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Planning a trip to Quito and not sure where to start? Well, worry no more because we’ve got you covered!
After exploring the sights, tasting the food, and figuring out for ourselves how to fit it all in, we’ve done the legwork for you! We’ve carefully crafted our ultimate three-day itinerary for Ecuador’s high-altitude capital to ensure that you make the most of the unforgettable experiences on offer here.
From wandering the cobbled streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town to standing right on the equator and soaking in Quito’s jaw-dropping natural beauty, we’re confident that you’re going to fall in love with this magical city. Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE activity in Quito was this private tour of the historic center. We rode the Teleférico for amazing city views, explored colonial streets, and visited the Mitad del Mundo monument—all in just one day!
Itinerary Overview
Quito is a city of contrasts, and this 3-day itinerary showcases them perfectly! From exploring volcanoes to eating your way through the history center, we’re going to cover it all, and we promise you won’t feel rushed!
And just a quick note on getting around here—it’s super easy! The bus and metro systems are decently reliable, but Uber is also pretty cheap, and it’s usually faster than taking public transport. You won’t need a rental car, especially since hotel pick-ups are included in tours that head out of the city center.
Day 1: Start your Quito adventure in the heart of the city with a guided tour through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, during which you’ll ride the Teleférico up the slopes of Pichincha Volcano for panoramic views and head to the iconic Middle of the World monument. Then, finish the day by watching the historic center light up!
Day 2: Today’s all about epic landscapes, so choose between a full-day trip to Cotopaxi National Park, where you’ll see one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, or enjoy a guided hike around the stunning turquoise crater lake of Quilotoa.
Day 3: Ease into your final day with a big local breakfast and a stroll through Quito’s best artisan market. After visiting a museum or two, spend the afternoon on a food tour before capping things off with drinks and music in lively La Mariscal.
Day 1
Full day – Explore Historic Quito and the Middle of the World with a private guide
You can’t visit Quito without checking out the historic center and all it has to offer, so that’s how we recommend spending your first day here! This private tour will pick you up from your hotel at 9 am and show you all of the highlights that Quito’s UNESCO-listed center has to offer.
We started by taking a trip up the Teleférico, which is a cable car that travels up to over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) above sea level on the Pichincha Volcano. You will need to pay for the Teleférico tickets on the day, which cost around $9 USD, but it’s totally worth it because the views of the city below are just stunning!
Then, we headed to Quito Center for a walking tour. We loved seeing the beautiful colonial buildings and hearing the stories behind them, thanks to our expert guide! After that, we visited the Mitad del Mundo monument and went to the museum, which I actually enjoyed more than the monument itself.
Lunch isn’t included, but our guide made some great recommendations for local spots along the way—and the food was absolutely delicious! We ended up trying seco de chivo, a slow-cooked goat stew that was rich, flavorful, and totally hit the spot.
Overall, this tour delivers a fantastic overview of Quito, and it’s such a fun and efficient way to get to know the city if you’ve only got a few days here. It wraps up around 5 pm, and you’ll be dropped back at your hotel so that you can freshen up before dinner tonight.
Read hundreds of five-star reviews and book this private tour here!
Dinner – Hasta La Vuelta Señor
Today’s tour will end back at your hotel, so take a minute to relax and freshen up before you head out this evening. When you’re ready, head back to Quito’s historic center for dinner at Hasta La Vuelta Señor. This is an awesome, upscale spot with a lovely courtyard in the middle, with a lively vibe. It’s the perfect place to try traditional Ecuadorian food, such as potato soup, plantain balls, and, my favorite, llapingachos (cheese-filled potato patties).
Evening – See the Historic Center Lit Up
Quito’s historic center takes on a whole new vibe after dark. Two of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the La Compañía Church and the Basilica del Voto Nacional, are beautifully lit up at night and absolutely worth seeing. There’s just lively local buzz in the air, and there’s honestly something so romantic about it all!
After dinner, head over to Calle La Ronda, a pedestrian-only street lined with artisan shops, galleries, and cozy little bars. It’s the perfect place to soak up the energy of the city, pick up a souvenir, or enjoy a nightcap. Just don’t stay out too late because you’ve got a big day ahead tomorrow!
Day 2
Option 1: Visit Cotopaxi National Park
You cannot miss the chance to visit Cotopaxi National Park while you’re in Quito and see its famously symmetrical cone! We did this top-rated tour and couldn’t believe how much ground we covered in just one day.
The tour begins at 7 am and pickup is included, so you don’t need to worry about finding a meeting point this early in the morning.
We loved exploring the park with our guide, Alejandro, because his knowledge and passion added so much to the experience! Our first stop of the day was Limpiopungo Lagoon, which is a peaceful spot that sits beneath the towering Cotopaxi Volcano.
