Quito, Ecuador

Quito, Ecuador — The Andean Capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site

Quito is the capital of Ecuador and one of the most fascinating cities in Latin America. Sitting at 2,850 meters above sea level in the heart of the Andes, it is the second-highest capital city in the world and the first city ever declared a UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity site in 1978. Its historic center is the largest and best-preserved colonial center in all of South America, with over 

40 colonial churches, convents, plazas and palaces dating back to the 16th century.

Quito blends colonial history, modernity, award-winning cuisine, street art, Andean nature and high-altitude adventure. It is also Ecuador's main international airport hub and the gateway to the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon, indigenous markets and the volcanoes of the Avenue of Volcanoes.

How to Get to Quito

International flights: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) receives direct flights from Miami, Houston, Bogotá, Lima, Madrid, 

Amsterdam and multiple Latin American cities. Located 45 minutes from the historic center.

Domestic flights: Daily flights from Guayaquil (45 minutes), Cuenca and other Ecuadorian cities.

Altitude and acclimatization: Quito sits at 2,850 m above sea level. It is recommended to rest on the first day, drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous physical activity during the first 24–48 hours to acclimatize properly.

Top Things to Do in Quito

UNESCO Historic Center — Quito's colonial heart is the largest and best-preserved in South America. Must-see: Plaza Grande (Plaza de la Independencia), the Government Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace. The entire area is 

best explored on foot with a local guide.

La Compañía de Jesús Church — Considered the most beautiful church in Ecuador and one of the masterpieces of American Baroque architecture. Its interior is covered with more than 7 tons of gold leaf, with altarpieces, sculptures and 

paintings from the Quito School of Art that took over 160 years to complete.

Basílica del Voto Nacional — The largest neo-Gothic basilica in Latin America, 140 meters long and 115 meters high. Unique worldwide for its gargoyles carved in the shape of Galapagos animals — iguanas, tortoises and condors. Climbing 

the towers offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and surrounding volcanoes.

El Panecillo — A hill crowned by the monumental Virgin of Quito, a 45-meter aluminum statue visible from across the city. From the summit, panoramic views of Quito and Cotopaxi on clear days. Reachable by taxi from the center in 10 minutes.

TelefériQo — Cable car ascending from the city at 2,950 m to 4,100 m on the slopes of Pichincha volcano. From the top station you can hike to the Rucu Pichincha crater (4,627 m) and enjoy views of the entire Andean mountain range. The ride takes approximately 8 minutes.

Middle of the World (Mitad del Mundo) — Located 25 km north of Quito, this monument marks the equatorial line. You can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. The adjacent Intiñan Museum 

offers unique scientific experiments related to the geographic equator.

Calle La Ronda — The oldest and most picturesque street in the historic center, with 17th-century colonial houses converted into art galleries, bars and restaurants. Perfect to visit in the late afternoon with live music and canelazo, Ecuador's traditional hot sugarcane spirit with cinnamon.

Capilla del Hombre (Guayasamín Museum) — The legacy of Ecuador's greatest painter, Oswaldo Guayasamín. The Capilla del Hombre is considered the most important work of art in 20th-century Latin America, a tribute to the indigenous and oppressed peoples of the continent. Located in the Bellavista neighborhood in northern Quito.

La Mariscal / Zona Rosa — Quito's bohemian and cosmopolitan neighborhood, with the highest concentration of international restaurants, craft beer bars, hostels and nightlife in the city.

Best Time to Visit Quito

Quito enjoys an eternal spring climate thanks to its equatorial location and altitude. Temperatures range between 8°C and 22°C 

year-round. Days are always 12 hours long.

Dry season (June–September): clear skies, ideal for city tours, the cable car and hiking. Months with the lowest chance of rain.

Wet season (October–May): frequent afternoon rain, but mornings are generally clear. Greener and more lush landscapes. Holy Week (March–April) is a particularly lively time with processions and festivities in the historic center.

Frequently Asked Questions — Quito, Ecuador

Why is Quito a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Quito was the first city in the world declared a UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity site in 1978, alongside Kraków, Poland. Its historic center is the largest and best-preserved in all of Latin America, with over 40 colonial-era churches, convents, plazas and monuments built primarily between the 16th and 18th centuries.

How high is Quito above sea level?

Quito sits at 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level, making it the second-highest capital 

city in the world after La Paz, Bolivia. The altitude may cause altitude sickness (soroche) in some visitors during the first 24–48 hours. Rest, hydration and avoiding alcohol on the first day are strongly recommended.

How many days do you need to visit Quito?

3–4 days are recommended to see the main historic center attractions and do one day trip. If you plan to combine Quito with Otavalo, 

Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, budget at least 5–6 days before continuing to the Galapagos or the Amazon.

Is Quito safe for tourists?

Quito is a tourist-friendly city with very safe zones including the restored historic center, 

La Mariscal neighborhood and northern modern Quito. As in any Latin American capital, caution with valuables in public spaces is recommended. BMTours operates tours with certified local guides throughout all tourist areas of Quito.

What currency does Ecuador use?

Ecuador uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency since 2000. This greatly simplifies money management for foreign visitors, with no exchange rate surprises or currency conversion fees to worry about.