Quito is high on my list of the best adventurous places and, in this guide, I share the top hikes, viewpoints and interesting spots in and near the city.
I’ve never been a massive fan of built-up, urban areas, but Ecuador’s capital puts all that into question.
Nestled in the Andes, the city is an adventure hotspot and, in this guide, I’m going to cover the top things to do in Quito for people who love being outdoors.
Trust me, a few days here is nothing like your typical European city break. Within Quito there are plenty of cracking viewpoints and good spots to eat, and on its doorstep are a bunch of insane volcanoes and beautiful waterfalls.
This is basically my mega guide to Quito listing the very best of what I think the city and the surrounding area has to offer.
And even if you’re not that into adventurous things, you might like one or two of my recommendations as some are historically and gastronomically interesting too.
Quito’s top attractions for adventure
Rucu Pichincha hike
On a clear day, a jagged triangle-shaped summit can be seen high in the sky above Quito. This is Rucu Pichincha, which, along with Guagua Pichincha, forms the Pichincha Volcano System.
At 4,697 m, Rucu (what the locals call it) is the shorter of the pair and also the closest to the capital, making it a good day hike from the city.
The hike takes 5-7 h there and back, covers roughly 11 km, and you gain 650 m of elevation.
It’s moderately difficult until the last 1 h 30, when the trail becomes steep and technical.
You need to take the TelefériQo (cable car) to reach the trailhead, which costs $9 US. Here’s my full guide to hiking Rucu Pichincha.
TelefériQo
The cable car in Quito, officially called TelefériQo, takes you from the edge of the city (2,900 m) to 4,053 m overlooking the vast landscapes of Pichincha Province in just 18 min.
Although the sights are the main attraction, they’re not everything. There’s an onsite café and another restaurant a short walk away, the famous Swing In The Sky, and, of course, the Rucu Pichincha hike.
A ticket for the TelefériQo costs adult foreigners $9 US. Under 18s pay $7 US and seniors $6.5 US.
Here’s my full guide to the cable cars with information on opening times and all the things to do here.
Virgin of El Panecillo
There are religious statues around the world famed for their colossal size, but have you heard of the Virgin of El Panecillo (La Virgin del Panecillo)?
Standing 41-m tall, the Virgin of El Panecillo is the tallest aluminium statue in the world. In fact, it’s a full 3 m taller than Christ the Redeemer.
La Virgen del Panecillo overlooks the city centre like a guardian angel and the view from here is great.
You can visit the statue and El Panecillo Hill at any time, but the opening hours to go inside are Monday to Sunday 9:00 – 17:00 and entry costs $1 US.
You can read my full guide to visiting the Virgin of El Panecillo here.
Basílica del Voto Nacional
Quito’s basilica is the largest in all the Americas standing 115 m tall, 140 m long and 30 m wide. It was designed by French architect Joseph Émile Tarlier (1852 – 1892), who specialised in neo-Gothic buildings.
The basilica church, the main building, is open every day 9:00 – 17:30 and the towers are open Monday to Friday 9:00 – 17:00. It costs adult foreigners $2 US to enter the church and to climb the towers a further $4 US.
Although I think it’s worth paying the separate fees, you can save $2 US as you’ll get views of the inside of the church from the upper floor on your way to the towers.
You can read the full guide to the basilica here.
Historic Centre
You can’t visit Quito and not spend a few hours in and around the historic centre. The beautiful Spanish colonial architecture has stood the test of time and gives you a glimpse of how the city looked before its vast expansion.
The crown jewel is Plaza Grande, where you’ll find the city’s most important buildings, such as the government palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Garcia Moreno, the main street leading away from Plaza Grande, is also worth walking as it’s full of restaurants and old churches.
Just keep an eye on your valuables when in the city centre as Quito is known for pickpocketing.
Monte Catequilla (the real mitad del mundo)
99% of tourists flock to Mitad del Mundo, the giant obelisk at the northern end of Quito supposedly marking the equator. However, this actually doesn’t sit on the equator, but there’s a way more interesting site that does.
