gulliver travel quito ecuador

10 Fun Things to Do in Quito for All Budgets

Surrounded by volcanos and full of beautiful colonial architecture, Quito definitely has plenty of fun things to do . But sadly, most visitors don’t even consider visiting the second-highest capital in the world and simply treat it as a layover on the way to the Galapagos or other popular South American cities . There are so many fun things to do in Quito though!

To be honest, I was guilty of this mindset as well and I treated Quito as a quick stop on the way to the Amazon. To my surprise, I had an amazing time and I’d rank Quito as no. 3 of the best Latin American capitals after Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro . 

So what should you do when you visit? Here are my top things to do in Quito!

Best Fun Things to Do in Quito

1. Visit the Historic Center

You should start your visit by taking a stroll through Quito’s 16th-century colonial old town which is a UNESCO world heritage site. I’d recommend starting from Plaza de Independencia to see the marble monument celebrating Ecuador’s first declaration of independence against the Spanish in 1809. 

Next, everyone will probably advise you to visit the baroque church of La Compañía de Jesús, but I’d say it’s not actually the best church to visit in Quito . It might sound strange, especially coming from the mouth of an art historian (a long, long time ago I studied art history), but this church didn’t impress me.

The columns on the facade seemed to be basically copied from Bernini’s artwork and the interior wasn’t very spectacular. I thought the Basilica del Voto Nacional was much better (next on my list of things to do in Quito).

Make sure you don’t miss a stroll down Calle de La Ronda . Said to be one of the oldest streets in Quito, it’s also one of the most picturesque!

If you can’t find it or simply want to have a little more information, I always recommend taking a walking tour with a local guide . Not only will it help to get your bearings, but you’ll also learn all the best spots and historical relevance of what you will see during your visit. 

Recommended Tours: City Highlights and Food Walking Tour Private custom tour with a local guide

2. Climb the Basilica del Voto Nacional

As I mentioned before if you’re only going to visit one church in Quito, make it the Basilica del Voto Nacional. Entering the church, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I saw that the church had an elevator so I was convinced we were just going to see some observation deck… I was wrong. 

The moment I got off the elevator I had to walk across a narrow wooden bridge directly over La Basilica’s interior arches . Then I saw a ladder, and for a person generally freaked out by ladders, it was already quite a challenge. However, the worst was yet to come. 

Lastly, you have to climb some very steep stairs all the way up to an open-air platform only 2.25 x 2.25 meters. It was very scary to even look around, but if you’re not afraid then you’re treated to a breathtaking view of the entire city of Quito . 

3. Learn at Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila

Once you have your feet firmly on the ground again, head to the Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila if you are looking to learn a little bit more about the indigenous culture. 

This unique museum was created by the indigenous painter and sculptor Ortega Maila and is more than just an art exhibit . Here you can try ancient sun worship rituals, admire the detailed murals that adorn the walls, and even participate in cleansing ceremonies. 

Even if you aren’t a museum person, most people will appreciate this immersive experience that teaches you about the ancestral traditions and artistic expressions of Ecuador.

Recommended Tour: Quito-Mitad del Mundo: Monumento, Museo del Sol, Cráter Pululahua

4. See the View from Mirador de Panecillo

To get an idea of the city’s layout, it’s a good idea to head to one of the many viewpoints that offer panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes . 

The Mirador de Panecillo is one of the best viewpoints in the city and you’ll be welcomed by a statue of the Virgin Mary looking like a Guardian Angel protecting Quito.

Unless you’re a hardcore hiker, you shouldn’t try to climb up here on your own as it’s quite a long walk. Instead, simply jump in a taxi and ask for the Mirador de Panecillo, it’s a very cheap ride and the taxi drivers all know where it is.

5. Go to the Center of the World

You can’t leave Ecuador without standing on the equator! You’ll find the Mitad del Mundo monument (the Center of the World) about 30 minutes away from the center of Quito but this is actually a bit of a tourist trap. The equatorial line is located 5 minutes away from here in a museum (at least according to the GPS). 

The Mitad del Mundo monument is a great place to take some pictures and meet some llamas but I do recommend paying a small fee to take a tour of the museum . Here you can take a picture with the real equatorial line and try some experiments that relate to standing at the equator.

Recommended Tours: Middle of the World Tour with Tickets Private Tour: Mitad del Mundo Tour from Quito

6. Ride a Teleferico

One of the most photographed tourist attractions of Quito is the view from a teleferico . For a small fee, you start at the base of Volcán Pichincha and are transported by cable car to the top of Cruz Loma at an altitude of 4,270 meters.

From here you can take in the view, play on a very scenic swing, or if you’re well acclimatized you can hike even higher to the volcano. 

