Nestled among the tall Andes Mountains, Quito is a special city in Ecuador that’s full of history, culture, and fun things to do. With its old-style streets, cool buildings, and lively vibe, Quito is a mix of old and new. It’s a perfect place for families to visit and have a great time together. Learn more in this ultimate Quito guide that includes insider tips from a local tour guide.
Why Visit Quito?
Quito is unique because it’s not only beautiful but also has a lot of interesting stuff to see and do. It’s one of the highest capital cities, so the views are incredible. Whether you’re exploring the historic downtown called the “Centro Histórico,” or going on an adventure to see nearby forests and volcanoes, Quito has something for everyone.
What makes Quito even better is how friendly and welcoming the people are. Kids will feel right at home here, and there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re trying yummy Ecuadorian food (especially the chocolate!), checking out local art, or just enjoying the scenery. There will be so many opportunities to have amazing adventures and make memories that will last a lifetime.
In this local travel guide, we talked to a local Ecuadorian tour guide to get all the insider information. We’ll talk about all the main attractions in Quito, share some tips, and help you plan an awesome trip with your family. So get ready to pack your bags, gather your family, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget in Quito!
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Meet our Local Quito Guide
Meet Jorge! Our local expert has lived in Quito since he was 7 years old. His family moved there for more work and school opportunities, and he has been there ever since. Jorge studied to be a tour guide and loves that he is able to be in the mountains for his job. Hiking active volcanoes and guiding in Quito is what he loves most.
Jorge loves Quito because it is the perfect base to explore real Ecuadorian culture and nature. It is located in the heart of Ecuador and surrounded by the most beautiful volcanoes and colonial cities. Many iconic places in Ecuador are between 1 to 2 hours away from the metropolis.
Additionally, because it is the country’s capital city, it has everything you want in a city with a wide variety of culinary flavors with fresh fruit and products all year round. The very friendly people are welcoming as well.
Best Time to Visit Quito
Due to the location of Quito, you can visit any time of the year. The temperature stays pretty consistent because it is located so close to the equator. Temperatures are comfortable and usually in the 60F (15C) to 70F (21C) range. However, the weather can be unpredictable because of the city’s altitude. Bring layers and watch out for the occasional thunderstorm.
Footprint-Journeys – Take a Tour with Jorge
Take a moment and check out Jorge’s guiding website, Footprint-Journeys. They offer so many amazing opportunities to experience Ecuador. You can also find some of Jorge’s tours on Airbnb Experiences.
We personally took a tour with Jorge to visit some of the popular attractions in Quito. It was amazing! I highly recommend it for getting to know the city and seeing the main attractions in Quito. Read more about our experience here.
Photo Credit – Jorge at Footprint Journeys
Some of the most popular programs that Footprint Journeys offer are:
- Adventure programs: Including a Cotopaxi horseback riding experience, hiking the Pichincha Volcano, or visiting Baños to name a few.
- Full-day tours from Quito: Including Mindo (Cloud forest), Quilotoa lake, Otavalo Market & Cuicocha lake, Papallacta (Hotsprings), “QUITO – All Main Attractions” tour which is perfect for people who have only one day in Quito.
- Family Tours: Perfect for the family with young kids
- Social Service Trips for colleges and universities group from the USA
- Group Educational and Spanish Immersion programs
- Spanish courses On- Line
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Top 11 Attractions in Quito
Like all my Local Travel Guides, I researched multiple blogs and found the most common attractions in Quito and the surrounding areas. In this Quito guide, you will find the 11 most popular attractions with Jorge’s ratings and tips.
Walk Quito’s Historic Center
Definitely worth visiting during the day light hours. Jorge recommends taking a tour where the Quito guide will drive you to a few areas in the city that more accessible by car such as La Basilica and Panecillo Statue.
Jorge offers a couple wonderful tours through Airbnb experiences.
- The “Quito Centro Histórico” tour includes getting picked up at your hotel, La Basilica and their towers, interesting facts about various areas of the historic downtown, chocolate tasting, Calle de la Ronda and El Virgin de Panecillo.
- The “QUITO – All Main Attractions” tour includes one section that tours the Historic Center.
