Visiting Quito, a historic and modern capital in the Andes
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, sits at an elevation of 9,350 feet in the Andes Mountains. The city blends a deep-rooted historical legacy with a modern urban pulse, offering a varied cultural experience right in the heart of Latin America.
A preserved historic center
The historic center of Quito stands as one of the best-preserved in South America. The Plaza de la Independencia, also known as Plaza Grande, is ringed by landmark buildings including the Presidential Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Nearby, the Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía de Jesús) is recognized for its Baroque architecture and heavily gilded interior. The San Francisco Plaza and Church, dating back to the 16th century, represents another significant architectural site that highlights the city's colonial past.
Panoramas and viewpoints
For a clear look over Quito, head to El Panecillo. This hill is topped with the Virgin of Quito statue and offers a 360-degree view of the city and surrounding mountain peaks. Visitors can also ride the TelefériQo, an aerial tramway that climbs to over 13,000 feet on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, providing sweeping vistas and access to high-altitude hiking trails.
Museums and culture
Quito houses several museums that reflect its cultural depth. The Museum of the City (Museo de la Ciudad) maps the history of the capital, while the Guayasamín Museum displays works by one of Ecuador’s most famous artists, Oswaldo Guayasamín. These institutions provide a detailed look at the artistic and historical heritage of Ecuador.
Excursions nearby
About 12 miles north of Quito lies the Mitad del Mundo site, where a monument marks the equator. Visitors can learn about geophysical phenomena related to the equatorial line and take part in interactive experiments.
Additionally, the Otavalo Market, located about a two-hour drive away, is known for its traditional handicrafts and serves as a rewarding trip to get a closer look at indigenous Ecuadorian culture.
Gastronomy with Andean flavors
Quito’s food scene leans into Andean traditions with dishes like locro de papas, a potato and cheese soup, or ceviche de chochos, made with marinated lupin beans. Empanadas de verde, turnovers made with green plantains, are another local staple. For drinks, try canelazo, a warm infusion of cane alcohol, cinnamon, and sugar, often enjoyed on chilly evenings.
Where to eat?
- La Ronda (La Ronda neighborhood): This restaurant serves traditional Ecuadorian dishes in a warm, inviting setting on a historic street.
- Casa Gangotena (historic center): An upscale establishment offering a refined culinary experience with a modern twist on local flavors.
- Hasta La Vuelta, Señor (historic center): Located in the Archbishop's Palace, this restaurant dishes out local specialties in a unique historic setting.
- Las Corvinas de Don Jimmy (San Roque neighborhood): Known for fresh fish dishes, particularly fried sea bass, at accessible prices (typically $5-8 per plate).
Where to stay?
- Hotel Plaza Grande (historic center): A luxury hotel offering elegant suites with views overlooking the Plaza de la Independencia (rooms from $250/night).
- Hotel San Francisco de Quito (historic center): A charming property located in a restored colonial home, offering comfortable rooms at moderate prices (rooms from $80/night).
- Community Hostel Quito (San Blas neighborhood): A social hostel offering dorms and private rooms for travelers on a tighter budget (beds from $15/night).
- Hotel Reina Isabel (La Mariscal neighborhood): A modern hotel with spacious rooms, located in a lively area packed with restaurants and bars (rooms from $90/night).
When to go?
Quito enjoys spring-like weather year-round, with temperatures typically between 50 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The months of June through September are generally drier, providing the best conditions for sightseeing. In August, the city celebrates the Fiestas de Quito, commemorating its founding with parades, concerts, and various cultural events.
How to get there?
Quito is served by the Mariscal Sucre International Airport, located about 25 miles from the city center. Direct flights from major US and European cities are available, with fares varying by season and carrier. Taxis, public buses, and shuttles connect the airport to the center of Quito.
How to get around?
The city has a public transit network including buses and trolleybuses that cover the main urban zones. Taxis are also plentiful and relatively inexpensive (a typical short cross-town ride runs $3-5). For a more local experience, visitors can use city buses or opt for private ride-hailing services.
Quito is a rapidly expanding city of 3.2 million people that has still managed to keep its old-world charm. In fact, Quito is primarily known for being a colonial city, with its magnificent historic downtown, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What also makes Quito so beautiful is that the city is surrounded by numerous peaks, which provide a panoramic view of the city and serve as the starting point for many hikes.
Additionally, plenty of day trips can be taken from Quito, including a visit to the stunning Cotopaxi National Park or taking a drive along the Avenue of the Volcanoes.