36 Hours in Quito: Best Things to Do in Ecuador’s High-Altitude Capital
Ermita de la Dolorosa view over Quito
We stopped over in the Ecuadorean capital on our way to the Galapagos Islands and soaked up as much of this beautiful city as we could. Landing in Quito is an experience in itself—you touch down on a plateau surrounded by towering Andean peaks, with the city sprawling across a high-altitude valley. In just 36 hours, you can step back in time in a UNESCO-listed Old Town, straddle the equator, and sip on Ecuador’s rich coffee culture. Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone. This guide highlights the top things to do in Quito so you can make the most of your short visit. Whether you are stopping over on the way to the Galapagos Islands as well or staying in the capital city as a base to explore the beautiful Andean mountains, there are plenty of things to see and do!
Helpful Hints for Visiting Quito
Altitude Awareness: At 9,350 feet (2,850 meters), Quito is one of the highest capitals in the world. Take it easy on your first day, drink plenty of water, and consider coca tea if you feel altitude sickness. Make sure not to push it too much your first day and give your body some time to acclimate to the high altitude.
Getting Around: While Quito does have both a bus and a metro system, we preferred using taxis and Uber to get around since we were on a bit of a time crunch. We found both the taxis and Ubers to be affordable, reliable, and easily accessible. The city is fairly walkable, especially around Quito’s Old Town, with tons of restaurants and wide boulevards, but the city sights are very spread out. You will definitely need to use public transit, Uber, or taxis to get around to the different sights.
Weather & Packing: Quito’s weather can be unpredictable. Mornings and nights are cool, while midday sun is strong. Bring layers, sunscreen, and a rain jacket. While you are quite literally on the equator, the weather can be cooler up the high mountains with clouds moving rapidly. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and definitely wear sunscreen - the equatorial sun is strong!
Safety Tips: While Quito is generally safe, be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Population: The population of Quito is 2.8 Million
The Equator passes right through Quito giving you the opportunity to enjoy both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere in one city!
Simcards and WIFI: We typically use Simify to buy our sim cards in advance. For the most part, the sim cards are easy to pop into your phone whenever you land and they work fairly seamlessly, although we had some cases where we had to restart our phones a few times for them to work. We got our simcards through Claro and they worked great and were easy to use. You can also consider Movistar, which is another major cell phone provider in Ecuador. Sim cards are easy to find either at the airport or the numerous stores in downtown Quito.
Entrance requirements: If you are a USA citizen, you only need a passport with 6 months validity in order to enter Ecuador and no tourist visa is required if you are staying for less than 90 days.
Do I need cash? Yes, cash is recommended, especially if you are planning on shopping at markets or souvenir stands. Some public restrooms charge some change to enter and others a $0.20 fee for toilet paper so it’s a good idea to carry around small change for this. The great news for USA citizens is that the U.S. Dollar is the official currency of Ecuador. No need to worry about exchange rates! If you need to take out cash, ATMs are widely available but some may charge you a transaction fee.
Can I drink the water? No, the water is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled water, avoid using ice cubes, and salads which may have been washed with non-potable water. Also use bottled water to brush your teeth.
Do I need restaurant reservations in advance? There are a ton of restaurants throughout Quito. If there is a specific restaurant that you really want to try we would recommend making reservations to guarantee a spot. Otherwise, we found it easy to find restaurant openings.
Plug Type: Ecuador uses Type A and B which is the exact same as the USA. So, no plug adapters needed for our USA travelers! If you are coming from Europe you will need a plug adapter.
Top Things to Do in Quito in 36 Hours
1. Explore Quito’s Historic Old Town (A UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Quito’s Old Town is a colonial gem with stunning churches, vibrant plazas, and cobblestone streets. It is one of the most well-preserved in all of South America! Don’t miss:
Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande) – This is the city’s central square, home to the Presidential Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. The boulevards offer some really good dining options with street vendors selling small trinkets to take home. This is a great photo stop and a great place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
La Compañía de Jesús – A breathtaking 17th-century church covered in gold leaf.
Basílica del Voto Nacional – Climb the towers for the best panoramic views of Quito. Note: the climb up can be steep (or you can take the elevator) - make sure you are acclimated before pushing it too much. There are several floors to explore with different artisanal and coffee shops. Inside the basilica are paintings and impressions showing the rich history of Ecuador as well as biblical scenes. Definitely be sure to check this one out!
