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Quito

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
State capital
—°14
Quito (Ecuador)
ℹ️

Practical info — Quito

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Walk slowly on your first day to adjust to the high altitude (2,850 meters).
  • The historic center is best explored on foot, but avoid walking there late at night.
  • Use the TeleferiQo in the morning for clear views before afternoon clouds roll in.
  • Keep small change ($1 or $5 bills) as vendors rarely have change for large US dollar bills.

🍽 Food

🍽
Locro de Papa

A creamy potato and cheese soup topped with avocado, served in traditional cafes in the historic center.

🍽
Hornado

Roast pork served with potato patties (llapingachos) at the Mercado Central.

🍽
Canelazo

A warm alcoholic drink made with aguardiente, sugar, and cinnamon, best enjoyed on Calle La Ronda.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal

A great spot to bargain for alpaca sweaters, colorful textiles, and souvenirs.

🛍
Calle La Ronda

Browse artisan shops offering handmade crafts, jewelry, and traditional sweets.

🧘
Parque La Carolina

A large park in the financial district with botanical gardens and walking paths.

🧘
Plaza de San Francisco

Sit on the steps of this historic square early in the day to enjoy the colonial atmosphere peacefully.

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a majestic highland city situated at an elevation of 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level. It is positioned in a narrow Andean valley, bordered by the slopes of the Pichincha volcano to the west. Quito holds the distinction of having one of the best-preserved colonial centers in the Americas, which led to its designation as the very first UNESCO World Heritage City in 1978. Its historic district is a treasure trove of Spanish colonial architecture, featuring grand plazas and ornate churches like the gold-leafed La Compañía de Jesús and the sprawling San Francisco religious complex. The city's roots go back centuries before the Spanish foundation in 1534, as it was a significant pre-Columbian trade hub and later the northern capital of the Inca Empire. Located just south of the equator, Quito enjoys a unique 'eternal spring' climate, where flowers bloom year-round and temperatures remain mild. Economically, Quito is the political and administrative powerhouse of Ecuador, serving as the seat of the presidency and national legislature. The city is sharply divided between its colonial soul in the south and its modern, commercial heart in the north, where skyscrapers and business districts like Amazonas Avenue reflect its economic growth. Key landmarks include the 'Mitad del Mundo' (Middle of the World) monument to the north and the iconic Panecillo hill, which has sweeping views of the urban sprawl. Quito is also a major educational center, home to prestigious institutions such as the Universidad Central del Ecuador. The city has recently modernized its infrastructure with the Mariscal Sucre International Airport and the Quito Metro, the country's first underground transit system. With its blend of indigenous heritage, colonial history, and modern ambition, Quito stands as one of South America's most compelling and visually remarkable urban landscapes.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C171718181818171818171717
Rain mm139143176177123583425387690100

Geography

Population
2,781,641 (2025)
Coordinates
-0.21860, -78.50220

Facts

  • Quito is the highest constitutional capital in the world at 2,850 meters.
  • It was the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.
  • The city is located only about 25 km (15 miles) from the equatorial line.
  • Quito's official foundation date is December 6, 1534.
  • The historic center contains 32 churches and 6 major monasteries.
  • The Panecillo Virgin is the only winged Virgin Mary statue in the world.
  • Quito is the second most populous city in Ecuador after Guayaquil.
  • The climate is classified as subtropical highland (Cfb), with mild temperatures.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Sucre National TheaterSucre National Theater<1 km · SExplore →
Santuario de GuápuloSantuario de Guápulo3 km · NExplore →
Rodrigo Paz Delgado StadiumRodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium3 km · NEExplore →
Temple of the FatherlandTemple of the Fatherland3 km · SExplore →
Pululahua CraterPululahua Crater6 km · EExplore →
SangolquíSangolquí6 km · NWExplore →
PasochoaPasochoa7 km · NWExplore →
Unasur BuildingUnasur Building8 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Quito (14)

Quito Astronomical Observatory🗼 tower

Founded in the 19th century, this historic astronomical observatory in Quito is one of the oldest of its kind in South America.

Palacio de Cristal Centro cultural Itchimbia📍 landmark

Dating back to 1889, this striking glass and iron structure serves as an animated cultural center overlooking Quito.

El Belén⛪ religious

This historic Catholic place of worship is recognized as one of the oldest chapel sites in the city of Quito.

Iglesia Católica María Auxiliadora⛪ religious

A welcoming Catholic church in Quito dedicated to Mary Help of Christians, known for its active community parish.

Iglesia Católica San Blas | Quito⛪ religious

Standing on the edge of Quito's historic center, this traditional Catholic church serves the San Blas neighborhood.

Instituto Geografico Militar🏛 museum

This military cartography institute in Quito includes a museum and a planetarium focused on the geography of Ecuador.

Redondel de Orquideas🏺 historical

This landscaped traffic roundabout in Quito acts as an urban monument beautifully decorated with local orchid motifs.

Monumento Simon Bolivar🏺 historical

An imposing statue in Quito paying tribute to Simón Bolívar, the iconic leader of South American independence.

