Visiting a capital city such as Quito, Ecuador and trying to plan what to do can be a little overwhelming. I understand I’ve been there, but I am here to help.
A bustling big city like Quito has SO MANY amazing places to see, such as viewpoints like the towers of the Basilica de Voto Nacional, day trips like Cotopaxi or Quilotoa, and you cannot miss walking along the equator. You are going to learn about all the best things to do during your trip to Quito Ecuador, to make your Ecuador trip one you will always remember.
After reading this blog post, you will be able to relax knowing your trip to Quito is planned, and you will have an amazing trip.
1. Visit Basilica de Voto Nacional and Climb the Towers
The Basilica del Voto Nacional in Quito, Ecuador is one of the top sights to visit, and for good reason, you get AMAZING views of the city from above. You can climb the towers to get an even better view of the city, but be prepared, the stairs to one of the towers is VERY steep, but it’s only two flights of stairs like that, so go slow and hold on tight, and you will be fine. If you are visiting Quito, Ecuador you NEED to add the Basilica del Voto Nacional to your itinerary.
Where is the Basilica del Voto Nacional?
The Basilica del Voto Nacional is in Quito’s city centre, making it easy to get to by transit if you are staying a bit outside the city and within walking distance if you are staying close to the city centre.
How much does the Basilica del Voto Nacional cost?
To enter the Basilica it costs only $4 and you get to explore for as long as you would like. If you are walking to learn more about the history there are many tours that include the Basilica del Voto Nacional such as these tours on GetYourGuide click HERE to see various city tours that include the basilica.
2. Go on the TeleferiQo Cable Car
If you are looking for another great way to see the beautiful big city of Quito from above TeleferiQo Cable Car gets you high above the city providing beautiful panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Also if you like to hike there are lots of trails up the mountain but be prepared the altitude is no joke so be safe if you are planning to hike.
WARNING check the weather before you go because if the weather is windy, rainy, or foggy sometimes the cable cars wont run which can be a bit of an issue if you are currently at the top when the weather gets bad (I knew a couple people that said they got stuck up the mountain for a couple hours wanting for fog to clear). Something to keep in mind when planning your visit to TeleferQo Cable Car.
Where is the TeleferiQo Cable Car?
The TeleferiQo Cable Car is around a 15 minute drive from Quito’s city centre but Ubers and taxis are easy to get and are relatively cheap.
How much does the TeleferiQo Cable Car cost?
The roundtrip ticket for the cable car ride cost $9. Also if you are planning on taking an Uber or taxi to and from the cable car it will cost around $10.
3. Go on a free walking tour of the city
There are tons of free walking tours in major cities such as Quito Ecuador. If you are staying in a hostel most hostels will run a free walking tour. I stayed at Secret Garden Hostel (which I highly recommend this hostel click HERE to see the hostel) and they do a great walking tour probably one of my favourite free walking tours I’ve been on and I have been on LOTS! On this walking tour we visited the more famous landmarks and sights like the Basilica del Voto Nacional, we went to an AMAZING lunch place, we learned a dance, got free shots of liquor, a chocolate tasting and MORE!
If you are not staying at this hostel I’m not sure if you can join but there are also lots of others like with Guru Walks or Free Walking Tours Ecuador. Just a reminder that these tours are tip based so many sure to tip your guide as this is how they make their income.
4. Visit the Middle of the World (Mitad del Mundo) + Museo Intinan
If you are going to Quito Ecuador you MUST visit the middle of the world at Latitude 0°00’00” where you can walk along the equator. This is a very tourity thing to do so its not everyones cup of tea but I thought “when in Ecuador walk across the equator.” You get to learn a bit about Ecuador’s history, get to try some cool experiments like balancing an egg on a nail, and you can even get your passport stamped to say you’ve been to the equator.
Where is the Mitad del Mundo?
From my hostel at Secret Garden Hostel Quito to Mitad del Mundo it took around 45 minutes. Make sure to ALSO visit Museo Intinan which is the more scientifically accurate equator and where you will get to do the cool experiments.
