3 Days in Quito Ecuador: What To Do in Quito + Map

Quito in Ecuador is the second-highest capital in the world sitting at 2850m on the Andean foothills. Dating back to pre-Columbian times, the city was founded by the Quitu tribe and later became an Inca stronghold before the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.

The full name of the city is San Francisco de Quito, and its well-preserved colonial centre stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the labyrinth of cobbled streets and panoramic viewpoints atop El Panecillo, there are so many things to do in Quito.

My guide to 3 Days in Quito covers the highlights of the city and a bonus day to Ciudad Mitad del Mundo.

Map for 3 Days in Quito

Day 1 in Quito: Walking Tour + Churches

Free Walking Tour of Quito

My city trips always start with a free walking tour – they are seriously the best way to get the lay of the land and find out what you want to back to see in more detail. Remember, they are not actually free, they work on a tip-basis so you pay what you think they are worth.

The Quito tour I took started in Mercado Central where the guide showed us the local fruits, and smoothies (batidos), and met the curanderos (traditional healers) in their stalls piled high with medicinal plants. The tour continued to Centro Historico, exploring its main plazas and renowned colonial churches, taking in rooftop views of the Virgin of El Panecillo and the charming architecture. Learning from a local about Ecuador’s culture and traditions offers invaluable insider knowledge.

|| Support local guides: Find free walking tours on Guru Walks

La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

La Iglesia De La Compañía De Jesús (The Church of the Society of Jesus) in Quito, is a gem of Latin American Baroque architecture. Known as the Jewel of America, the building started in 1605 and took 160 years to complete.

The Gold Church gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1978 and is considered the finest church in Quito, and quite rightly so. With its elaborate façade and lavish 23-karat gold leaf interior, it stands as an exceptional example of colonial artistic mastery.

Do not miss this visiting La Iglesia De La Compañía De Jesús when you are in Quito, it’s simply stunning. There is no photography allowed inside, however, I captured a shot as the door was open.

|| The Church of the Society of Jesus opens daily (various times) | Entrance fee | Guides available

Catedral Metropolitana de Quito

The Catedral Metropolitana de Quito (Quito Metropolitan Cathedral), built over several centuries, is a striking blend of Baroque, Gothic, and Neoclassical styles. The catholic Quito Metropolitan Cathedral has majestic and intricate architecture on the exterior. On the inside, you will discover ornate altars, colourful stained glass, and historical chapels, making it a must-see landmark in Quito.

There is a guided tour in Spanish around the museum, which was on the small side so not worth the fee in my opinion. However, I would recommend the option of heading up the winding staircase to the domed roof. The views of Plaza Grande are mighty impressive.

|| Catedral Metropolitana de Quito opens daily (times vary) | Entrance fee | Spanish-speaking guides

Museo del Carmen Alto

The Museo del Carmen Alto in Quito was built in 1653 and the beautifully preserved colonial architecture of Carmelite monastery is still home to a small number of Carmelite nuns in a closed-off area.

It was opened as a museum in 2013 with exhibits of Carmen Alto monastery art, the history of the Carmelite order, and Mariana de Jesús’ life. Museo del Carmen Alto is not a huge museum but it is worth a visit.

|| Museo del Carmen Alto opens Wednesday to Sunday 9.30am-5.30pm | Entrance fee

Day 2 in Quito: Museum + Basilica

Nacional Museo de Ecuador

The Nacional Museum of Ecuador (MuNA) is a treasure trove of Ecuador’s cultural history, as it is one of the country’s largest collections of Ecuadorian art and artefacts spanning millennia, from pre-Hispanic to colonial eras.

The huge Casa de la Cultura building that houses the archaeological, historical and artistic displays deserves at a least 2-hour visit – it is one of the best museums in Quito after all!

|| Nacional Museo de Ecuador opens Wednesday to Sunday (times vary) | Free entry

Basílica del Voto Nacional

Basílica del Voto Nacional is a Roman Catholic church perched on San Juan Hill and can be seen from any part of Quito. The Construction of this neo-Gothic structure began in 1892 and continues today.

The Basílica del Voto Nacional has a white intricate facade adorned with gargoyles inspired by Ecuadorian animals. Inside, a central nave is flanked by smaller ones, with a dome and stained glass windows. Twenty-four chapels, each dedicated to an Ecuadorian province, surround the nave, along with a crypt and pantheon.

Climb the steep steps, or take the elevator, up to the top of the basilica for the most impressive panoramic views of the city. This is a must-do activity in Quito.

|| Basílica del Voto Nacional opens daily (times vary) | Entrance fee

Museo Camila Egas

Camilo Egas (1889–1962) was a prominent Ecuadorian artist known for his modernist paintings. Having studied art in Rome and Madrid, his art depicting indigenous culture and Ecuadorian landscapes was Influenced by European techniques.

