Overview
About Quito
Quito unfurls across a dramatic Andean valley, its historic centre a UNESCO-listed tapestry of colonial churches, cobblestone lanes, and bustling plazas. At 2,850 metres, the air is thin but the energy is thick with indigenous markets, contemporary art scenes, and a palpable sense of history meeting modernity. The city’s backdrop of volcanic peaks — Pichincha looming overhead — frames a capital that feels both ancient and urgently alive.
What to see & do
Top attractions
01
Quito Old TownKid-friendlyHistoricalCulturalArchitecturalArtisticSpiritualScenicUnique
Quito Old Town is a magnificent open-air museum where the ornate excess of the Spanish colonial era rises majestically against the backdrop of the Andes. As a UNESCO World Heritage Center, it is the most extensive and best-preserved historic site in Latin America. Walking its cobblestone streets is an exercise in sensory immersion: the golden glow of carved altarpieces inside La Compañía de Jesús—which reportedly required seven tons of gold for its interior—competes with the bustling street life of Plaza Grande and the panoramic views from the spires of the Basilica del Voto Nacional. It is a city where history is not merely preserved in amber but is lived and breathed, offering travelers a sophisticated urban experience that rivals the great capitals of Europe yet possesses a uniquely Andean soul.
02
Mindo Cloud ForestKid-friendlyCulturalNatureActiveScenic
Veiled in perpetual mist at the western edge of the Andes, Mindo’s cloud forest is a sensory symphony of bird calls, rushing waterfalls, and kaleidoscopic orchids clinging to moss‑draped branches. Just two hours northwest of Quito, this biodiversity hotspot lures birders hoping to spot toucans, the resplendent Andean cock‑of‑the‑rock, and more than 500 registered butterfly species. Trails meander past chocolate farms and hummingbird gardens, while canopy‑swaying zip lines and white‑water tubing inject a dose of adrenaline into the emerald tranquility. Craft breweries, artisanal ice‑creameries, and cozy eco‑lodges signal Mindo’s evolution into one of Ecuador’s most beloved weekend escapes — a place where nature’s exuberance meets a laid‑back village atmosphere.
Logistics
Practical info
Getting there & around
The Metro system, inaugurated in 2023, now connects north and south along a single line, complementing the extensive trolleybus (Ecovía) and bus rapid transit (Trole) networks. Taxis are ubiquitous and inexpensive; insist on the meter or agree a fare before departure. For hillside neighbourhoods, cable cars like TelefériQo offer both transport and panoramic views.
Food & drink
Quito’s culinary identity blends highland staples with coastal influences. Sample locro de papas (potato-cheese soup) enriched with avocado and achiote, or hornado (slow-roasted pork) served with mote and llapingachos. Street corners tempt with empanadas de viento and sweet helado de paila churned in copper bowls. The craft beer scene thrives in La Floresta, while specialty coffee roasters showcase Ecuador’s prized beans.
Stay aware
Safety considerations
Quito is generally safe for travellers who exercise standard urban caution. Pickpocketing occurs in crowded markets and on public transport; keep valuables discreet and avoid flashing phones. After dark, stick to well-lit main streets in the historic centre and use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps. Altitude sickness can affect newcomers — hydrate, pace activities, and consider coca tea.