Quilotoa Crater
It is a long drive to Quilotoa from Quito but well worth it. The majority of the trip you are surrounded by incredible views.
There are tours companies that combine visiting Quilotoa and Cotopaxi on the same day, but I would recommend doing them on separate days to not feel rushed.
The hike down to the crater isn’t too long (30 minutes to an hour) and there are beautiful views all the way down. You can hire a horse to bring you back to the top if you don’t want to hike back up yourself.
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Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World)
If you have limited time, Jorge recommends visiting the “fake” equator line which is located in the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo. This city was the first historical spot that was discovered. The city is well set up for tourists. Our kids really liked the playground there!
If you have more time, visit the real equator that was later discovered with gps technology. It is called Museo Intiñan. Here you can do all the fun experiments like seeing the water drain, balancing an egg and walking the equator blindfolded (see below right photo)!
If you have even more time, adding in Pululahua crater to your itinerary is worth it. What makes this crater unique is that it is home to a small community of people who live and farm within its boundaries.
Note: If you join the “Quito – All Main Attractions” tour, you will visit the real equator line.
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Telefériqo (Cable Car)
Take the cable car up to 12,000 ft and see Quito from above. We recommend going early in the morning for the chance of clearer skies and a better view.
The Telefériqo costs $9.
Once there you can hike for about 15 minutes to swing in the clouds.
If you take the “Quito – All Main Attractions” tour with Jorge, the Telefériqo is included. He will also take you to a local bungalow that is administered by some indigenous ladies where you can get some local fresh food, empanadas, canelzados and pinchos. All are very tasty and enjoyed while taking in the amazing views.
If you go solo, you can also continue down the trail that leads to the peak of the Pichincha Volcano. There are some steep sections, so it might not be suitable for small children.
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Climb the Basilica del Voto Nacional
La Basilica is a gorgeous Gothic style church that is definitely worth visiting. The outside is incredibly instagrammable.
Entering the church’s sanctuary is $2 dollars and it’s an additional $2 dollars to explore the rest of the church, including the spires. The spires give you that famous view pictured above. If you have someone in your group that is scared of heights, they might want to skip it as the steps up are very exposed and steep. See pictures below.
This is also included in the “Quito Centro Histórico” tour and the “Quito – All Main Attractions” tour with Jorge.
Calle de la Ronda
Calle de la Ronda is a cute colonial street to walk down.
Unfortunately after COVID, the street has struggled to revive the style and some of the restaurants causing it to lose some of its celebratory vibe.
Walking this street is included in the “Quito Centro Histórico” tour with Jorge.
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Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi is the most important attraction near Quito! This famous volcano is a must see!
Jorge recommends taking a horseback riding tour through the National Park to enjoy a soft walk and enjoy the scenery.
If you love hiking, we recommend hiking to the basecamp, the Jose F. Rivas Refuge. There you can take a break and enjoy a hot cocoa. You can even get your passport stamped if you’d like!
Jorge DOESN’T recommend taking the biking tours. They are hard and uncomfortable even though you are biking downhill. The dust on the road is also horrible.
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Parque La Carolina
Parque La Carolina is a nice big park where you can visit and relax.
Have your kids try to find the graffitied airplane in the middle of the park!
Look for Ceviches de Chochos – one of the little street food spots in the park.
Parque Itchimbia
Parque Itchimbia is a lovely park where you can enjoy fantastic views of the city and the volcanos beyond.
Museo Templo del Sol Pintro Ortega Maila
If you are interested in learning about Andean art, history, and culture this Temple of the Sun Museum would be interesting to you; otherwise, it’s not worth visiting.
The best time to visit is during the solstices. The ceremonial solar clock is the highlight, which is aligned to capture the first rays of sunlight during the summer and winter solstices. If you happen to be in Quito during this time, you should plan a visit to the museum.
The Virgin of El Panecillo
The Virgin of El Panecillo that overlooks the city is definitely worth a visit.
Many bloggers talk about walking up the hill, but Jorge advises against this! The area at the base of El Panecillo is a very dangerous neighborhood.
This is also included in the “Quito Centro Histórico” tour with Jorge.
5 Additional Family-Friendly Activities in Quito
There is a great variety of family-friendly activities in and near Quito. Here are a few that Jorge recommends.
