Quito, Ecuador: things to do, when to go & how long to stay

Overview

At roughly 2,850m, Quito's historic centre was among the first sites ever inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Springlike year-round, ringed by volcanoes, and the natural start of most Ecuador trips.

Plan & book

Stays, activities and transport for Quito will be bookable here soon.

Where to stayComing soon

Curated stays by area and budget will appear here once hotel partners are connected.

Tours & activitiesComing soon

Bookable experiences will appear here once activity partners are connected.

Car rentalComing soon

Rental pickup options will appear here once car partners are connected.

Why go to Quito

UNESCO-listed old town
TelefériQo cable car to 4,000m
Mitad del Mundo equator monuments
Main international gateway

Budget

Quito is affordable by Ecuador standards. Across Ecuador, mid-range travellers typically spend about $65–$110 per person per day.

Country-level planning estimate, excluding flights. See the full Ecuador budget breakdown.

Practical information

Altitude affects some visitors on arrival — take the first day slowly
Cool nights all year; bring layers

When to go to Quito

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Plan 2–3 days here. Highlighted months are the best fit for most travellers.

Getting around

Long-distance buses are cheap, frequent and reach almost everywhere on the mainland
Domestic flights link Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca and the Galápagos

Suggested itineraries

Andes highlights
9 days
Quito, volcanoes, markets and the adventure town.
Route: Quito → Otavalo → Cotopaxi & the Avenue of Volcanoes → Baños de Agua Santa
Mainland and Galápagos
14 days
A short Andean loop then a week in the islands.
Route: Quito → Baños de Agua Santa → Galápagos Islands
Four worlds
16 days
Highlands, Amazon lodge, southern colonial city and the coast.
Route: Quito → Amazon — Yasuní & Cuyabeno → Cuenca → Montañita & the Pacific coast