Quito, Ecuador 6 Day Itinerary

Quito, Ecuador: 6-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Settling In

  • Arrival: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)
  • Accommodation: Hotel Patio Andaluz or Casa Gangotena, centrally located and well-reviewed by tourists
  • Lunch: Zazu Restaurant & Bar for contemporary Ecuadorian cuisine
  • Orientation: Familiarize yourself with the historic center of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Day 2: Exploring Historic Quito

  • Breakfast: Café Plaza Grande for traditional Ecuadorian breakfast
  • Morning: Visit La Compania de Jesus church and San Francisco church, both iconic Baroque buildings in Quito
  • Lunch: Mercado Central de la Mariscal for street food and local flavors
  • Afternoon: Explore the Museum of the Middle of the World (MITM), featuring the equatorial line monument
  • Dinner: Leona Vicario, a restaurant offering creative Ecuadorian dishes

Day 3: Day Trip to Otavalo & Cotacachi

  • Breakfast: At your accommodation
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or join a guided tour to Otavalo and Cotacachi (recommended for safety)
  • Morning: Visit the Otavalo Indigenous Market, known for its textiles, crafts, and food
  • Lunch: Local restaurant in Otavalo or Cotacachi
  • Afternoon: Explore the town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather goods
  • Return: Late afternoon; enjoy a peaceful evening in Quito

Day 4: Mitad del Mundo & Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve

  • Breakfast: At your accommodation
  • Morning: Visit the Intinan Museum, offering insight into Andean culture and traditions
  • Lunch: La Casa de la Leche in Pululahua for home-cooked Ecuadorian meals
  • Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, a unique volcanic crater ecosystem
  • Dinner: La Gloria, a popular restaurant with an extensive menu and great views of the city

Day 5: Pichincha Teleferiqo & Equatorial Monument

  • Breakfast: At your accommodation
  • Morning: Take the Teleférico de Quito to the top of Pichincha Volcano for stunning views over the city (weather permitting)
  • Lunch: El Telégrafo, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views
  • Afternoon: Re-visit the MITM to see the equatorial line’s interactive exhibits and the Ethnographic Museum
  • Dinner: La Plateada, offering traditional dishes in a cozy setting

Day 6: Departure

  • Breakfast: At your accommodation
  • Departure: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)

Things to know:

  • Currency: U.S Dollar and Ecuadorian Sucre are both accepted in Quito, but the official currency is the USD.
  • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and keep valuables secure.
  • Language: Spanish is the primary language in Quito, but many people understand some English. It can be helpful to have basic Spanish phrases on hand.
  • Weather: Quito has two main seasons: dry (June – September) and wet (October – May). Layering clothing is recommended as temperatures can vary greatly throughout the day.
  • Tips & Suggestions: Take a walking tour of the historic center to learn more about its rich history, visit local art galleries, and don’t forget to try some traditional Ecuadorian dishes like ceviche, empanadas, and hornado de chancho!