Walking Routes in Quito Old Town

October 29, 2026

Travel advisory, as of October 2026. Ecuador has declared an internal armed conflict against criminal gangs, and rolling states of emergency apply in several provinces. Pichincha, which includes Quito, is under one until mid-November 2026. Quito had a night curfew in May 2026, and curfews can return at short notice. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to several coastal provinces and the strip along the Colombian border; Quito lies outside those areas. Street crime and express kidnappings are real risks, so use registered taxis or ride apps, especially at night and for El Panecillo. Read the FCDO advice for Ecuador and check travel.state.gov before you book.

The old town was laid out for walking, with a tight grid of stone streets, plazas and cloisters. Walk it by day, at an easy pace. At about 2,850 m even gentle slopes leave you short of breath, so build in coffee stops and keep water with you.

Safety first

The old town is busiest and best patrolled in daylight. The UK FCDO notes that mugging and pickpocketing are common here and around transport hubs. From about 18:30 to 19:00 shops pull down their metal shutters and the side streets empty fast. Plan to be back at your hotel or in an app ride by then, and do not walk alone after dark. Carry only the cash you need, keep your phone out of sight and leave passports in the hotel safe, carrying a copy.

Calle García Moreno

This street is known as the street of the seven crosses. In the 17th century, the Spanish put stone crosses outside religious institutions along an older north to south route. A walk south from the Basílica del Voto Nacional passes the Cathedral on Plaza Grande, La Compañía and Carmen Alto before reaching the area near the Museo de la Ciudad. Allow two hours plus any museum visits. Churches are active places of worship, so cover your shoulders and keep your voice down inside.

Calle La Ronda

La Ronda is a cobbled pedestrian lane in Barrio Morales, lined with 18th-century whitewashed houses with wrought-iron balconies. Craft workshops show trades such as wooden spinning tops, tin work, herbal medicine and sweet colaciones. Musicians play on some afternoons and evenings. Try a hot canelazo, a spiced drink usually made with cane spirit, and empanadas de viento, a fried pastry. Stay on the lane itself after dark and avoid the surrounding blocks.

San Roque and the traditional healers

South of Plaza San Francisco, the lanes climb toward Mercado de San Roque. Some stalls offer limpias, traditional cleansings with herbs such as nettles and rue, typically at about $5 to $10. If you watch or take part, be respectful and ask before photographing anyone. Keep to the market in daytime, and leave bags in front of you.

Using the metro

The metro opened in December 2023 and has 15 stations. San Francisco station comes up on Plaza de San Francisco, and Alameda is at the north edge of the old town. A single trip costs $0.45, and the system runs from about 05:30 on weekdays, from 07:00 on Saturdays and Sundays, to about 23:00 on weekdays and Saturdays or 22:00 on Sundays and holidays. Hours can be cut during curfews. Read the current metro fare and hours guide before you plan around it.

Guided options

A local guide adds history and takes care of route choices. Compare departures through a search such as Quito walking tours , and meet in a public square in daylight.