How much does the Mitad del Mundo cost?
To visit the main Ciudad Mitad del Mundo monument it cost $5 USD and the Museo Intiñan costs $5 USD to enter. Personally I didn’t pay extra to go in to see the monument I could see it mostly from outside the gates but I do think the Museo Intiñan is worth paying $5 for. I booked a tour with Secret Garden Hostel Quito which included transport and entrance fees for the museum which cost $15. There are lots of other Middle of the World Tours on GetYourGuide and other tour companies.
5. Take a day trip to Quilotoa Lake
Quilotoa Lake is a crater lake in one of the volcanoes in the Ecuadorian Andes. This lake brings tons of tourists due to it beautiful green/blue water. There are two main ways to see Quilotoa Lake: the first way is by hiking the Quilotoa Loop, which is a 3-day hike. Click HERE for a Quilotoa Loop Hiking Guide. This is the way I wished to see Quilotoa, but I broke a couple of my toes the 3rd day of my trip, so the Quilatoa Loop wasn’t in the cards for me.
Instead, I opted for the second way to see Quilotoa Lake, which is by a day trip. My hostel, Secret Garden Hostel Quito, ran a day trip to Quilatoa, which was lots of fun. If you are looking for a day trip to Quilotoa Lake, companies like GetYourGuide offer lots of options, click HERE to see day trips to Quilotoa Lake.
Where is Quilatoa Lake?
Quilatoa Lake is located in an active volcano in Cotopaxi Province. Quilatoa Lake is around a 3 hour drive from Quito.
How much does a day trip to Quilatoa Lake cost?
Day trip to Quilatoa Lake range depending on what is included and where you are traveling from. I did a day trip from Quito which is around a 3 hour drive away from Quilatoa Lake. I booked this day trip through my hostel, Secret Garden Hostel Quito. This tour cost $50 which included transportation, a couple stops on the way to Quilatoa, and lunch.
6. Take a day trip to Mindo
Mindo is a town in Northern Ecuador around a 2 hours drive from Quito. Mindo is in the Ecuadorian cloud forest known for its small town feel and various outdoor activities. You can go to a butterfly garden, feed humming birds straight from your hand, go hiking to some waterfalls, and so much more.
Where is Mindo Ecuador?
Mindo Ecuador is a small town in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Mindo is around a 2-2.5 hour drive northwest of Ecuador’s capital city Quito.
How much does a day trip to Mindo Ecuador cost?
Day trip to Mindo Ecuador can range depending on what is included and where you are traveling from. I stayed at Secret Garden Hostel Quito this hostel had tons of tours you could book included a day tour to Mindo. This tour costs $50 which included transportation, lunch, and a guide.
7. Take a day trip to Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi Ecuador, is a hiker’s dream destination with beautiful views and incredible hikes. If you have more time, I highly recommend staying at Secret Garden Hostel Cotopaxi for a couple of nights. This hostel was one of my favourite hostels ever. But if you have limited time, a day trip is a great option. You can go hiking, horseback riding, or relax and take in the breathtaking views.
Where is Cotopaxi Ecuador?
Cotopaxi, Ecuador is located along the Andes Mountains in Ecuador, providing this location with amazing hikes and views of the mountain ranges. Cotopaxi is around a 2-hour drive south of Quito, Ecuador.
How much does a day trip to Cotopaxi Ecuador cost?
Day trips to Cotopaxi Ecuador depend on where you are travelling from and which tour company you book with. Since I was staying with Secret Garden Hostel Quito I was able to easily book a tour to Cotopaxi through the hostel. The hostel overs multiday packages as well as day trips so there is an option for everyone! The day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi costs around $40.
That brings us to the end of our list of the top 7 best things to do in Quito Ecuador. If you are planning a trip to Quito Ecuador I hope this helped provide some ideas for your Ecuador itinerary. Ecuador is a beautiful country and Quito is an amazing central location to get to some amazing spots. Have an amazing trip and safe travels!