2. Ride the TelefériQo for Sky-High Views
Take the TelefériQo cable car up to Cruz Loma, reaching 13,000 feet for stunning views of the city and surrounding volcanoes. If you are in the hiking mood, you can continue on a short hike toward Rucu Pichincha. Along the way there are a few really good photo opportunities such as the swing set over the Andes. One of Ash’s favorite stops was a photo opportunity with two friendly llamas. The view from the top is completely worth the ride up. If you have some time, grab a coffee (or a beer) and enjoy the mountain valley and Quito below you.
3. Visit the Equator at Mitad del Mundo and the Intiñan Museum
Quito sits near the equator, and you can (almost) straddle both hemispheres at Mitad del Mundo (The Mitad del Mundo is not quite on the equator but is really close!). Visit the nearby Intiñan Museum to experience quirky equatorial experiments, which is actually on the equator (although there are some debates about if it is actually on the true equator). We really enjoyed this museum. They offer guided tours in English, which we highly recommend. The tour takes you through the history of the Ecuadorian tribes, including seeing the shrunken heads! The museum also displays mock-ups of authentic traditional Ecuadorian houses. The main attractions are the equator experiments, where you can try to balance an egg on a nail and watch water spin in different directions based on the hemisphere. This is definitely worth a visit!
If you have to choose one, go to the Intiñan Museum.
4. Sunset at El Panecillo
Head to El Panecillo, a hilltop viewpoint crowned by the Virgin of Quito statue. It offers breathtaking city views, especially at sunset. The best way to get to the top is to take an Uber, but if you are feeling ambitious you can walk up the steep hill to the top. Just make sure you are acclimated before making the trek!
5. Experience Quito’s Food Scene
Ecuadorian cuisine is flavorful and diverse. Must-try dishes include:
Locro de papa – A creamy potato and cheese soup.
Seco de Chivo or Seco de Pollo – A slow-cooked goat stew or a slow-cooked chicken stew.
Empanadas de Viento – Cheese-filled empanadas topped with powdered sugar.
Canelazo – A warm cinnamon and aguardiente drink, perfect for Quito’s chilly evenings.
Quinoa-soup — A popular vegetarian dish
Recommended Restaurants:
La Purísima: Modern Ecuadorian Cuisine
Urko Cocina Local: Tasting menu focused on Ecuadorian ingredients
Zazu: Fine dining with an Ecuadorian twist
6. Explore La Ronda Street (For Nightlife & Culture)
La Ronda is Quito’s most charming street, lined with colonial houses, artisanal shops, and lively cafes. Visit at night for local music, street performers, and a warm canelazo.
7. Visit Museo Templo del Sol
For a unique cultural experience, head to Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila, an indigenous art and spiritual museum with fascinating energy rituals.
More Ideas & Optional Experiences
If you have extra time, consider taking a day trip to:
Mindo Cloud Forest – A lush paradise with waterfalls, birdwatching, and chocolate tours (2 hours from Quito).
Cotopaxi National Park – Hike around Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.
Quilotoa Lagoon – A breathtaking crater lake perfect for hiking and photography.
If you are really pressed for time, consider taking a day tour around Quito and the surrounding area to make sure you see the main sites. We took a great trip through Viator that hit the highlights. We had a great tour guide that taught us so much about Quito. It was a great way to maximize our time, learn some amazing facts about the area, and see what the area has to offer.
Where to Stay in Quito
We stayed at the Sheraton Quito Hotel located in the La Carolina district. This beautiful hotel is pet-friendly, contains a really nice gym, several restaurants, and is located close to shops, restaurants, and bars. We highly recommend this centrally located hotel, but you will need to take an Uber or a taxi to get to the historical city center where many of the sights are located. Other hotels to consider:
Luxury: Casa Gangotena (Colonial elegance in Old Town)
Mid-Range: Hotel Mama Cuchara (Boutique stay with a rooftop bar)
Budget: Ibis Quito (Great location, right next to the Museo Etnohistorico de Artesanias del Ecuador Mindalae)
Final Thoughts
Quito is a city that blends history, adventure, and culture. With just 36 hours (or a few days), you can explore its colonial past, stand on the equator, and take in breathtaking Andean landscapes. Whether you follow this guide step by step or mix and match experiences, you’re in for an unforgettable journey. Be sure to stop and enjoy the wonder of the Andean mountains and the imposing Cotopaxi mountain (volcano). We hope this tips help you plan an amazing trip to Quito!
If you’re continuing to the Galápagos, check out our guide on what to pack and how to prepare!
View over Quito