Quito, Ecuador 7 Day Itinerary

Quito, Ecuador 7-Day Travel Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Arrival & Settling In

  • Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito.
  • Transfer to your hotel (Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar, highly recommended for its charming decor and excellent location).
  • Rest and freshen up.
  • Evening: Explore the local area around La Floresta, enjoy street food at El Telégrafo.
  • Things to know: Quito is located at an altitude of 2850 meters (9350 feet), so it’s best to rest and acclimatize on your first day.

Day 2: Old Town & Middle of the World

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a local café like El Chivo.
  • Visit Old Town (Historic Center) with its beautiful colonial architecture, churches, and plazas such as Plaza Grande, La Compania de Jesus, and San Francisco.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant in the Old Town like Café Danilo or Zazu.
  • Afternoon: Visit Middle of the World Complex (Intinan), where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
  • Dinner: Try Ecuadorian cuisine at El Quinde.

Day 3: Equatorial Monument & Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
  • Morning: Visit the Equatorial Monument, learn about the equator and its significance.
  • Afternoon: Head to Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve for a guided tour and witness one of the few inhabited crater volcanos in the world.
  • Dinner: Relax at Casa Gangotena, a boutique hotel with an excellent restaurant offering Ecuadorian cuisine with a twist.

Day 4: Cotopaxi National Park & Local Market

  • Early breakfast and departure to Cotopaxi National Park.
  • Full-day guided tour, hike, and explore the active volcano. Lunch will be provided during the tour.
  • Return to Quito in the evening.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant like La Glorieta or Leon Dormido.

Day 5: Teleférico Pichincha & Mitad del Mundo Mall

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
  • Morning: Take the Teleférico Pichincha cable car to enjoy panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding area.
  • Lunch at La Libertad.
  • Afternoon: Visit Mitad del Mundo Mall, where you can interact with various exhibits related to the equator.
  • Dinner: Try a fusion cuisine restaurant like El Chicken or Cevicheria La Mar.

Day 6: Mindo & Cloud Forest

  • Early breakfast and departure to Mindo, a small town in the Ecuadorian cloud forest.
  • Full-day guided tour, including bird watching, visiting butterfly farms, and a chocolate workshop. Lunch will be provided during the tour.
  • Return to Quito in the evening.
  • Dinner: Enjoy Peruvian cuisine at Cebichería Malaga.

Day 7: Last Minute Shopping & Departure

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs, especially Panama hats and Alpaca clothing, around La Mariscal or El Ejido.
  • Lunch at a favorite spot from previous days or try somewhere new.
  • Transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport for your departure.

Transportation: Taxis are widely available and affordable in Quito, but you can also use apps like Tappsi. For day trips, it’s best to book guided tours that include transportation.

Tips:

  • Bring layers of clothing as temperatures can vary greatly during the day.
  • Use ATMs for cash withdrawals instead of exchanging money at airports or hotels.
  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to interact with locals.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Stay hydrated due to the high altitude.
  • Enjoy your trip to Quito, Ecuador!