Quito walking tour & city guide

The historic centre

Plaza Grande, also called Plaza de la Independencia, is the heart of the old town, framed by the cathedral, the presidential palace and the archbishop's palace. Nearby, the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús has one of the most richly gilded church interiors in South America, and the vast Monastery of San Francisco faces a wide cobbled plaza a few streets away.

Calle La Ronda is a narrow lane of restored colonial houses with small shops and cafés, liveliest on weekend evenings. To the north, the Gothic Basílica del Voto Nacional has gargoyles shaped like Ecuadorian animals and towers that visitors can climb, and to the south the winged Virgin statue on El Panecillo hill looks over the whole old town.

A classic walk: the Basílica to La Ronda

Start in the morning at the Basílica del Voto Nacional and climb its towers for the view. Walk south into the old town to Plaza Grande, then continue to La Compañía and on to the Plaza de San Francisco.

Finish on Calle La Ronda in the late afternoon, and take a taxi up El Panecillo for sunset views if the sky is clear. On another day, ride the TelefériQo cable car up the slopes of Pichincha for a view over the whole valley.

Good to know

June to September is the drier season, but Quito's weather is spring-like all year, often sunny in the morning with showers in the afternoon. The altitude can leave you breathless at first, so take the first day slowly. The Quito Metro, opened in 2023, and taxis are the easiest ways to get around. The Mitad del Mundo monument on the equator is a short trip north of the city. Check current travel advice before you go.