamaran Ride - Enjoy the moment -
Art & culture 3 experiences Quito Tour Explorer -
City tours 2 experiences Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Tour -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 2 experiences Mindo Full Day Tour
- 1-3 hours 3
- Over 6 hours 2
- Flexible 1
- 3-6 hours 1
- Families 3
- Senior 2
- Youth 2
- Couples 2
- Private 1
- Wheelchair accessible 1
Top experiences in Quito
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 15 available.
The Best of Quito: City Tour, Middle of the World plus Cable Car or Museum
From $107 per adult
Visit Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa - Full-Day Tour
From $87 per adult
Mindo Full Day Tour
From $125 per adult
Quilotoa - Full-Day Tour
From $140 per adult
The Middle of the World - Half-Day Tour
From $67 per adult
Papallacta Full-Day Tour
From $118 per adult
Quito Tour Explorer
From $68 per adult
Half-Day Middle of the World and Pululahua Volcano Tour
From $75 per adult
Full Day Tour to Baños from Quito
From $158 per adult
Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Tour
From $87 per adult
Guayas River Catamaran Ride - Enjoy the moment
From $21 per adult
Guayas River Catamaran Ride - Sunset -
From $52 per adult
Where to stay in Quito
Popular hotels in Quito, out of 146 properties you can book.
Hilton Colon Quito
From $109 per night
NH Collection Quito Royal
From $93 per night
Swissotel Quito
From $115 per night
Hotel Colonial San Agustin
From $45 per night
Le Parc Quito
From $118 per night
Holiday Inn Express Quito
From $108 per night
Stubel Suites y Café
From $71 per night
Hotel Casa Ecuatreasures - Centro Histórico Quito
From $91 per night
Reina Isabel
From $70 per night
Vieja Cuba Quito
From $60 per night
Andino
From $23 per night
Illa Experience Hotel
From $637 per night
Best time to visit Quito
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Quito is August, when average daytime highs are around 69°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Quito weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 62° 52° 100%
- Thu 22 Oct 67° 50° 92%
- Fri 23 Oct 69° 52° 86%
- Sat 24 Oct 70° 48° 73%
- Sun 25 Oct 69° 51° 93%
- Mon 26 Oct 66° 52° 100%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +593
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/GuayaquilUTC−5
Upcoming public holidays in Ecuador
- All Souls' DayDía de los Difuntos, Día de Muertos
- Independence of CuencaIndependencia de Cuenca
- Christmas DayDía de Navidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- CarnivalCarnaval
- CarnivalCarnaval
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Quito
These are the airports closest to central Quito. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- UIO Mariscal Sucre International Airport13 mi (21 km) from the city centre
- SRE Alcantari International Airport1596 mi (2568 km) from the city centre
Getting around Quito
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.
By metro
The Quito Metro opened in December 2023 and travels from Quitumbe bus terminal through the Centro Historico and La Mariscal to the El Labrador bus terminal at Parque Bicentenario in approximately 30 minutes. Trains run every 5-8 minutes, depending on time of day. Prices are $0.45 (general), $0.22 (children 6-17, senior adults), and $0.10 (disabled individuals). For tourists, physical QR code tickets are likely the best option, though other payment options are available.
By taxi
Taxis are generally an easy and cheap way to travel around Quito. In the main city areas you won't wait more than a few seconds for a taxi, and if they see you by the roadside they will flash their lights as they approach if they are available. However, Quito traffic can make them a slow way to travel at times.
By train
The railway station is at the south end of the old city, close to the El Trole route. The railway is very rundown and services are erratic. It's best to check with the Visitors' Bureau on the most recent timetable.
Quito travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Quito?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Quito is August, when average daytime highs are around 69°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Quito?
September is usually the warmest month in Quito, with average highs of 71°F (22°C). May is the coolest, with average lows of 47°F (9°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 452 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Quito?
Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) is the closest airport, about 13 miles (21 km) from the centre of Quito. Other nearby airports include Alcantari International Airport (SRE, 1596 mi).
What time zone is Quito in?
Quito uses the America/Guayaquil time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Quito?
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).
What are the best places to visit in Quito?
Top sights in Quito include Church of La Compañía, Basílica del Voto Nacional, TelefériQo and Mitad del Mundo. A Jesuit church with an interior almost entirely covered in gold leaf, a masterpiece of Baroque art. Photography is not allowed inside, so take your time to look.
What are the top things to do in Quito?
Popular experiences you can book in Quito include The Best of Quito: City Tour, Middle of the World plus Cable Car or Museum, Visit Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa - Full-Day Tour and Mindo Full Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 15 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Quito?
The most popular types of experiences in Quito are day trips & excursions (4), cruise & water tours (3), art & culture (3) and city tours (2). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Quito?
Popular areas for hotels in Quito include La Mariscal. Well-reviewed options include Hilton Colon Quito and NH Collection Quito Royal.
How many hotels can I book in Quito?
Destina Holidays currently lists 146 properties in and around Quito, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