Monte Catequilla is a 2,638-m tall mountain on the eastern edge of Quito believed to have been used as a solar observatory by the pre-Incan Quita-Cara people around 800 AD.
There are archaeological leftovers here including a lithic disk – which could’ve been used for astronomical observations.
Incredibly, it just so happens that the equator passes directly through this site. Coincidence, or did the Quita Caras know that they were in the middle of the world?
Here’s my full guide to all of the Mitad del Mundo locations in Quito including how to get to Monte Catequilla.
Parque Itchimbia (Itchimbia Park)
Perched atop a hill overlooking La Tola district about a 20-min taxi from the historic centre is Itchimbia Park
Here you’ll find gentle walking trails and a large gallery completely made of glass – known to locals as the Crystal Palace – where you can see art exhibitions.
While I wouldn’t exactly call a stroll around Parque Itchimbia adventurous, it’s great for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, and a lovely spot to hang out in the sun.
Parque Las Tripas
This recommendation is for the foodie adventurers, especially those who love street-eats.
Most nights Parque Las Tripas, officially called Parque José Navarro, is shrouded in a fog of deliciously-smelling smoke wafting from the many food stands.
I struggle to think of other street food hubs I’ve eaten at in my years of traveling where the meals are this good or filling.
On the menu there’s fish, all day breakfasts and, of course, tripas, or intestines, a Ecuadorean delicacy after which the park is nicknamed.
For desert I recommend morocho, a thick milky drink made with corn, cinnamon and raisins. It’s the perfect end to the night.
I highly recommend getting a group together and heading over to Parque Las Tripas for dinner. You can stay here till late and it’s generally a safe spot. And if you’re lucky, there’ll be some kind of performers putting on a show.
Mirador de Guapulo (Guapulo Viewpoint)
Not many tourists make it to Guapulo Viewpoint, which sits at the eastern edge of the city, about a 20-min walk from La Floresta. It’s popular with locals, especially students, who come here to hang out and enjoy the views.
And these aren’t any old views; Guapulo is prime real estate for gazing upon the mighty Cayambe Volcano (5,790 m). On a clear day this majestic peak dominates the horizon in the most beautiful way.
If you’re going to go out of your way for stellar views of Cayambe, then I’d go to the TelefériQo. But if you’re in La Floresta or nearer, then I’d definitely have a walk over to Guapulo.
Parque La Carolina (Carolina Park)
This enormous park sits at the heart of Quito just north of the city centre. You can walk to your heart’s content here, get bites to eat, and even rent pedalos.
As a Welshman, I was astounded to see a rugby pitch here. I had no idea that in Latin America the sport had made it beyond Argentina and Chile.
Where to stay in Quito
My accommodation recommendations based on personal experience or excellent ratings across major booking platforms.
- Community Hostel: a budget hostel with a fun vibe. There are great views from the rooftop terrace.
- Apartamento 32 Juana de Arco: a holiday apartment with all amenities in the historic centre.
- Friends Hotel & Rooftop: A mid-range hotel in the historic centre offering veggie and vegan meals.
- Hotel La Basílica: A centrally-located, higher-end hotel with beautiful rooms and church views.
Adventurous things to do near Quito
There are some serious Andean climbs in this next list but also some tamer waterfall hikes.
If you’re planning on taking on the likes of Antisana, Cayambe, and Cotpaxi, you’ll need to acclimatise first, or you risk altitude sickness, which isn’t fun.
So before you head to any of the big boys, climb Rucu Pichincha or Pasochoa, which I’ll cover next.
Pasochoa Volcano
Sitting at just 4,200 m tall – which is small for the Andes – and a hiking route that’s fairly easy for anyone with a decent level of fitness, Pasochoa is a great first Andean peak to bag.
When the weather plays ball, the views from the top are spectacular. In the distance you’ll see the magnificent Cotopaxi and nearby the equally amazing Cayambe and Antisana.
