Quito

Written by Carmen Vallejo, Keith Roberts, Carlos Zambrano
30/07/2025
Expansive aerial view of Quito's historic cityscape with cloudy skies, featuring scenic hills and urban density.
Margen Cero, Pexels

Quito, Ecuador's capital, is nestled high in the Andes mountains and is recognized globally for its extraordinarily well-preserved Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colonial architecture. This city appeals to those seeking cultural immersion, historical exploration, and access to breathtaking natural landscapes, including views of surrounding volcanoes and serving as a starting point for wider Ecuadorian adventures.

For visitors looking to connect with other travelers and backpackers, the Historic Center, particularly around its many hostels, serves as a social hub. La Mariscal has historically been a popular area for backpackers due to its concentration of hostels and previously vibrant nightlife centered around Plaza Foch; however, recent accounts suggest its evening buzz has diminished. Additionally, the La Floresta neighborhood offers a bohemian setting with various cafes and local eateries, attracting a creative crowd.

Top 4 Things to do in Quito

Quito offers a blend of historical exploration, unique cultural experiences, and breathtaking panoramic views from its mountainous surroundings.

1. Explore the Historic Center

Stepping into Quito's Historic Center is like traveling back in time, with its preserved colonial architecture and vibrant plazas. I wandered through the grand Plaza Grande, also known as Independence Square, absorbing the atmosphere. A highlight was visiting La Compañía de Jesús, an incredibly ornate church where every surface seems to shimmer with gold leaf. Climbing the towers of the Basílica del Voto Nacional provided a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the city and surrounding volcanoes. The intricate gargoyles, shaped like Ecuadorian animals, were a unique touch. Later, a stroll down La Ronda, a charming pedestrian street, revealed art galleries, artisanal shops, and quaint cafes, perfect for experiencing local life.

Cost: La Compañía de Jesús: $4 USD for general admission (free on the first Sunday of each month). Basílica del Voto Nacional: $2 USD for the sanctuary, an additional $2 USD (total $4 USD) for tower access. Exploring the plazas and La Ronda is free.

Transport: The Historic Center is best explored on foot. For those staying outside, public transport (buses, metro, trolleys) connects well to the area, or taxis are readily available and affordable within the city. Many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other.

2. Stand on the Equator at Mitad del Mundo

Visiting the 'Middle of the World' monument was a truly unique geographical experience. I stood with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern, a perfect photo opportunity. While the main monument marks the historically calculated equator, a short walk to the Intiñan Museum provided interactive demonstrations and explained the true equator line determined by GPS. The museum's exhibits on indigenous culture added another layer of understanding to Ecuador's heritage.

Cost: Entrance to Ciudad Mitad del Mundo is $5 USD for adults. The Intiñan Museum has a separate entry fee of $5 USD per person, which includes a guided tour.

Transport: Getting to Mitad del Mundo from central Quito can be done by taxi or Uber, costing approximately $15-20 USD one way, or $8-12 USD with ride-sharing apps. For a more budget-friendly option, I took two public buses: first to La Ofelia station (various bus lines connect here), then transferred to a local bus (e.g., OF-32) marked for Mitad del Mundo. This cost less than $1 USD total but took about 1 hour 40 minutes due to transfers and city traffic. Organized tours are also available, often including transportation and entry fees, starting around $19 USD.

3. Ascend Pichincha Volcano via TeleferiQo

The TelefériQo offers an incredible ascent up the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano. The 20-minute gondola ride provided increasingly expansive views of Quito sprawling below, nestled amidst the Andes. At the top, Cruz Loma, the air was crisp and cool. From this viewpoint, I could see not only the entire city but also the peaks of surrounding volcanoes, including Cayambe, Antisana, and Cotopaxi on a clear day. For the more adventurous, there are opportunities for hiking further up towards Rucu Pichincha, or simply enjoying the panoramic views from the lookout.

Cost: The round-trip ticket for the TeleferiQo is $9.00 USD for international adults.

Transport: A taxi or Uber from the city center to the TeleferiQo base station typically costs around $4-5 USD one way. Alternatively, public buses (such as 131 or 131-A from La Marin Station) cost $0.35 USD, but involve an uphill walk of about 20 minutes from the bus stop to the cable car station. The new Metro Line 1 also connects to stops near the TeleferiQo.

4. Visit El Panecillo and its Winged Virgin Statue

Perched atop a hill, the iconic statue of the Winged Virgin of Quito on El Panecillo is visible from almost anywhere in the Historic Center. The view from this vantage point offered a comprehensive perspective of Quito, stretching out in a long valley between the mountains. It's particularly striking to see the contrast between the old colonial city and its more modern expansions.

Cost: There is no direct entry cost for the statue or the viewpoint itself. The main cost will be transportation to the top.

Transport: For safety and convenience, it is highly recommended to take a taxi directly to the top of El Panecillo. A taxi from the Historic Center is generally inexpensive, costing a few dollars.

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