TIP: Try to go as early as possible if you want to get a nice view of the city as during the day there are more clouds.

Recommended Tours: Quito Tour, Teleferico & Pichincha Volcano Horseback Ride Shared Tour: City Tour+Mitad del Mundo+Teleferico of Quito

7. Watch the Changing of the Guard

You may have already seen plenty of changing of the guard ceremonies but the one at the Presidential Palace in Quito is quite special. It only happens on Mondays so you will need to line up your trip accordingly if you want to see it, but it’s a great attraction for those who can.

The changing of the guard is a vibrant spectacle of music, horse-mounted guards, and the proud display of the Ecuadorian flag. Plus the President of Ecuador often attends so you might even get to spot him in the crowd. 

8. Eat a Bunch of Unknown Dishes like Guinea Pig

While in Ecuador I decided to give some local dishes a try. While some were good, some turned out to be a mistake as, despite my fluent Spanish, I still had no idea what I had been served. The locals were constantly telling me the name of the dish and never answering my questions about what actually it is so they might as well have been speaking in Chinese.

A girl from my hostel ordered as I found out later, boiled llama’s stomach , while I got a rice ball stuffed with ‘something’. Food in Ecuador will always be a bit of a mystery for me and the only things you can be sure of are rice and beans, two of the basics of northern South American delicacies.

When visiting Peru or Ecuador, it’s impossible not to hear about roasted guinea pigs. Kept as pets in Europe, these little rodents are considered a national dish in both of these countries. Fried guinea pig , aka cuy, is present in the Peruvian version of the Last Supper in the cathedral in Cuzco. 

Restaurants that serve cuys are actually quite hard to find in Ecuador, but it’s definitely an experience. If someone asks if I liked it, I’d say that chicken is better.

Recommended Tours: Night street food, art and drinks Street Food Essentials

9. Enjoy Quito’s Nightlife

When I arrived at my hostel in Quito after a long and awful flight from London via Miami, I wanted to go to bed and rest. To my surprise, before even leaving my bags in the room I got a shot and a piece of cake. ‘More drinks are in the lobby!’ someone said to me right after my ‘arrival treat’.

The welcome at my hostel was my first introduction to the nightlife scene in Quito and the place was constantly organizing drinks at the bar and nights out in La Mariscal district . I even got to go on a party bus all the way up to the Mirador de Panecillo during my stay.

Hostel Vibes was one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed in! The owner, Santiago, was super helpful and everyone who was planning on staying just for a night or two ended up staying for a week or longer. Even if there was officially no space at the hostel Santiago was willing to help people who stayed there before.

When I came back from my trip to the Amazon jungle I had nowhere to sleep for 2 nights, because I forgot to make a reservation (Yes, sometimes I’m very unprepared!). I had to sleep in a hammock, but at least I had a place to stay – thanks to Vibes Hostel!

10. Take a Day Trip

Last but not least, there is SO much to do just outside of Quito that you should absolutely plan to take some day trips while you’re here. There is everything from rainforests to hot springs, volcanoes to national parks so I’m sure you can easily find something that piques your interest. 

To help you out I actually wrote another post with all the details you need to plan some fun things to do outside of Quito . Make sure to have a look and spare some days to experience the magic of the rest of Ecuador! 

Recommended Tours: Baños, Pailón del Diablo, Manos de Dios Day Trip Cotopaxi National Park & Quilotoa Full-Day Tour

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Sunday 23rd of October 2022

Thank you beautiful girl. Your sharing helps me a lot

Ursula Stadelman

Tuesday 30th of April 2019

I recently went to Ecuador myself and you really convinced me to spend some time in Quito too! I planned my Amazon and Galapagos trip with Gulliver Expeditions(www.gulliver.com.ec) and was blown away! It's amazing there and it was very well planned out. However I had some free days in Quito before moving on and you gave me some pretty great ideas about what to do. I'm planning on going to Peru soon and am excited about what I'm gonna read in your blog about that amazing country! Thanks for sharing!!

Daniel Pino

Tuesday 11th of April 2017

Good, original and authentic recommendations on Quito's best things to do! Take that as a big compliment coming from a local too ;)

So, I own a company called Bucket Pass and we offer a more "touristy" digital bundled pass to the city's top attractions. I think your readers could also benefit on knowing what are those options as well.

Andrew Boland

Monday 22nd of August 2016

so happy to hear a positive review of Quito! I'll be there in six weeks!

Amazing, enjoy!

evan kristine

Thursday 3rd of September 2015

Beautiful photos you got here dear <3

Thank you :)

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Ecuador General Information

History of ecuador.