The entire hike is roughly 9 km and takes 5-7 h depending on your speed. If you take the shorter trail to the summit, there’s a $5 US fee to pass through a private farm property.
It takes around 2 h to get to the trailhead with public transport. Here’s my full guide to the Pasochoa hike with everything you need to know.
Cotopaxi Volcano
This was the second-most-difficult hike I’ve done in Ecuador, after Tungurahua, but the most beautiful.
The day we summited, there was a heavenly break in the cloudy weather and I can only describe the scenes from the top as mesmerising.
But Cotopaxi is no joke and you have to earn these views. The route involves steep sandy underfoot which sucks your energy, and an unforgiving glacier where one wrong move could spell disaster.
None of this is to put you off as you can definitely do it. It’s only that many travellers think it’ll be just another trip experience, when in reality Cotopaxi is serious mountaineering.
Cotopaxi stands 5,897 m tall. The main route is around 8 km return and you gain over a kilometre of elevation. Expect to be hiking for around 10 h in total
Cayambe Volcano
The third highest peak in Ecuador, after Chimborazo (6,310) and Cotopaxi (5,897), Cayambe (5,790 m) is another challenging adventure near Quito.
Starting and finishing at the refuge, the hike is about 10 km round trip, with roughly 6-8 h needed to summit and another 2-3 h to descend. While not as tough as Cotopaxi, expect a steep, technical, and tiring climb.
If you’re going to be in Ecuador a while, I highly recommend tackling Cayambe before Cotopaxi.
Antisana Volcano
Antisana (5,753 m) is the other colossal peak lying close to Quito. The trek is roughly 10 km out-and-back and takes roughly 10 h to complete. You’ll be ascending for around 6-8 h and descending for another 3 h or so.
Although it’s not as tall as Cayambe nor Cotopaxi, Antisana is generally said to be harder. It’s steeper and more technical with a crevasse-ridden glacier best for experienced climbers.
That said, I would never categorically tell someone without experience not to climb it. After all, Cotopaxi was my first glacier climb and with a guide it was obviously doable.
Cascada Condor Machay (Condor Machay Waterfall)
The tallest of the 18 waterfalls on the River Pita, Condor Machay (Condor’s Nest) is a massive 80 m tall. However, the water here falls with the serenity of a smaller cascade rather than the roar of a torrenting giant.
Condor Machay sits at the end of a lush green canyon and getting here on foot is easy thanks to a well-maintained hiking trail. The trail is 3.5 km and only takes around 1 h 30 min to walk.
In the opposite direction lies Vilatuña Waterfall, which is reached with a more challenging, technical trail. If you arrive early, you can hike to both waterfalls on the same day.
Check out my full guide to Condor Machay and Vilatuña waterfalls here.
Gran Cascada de Pita (Great Pita Waterfall)
While the crowds flock to Condor Machay, you can enjoy the even more amazing Great Pita Waterfall to yourself.
This is one of the most impressive waterfalls I’ve seen in my life and it crashes thunderously into a shallow pool 60 m below.
The Great Pita Waterfall sits within a private eco-tourism reserve along with two other great falls: Kimsa and Molinuco, the latter named after the reserve.
You’ll need about 6 h to properly explore Molinuco and the three falls. I recommend going on a weekday to avoid families and lots of children. Also, there’s a $5 US entry fee.
Here’s my dedicated guide to the Great Pita Waterfall.
Laguna Cuicocha (Cuicocha Lake)
I love easy hikes in stunning locations and Cuicocha Lake is one of the best in Ecuador.
The turquoise laguna fills a 3-km wide crater formed by a volcanic eruption around 3,000 years ago. And if that’s not cool enough, it sits at the foot of the imposing Cotacachi Volcano (4,944 m).
Practically anyone can enjoy the hike because it’s so easy. The trail is a 14-km loop around the lake that’s mostly flat, dirt underfoot. Although, there is one steep-ish section. It takes around 3 h 30 min-5 h to complete depending on your speed.
Here’s my full guide to hiking at Laguna Cuicocha.
