Are you ready to feel on top of the world? 🌎 Quito is the second highest city in the world and also one of the most spectacular! This city has it all from cosmopolitan streets to looming mountains overhead. There’s so many great things to do in Quito.
As the resident trip planner for my friends and family, I spend hours researching to put together the perfect itinerary. We only had a day to explore, but we made the most of it and saw some of the coolest spots in the city. If you too are only there for a day then you will want to see the highlights!
I have a great guide below for the best things to do in Quito in just one day.
If you only have a day, you may not be acclimated to the elevation. So, take it slow and rest before you explore. Drink lots of water, take it easy, and then you’ll be ready to tour through this magnificent city.
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5 Things to Do in Quito in a Day!
Visit Ciudad Mitad de Mundo
One of the most unique things about Quito is that it sits on the Equator. Visit the “middle of the world” and you’ll get to experience what it’s like to stand right on the Equator’s line! Take a photo here and show it to all your friends and family.
The Ciudad Mitad de Mundo has a gorgeous sculpture in the middle of it and a small museum. At the museum, you can learn about about Ecuadorian history and the various parts of Ecuador! One of the most fascinating parts is learning about the remote Amazonian tribes and their daily lives.
Ride the Teleferico
This is one of the newest attractions in the city, but also one of the best things to do in Quito. Gondolas will take you up the mountain until you’re at 13,000 feet above sea level. 😱
From there you’ll get breathtaking panoramic views over the entire city as well as the Cotapaxi Volcano. Tickets cost $8.50 and it gets crowded on nice days, so get there early so you won’t have to wait in line!
Once you get off the Gondola, there is a cafe and walking paths around to various viewpoints. If you’re feeling even more daring, you can take a ride on the highest swing set in all of South America. The experience is thrilling and exhilarating. Don’t forget to bring a jacket, because it gets windy at the top!
Walk Around Old Town
When you explore this area, it will be clear why Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the buildings date back to the 1500s and they have so much character!
You may even want to get a tour guide so that you can learn more about the history of the buildings.
Make sure to tour a few of the churches and visit La Ronda, one of the most colorful parts of the city. This area is walkable and you’ll find plenty of historic buildings, delicious food, and homemade goods to bring home!
Admire the San Francisco Church
In the center of the town’s square, you’ll find the San Francisco church. This church was built in the 1600s and is the second oldest in Ecuador! There is no entrance fee so it’s easy to add to a day long tour in Quito.
I always find that looking at the church’s art’s intricate details is fascinating. It’s crazy to think about the time and effort that goes into building these beautiful buildings! As you walk through, you’ll be stunned at the architecture, and pay close attention to the facade.
See the Golden Compaña de Jesus
Have you ever seen a church that is covered in gold? Well, walk into church and prepare for your jaw to drop. There is over 7 tons of gold that covers the church inside. You can imagine how much that much have cost to build!
It’s crazy how much detail is etched into the walls, paintings, and sculptures throughout the building. You’ll really be in awe of how much work went into this stunning church.
Unfortunately, this church doesn’t allow pictures 🚫 so you’ll just have to keep them in your memory. Entering the church costs $5 so don’t forget to bring some cash!
Planning Your Trip to Quito
How to Get to Quito
Quito is Ecuador’s capital city, so there’s a large international airport in the city! Mariscal Sucre International Airport offers tons of flights to the US and from other places in South America.
Flight times:
✈️ Miami- 4 hours
✈️ New York- 6.5 hours
✈️ Los Angeles- 9 hours
Best Time to Visit Quito
Quito is fairly temperate year round with temperature ranging from 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit year round.
That being said the best time to visit is the dry season! This typically lasts from June through September with mild temperatures and sunny skies. It’s a gorgeous time to visit.
March and April are the wettest months of the year. So, if you plan to visit then just prepare with lots of extra rain gear! 🌧
How to Get Around Quito
Although Quito is a fantastic city, it can be a bit dangerous! You will always want to plan ahead where you’re going.
Unless you’re walking around neighborhoods like Old Town, it’s not a walking town and driving your own car is far too complicated. But, there are great transportation methods in town!
Taxi
Taxi is definitely the best way to get around Quito. Taxis are everywhere in the city adn rides are cheap costing around $3-6. Make sure to ask your driver to run the meter, because it is required by law!
Trolley
There are three main trolley lines that run through Quito and they cost 25 cents!
- Trole – Runs down Avenida 10 de Agosto, then it follows Avenida Guayaquil in Old Town.
- Ecovía – It’s very convenient to take this trolley, because it runs down the main road in New Town, Avenida 6 de Diciembre. But, getting to Old Town you’ll have to walk up a steep hill.
- Metrobus – Metrobus follows the Western city of town down Avenida América.
Bus
There are tons of buses in Quito, but the lines can get very complicated. If you are only traveling in New Town, buses run along Avenida Amazonas and Avenida 12 de Octubre and are easy to hop on and hop off. But otherwise, I would stick with a taxi!
Where to Stay in Quito
Quito is a sprawling city, so it’s best to stay close to the action! I recommend staying in hotels that are in the Centro Historico or New Town. There are tons of great hotels to choose from.
We stayed at the Illa Hotel, which was adorable, had great views, and an exceptional restaurant!
Best Hotels in Quito:
Final Tips for Visiting Quito Ecuador
Although Quito is an amazing city, there are some things to keep in mind. First, like many major cities there is some petty crime. So, be careful, take taxis and mind your personal belongings.
Quito sits at 9000 feet above sea level. That means you’ll want to acclimate, drink plenty of water, and rest when you arrive. Don’t push yourself too much! If you take all that into account you’ll have an amazing time.
Let me know if you enjoyed this guide in the comments!
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