Quito is a city to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, exploring its churches, squares, volcanoes, and vibrant neighborhoods with calmness. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, the Ecuadorian capital combines history, culture, gastronomy, and nature all in one place.
Although many travelers only stay for a few days before heading to the Galapagos or the Amazon, Quito deserves at least a week. In 7 days you can visit its iconic sites and discover lesser-known corners, as well as take nearby excursions that enrich your visit.
Each day in Quito offers something different: stroll through colonial streets, take the cable car up, or explore Andean landscapes and artisan villages thanks to its central location. This plan proposes morning and afternoon activities to make the most of your time without rushing and get to know the true essence of the city.
Day 1: The Historic Center of Quito
Morning: Historic Center and Plaza Grande
Start your visit in the Historic Center, one of the best-preserved in Latin America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through its cobblestone streets is like traveling back in time. The Plaza Grande is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Palacio de Carondelet (seat of government), and the Archbishop’s Palace, making it a perfect place to start. Here you will feel the political, religious, and social atmosphere of the city. Visit the Cathedral and climb its towers for unique views. If you’re lucky, you might see the presidential guard change (on Mondays at noon), a colorful and traditional event that attracts both locals and tourists.
Afternoon: Churches and Convents
In the afternoon, discover spiritual richness by visiting the Church of La CompañÃa de Jesús, famous for being completely covered in gold leaf; also visit the Church and Convent of San Francisco, one of the oldest buildings. Don’t miss the Fray Pedro Gocial Museum with colonial Quito art, sculptures, and unique pieces. End your day in La Ronda, a traditional street with colonial balconies, artisan workshops, live music, and cozy cafes. Try a canelazo (hot drink with aguardiente and cinnamon), typical sweets like figs with cheese or colada de máchica, and enjoy the bohemian nightlife atmosphere.
Day 2: Art, Museums, and Living Culture
Tomorrow: Pre-Columbian Museums
Spend the morning at the Museo Casa del Alabado, which showcases more than 5,000 well-preserved pre-Columbian pieces that reflect the Andean view of life and nature. Its thematic rooms explain how ancient cultures viewed topics such as life, fertility, and death. Then visit the Museo del Carmen Alto located in an old convent where religious art is mixed with local history.
Afternoon: Modern Art and ItchimbÃa
In the afternoon, head up to ItchimbÃa Park to enjoy a complete panoramic view of Quito and its volcanoes. The ItchimbÃa Cultural Center is also there with temporary exhibitions and cultural events. If you like modern art, visit the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana and the National Museum of Ecuador (MuNa), which has archaeological and historical collections from the country. End your day in La Floresta, a neighborhood known for its street murals, alternative galleries, independent cinemas, and charming cafes where art is part of everyday life.
Day 3: Mitad del Mundo and Pululahua
Morning: City of Mitad del Mundo
Visit the famous Mitad del Mundo complex where you can take a photo with one foot in each hemisphere (north and south). In addition to the main monument, explore museums about science and culture, a planetarium, and a French pavilion that explain how this equatorial line was precisely measured. There are restaurants with Ecuadorian food, artisan shops, and cultural shows to enjoy.
Afternoon: Intiñán Museum and Pululahua
Just a few steps away you will find the Intiñán Museum, which offers an interactive experience to understand the phenomena that occur on the equatorial line. Here you can perform fun experiments, such as balancing an egg on a nail, walking in a straight line along latitude 0°, or checking how gravity changes between hemispheres.
Afterwards, continue to the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, an inactive volcano with one of the few inhabited craters in the world. Explore its trails, enjoy the viewpoints, and appreciate the unique biodiversity of this place where tranquility and nature create a stunning landscape.
Day 4: Nature in Quito and high-altitude adventure
Morning: Guangüiltagua Metropolitan Park
This is the green lung of Quito, with more than 500 hectares of eucalyptus forest that offer pure air and tranquility just a few minutes from the city center. It is ideal for walking along its marked trails, mountain biking, jogging, or simply enjoying a picnic in its open areas.
From its natural viewpoints, you will have panoramic views of the north and the Cumbayá valley. In addition, it has areas for families, sports fields, and hidden corners where locals go to disconnect from the pace of the city. It is a perfect space to coexist with nature without leaving Quito.
Afternoon: Teleférico and Rucu Pichincha
In the afternoon, experience an unforgettable adventure at the Teleférico de Quito, which ascends in just 18 minutes from 2,950 to 4,050 meters above sea level. From the top, the views of the city, Cotopaxi, and other volcanoes along the Avenue of Volcanoes are stunning.
There you can:
- Walk along high-altitude trails
- Enjoy a hot coffee in the panoramic cafes
- Continue hiking to the summit of Rucu Pichincha (if you are in good physical shape and looking for adventure)
The tour lasts between 3 and 4 hours, but it offers unique landscapes of the Andean moorland. End the day with a light dinner in the La Mariscal area, where you will find restaurants with international options and a bohemian atmosphere.
Day 5: Day Trip – Papallacta
If you prefer to relax, Papallacta is the best alternative. Just two hours from Quito, its volcanic hot springs are famous for their medicinal properties. Immerse yourself in outdoor pools while contemplating mist-covered mountains or, if you’re lucky, the Antisana volcano on the horizon.
In the afternoon, explore the trails of Cayambe-Coca National Park. There you will find waterfalls, streams, and a moorland ecosystem filled with frailejones and Andean birds. It is an experience that combines nature, wellness, and adventure in one day.
