Quito was the first city in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and walking through its historic centre, you understand why. Baroque churches gilded in gold, cobblestone plazas ringed by colonial mansions, and the constant presence of the Andes rising above it all. Add to that one of the most extraordinary concentrations of day trip options of any city in South America, and Quito earns its place as a genuine destination rather than just a stopover on the way to the Galapagos.
This guide covers everything you need for Quito in 2026: the historic centre, the best day trips, practical altitude advice, and all the tours worth booking.
Why Quito Surprises Visitors
Most travellers arrive in Quito on the way to the Galapagos and plan to stay two nights. Most end up staying five. The city has a genuine warmth, a superb food scene, and an unbeatable position as a launch pad for some of the most dramatic landscapes in South America — active volcanoes, cloud forests, indigenous markets, hot springs, and the Amazon — all within a day’s reach.
Quito Historic Centre — UNESCO World Heritage Site
Quito’s old town is the best-preserved colonial centre in Latin America. Highlights include:
- Plaza Grande (Plaza de la Independencia): The heart of the city — surrounded by the Presidential Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace
- La Compañía de Jesús: The most ornate church in Ecuador — an explosion of gold leaf baroque decoration
- San Francisco Church & Convent: The largest colonial complex in South America, built on an Inca site
- El Panecillo: The hilltop statue of the Virgin of Quito — panoramic views of the city and volcanoes
- La Ronda: The most picturesque street in the old town — artisan workshops, cafes, and weekend music
Best Tours in Quito (2026)
City Tours
Free Walking Tour of Quito — FREE
Discover Quito’s historic centre and the secrets of its UNESCO-listed cultural heritage. Rated 9.70/10 by 745 reviews — 9,738 travellers. 3 hours. The highest-rated free tour in Ecuador.
Quito Walking Tour — $75.70/person
In-depth 6-hour walking tour of Ecuador’s charming capital. Rated 9.80/10 by 10 reviews. The most thorough city tour available.
Quito Free Shopping Tour — FREE
Journey through Ecuador’s handicrafts, textiles, and most characteristic products. Rated 8.90/10 by 20 reviews. 3 hours. Perfect for gifts and souvenirs.
Quito Free Food Tour — FREE
Explore the culinary riches of Ecuador’s capital — fruit, coffee, chocolate and traditional sweets. Rated 9.60/10 by 10 reviews. 3–3.5 hours.
Quito Street Food Tour — $60/person
Discover the most delicious flavours of the capital as you walk through the streets. Rated 10/10 by 3 reviews. 3.5 hours.
Quito Market & Guayasamín House & Museum Tour — $69/person
A traditional market visit combined with the Guayasamín House Museum — dedicated to Ecuador’s most important modern artist. Rated 8/10 by 3 reviews. 5 hours.
Volcano Day Trips — Quito’s Greatest Asset
Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Viewpoint Day Trip — from $84/person
The most popular day trip from Quito — Cotopaxi (one of the world’s highest active volcanoes at 5,897m) combined with the stunning turquoise Quilotoa volcanic lagoon. Rated 8.90/10 by 245 reviews. 12 hours. Do not miss this.
Cotopaxi Volcano Hike — from $70/person
Hike the second-tallest active volcano in the world. Rated 8.60/10 by 14 reviews. 11 hours. For fit travellers — you’ll reach approximately 4,800m altitude.
Antisana National Park Tour — $95/person
Ecuador’s most spectacular fauna and flora — condors, wild horses, páramo landscapes. Rated 10/10 by 4 reviews. 11 hours. Less crowded than Cotopaxi.
Nature & Cloud Forest
Mindo Day Trip — $65/person
A magical cloud forest declared a Biosphere Reserve — extraordinary birdwatching (500+ species), butterflies, orchids, and chocolate farms. Rated 9.20/10 by 26 reviews. 14 hours. One of the best birdwatching destinations in the world.
Yanacocha Reserve Tour — from $91/person
Magnificent Andean forests and mountain bird species in this high-altitude reserve. Rated 10/10 by 3 reviews. 6 hours.
Hot Springs
Baños de Agua Santa Day Trip — $65/person
High waterfalls, jungle, thermal springs, and the adventure capital of Ecuador. Rated 9.10/10 by 112 reviews. 15 hours. One of the most complete day trips from Quito.
Papallacta Hot Springs Day Trip — $65/person
Soak in Ecuador’s finest natural hot springs at 3,300m altitude. Rated 9.50/10 by 12 reviews. 6 hours. Perfect for altitude recovery.
Markets & Indigenous Culture
Otavalo Day Trip — $69/person
The world-renowned Otavalo indigenous market — one of the most colourful and authentic markets in South America. Local cuisine included. Rated 9/10 by 66 reviews. 8 hours.
Middle of the World
Quito’s Equatorial Line Tour & Cable Car — $65/person
Stand on the equatorial line and visit the Intiñan Museum — fascinating experiments demonstrating the effects of the equator. Rated 9.70/10 by 79 reviews. 8–9 hours.
Mitad del Mundo Excursion — from $39/person
Put one foot on each side of the equatorial line. Rated 8.50/10 by 114 reviews. 4–5 hours. More affordable option for the equator experience.
Cable Car & Views
Cruz Loma + Cable Car Tour — $65/person
Unparalleled views of Quito from the TelefériQo cable car at 4,100m. Rated 9.60/10 by 9 reviews. 7 hours.
Amazon
2-Day Trip to Misahuallí — $220/person
Immerse yourself in the Ecuadorian Amazon — landscapes, indigenous traditions, and diverse wildlife. Rated 8/10 by 4 reviews. 2 days.
Private Day Trips from Quito — from $262.50/group
Choose any destination with an exclusive private guide. Rated 10/10 by 1 review. 9–11 hours.
Altitude in Quito: What You Need to Know
Quito sits at 2,850 metres (9,350 feet) above sea level — higher than most Andean cities that people visit. Some travellers feel the effects of altitude (mild headache, breathlessness, fatigue) in the first 24–48 hours.
How to Handle Altitude
- Take it easy on day one — rest, don’t rush
- Drink plenty of water (3+ litres per day)
- Avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours
- Eat light — avoid heavy or fatty meals
- Coca tea (mate de coca) is available everywhere and genuinely helps
- If symptoms are severe, descend to a lower altitude or see a doctor
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
- June–September (Dry season): Clearest skies, best volcano views, excellent birdwatching. The most popular months.
- December–February: Mild dry period — good visibility, comfortable temperatures
- March–May (Rainy season): Afternoon showers but mornings often clear. Fewer tourists, lower prices
- Quito enjoys mild temperatures year-round: 12–20°C. Pack layers — it can feel cold in the evening.
Getting to Quito
- Mariscal Sucre Airport (UIO): Direct flights from Miami (4.5 hours), New York (6 hours), Madrid (11 hours), and most South American capitals
- From the Galapagos: LATAM and Avianca fly direct to Quito from Baltra and San Cristóbal (~2 hours)
- Airport Transfer: Book private transfer here — from $40/car. The airport is 40km from the city center.
How Many Days Do You Need?
- 2 days minimum: Historic centre + Cotopaxi day trip
- 4 days ideal: Add Otavalo market + Mindo cloud forest
- 6+ days: Add Amazon trip + Baños + Papallacta hot springs
Quito as a Galapagos Base
Most Galapagos flights depart from Guayaquil — but Quito is worth at least 2 nights before or after. The combination of Quito’s UNESCO centre, a Cotopaxi volcano day trip, and then the Galapagos makes for one of the great South American itineraries.
Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you book through them, Uncover the Andes earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend tours we genuinely believe in.