After a short visit to the interpretive center, we drove higher up the volcano and began the hike to the José Rivas Refuge. It’s not a long trek, but don’t underestimate the altitude. At nearly 16,000 feet (4,877 meters), the air is thin, and the wind can be freezing! Still, the views are incredible and totally worth the climb.
You don’t need a ton of hiking gear for this tour, but do make sure to dress warmly, wear layers, and bring sunblock. Even though it’s cold up there, the sun is still strong! After the hike, we enjoyed a well-earned local lunch before heading back to Quito around 7 pm.
This tour is one of the best things we’ve ever done in Quito, so it’s a great choice. Don’t just take our word for it, either—read over a thousand glowing reviews here!
Book this full-day Cotopaxi National Park tour here before it sells out!
Option 2: Quilotoa Crater Day Trip
If you’re looking to escape the city and experience the beauty of the Ecuadorian Andes, this Quilotoa day trip is the one to book! Laguna Quilota is a blue-green volcanic crater lake that sits in the rugged Andean countryside south of Quito, and this tour takes you to see it from two different lookout points. Then, en route back to Quito, you’ll visit some craft workshops in Tigua to see local artisans at work!
You can choose a private or shared tour, but either way, you’ll be picked up from your hotel at around 7 am. Then, you’ll make your way to the Quilotoa Lagoon, which is about 3 hours south of Quito. But trust me, it’s worth the trip!
We had the best time on this tour. We stopped at two epic viewpoints and even saw Cotopaxi in the distance. Then, we hiked down to the water’s edge. The climb back up was no joke, but you can rent a mule for about $10 USD if needed.
On the way back, we stopped to visit a traditional indigenous family and later explored a local art workshop in Tigua. It felt really authentic and meaningful, and not like a typical tourist stop.
This tour is such a fantastic way to explore the Andean highlands and get a deeper feel for Ecuador outside the city. And judging by the rave reviews here, we’re definitely not the only ones who think so!
Book this Quilotoa crater tour here with free cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Dinner – Café Mosaico
If you’re feeling wiped after the day trip, you can always just grab dinner close to your hotel. However, if you have some energy left, we highly recommend heading to Café Mosaico. It stays open until 11 pm, so even if you get back later than planned, you should have time to grab a bite here before it closes.
This spot has one of the best views in Quito, especially as the city lights start to twinkle at sunset. It’s magical and the food is delicious. We both ordered burgers and devoured them, so they’re a good option if you’ve worked up a big appetite with today’s adventure! I recommend doing as the locals do and ordering a Canelazo, which is a spiced drink that’s served hot.
Related Read: Heading to Colombia next? Check out our guide on how to spend three days in Bogotá here—packed with culture, food, and fun in Colombia’s high-altitude capital!
Day 3
Breakfast – Rincón Orense
Yesterday was a long day, so we’re going to take it slow this morning. Head to Rincón Orense for a big breakfast of local comfort food. Whether you’re in the mood for bolón, empanadas, or just a strong coffee and fresh juice, you’ll find plenty to dig into here! Personally, I like humitas, which are steamed corn cakes.
Plus, Rincón Orense is just a 10-minute walk from the artisan market that we’re going to visit next. So not only is it the perfect spot to fuel up and eat traditional food, it’s also a convenient place to kick off your final day!
Morning – La Mariscal Artisan Market
One of the best parts about exploring Quito is getting to shop for locally made treasures, and La Mariscal Artisan Market is the perfect place to do it. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Rincón Orense, so it’s easy to head straight here after breakfast.
This bustling market is packed with colorful stalls selling everything from alpaca sweaters and scarves to hand-painted crafts and jewelry. You can spend an hour or two wandering through the aisles and picking up souvenirs before heading off to explore one of Quito’s museums at around 11:30 am.
Mid-day – Check out a museum
Quito is home to some fantastic museums, so take the time to check one out! We’ve listed some of the top options below, so choose the one that interests you the most and go explore it. Just be sure to wrap it up by around 1:30 pm so that you can get to the food tour in time.
- Museum of the City – This is our top pick because it offers a deep-dive into Quito’s past—and it’s just a 6-minute drive from the market. It’s housed in a beautifully restored former hospital and tells the city’s story through creative, interactive exhibits. It’s engaging without being overwhelming, and you can easily spend 1.5–2 hours here.
- National Museum of Ecuador – If you’re looking to stay close, this one’s just a 7-minute walk from the market. It blends Ecuador’s history with art, showcasing everything from ancient artifacts to modern pieces.