El Páramo de Papallacta (Papallacta Paramo)
Part of the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve, the paramo sits between Cayambe and Antisana volcanoes about 1 h 30 min from Quito.
It’s a haven for biodiversity and these high-altitude grassland ecosystems are unique to the northern Andes.
At Pappallacta Páramo, there are a range of adventurous hiking trails which take you through the flora-rich landscape and by beautiful lakes. The longest is 10.5 km, the shortest is just 1.5 km, and you can reach a maximum altitude of 4,300 m
See my full guide to hiking at El Páramo de Papallacta to learn more.
Hiring a guide in Quito
By law you’ll need a guide for any hike over 5,000 m in Ecuador. Although this isn’t enforced at every 5,000 m peak – I hiked Tungurahua without a guide – I highly recommend hiring one.
It’s so much more enjoyable to hike in their company and you don’t have to worry about finding the route yourself. The trail on the Cotopaxi’s glacier, for example, is practically invisible and you could easily stray into danger.
The Quito-based guide I recommend is Tre Panchin: +593 99 572 7833. He’s highly experienced and you’ll have a much better chance of summiting a peak with him.
Where to stay in Quito
My accommodation recommendations based on personal experience or excellent ratings across major booking platforms.
- Community Hostel: a budget hostel with a fun vibe. There are great views from the rooftop terrace.
- Apartamento 32 Juana de Arco: a holiday apartment with all amenities in the historic centre.
- Friends Hotel & Rooftop: A mid-range hotel in the historic centre offering veggie and vegan meals.
- Hotel La Basílica: A centrally-located, higher-end hotel with beautiful rooms and church views.
Where is Quito?
Quito is located in the northern Central Andes of Ecuador, roughly a 5-h drive from the border with Colombia at the Rumichaca International Bridge. The city lies within the province of Pichincha which is named after the Pichincha Massif.
How to get to Quito
Bus
If you’re coming from Colombia, you can get a bus to Quito from Tulcan after crossing the border at the Rumichaca International Bridge. The bus takes around 6 h.
There are two other border crossings in the north of Ecuador. But for safety reasons I only recommend entering via the Rumichaca Bridge and getting a bus from Tulcan.
Otavalo, a popular northern city, is just 3 h from Quito by bus.
Quito is well-connected by buses to cities further south including Latacunga ( 2 h), Riobamba (6 h), Cuenca (9 h) and Loja (12 h).
Buses go direct and through the night so you can wake up in the capital. You can get tickets on BusBud or redBus, or in person at terminals.
Flying
Mariscal Sucre International Airport is about 1 h outside of Quito. Buses connect the airport with the city or you can always get a taxi or an Uber.
When to visit Quito
The dry season in the Central Andes typically runs from June to October and is the best time to visit for doing outdoorsy, adventurous things.
During these months the weather is warmer, skies clearer, and hiking trails are in best condition.
The rainy season runs late October to May and it usually starts raining around early afternoon.
In this region of Ecuador, when it rains it pours. But if you’re out and about early in the morning, you could have a few hours exploring before the heavens open.
Getting around Quito
It’s easy to travel within the city thanks to the metro. The underground train system is fast and cheap, and as there’s only a single line, it’s easy to navigate too. A single journey costs $0.45 US.
The only thing is that you can’t rely solely on the metro to get around Quito. Many of the attractions aren’t located close to a metro station, so you’ll need to take buses and taxis too.
Buses are also really affordable, usually costing $0.35 for a single journey within the city.
The cost of a taxi journey obviously depends on the distance, but a 5-km ride usually sets you back $2.5-$4 US. There’s also Uber in Quito.
Traffic can be bad in Quito, particularly in and around the historic centre, and especially when it rains. Buses are typically old, jerky, and not that comfortable, but they’re reliable.
Cover your back
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Is Quito safe for tourists?
I’d say Quito is generally safe for tourists. Although, there is some petty crime you need to be aware of and a couple of particular places you should be extra careful in.