Yata Pajtá🏺 historical

This striking artistic monument in Quito provides a unique cultural landmark for passersby.

Teatro Capitol🎭 culture

A beautifully restored historic theater in Quito, offering a grand stage for concerts and cultural performances.

Amphitheatre🎭 culture

This classic open-air amphitheater in Quito utilizes tiered seating to host lively outdoor performances and public gatherings.

Casa de Las Bandas🎭 culture

This cultural institution in Quito serves as a bustling rehearsal and performance hub for traditional municipal music bands.

Capilla Católica Virgen del Cisne📍 landmark

A Catholic chapel in Quito dedicated to the Virgin of El Cisne, serving the local parish.

Iglesia Católica Santo Domingo Savio | Tola Baja📍 landmark

A Catholic church situated in the Tola Baja neighborhood of Quito, dedicated to Saint Dominic Savio.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to be careful with the altitude in Quito?
Yes, Quito is at 2,850m; you should drink plenty of fluids and take it easy the first few days.
What is the 'Mitad del Mundo'?
The equator monument north of the city where you can stand with one foot in the northern and one in the southern hemisphere.
What is special about the Old Town?
It is one of the best-preserved colonial centers in the Americas and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What is the TelefériQo?
A cable car that takes visitors to over 4,000 meters height on the Pichincha Volcano.
How is the weather in Quito?
Spring-like climate year-round, but often four seasons in one day.
Quito: where is it located?
Quito is located in Ecuador.
Quito: what is there to see?
Highlights include Quito Astronomical Observatory, Palacio de Cristal Centro cultural Itchimbia, El Belén.
Quito: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Quito: why is it worth visiting?
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a majestic highland city situated at an elevation of 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
South America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in South America
More places in Ecuador →

Nearby cities

Cayambe — Quito (Ecuador)
Cayambe
An agricultural city at the foot of the mighty Cayambe volcano, known for its flowers and cheeses.
Archidona — Quito (Ecuador)
Archidona
Archidona is a historic colonial town in the Amazon, surrounded by spectacular stalactite caves and rich Kichwa culture.
Sangolquí — Quito (Ecuador)
Sangolquí
A quiet suburb of Quito, famous for its traditional pork dish Hornado.
Saquisilí — Quito (Ecuador)
Saquisilí
Saquisilí is an authentic Andean town famous for hosting one of the most vibrant and expansive indigenous markets in Ecuador every Thursday.

History & landmarks

Sucre National Theater — Quito (Ecuador)
Sucre National Theater
The oldest and most prestigious opera house in Quito, housed in a magnificent neoclassical building.
La Mariscal Artisanal Market — Quito (Ecuador)
La Mariscal Artisanal Market
A vibrant market in Quito where local artisans sell colorful textiles, jewelry, and traditional souvenirs.
Independence Monument — Quito (Ecuador)
Independence Monument
A historic column monument in the heart of Plaza Grande in Quito, honoring the first cry of independence.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito — Quito (Ecuador)
Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito
The main Catholic church of Quito, located on Plaza Grande, famous for its white facade and colonial art.
Virgin of El Panecillo — Quito (Ecuador)
Virgin of El Panecillo
A giant aluminum statue on a hilltop that watches over the entire city of Quito.
Quito Cable Car — Quito (Ecuador)
Quito Cable Car
One of the highest aerial lifts in the world, taking visitors from the city center up the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano.
Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium — Quito (Ecuador)
Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium
This modern stadium, colloquially called Casa Blanca, is home to LDU Quito and often hosts the national team.
Atahualpa Olympic Stadium — Quito (Ecuador)
Atahualpa Olympic Stadium
The traditional sports stadium in the heart of Quito, which witnessed historical triumphs of the Ecuadorian national football team.

More places

Basílica del Voto Nacional — Quito (Ecuador)
Basílica del Voto Nacional
A monumental neo-Gothic basilica in Quito, the largest of its kind in South America.
Convento de San Agustín — Quito (Ecuador)
Convento de San Agustín
A significant colonial convent in Quito where Ecuador's declaration of independence was signed.
Palacio de Carondelet — Quito (Ecuador)
Palacio de Carondelet
The seat of government of the Republic of Ecuador in the historic center of Quito.
Monasterio de Santa Catalina de Siena — Quito (Ecuador)
Monasterio de Santa Catalina de Siena
A historic monastery in Quito offering a glimpse into colonial monastic life.
Iglesia de Santo Domingo — Quito (Ecuador)
Iglesia de Santo Domingo
A Dominican church in the heart of Quito, known for its rich Baroque interior and the plaza in front of it.
La Compañía de Jesús — Quito (Ecuador)
La Compañía de Jesús
A magnificent Jesuit church in Quito, famous for its main nave completely decorated with gold leaf.
Iglesia de San Francisco — Quito (Ecuador)
Iglesia de San Francisco
A massive Catholic complex in Quito and the largest architectural ensemble among the historical centers in the Americas.
Iglesia de la Merced — Quito (Ecuador)
Iglesia de la Merced
A historic Catholic church in Quito, known for its tall white tower and Baroque art.