- Contemporary Art Center of Quito – This bold, modern museum is a 5-minute drive from the market and focuses on contemporary Ecuadorian and Latin American art. The palatial building itself is just as impressive as the art!
- Basilica and Convent of San Francisco – Basilica and Convent of San Francisco is known for its stunning Baroque architecture and centuries-old history dating back to the 1500s. Inside, the attached museum showcases colonial religious art, including works by famed Quito School artists, all housed within a peaceful, atmospheric cloister.
Afternoon – Taste your way around Quito
Your last afternoon in Quito should be memorable, which is why we’re heading off on this guided food tour! Book the 2 pm option, which starts just a 6-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the Museum of the City.
We did this tour with Malena, and she made the experience so fun and engaging. The route overlaps a bit with the city tour from Day 1, but the focus here is totally different because it’s more about local life, traditional snacks, drinks, and cultural quirks.
We started at the Basilica del Voto Nacional for some incredible views, then made our way through plazas and cobblestone streets while tasting our way through the city. There were sweet treats, savory empanadas, fresh juices, and even a sip (or two) of canelazo, a warm spiced fruit drink with a kick.
One highlight was the chocolate tasting at Yumbos, where we sampled different types of Ecuadorian chocolate and learned about the country’s rich cacao history. We also visited a workshop supporting Andean artists and even got to try a traditional dance wearing a “diablo huma” mask. It was surprisingly fun after a shot!
There’s a fair amount of walking, mostly downhill, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket or umbrella. This is the perfect way to wrap up your time in Quito, and we’re not the only ones who lived it—read hundreds of 5-star reviews here!
Book this top-rated food tour here!
Evening – Hit the town!
It’s your last night in Quito, and after a day of exploring, why not celebrate with a fun night out in La Mariscal?
Start in Plaza Foch, which is La Marisca’s central square. There’s always something going on here, whether it’s live music, street dancers, or just a buzzing crowd enjoying the evening. It’s only a 10-minute Uber ride or a quick public transport ride from the end of your food tour, so it’s easy to get here. We like to kick things off at Cherusker Cervecerìa Artesanal Alemana, an excellent outdoor/indoor spot to grab all of the best German-style beer right from the heart of Ecuador.
From there, you can take the evening in whatever direction suits your mood. For a more relaxed scene, grab a pint at The Corner Pub. But if you want something livelier, there are plenty of karaoke bars, live music venues, and lots of dance floors nearby.
La Mariscal is one of the safer areas in Quito at night, so let loose and enjoy yourself! And remember, there’s no shortage of great late-night food spots if you’re feeling snacky again and need something to soak up the drinks.
Related Read: Planning to stay a little longer? Check out our guide to the 10 best things to do in Quito here for even more can’t-miss activities to round out your trip!
Where to Stay in Quito, Ecuador
Now that you have the perfect three days in Quito planned, you need to find somewhere comfortable to stay! There are tons of options for any type of traveler, so we narrowed down our three favorites for each budget. If any of these still have availability, grab them up—they tend to book up fast!
Luxury – $$$
MERCURE Hotel Alameda is an absolutely stunning property. The central location is perfect, the rooms are beautiful, and the service is amazing. The hotel has a modern-looking pool and hot tub to enjoy yourself in, too! If your budget allows you to spend around $90 USD per night, this is likely the best choice in Quito!
You can check availability and book MERCURE Hotel Alameda on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Boutique Hotel Casa Foch is a small boutique hotel located in the heart of the historic center. It’s clean, comfortable, and includes a superb breakfast. Some rooms even include a balcony and fireplace. Starting at just $40 USD a night for a private room, it makes a great choice for those looking for a comfortable but cheap stay in Quito.
You can check availability and book Boutique Hotel Casa Foch on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Secret Garden Hostel is the most famous Hostel in Quito. It’s a party hostel, but the rooms are still reasonably quiet at night, which is a good balance. The rooftop here is awesome and a reason to stay in itself!
The cost for a bed in a mixed dorm begins at just $10 USD, and you will also have the choice of upgrading to a private room with a shared bathroom. You can check availability and book on Hostelworld.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Quito has so much to offer, and we hope this three-day itinerary takes the stress out of planning. From riding the Teleférico to hiking volcanoes, wandering colonial streets, and eating your way through the city, we’ve packed this guide with our favorite things to do, see, and taste—so you can experience the best of Quito without feeling rushed.
Still planning your Ecuador adventure? Be sure to check out our other Ecuador blogs here for even more tips and ideas—we’ve spent a lot of time exploring this incredible country, so you’ll find plenty of firsthand insights. Or scroll down to see a few of our personal favorites that we think you’ll love just as much!
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