Pickpocketing and general thieving does happen, and prime hunting grounds for criminals are the historic centre and on public transport.
If you watch the locals on buses, many ride with their bags on their fronts. I always say that if the locals are doing it, then so should you.
Somewhere else I’ll warn you about is Carcelén bus terminal in the north of the city.
On the day I first arrived in Quito, the friend I was travelling with was almost robbed aggressively in broad daylight as we left the terminal to get a taxi.
Unfortunately, a fair few Venezuelans who fled the crisis in their country have ended up homeless in Quito and outside of the bus terminal seems to be a hub for them.
These guys are in dire straits and some are resorting to crime. For this reason, I recommend getting longer-haul buses to and from Quitumbe, the south terminal, which is safe.
The ‘bird poo’ scam
A really cunning crime you should be aware of in Quito is what I call the ‘bird poo’ scam.
Basically, someone will throw a greyish, nasty-looking liquid on you from behind and claim to have seen a bird poo on you.
Miraculously, they’ll have a bunch of tissues or something else which they’ll offer to help clean you with.
At first it all seems like innocent goodwill, but then they tell you to take your bag off so they can clean you properly.
Their plan is to get you to put your bag down and turn you around. While you’re facing the other way, their accomplice sneaks up and quietly walks away with your belongings.
A pair of thieves tried this scam on me near the historic centre, but I clocked on and pushed the guy away.
Unfortunately, another traveller I met wasn’t as aware and his bag was stolen. This happened on the other side of the city to where I was targeted, so it seems like the scam is widely used.
Final Quito travel tips
Be aware of power cuts
Scheduled power cuts can happen during the dry season and last for weeks. Sometimes the electricity can go for hours at a time.
Ecuador generates around 75% of its electricity hydroelectrically, and if the rainy season doesn’t fill the dams enough or the summer is particularly hot, then the power grid quite literally dries up.
Over the past decade or so, there have been several energy crises in Ecuador, the most recent taking place in 2024. As climate change worsens, power supply in the country may become more problematic.
‘Closed’ highland culture
It’s not everyone, but it is common in Quito for locals to be seemingly closed-off to foreigners.
But don’t take it personally. It’s not that locals are against tourists, it’s just that the highland culture isn’t as warm as Latin America is typically portrayed to be.
Even within Ecuador I felt a much friendlier vibe in other areas like Manabí compared to the Central Highlands.
Where to stay in Quito
My accommodation recommendations based on personal experience or excellent ratings across major booking platforms.
- Community Hostel: a budget hostel with a fun vibe. There are great views from the rooftop terrace.
- Apartamento 32 Juana de Arco: a holiday apartment with all amenities in the historic centre.
- Friends Hotel & Rooftop: A mid-range hotel in the historic centre offering veggie and vegan meals.
- Hotel La Basílica: A centrally-located, higher-end hotel with beautiful rooms and church views.
Have a blast in Quito
As you now know, there are a shed load of adventurous things to do in Quito. If you’re all about this, then I recommend staying at least a couple of weeks to experience a bunch of the suggestions I’ve given you.
That’s it for my mega guide to the city and its surroundings. If you think I’ve missed a key adventure off the list, or if you’ve been here recently and found something in my article to be outdated, please leave a comment below.
Finally, here’s a quick list of all the individual guides I linked to from this one to save you scrolling back up:
- Rucu Pichincha Volcano Hike Guide
- How to Visit the Cable Car in Quito (TelefériQo)
- Virgin of El Panecillo Viewpoint in Quito
- How to Visit the Basílica del Voto Nacional in Quito
- Is Mitad del Mundo (Middle Of The World) Worth It?
- Great Pita Waterfall (Gran Cascada del Rio Pita): A Hidden Gem Near Quito
- Vilatuña and Condor Machay Waterfall Hike
- Guide to the Pasochoa Hike (Volcan Pasochoa)
- Cuicocha Lake (Laguna Cuicocha) Hike Guide Ecuador
- Hiking at El Parámo de Papallacta (Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve)