Quito, Ecuador-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore Quito’s Historic Center

  • Morning: Start at Plaza Grande (Main Square), the heart of Old Town Quito. Visit the Cathedral of Quito, a stunning example of Spanish colonial architecture.
  • 9:00 AM: Head to the nearby Capilla del Socorrito, a beautiful chapel with intricate stone carvings and ornate details.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at La Carta, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Ecuadorian cuisine. Try their famous “Seco de Pollo” (chicken stew).
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, another impressive example of colonial architecture.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at El Mesón de San Marcos, a historic restaurant serving local specialties. Be sure to try their “Cuy” (roasted guinea pig).
  • Where to Stay: Consider staying in the Historic Center area, such as Hotel Patio del Mundo or Hotel Casa Gangotena.

Things to Know:

  • Quito is situated at 9,350 feet (2,850 meters) above sea level. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and possible altitude sickness.
  • The city has a reputation for being one of the most authentic and well-preserved colonial cities in South America.
  • Don’t miss the stunning views from Mirador Panorámico, a viewpoint offering breathtaking vistas of Quito.

Day 2: Discover Modern Quito

  • Morning: Visit the TelefériQO, a scenic cable car that whisks you away to the top of Pichincha Volcano. Enjoy panoramic views and take in the fresh mountain air.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the trendy Mariscal neighborhood, known for its boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries.
  • Lunch: Try La Llamita, a popular restaurant serving innovative fusion cuisine. Don’t miss their “Ceviche de Camarón” (shrimp ceviche).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Museo Nacional del Ecuador, which offers an extensive collection of Ecuadorian art and history.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurante 3 Mundos, a restaurant serving creative international cuisine.

Things to Know:

  • Quito is home to the famous “Middle of the World” (Mitad del Mundo), where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Visit the nearby Intiñan Museum for an immersive experience.
  • Don’t miss the opportunity to take a scenic drive or hike up Pichincha Volcano for spectacular views of Quito and surrounding mountains.

Day 3: Explore the Outskirts

  • Morning: Head to Mindalae, a charming town located just outside Quito. Visit the nearby Mindalae Waterfall, a picturesque spot perfect for hiking and swimming.
  • 12:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at La Casa de los Abuelos, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Ecuadorian cuisine in a rustic setting.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Museo del Quindeado, an eclectic museum showcasing a fascinating collection of art, artifacts, and collectibles.
  • Evening: Return to Quito and enjoy dinner at Restaurante La Viuda de Octavio, a restaurant serving innovative cuisine in a charming setting.

Things to Know:

  • Mindalae is a great place to experience traditional Ecuadorian culture and try local specialties like “Seco de Pollo” and “Locro” (potato soup).
  • Don’t miss the chance to visit the nearby La Virgen del Carmen, a picturesque church located in the heart of Mindalae.

Day 4: Relax and Enjoy

  • Morning: Spend the day relaxing at your hotel or exploring Quito’s trendy neighborhoods.
  • 12:00 PM: Treat yourself to a delicious lunch at Restaurante La Zorra de Oro, a cozy restaurant serving local cuisine with an emphasis on sustainability.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Quito. Explore the beautiful gardens, visit the nearby greenhouse, and enjoy stunning views of the city.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Restaurante El Chiringuito, a restaurant serving creative cuisine in a charming setting.

Things to Know:

  • Don’t miss the opportunity to shop for souvenirs or try local specialties like “Cuy” (roasted guinea pig) and “Seco de Pollo” (chicken stew).
  • Quito is home to numerous art galleries, museums, and cultural centers. Be sure to visit these institutions to experience the city’s vibrant arts scene.

Transportation:

  • The best way to get around Quito is by taxi or ride-hailing services like Uber.
  • Public transportation in Quito includes buses and colectivos (minivans). These are affordable options but may be crowded and not always reliable.
  • Consider hiring a private car or driver for the day to explore Quito’s outskirts.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially at high altitudes.
  • Don’t miss the stunning views from Mirador Panorámico, a viewpoint offering breathtaking vistas of Quito.
  • Try local specialties like “Seco de Pollo” and “Locro” (potato soup) at traditional restaurants.
  • Explore Quito’s trendy neighborhoods, such as Mariscal and La Carolina.

Other things to know:

  • Quito is home to numerous festivals and events throughout the year. Be sure to check local calendars for upcoming celebrations.
  • Don’t miss the opportunity to try local handicrafts like textiles, pottery, and woodcarvings.
  • Consider visiting the nearby Otavalo Market, a famous marketplace offering an extensive array of traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

Enjoy your travels in Quito!