Quito is one of South America’s most rewarding cities to explore. Sitting at 2,850 meters above sea level in a valley flanked by volcanoes, Ecuador’s capital combines a UNESCO-listed historic center, a vibrant modern district, world-class cuisine, and easy access to some of the country’s most spectacular natural landscapes. Whether you have two days or two weeks, here is everything worth doing in Quito.
Explore Quito’s Historic Old Town
Quito’s Centro Histórico is the largest and best-preserved colonial city center in the Americas — a designation that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1978. The main square, Plaza Grande, is flanked by the Presidential Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace. Walking these streets feels genuinely historic rather than staged for tourists.
Key sites in Old Town include the Church of La Compañía de Jesús, whose gold-leaf interior is among the most ornate in the hemisphere; the Monastery of San Francisco, the oldest church in the Americas; and the Basilica del Voto Nacional, where you can climb to the towers for panoramic views of the city and surrounding volcanoes.
Allow at least half a day for Old Town. Morning visits are best — the light is good for photography and the streets are quieter before tour groups arrive.
Visit Parque La Carolina
Parque La Carolina is the city’s largest urban park and one of the most popular things to do in Quito for both locals and visitors. Located in the modern financial district of northern Quito — steps from Hotel Finlandia — the park covers 64 hectares and offers a completely different side of the city from Old Town.
Inside the park you’ll find the Quito Botanical Garden, the Natural History Museum, paddle boats on the lake, jogging and cycling paths, football fields, and dozens of food vendors on weekends. Saturday and Sunday mornings are particularly lively, with families, joggers, and cyclists filling the paths from early morning.
The park is also a useful orientation point. The streets surrounding it — Avenida de los Shyris, Naciones Unidas, and República — contain the city’s best restaurants, shopping centers, and business hotels.
Take the Teleférico to Volcán Pichincha
The Quito Teleférico is one of the highest aerial cable cars in the world, climbing from 2,950 meters to Cruz Loma at 4,100 meters on the slopes of Volcán Pichincha. The ride takes about ten minutes and delivers views of Quito stretched across the valley below — on clear days you can see Cotopaxi and other volcanoes in the distance.
From the top station, a marked trail leads to the Rucu Pichincha summit at 4,696 meters. The hike takes two to three hours each way and is only recommended for acclimatized visitors in good physical condition. Read our Quito altitude tips before attempting the summit trail.
The Teleférico is open Wednesday to Sunday. Arrive early to avoid clouds, which typically roll in by midday.
Discover the Middle of the World
The Ciudad Mitad del Mundo complex, located about 25 kilometers north of Quito, marks the equatorial line that gives Ecuador its name. The main monument is a 30-meter tower topped by a globe, with a yellow line running through the plaza showing the GPS-calculated equatorial position.
The more interesting stop nearby is the Intiñan Solar Museum, where guides demonstrate equatorial phenomena — water draining without rotation, eggs balancing on nail heads, and the measurably different strength required to walk along the equatorial line. It’s a fun half-day excursion especially with children.
Day Trips from Quito
Quito’s location makes it one of the best bases in South America for day trips. Within two to three hours you can reach Cotopaxi National Park and its 5,897-meter snow-capped volcano; the Otavalo indigenous market, one of the largest in South America; the cloud forest reserve at Mindo; and the thermal baths at Papallacta. See our full guide to day trips from Quito for details on each destination.
Eat and Drink Your Way Through the City
Quito has a genuinely excellent food scene that goes well beyond tourist staples. In the modern district, the streets around Parque La Carolina and the Gonzáles Suárez corridor offer everything from Ecuadorian ceviche de camarón to Japanese sushi and contemporary fusion. The La Floresta neighborhood is the city’s most creative dining area, with independent restaurants and coffee shops in converted houses.
For traditional Ecuadorian food, look for locros de papa (potato soup with cheese and avocado), seco de pollo (chicken stew), llapingachos (potato cakes), and caldo de 31 — a hearty offal soup that locals swear cures everything. See our guide to the best restaurants in Quito for specific recommendations near Hotel Finlandia.
Shop at the Artisan Markets
For handicrafts and souvenirs, the Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal on Jorge Washington Street is the most convenient option in the modern district. You’ll find handwoven textiles, Panama hats (which actually originate in Ecuador), tagua nut carvings, ceramic work, and silver jewelry at negotiable prices.
For a more local shopping experience, the Ipiales market near Old Town sells everything from produce to hardware alongside artisan goods. Our guide to shopping in Quito covers the best malls, markets, and specialty stores in detail.
Practical Tips for Visiting Quito
Quito sits at 2,850 meters above sea level — altitude affects most visitors in the first 24 to 48 hours. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol on your first day, and don’t plan strenuous activities immediately on arrival. Read our complete guide to altitude in Quito for more detail.
The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September, when days are sunny and clear. Read our best time to visit Quito guide for a month-by-month breakdown.
For accommodation in the modern financial district — the most practical base for accessing both Old Town and the northern attractions — Hotel Finlandia offers comfortable rooms steps from Parque La Carolina, with on-site dining at 227 Resto-Café and Cinco Sentidos restaurant.