Day 6: Adventure and Biodiversity in Mindo
Morning: Cloud Forest and Waterfalls
Two hours northwest of Quito, Mindo is an ideal destination for nature and adventure lovers. This valley surrounded by cloud forest is world-renowned for birdwatching, with over 500 species recorded.
The morning offers adrenaline-filled activities such as canopy tours over the forest canopy, with spectacular views between mountains. You can also explore trails that lead to waterfalls, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters or relax surrounded by nature. The fresh air, humidity, and sounds of the forest make the experience unique.
Mindo is perfect for birdwatchers; with patience and a local guide, you can spot toucans, quetzals, and hummingbirds.
Afternoon: Chocolate and Butterflies
In the afternoon, explore the cultural and natural richness of Mindo. Visit an artisanal chocolate farm to learn about the process from cocoa harvesting to tasting, discovering its importance in Ecuador.
Afterwards, visit the Mindo butterfly house to observe dozens of species and their life cycle, an educational spectacle for all ages.
Before returning to Quito, enjoy a local coffee or a tropical fruit ice cream. You will return to the capital with unforgettable memories of adrenaline, learning, and contact with Ecuadorian biodiversity.
Day 7: Gastronomy and Farewell
Morning: Central Market
Awaken your senses at the Central Market, the epicenter of Quito’s cuisine and a century-old cultural meeting point. Try emblematic dishes such as hornado (roast pork with mote and potato tortillas), yahuarlocro (thick soup with potatoes and offal), and tripas mishqui (grilled intestines). Complement your meal with tropical juices —guanabana, taxo, naranjilla, or blackberry— and desserts like quesadillas, pristiños, or colaciones. An authentic tasting of local identity.
Afternoon: Last-minute shopping and Botanical Garden
Relax at the Quito Botanical Garden in La Carolina Park, a national reference for its collection of Ecuadorian flora. The orchid greenhouses (with over 4,000 species), cactus garden, medicinal plants area, bonsai section, and a sensory trail that stimulates the senses stand out. An ideal environment to reflect and say goodbye to Ecuador in peace.
If you prefer to buy souvenirs, visit La Mariscal and its Artisan Market for wooden crafts, tagua items, traditional textiles, and silver jewelry. For modern options, head to Quicentro Shopping, Mall El JardÃn, or C.C. El Bosque, where you’ll find boutiques, international brands, and dining options.
Final tips
Quito is at an altitude of 2,850 meters above sea level; the altitude can affect you at first. Acclimatize gradually, stay hydrated, wear layered clothing for the variable weather, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. A compact umbrella is useful for sudden weather changes.
With these tips, you will comfortably enjoy every moment in the Ecuadorian capital.
Day 6: Adventure and Biodiversity in Mindo
Morning: Cloud Forest and Waterfalls
Two hours northwest of Quito, Mindo is an ideal destination for nature and adventure lovers. This valley surrounded by cloud forest is world-renowned for birdwatching, with over 500 species recorded.
The morning offers adrenaline-filled activities such as canopy tours over the forest canopy, with spectacular views between mountains. You can also explore trails that lead to waterfalls, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters or relax surrounded by nature. The fresh air, humidity, and sounds of the forest make the experience unique.
Mindo is perfect for birdwatchers; with patience and a local guide, you can spot toucans, quetzals, and hummingbirds.
Afternoon: Chocolate and Butterflies
In the afternoon, explore the cultural and natural richness of Mindo. Visit an artisanal chocolate farm to learn about the process from cocoa harvesting to tasting, discovering its importance in Ecuador.
Afterwards, visit the Mindo butterfly house to observe dozens of species and their life cycle, an educational spectacle for all ages.
Before returning to Quito, enjoy a local coffee or a tropical fruit ice cream. You will return to the capital with unforgettable memories of adrenaline, learning, and contact with Ecuadorian biodiversity.
Day 7: Gastronomy and Farewell
Morning: Central Market
Awaken your senses at the Central Market, the epicenter of Quito’s cuisine and a century-old cultural meeting point. Try emblematic dishes such as hornado (roast pork with mote and potato tortillas), yahuarlocro (thick soup with potatoes and offal), and tripas mishqui (grilled intestines). Complement your meal with tropical juices —guanabana, taxo, naranjilla, or blackberry— and desserts like quesadillas, pristiños, or colaciones. An authentic tasting of local identity.
Afternoon: Last-minute shopping and Botanical Garden
Relax at the Quito Botanical Garden in La Carolina Park, a national reference for its collection of Ecuadorian flora. The orchid greenhouses (with over 4,000 species), cactus garden, medicinal plants area, bonsai section, and a sensory trail that stimulates the senses stand out. An ideal environment to reflect and say goodbye to Ecuador in peace.
If you prefer to buy souvenirs, visit La Mariscal and its Artisan Market for wooden crafts, tagua items, traditional textiles, and silver jewelry. For modern options, head to Quicentro Shopping, Mall El JardÃn, or C.C. El Bosque, where you’ll find boutiques, international brands, and dining options.
Final tips
Quito is at an altitude of 2,850 meters above sea level; the altitude can affect you at first. Acclimatize gradually, stay hydrated, wear layered clothing for the variable weather, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. A compact umbrella is useful for sudden weather changes.
With these tips, you will comfortably enjoy every moment in the Ecuadorian capital.
