Quito is an intriguing big city tucked away in the mountains of Ecuador. It’s a bit like finding a treasure chest filled with adventure and history. Families should put it on their travel bucket list because there are so many fun things to do in Quito. With such an abundance of activities to choose from it can be hard to figure out what to do if you only have 24 hours in Quito.
After our family spent one month in Quito and after interviewing a local travel guide, I have created the ultimate 1-day itinerary for Quito, Ecuador. It has a mix of outdoor activities, panoramic views, tasty authentic food, beautiful architectural wonders, chocolate tasting and much more. Keep reading to find out what you should do on your visit to Quito!
For a complete guidebook of Quito including top attractions, family-friendly activities, best day trips, favorite restaurants and hotel recommendations click here: Quito: The Best Family-Friendly Travel Guide to Ecuador’s Amazing Capital
Some of the links on this post are affiliate links. When clicking on the links and booking travel, I receive a small commission with no extra costs for you. Please note, I only recommend brands I actually use and trust.
Best Time to Visit Quito
The greatest part of Quito is that it is on the equator and is pleasant year round with temperatures in the 60F (15C) to 70F (21C) range. If you are planning a one-day visit before hopping over to the Galapagos, visit in June – September when chances of clouds and rain are at their lowest. But really, you can’t go wrong. We visited in November and had very pleasant weather with the occasional thunderstorm here and there.
Where to Stay in Quito
The Quito airport is located outside of the city, so you won’t want to choose one there. Pick a hotel that is in a nice area of Quito where you will be spending much of your time and is safe. Walking around Quito’s historic downtown during the day is safe, but in the evenings it isn’t, so I would recommend staying near Parque La Carolina or in La Floresta.
Hotel Recommendations:
Near Parque La Carolina
La Floresta Neighborhood
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Reservations for Quito
- Lunch: Runa Tulpa Andina – text via whatsapp: +593 96 254 6392
- Dinner: Somos
- If you opt for the tour: Book a full-day tour with Jorge, our local travel guide expert, on Airbnb Experiences.
Start Your 24 Hours in Quito With a View – Take the Teleferico
Our Quito itinerary starts with taking in beautiful views of the city. The Teleferico or TelefériQo is a cable car that takes you to the top of Cruz Loma. This cable car is located near downtown and provides the best views of Quito and an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is one of the best things to do in Quito.
The Basics: What You Need to Know to Visit the Teleferico
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Pricing: Adults: $9.00, Children under 18 years old: $7.00
How to Arrive
To get to the base of the Teleferico, it is easiest to take a taxi or Uber from your hotel. The address is TelefériQo Cable Car – Fulgencio Araujo, y, Quito 170527.
Note: When leaving the Teleferico, we found that it was not easy to get an Uber to come up the hill and pick you up. We were told that there is a bus that you can take down the hill and then from there you can get a taxi or Uber. OR do what we did and wait til a taxi comes to drop someone else off and snatch it!
What to Do at the Top of the Teleferico
When you arrive at the top, take in the views of Quito. There are many viewpoints around the area to snap some photos. Next, make your way up the path towards the swings. Swing above the clouds and enjoy the view.
If you are feeling eager, you can keep hiking along the path. The trail leads to the peak of the Pichincha Volcano, but to make it to the top you will need more than the morning! It is about 6 miles round-trip and classified as hard.
After walking around and enjoying the area, stop into the little cafe at the top and grab a coffee and a bite to eat in front of the large windows. The views are incredible and the empanadas and donuts are delicious!
Like to ride horses? You can also enjoy a ride on these gentle giants at the top. Prices start at only $5 for a 30 minute ride.
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Basílica del Voto Nacional
Next stop is La Basílica del Voto Nacional. This iconic neo-gothic style church is a must visit when you are in Quito.
Take a taxi here after you enjoy the Teleferico.
From the outside, admire all of the unique details. Look for the Ecuador specific animals that are resting at the top instead of gargoyles. You can find animals from the Amazon region, such as alligators, and from the Galapagos, like the marine iguana.
