Quito Ecuador 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Quito, Ecuador

Day 1: Arrival & City Discovery

Places to Go:

  1. Old Town (La Vieja): Quito’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the beautiful churches such as La Compañía de Jesús and San Francisco, the Presidential Palace, and the Independence Square.

  2. Middle of the World Complex (La Mitad del Mundo): Visit the official equator line marked by a large monument where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

Activities:

  1. Cable Car Ride to TeleferiQo: Enjoy panoramic views of Quito from this modern cable car that takes you up to Cruz Loma at 4050 meters above sea level.

  2. Visit the Equatorial Museum: Located at the Middle of the World Complex, it explains the unique geographical phenomena associated with being on the equator.

Where to Eat:

  1. Zona Rosa: Quito’s trendy dining district offers a wide variety of restaurants serving Ecuadorian and international cuisine.

  2. Café Jaime Cochran: For coffee lovers, this is a must-visit. They serve some of the best coffee in town.

Where to Stay:

  1. C Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel: Located in the heart of the San Blas neighborhood, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and a rooftop terrace with great views.

  2. Hotel Plaza Grande: If you prefer to stay in the historic center, this luxurious hotel is an excellent choice.

Things to Know:

  • Quito’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and a light rain jacket.
  • Spanish is the official language, but many people also speak English, especially in tourist areas.

Day 2: Nature & Culture

Places to Go:

  1. Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve: A unique volcanic crater that offers hiking trails and stunning views.

  2. Museum of Inti Nán: Learn about the Indigenous cultures of Ecuador in this interactive museum.

Activities:

  1. Craft Market (La Mariscal): Browse through stalls selling traditional crafts, textiles, and jewelry.

  2. Visit El Panecillo: Climb or take a taxi to the giant Virgin of Quito statue for panoramic views of the city.

Where to Eat:

  1. Café Nube: Enjoy delicious Ecuadorian dishes with a modern twist in this cozy, artsy café.

  2. El Chato: For traditional Ecuadorian food, this restaurant is famous for its cuy (guinea pig).

Day 3: Adventure & Departure

Places to Go:

  1. Equatorial Forest Reserve (Reserva Ecológica de la Mitad del Mundo): Explore the cloud forest, home to a variety of birds and other wildlife.

  2. Pichincha Volcano: If you’re an adventurous traveler, consider hiking part or all of this active volcano.

Activities:

  1. Butterfly Farm (Farmasinactus): See a vast array of butterflies in various stages of development.

  2. Countryside Tour: Visit local markets, traditional villages, and enjoy some artisanal cheese tasting.

Where to Eat:

  1. Mama Lin’s: A popular restaurant serving Asian fusion cuisine.

  2. El Quijote: For a final taste of typical Ecuadorian food before departing.

Tips & Other Things of Interest:

  • Bargain at markets and shops, but be respectful.
  • Quito has a well-developed public transportation system if you prefer not to walk or take taxis.
  • Don’t forget to try some local fruit juices, such as maracuya (passion fruit) and naranjilla.
  • Be mindful of altitude sickness symptoms, especially on the first day, and drink plenty of water.