Ecuador - Top Attractions in Quito

Quito Highlights - our suggestions

Most visitors stay in Quito for about 2 to 3 nights at most. Below are 9 must-see attractions in Quito:

  • El Panecillo, a 200-metre hill in Quito which offers a panoramic view in every direction
  • The historical city centre with more than 35 churches, colonial buildings and quaint alleyways
  • The Ciudad Mitad del Mundo also known as the Equator Monument located in the north of Quito

If you would like to spend more time exploring the city, we have some great ideas for you below!

Schauen Sie sich die ausdrucksstarken Bilder von Oswaldo Guayasamin an

Fundación Guayasamin  – This is a museum dedicated to displaying artworks by Oswaldo Guayasamin, one of Ecuador’s most acclaimed artists of all time. His residence located near the museum is also worth a visit. (Duration: Half day)

Eine atemberaubende Aussicht von der Seilbahn Teleferiqo in Quito

TelefériQo – This gondola ride takes you from the outskirts of Quito up 3050 metres to Volcano Pichincha. Hiking to the summit is also possible upon alighting. (Duration: full day)

Die imposante neugotische Basílica del Voto Nacional in Quito

Basílica del Voto Nacional – The Basilica of the National Vow is one of the few churches in the world that is entirely funded through tax. There is a café in the tower where you can enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the panoramic view of the city. It is also the biggest neo-Gothic basilica in South America (duration: 1 hour)

Agricultural produce is sold in the markets in regional Ecuador

Mercado Santa Clara – This market offers every fresh produce you can find throughout Ecuador as well as goods and handicrafts from indigenous markets. There are also cooked food stalls where you can have your breakfast and lunch. The market sells everything from fruits, herbs, vegetables to household items. It is open daily in an indoor hall. (Duration: 1 hour)

Ob frisches Gemüse, Haushaltswaren oder Spielzeug - der Zentralmarkt in Quito bietet einfach alles

Mercado Central – Located at the edge of the historical city centre, Mercado Central is a place where they sell absolutely everything and anything you need (sometimes not)! Even if you do not intend to purchase something, it is a great place to meet locals and interact with them. (Duration: half day)

Otavalo Markets are known for the colourful patterns and incredible textiles - Shopping in Ecuador

Mercado Artesanal – This is a great market to get souvenirs, especially if you are not traveling to other places in Ecuador. Here is where you can haggle to your heart’s content! (Duration: 2 hours)

Quito Sehenswürdigkeit - der Botanische Garten

Quito Botanical Gardens – Located in the north of Quito, the Botanical Gardens provides a great introduction to the amazing and exotic flora in Ecuador. We highly recommend having a look at their splendid orchid garden. (Duration: half day)

Eine besondere Quito Sehenswürdigkeit - Das Yaku Wassermuseum

Yaku Water Park Museum – This exciting water park is the perfect place for families with children. The museum is located where the Incas used to perform their ceremonial baths. (Duration: half day)

Der wunderschöne Stadtbezirk Guapolo - eine Sehenswürdigkeit in Quito

Guapolo – It is a district in Quito with a wonderful blend of art and history. It has an impressive 17th century monastry, a rather alternative art scene as well as narrow winding streets with shops and cafes. Guapolo is best discovered with a tour guide who can show you less known places and hidden gems! (Duration: half day)

A subway is currently underway in Quito and is expected to be completed by the end of 2019. However, until then, it is still easier to explore the city on a guided tour. The top attractions in Quito mentioned are included in the tours below.

How would you like to travel?

✪ Ecuador Tours ✪

Dragon Hill at Santa Cruz Island

Ecuador & Galapagos trip with the experts 2026

Duration: 15 - 15 days
Highlights:

This trip is accompanied by Galapagos and Ecuador expert Beate Zwermann, founder of Galapagos PRO.

From ,-
Price per pax
Chimborazo Lodge

Ecuador by Car - classic routing

Duration: 8 - 10 days
Highlights: Vulcanos, local markets, train ride Devils nose, Ingapirca

Individual round trip along the Avenue of the Volcanoes - Quito, Cotopaxi, Baños, Chimborazo, Alausí, Cuenca, Guayaquil

From 880,- USD
Price per pax
Otavalo Artists

Best of Ecuador: Andes, Coastlines and Cloud Forests

Duration: 18 - 18 days
Highlights: Otavalo Markets, Condor Park, Cuicocha Lagoon, Mangrove Forests

Prepare to be inspired as you experience Ecuador's breathtaking landscapes. Departing every Friday

From 1660,- USD
Price per pax
Marine Iguanas

Galapagos Discovery (6)

Duration: 6 - 6 days
Highlights:

Discover the Islands of Santa Cruz and Isabela in the Galapagso Archipelago.

From 1680,- USD
Price per pax
Chimborazo

Volcano Summit Striker: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo +3

Duration: 10 - 18 days
Highlights: Acclimitisation, Experienced Mountain Guides, Pasochoa Summit - 4,200 meters, Guagua Pichincha Summit - 4,794 meters, Iliniza North Summit - 5,116 meters, Cotopaxi Summit - 5,897 meters, Relaxation Day, Baños, Whymper Refuge, Chimborazo - 5,000 meters, Chimborazo Summit - 6,310 meters, Daily Departures, Group Appointments by Request, Incredible Landscapes, Includes Transfers, Includes Park Entrance Fees

Experience a unique Andean panorama from the peaks of the Ecuadorian volcanoes.

From 2010,- USD
Price per pax
Lagunas de Ozogoche

Ecuador Rental Car Round Trip: 6 National Parks

Duration: 14 - 21 days
Highlights: Hotel car park , Exchangeable stops and activities, Flexible activities

Visit all six amazing national parks in the Andes by car. All stops are interchangeable.

From 2040,- USD
Price per pax
City of Guayaquil

Rental car tour to/from Guayaquil

Duration: 14 - 21 days
Highlights:

Begin your rental car tour from Guayaquil and visit the best highlights in Ecuador along the way.

From 2450,- USD
Price per pax
Zaruma

Ecuador/Galapagos Round Trip with Rental Car

Duration: 32 - 42 days
Highlights: Galapagos Islands, Safe hotel parking spaces, Exchangeable stops

Visit all highlights from North to South, East to West with this extensive Ecuador rental car tour.

From 2750,- USD
Price per pax
With the Huaorani tribe

AJ: Huaorani Warriors (5)

Duration: 5 - 5 days
Highlights:

Explore the Amazon rainforest with the Huaorani tribe.

From 3000,- USD
Price per pax
Quitos koloniale Altstadt

Gruppenreise Ecuador und Galapagosinselhopping

Duration: 14 - 14 days
Highlights:

Erkunden Sie Ecuador und die Galapagosinseln mit deutschsprachiger Reiseleitung und Naturführer

From 7480,- USD
Price per pax
Dragon Hill at Santa Cruz Island

Ecuador & Galapagos trip with the experts 2025

Duration: 15 - 15 days
Highlights:

This trip is accompanied by Galapagos and Ecuador expert Beate Zwermann, founder of Galapagos PRO.

From 8470,- USD
Price per pax