The Basics: What You Need to Know to Visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Pricing: $2.00 per person to walk through the main rooms, and an additional $2.00 to explore the entire Basilica including the spires. I would recommend paying the $4.00 dollars to explore the whole church. The view from the top of the spires is worth it!
Note: If you have a fear of heights, the spires’ stairs are steep and exposed and might be a little frightening to experience.
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Lunch – Runa Tulpa Andina
Next up: Lunch! Walk 7-8 minutes down the street Garcia Moreno to get to Runa Tulpa Andina. At Runa Tulpa Andina you will experience a mix of traditional Ecuadorian food and creative culinary cuisine. This sustainable restaurant prioritizes fair and local trade which really supports the local economy.
They don’t have an online reservation system, so your best bet is to text them a message on whatsapp. Their number is : +593 96 254 6392.
Walk Around Downtown Quito
Now that you are downtown Quito, it is a great time to explore the area. Walking around downtown Quito is one of my favorite things to do in Quito. I would recommend checking out the spots below if you only have 24 hours in Quito. They are all fairly close together, but I put them in order of where I would start and finish.
Plaza Grande/Independence Square
Plaza Grande is also known as Independence Square. At the center of this prominent plaza is the statue of the Heroes of the Independence. The surrounding buildings include the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Cathedral of Quito. This is also a beautiful spot to sit and take it all in.
As you walk down Calle Garcia Moreno to get to Plaza San Francisco you will see many churches along the way. There are many to admire from the outside and inside. If you only want to enter only a couple I would recommend choosing the Church of the Tabernacle (Iglesia de El Sagrario) and Iglesia de San Francisco.
Church of the Tabernacle – Iglesia de El Sagrario
Step inside the Church of the Tabernacle or also called Iglesia de El Sagrario. This is one of the most beautiful churches in Quito with its gold decorated interior. It is free to enter.
Plaza San Francisco and the San Francisco Church and Monastery
This large plaza is one of the most popular spots for tourists to visit in downtown Quito. The church is free to enter and tourists are welcome to walk around and check it out. Across the plaza away from the church is a spot that all families should check out: Yumbos Chocolates!
Yumbos Chocolate for the Kids and Chocolate Lovers
The entrance to Yumbos Chocolate is not very clearly marked when you are in the plaza. Look for Yumbos Chocolate’s sign on the second level and below it to the right, there is an ornate brown door with a doorbell. Push the bell and someone will come down and let you in.
They will guide you upstairs where you can enjoy some chocolate and learn a little bit about their business. We got to taste many different flavors of chocolates and learn about the process of making chocolate. We loved it and bought a bunch of chocolate afterwards to enjoy. You can also enjoy great views of the plaza and the Iglesia San Francisco from there.
The Street – La Ronda
After indulging in some chocolate, make your way to Calle La Ronda. This narrow street breathes life into Quito. It is filled with low decorative balconies, restaurants and joy. This historic street is worth a walk through.
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Parque La Carolina
After spending the afternoon in the busy city center, take the Metro from Plaza San Francisco to Parque La Carolina.
The beautiful park is a nice spot to wander around and enjoy. The kids can enjoy the numerous small playgrounds that are scattered throughout. Be sure to search for the graffitied airplane. If it is a weekend, it will be busy, filled with Ecuadorians enjoying some outdoor family time.
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End Your 24 Hours in Quito with Dinner at Somos
End your evening at one of the best restaurants in Quito, Somos. Honestly it’s one of the best restaurants we’ve ever been to anywhere in the world. Somos has elevated Ecuadorian cuisine that is globally influenced. It is just absolutely incredible. You can choose between their tasting menu and a la carte. You must make a reservation! Make a reservation for Somos here.
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Alternate Option for 24 Hours in Quito
Want someone to do all the driving and planning for you during your one day sightseeing in Quito? Book a full-day tour with Jorge, our local travel guide expert, on Airbnb Experiences. Lunch and transportation are included, but you will have to pay extra for some entrance tickets. Tours are from 8:30am – 5:00pm.
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