Quito Ecuador 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Quito’s Historical Center

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café La Perla (Julian Serrano E4-95 y Av. Amazonas)
  • Visit the Basílica del Voto Nacional (Carrera 8 de Octubre y Avenida Amazonas), an unfinished gothic-style cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows and a panoramic view of the city from its towers.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Plaza Grande (Independence Square) to admire the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace.
  • Explore the Museum of the Middle of the World (Intinan Km 11V via a Cumbayá), where you can stand on the equator line.

Evening:

  • Enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian dinner at Zazu (Julian Serrano E6-45 y Av. Amazonas)
  • Take a leisurely stroll around the Mariscal Sucre Park and enjoy the city lights.

Day 2: Nature and Culture in Quito

Morning:

  • Have breakfast at your accommodation or try El Buho y la Flor (Roldan 35-161 y Av. Amazonas) for a unique breakfast experience.
  • Visit the Equatorial Monument (Intinan Km 0.3 N of Tulcán - Cumbayá) and take photos with one foot in each hemisphere.

Afternoon:

  • Spend your afternoon at the Mitad del Mundo Interactive Museum (Intinan Km 0.3 N of Tulcán - Cumbayá), where you can learn about the indigenous cultures and their relationship with the equator.
  • Head to TelefériQo (Via de la Amistad y Avenida Nuevo Progreso) and take a cable car ride up to the Pichincha Volcano for stunning views of Quito and the surrounding landscapes.

Evening:

  • Dine at Casa Gangotena’s Restaurant (Calle de las Flores E4-21 y Plaza San Francisco) if you’re staying at this boutique hotel, or try El Chato (Av. Amazonas N37-268 y Av. Francisco de Borja) for traditional Ecuadorian food.
  • Wrap up your day with a visit to the San Francisco Church and Museum (Plaza San Francisco), one of the oldest churches in Quito, or relax at a local bar in the Mariscal area.

Things to Know:

  • The official currency is the U.S. dollar.
  • Spanish is the primary language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • The elevation can cause altitude sickness, so drink plenty of water and take it easy on your first day.
  • Quito has a cool and humid climate, so pack layers and a light rain jacket.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are widely available and affordable, but you can also use Uber or local ride-sharing apps like TaxiApp.
  • The city has a comprehensive bus system called Ecovia, which is a good option for getting around.
  • If you’re staying in the Mariscal area, most attractions are within walking distance.

Tips:

  • Haggle at local markets and shops to get the best prices.
  • Try local fruits like mangoes, passion fruit, and lucuma.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting indigenous communities.
  • Make sure to try Ecuadorian chocolate, which is renowned for its quality.