The first Spaniards set foot in northern Ecuador in 1526. Francisco Pizarro reached the country this year and was feared among indigenous populations with his conquistadors’ horses, armory, and weaponry. The leader of the Incan, Atahualpa, was ambushed and held for ransom. Afterward, he was tried and executed and the Incan Empire was effectively demolished. Quito held out for two years but was eventually destroyed by Atahualpa’s general, Rumiñahui. He rather had the city destroyed than having lost it to the invading Spaniards. Quito was re-established back in December 1534. Unfortunately to this day, there is only one Incan site remaining. Ingapirca, located north of Cuenca. Spain ruled Ecuador from Lima, Peru, until 1739. It was a rural and conservative area, with large estates of introduced cattle and bananas farmed by forced labor.

Full Name: Republic of Ecuador Capital City: Quito Time Zone: GMT/UTC -5 Electricity: 110-120V 60Hz Currency: US Dollar Country Dialing Code: 593

Population: 18,28 million (Est. 2022) Age structure : 0-14 years: 27,17%, 15-64 years: 65,01%, 65 years and over: 7,82% Population growth rate: 1,5% Religions: Over 90% Roman Catholic, and a small minority of other Christian denominations

Area: total: 283,560 sq km / land: 256,370 sq km / water: 27,190 sq km Land boundaries: total: 2,237 km / border countries: Colombia 708 km, Peru 1,529 km Coastline: 2,237 km Climate: Tropical along the coast becoming cooler inland at higher elevations and tropical in the Amazonian jungle

Government type: Republic President : Guillermo Lasso (since May 24, 2021) Independence Day: 10 August 1809

Source: Wikipedia

Ecuador Regions

Northern andes.

“This upper section of the Avenue of the Volcanoes is spectacular. Within a few hours’ travel from Quito, you have over eight major volcanoes, including the most famous: Cotopaxi, which is the highest active, snow-capped volcano in the world. We own a beautiful hosteria 50 minutes south of Quito called PapaGayo, which is just outside the small town of Machachi.

From this ideal location, there are several activities available, including biking tours of Cotopaxi, climbing tours of Pasachoa, Corazon, Ilinizas, or Cotopaxi, as well as horseback riding from one-day to multi-day trips.

Also in the northern Andes, there are wonderful places to visit, such as Otavalo and the world-famous market there. Mindo, which is known for its bird and butterfly population makes either a fantastic day trip from Quito or a multi-day stop. Then, of course, there is Quito, which serves as a hub to other places, as well as a great place to sightsee for two or three days.

Southern Andes

The major attractions of southern Ecuador are the Devil’s Nose Train from Riobamba to Alausi, the beautiful colonial city of Cuenca that is home to more cathedrals per capita than any other Ecuadorian city, and further south Loja and Vilcabamba.

Just outside of Cuenca there is a nature reserve worth visiting, known as Parque Nacional Cajas. Cajas contains over 232 alpine lakes and many of them are filled with tasty lake trout. You can visit this park either on a day trip from Cuenca or on a multi-day trekking trip.

There are many different areas of the jungle. It is possible to travel just a few hours in one direction and be in a completely different ecological and geographical zone. Here at Gulliver, we work with two primary areas of the jungle.

In the north, there is the Cuyabeno Nature Reserve, which is made up of eight major lagoons home to pink river dolphins, caimans, piranhas, monkeys, etc. This area represents what most people consider to be the typical “Amazonia” region of Ecuador.

A bit further south, and considerably closer to Quito, is a mountainous area of the jungle near Tena. This area boasts more rivers per square mile than anywhere else on Earth. In particular, the jungle around Tena is known for its incredible white-water rafting and jungle tour combinations. Although there are not the same types of animals in Tena as in Cuyabeno, there are still plenty of opportunities to see monkeys, parrots, etc.

“By far the most popular areas of the coast are either Canoa, a small fishing village north of San Vincent—about 10 hours from Quito, or Montañita, a town with a more vibrant nightlife and great surfing options. Both have soft, friendly beaches and attract many tourists and locals alike for their tranquilo atmospheres.”

Galapagos Island Facts

Off the coast of Ecuador, you have the beautiful Galapagos Islands. As you know, these became famous thanks to Charles Darwin in the 1800s. There are several options available for visiting the islands and if you are interested in hearing about those, Gulliver Expeditions would be happy to share some ideas with you in a minute.

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ABOUT GULLIVER EXPEDITIONS

Gulliver Expeditions is a tour operator that offers unique   Ecuador   and Peru tours. Specialized in adventure travel such as climbing , mountain biking and horseback riding .   We offer both pre-planned packages as well as tailor-made tours that can include the Amazon rainforest , once-in-a-lifetime Galapagos cruises   and expeditions to  Machu Picchu.

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