🇪🇨 Ecuador

10 best places in Quito

Quito sits in a narrow valley beneath volcanoes at nearly 2,850 meters - its historic core was the world's first UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains Latin America's best-preserved colonial center.

District

Centro Histórico

The continent's largest and least-altered colonial center, packed with 16th- to 18th-century churches and mansions.

Sight

Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

A church whose interior is entirely covered in gold leaf - one of South America's most opulent.

Sight

Basílica del Voto Nacional

A neo-Gothic basilica with gargoyles shaped like native animals and towers open for visitors to climb.

Museum

Museo Casa del Alabado

An elegant pre-Columbian art museum set in a restored colonial house.

Sight

Mitad del Mundo

An equator monument and museum where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

Sight

TelefériQo

A cable car up the slope of Pichincha volcano with a breathtaking view over the whole city and the Andes.

Market

Mercado Central de Quito

A lively covered market with local fruit, hearty soups, and the famous encebollado fish stew for breakfast.

Restaurant

Zazu

A refined modern Ecuadorian restaurant highlighting Amazonian and Andean ingredients.

Café

Vista Hermosa

A rooftop restaurant in the historic center with views over Quito's floodlit churches at night.

Park

Parque La Carolina

The main park of the modern center, with a boating lake, botanical garden, and sports fields.

FAQ

Does altitude affect you in Quito?

Quito sits at about 2,850 metres and the first day usually shows it: breathlessness on stairs, headaches, alcohol hitting harder. Take the first day slowly, drink plenty of water and go easy on the beer. It eases after that, though a Cotopaxi trip means acclimatising all over again.

Best time to visit Quito?

Quito's weather barely changes with the seasons: mild days, cool nights and possible rain in any month. June to September tends to be drier. Pack layers, because one day can deliver strong sun and a downpour.

Is Quito safe?

Security in Ecuador has deteriorated in recent years, and the capital is not exempt. The historic centre is great by day but empties at night, and La Mariscal has a poor after-dark reputation. Use ride apps, keep your phone out of your hand on the street and leave valuables at the hotel.

Can you move to Ecuador?

Ecuador is considered one of the more accessible countries in Latin America on paperwork, with temporary residence based on a pension, passive income, investment or professional qualifications. The currency is the US dollar, which removes exchange rate risk. Income thresholds and rules change, so rely on current requirements rather than old blog posts.