Quito, Ecuador 5 Day Itinerary

Title: 5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Quito, Ecuador

Day 1: Arrival & City Center Exploration

  • Arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)

    • Taxi or airport transfer service available. (Average cost: $35 USD)

  • Check-in at Hotel

    • Recommended: Casa Gangotena (Luxury), Patio Andaluz Boutique Hotel (Mid-Range), Hostal Buho (Budget)

  • Lunch

    • Atzú Muyu (Traditional Ecuadorian food) or Zona Rosa (variety of international cuisines)

  • City Tour

    • Visit Plaza Grande, La Compania de Jesus church, Presidential Palace, and Metropolitan Cathedral.

  • Dinner

    • El Quinde (Ecuadorian food), La Gloria (Italian), or Café Daniele (Fusion)

Day 2: Middle of the World & Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve

  • Breakfast at Hotel

  • Morning: Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World)

    • Take a taxi or join an organized tour to visit the Monument of the Equator. (Average cost: $10 USD)

  • Lunch

    • Restaurant at the Intinan Museum or El Muelle de Mitad del Mundo

  • Afternoon: Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve

    • Visit this unique volcanic crater reserve to learn about Ecuadorian flora and fauna. (Average cost: $5 USD for entrance)

  • Dinner

    • Casa Crespo (Ecuadorian food), El Chicken Picanteria (Chicken dishes), or La Taperia de la Roca (Spanish tapas)

Day 3: Old Town & Teleferiqo

  • Breakfast at Hotel

  • Morning: Old Town (San Francisco, San Augustin, and Panecillo)

    • Explore these historic neighborhoods, visit churches, and see the Virgin of Quito statue on Panecillo hill.

  • Lunch

    • At the Mercado Central or Casa de la Moneda (Traditional Ecuadorian food)

  • Afternoon: Teleferiqo

    • Take a cable car ride for stunning views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes. (Average cost: $8 USD)

  • Dinner

    • La Cuchara de San Marcos (Ecuadorian food), El Buho Azul (Seafood), or Bebido y comer (International cuisine)

Day 4: Equatorial Forest & Cotopaxi National Park

  • Breakfast at Hotel

  • Morning: Mindo Equatorial Forest

    • Join an organized tour to explore this cloud forest, known for its bird watching and chocolate workshops. (Average cost: $70 USD)

  • Lunch in Mindo

    • Jardin de Mariposas (Butterfly Garden), Orchid Farm El Quetzal, or Cabaña Las Orquideas

  • Afternoon: Cotopaxi National Park

    • Visit the famous active volcano and enjoy a scenic drive through the Ecuadorian highlands. (Average cost: $100 USD for an organized tour)

  • Dinner

    • Hacienda San Agustin de Callo Copara (Traditional Ecuadorian food), Restaurant Limpiopungo, or Casa del Café

Day 5: Last Day in Quito & Departure

  • Breakfast at Hotel

  • Free Time for Shopping or Relaxing

    • Visit the local markets, La Mariscal area for souvenirs, or enjoy a spa treatment.

  • Lunch

    • Chicha Criolla (Traditional Ecuadorian food) or El Fogón del Charco (Seafood)

  • Check-out from Hotel & Departure

    • Taxi to the airport (Average cost: $35 USD) or airport transfer service.