Museo Camila Egas was established in 1980 in a colonial house by the Central Bank of Ecuador. The permanent exhibition takes you through stages of his life and styles of painting such as the Expressionist, Surrealist and Abstract.

|| Museo Camila Egas opens Tuesday to Sunday (times vary) | Free entry

Day 3 in Quito: Visit Middle of the World

Day trip to Mitad el Mundo

Visit the Middle of the world

Mitad del Mundo’s towering 100-foot Equator monument stands prominently visible from the road, featuring a globe atop and painted hemisphere lines below. It’s the prime spot for tourists bagging their fun equator line photos as they straddle the hemispheres!

|| Mitad del Mundo opens daily 9am-6pm | Entrance fee

Visit the Intiñan Museum

Mitad del Mundo isn’t the sole attraction. I would recommend going 200 metres down the road to the Intiñan Museum where you can have fun learning about the equator line.

Test scientific phenomena unique to the equator, like the Coriolis effect. Attempt the egg challenge or learn why you weigh less at the Equator. Test walking the equator line without falling due to the conflicting gravitational forces of the North and the South.

The Intiñan Museum has exhibits about Ecuador’s native tribes like the Shuar and Woaranis including artefacts and replicas of tribal houses. and a burial mound offering insights into Tsachilá death rituals. There is also an ancient sundial, once used by the indigenous Quitu people for tracking time and seasons, which remains remarkably precise even today.

|| Inti Ñan Museum opens daily 9.30am-5pm | Entrance fee

How to get to the Middle of the world

There are 3 options to get to Cuidad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the world);

BY BUS: Cheapest but most time-consuming option. The direct bus leaves from Ofelia Station in the north of the city which takes around 1 hour to reach, then 30 mins on a different bus to Mitad del Mundo. The 2 buses should cost less than $1in total.

BY TAXI: Direct and most comfortable option and works out fairly cheap if you are a group of four people. The journey should take around 40 minutes.

TAKE A TOUR: Guided tours are hassle-free as they include transport, and generally collect you from your hotel.

• Quito: Equator Line and Hidden Gems Tour with Beer Tasting (7 hours)
• Quito: Mitad del Mundo Monument, Intiñan Museum, Cráter Pululahua (9 hours)
• Historic City of Quito and The Middle of the World (9 hours)
• Mitad del mundo and Teleférico Private tour

Plan your tours in Quito

Whether you have 1 or 4 days in Quito, you will quite easily fill your time with interesting tours to explore the city or give you an insight into Ecuadorian culture.

Food Tours in Quito

If you are a foodie and want to sample Ecuadorian cuisine or street food, these tours will be up your alley;

• Quito: Night street food, art and drinks
• Original Ecuadorian Gastronomy Tour in Quito
• Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito with Tastings

Tours of Pichincha Volcano

If you want to explore the mighty Pichincha volcano, these tours will suit you;

• Private Half-Day Cable Car and Horseback Tour Above Quito
• Cable Car Quito – Trekking Volcano Pichincha
• Quito TeleferiQo Cable Car Private Tour

Only 1 Day in Quito

If you only have 24 hours in Quito, you may find these tours a good idea;

• Historic City of Quito and The Middle of the World
• Cable Car and Quito Private City Tour

Multi-Day Tours in Quito and Beyond

Do you have longer to spare than just 3 days in Quito? If you wish to discover more of Ecuador with the security of a group trip, these options may excite you;

• 4 Days: Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños and Amazon
• 10 Days: Gatherings With Locals In The Andes
• Group Tours in Ecuador with G Adventures

Where to stay in Quito

For first-timers, I would recommend staying in Centro Histórico as you are close to all the amenities and attractions in Quito. La Floresta is considered a bohemian neighbourhood, and a lovely area to explore the independent coffee shops and artsy shops. Here are some ideas for accommodation in Quito;

|| Best Non-Party Hostel in Centro Histórico || Viajero Hostel Quito is a stunning colonial building with colourful decor, a bar with a brewery and restaurant serving food throughout the day | Check the latest prices on Booking.com and Hostelworld

|| Best Party Hostel in Centro Histórico || Secret Garden Quito has the best view in Quito on the rooftop bar/restaurant terrace. Rooms are comfortable. Handy travel agency to book tours. | Check the latest prices on Booking.com and Hostelworld

|| Best Eco-friendly Hotel in La Floresta || NH Collection Quito Royal is certified sustainable. Located next to the World Trade Centre, 3km from Centro Histórico. All the luxuries of a 5-star hotel including a great choice of bars and restaurants | Check the latest prices on Booking.com

|| Best Boutique Hotel in Centro Histórico || Vista del Angel Hotel Boutique has incredible terrace views and a gorgeous courtyard-style layout. The hotel has a spa centre and hot tub, and a restaurant for breakfast and evening meals. | Check the latest prices on Booking.com

FAQs for Visiting Quito

PIN for 3 Days in Quito