Cotopaxi – Horseback riding – Here’s a cool way to check out the national park! You can see all the gorgeous views without breaking a sweat climbing up. It’s way easier and super fun, especially for the kiddos. Plus, hiking can be a bit tougher in Cotopaxi National Park because it’s at such a high altitude!
Food Tours in Quito – Enjoy a delightful culinary journey with your family in Quito, where you’ll savor mouthwatering traditional dishes and create lasting memories together exploring the city’s culinary treasures.
Chocolate Making session in Quito – In recent years, Ecuador has been focused on making high quality chocolate. Explore the delicious world of chocolate on an exciting tour in Quito! You’ll discover how chocolate is made and meet expert chocolate makers who will show you all the secrets. Get ready to taste yummy chocolate and have fun learning about this sweet treat in Ecuador’s capital city.
Mindo Cloud Forest – Have a family adventure in the Mindo Cloud Forest, where you’ll uncover an enchanting world filled with vibrant birds, fluttering butterflies, and hidden trails begging to be explored. It’s not just a nature trip; it’s a chance for your little explorers to connect with the wild, sparking curiosity and creating cherished memories amidst the misty wonders of Mindo.
Baños – Get ready for an epic journey in Baños, Ecuador! Brace yourself for jaw-dropping waterfalls and heart-pounding adventures like zip-lining and rafting. The kids and you will enjoy chilling out in the hot springs surrounded by awesome views. Baños is where relaxation meets thrill-seeking fun!
Day Trips or Nearby Overnight Trips from Quito
Antisana National Park – Explore the wild wonders of Antisana National Park in Ecuador, where you and your family can wander through majestic Andean vistas and spy on cool critters like Andean condors and wild horses while hiking awesome trails. Feeling extra adventurous? Check out the park’s icy glaciers and volcanic sights for a totally epic outdoor adventure that’ll leave you buzzing with excitement!
Papallacta Hot Springs – Papallacta Hot Springs is like nature’s cozy hug tucked away near bustling Quito. Imagine soaking in warm pools surrounded by misty mountains and lush greenery, just a smooth 1.5 to 2-hour drive from the city. It’s the ultimate chill spot to escape the hustle and bustle and recharge your batteries. There are also options to stay the night!
Otavalo Market – Otavalo Market is like stepping into a rainbow of crafts, textiles, and art! Families love exploring this bustling market, where you can find cool stuff to take home while diving into the vibrant culture of the Andean people. It’s an adventure for your senses and a chance to bring a piece of Ecuador’s colorful spirit back home with you! It is about 2-3 hours from Quito and you can get there by car, bus or tour.
Restaurant Recommendations – Quito Guide
Restaurants with a Remarkable View
Vista Hermosa – Vista Hermosa has two locations. One in the historic downtown and the other near Parque Itchimbia.
Cafe Mosaico – Located near Parque Itchimbia
Delicious Local Cuisine
Urko restaurant -In La Floresta
La Ñora restaurant – In La Floresta
Costa y Sierra restaurant – In La Pradera, near Parque Carolina
Top Breakfast Joints
El Patio Orgánico – Reservation needed – Call to reserve +593 98 374 9723 – In Calacalí
Best Lunch
Runa Tulpa Andina – In the Historic Center
Notable Dinner
Somos restaurant – Near Parque Carolina and pictured above
Vista Hermosa – Vista Hermosa has two locations. One in the historic downtown and the other near Parque Itchimbia.
Cafe Mosaico – Located near Parque Itchimbia
Good Cheap Food
Cheap street food at Tripa’s park located in the Vicentina neighborhood.
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Where to Stay in Quito
La Floresta is a good neighborhood to stay in due to its easy access to restaurants at any hour.
Another good area to stay in is near Carolina Park. Some of the most modern buildings have Airbnbs that have great facilities for families with kids.
Note: It is NOT recommended to stay inside the historic downtown since all restaurants close after 7 pm and it’s not safe to walk around at night.
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Quito Hotel Recommendations
Hotels Hilton Colon – Near Downtown and La Floresta
JW Marriot – Near Parque Carolina
Le PARC – Near Parque Carolina
Wyndham Garden – Near Parque Carolina
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