We are Ecuadorian guides who live and work in Quito, and our office sits on the edge of the historic center. Every week we walk these plazas with travelers, eat in these markets and drive the roads to Cotopaxi and Otavalo, so this list is what we actually recommend to friends, including the few popular spots we think you can skip.

What are the best things to do in Quito? Top 10 at a glance

If you only have a short stay, start with these ten. Prices are for foreign adults as of 2026 and can change, so treat them as a guide.

How many days should you spend in Quito?

Two full days covers the Old Town, one viewpoint and a museum or two. Three days lets you add the TelefériQo, a neighborhood like La Floresta and a relaxed market lunch. With four or five days you can use Quito as a base for day trips, which is what most of our guests do before heading to the Amazon or Galápagos.

Take it easy on day one. Quito sits at about 2,850 m, and many travelers feel short of breath, get headaches or sleep badly the first night. Read our guide to preventing altitude sickness (soroche) in Quito and save the TelefériQo and Cotopaxi for day two or later.

Old Town essentials: what to see in Quito’s historic center

Quito’s historic center was among the very first sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978, and it is still a living neighborhood with markets, schools and government offices. For a step-by-step route, see our one perfect day in Quito Old Town itinerary.

1. Take a free walking tour of the Old Town

The easiest way to understand the historic center is to walk it with someone who grew up here. Our three-hour tour covers the main plazas and colonial churches, stops at a local market and includes a chocolate tasting. It is the best first-morning activity: you get oriented and learn which streets to use.

2. Plaza Grande and the Presidential Palace

Plaza Grande (Plaza de la Independencia) is the political heart of the country, framed by the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and Carondelet, the presidential palace. The palace has offered free guided visits for years; bring your passport and ask at the entrance for the day’s times, since schedules change. On Monday mornings you may catch the changing of the guard.

3. Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

This Jesuit church, finished over about 160 years, is covered inside in gold leaf and is the one church we tell everyone not to miss. Entry is around $4–6 for foreigners, and it opens weekdays from 9:30 with shorter weekend hours. Photos inside are not allowed.

4. San Francisco church and plaza

Plaza San Francisco is the largest square in the Old Town and a great place to sit and watch the city. The church and convent are among the oldest in South America, and the museum and cloister are worth an hour if you like colonial art.

5. Casa del Alabado pre-Columbian museum

A beautifully designed museum of pre-Columbian art in a restored colonial house on Calle Cuenca. It opens Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00, and the adult ticket is $10 as of 2026. Allow about 1.5 hours.

Where are the best viewpoints in Quito?

6. TelefériQo cable car and the Rucu Pichincha hike

The TelefériQo lifts you from the city’s west side to about 3,945 m on the slopes of Pichincha volcano. The standard ticket for visitors without an Ecuadorian ID is $9, and it runs daily, from 10:00 on Monday to Thursday and from 8:00 Friday to Sunday (official hours and fares). Go early, because clouds usually roll in by late morning. Fit, acclimatized hikers can continue to the Rucu Pichincha summit (about 4,700 m), a 5–6 hour round trip; start before 10:00 and turn back if the weather closes in.

7. El Panecillo

The winged aluminum Virgin on El Panecillo hill watches over the Old Town, and the view down the length of the city is excellent. The grounds are free, and there is a small fee to climb inside the monument. Go by taxi (a few dollars from the Old Town) and do not walk up the stairs from the Old Town, which are known for robberies. More history in our guide to the Virgin of El Panecillo.

8. Basílica del Voto Nacional towers

This neo-Gothic basilica has gargoyles shaped like Ecuadorian animals, from tortoises to armadillos. According to the basilica’s official site, the nave costs $2 and the towers $4 for foreign adults, with the towers open weekdays 9:00–17:00. The climb ends on steep ladders above the clock tower, so skip the last stretch if you are not comfortable with heights.

9. Itchimbía Park

A free hilltop park east of the Old Town with a glass-and-iron cultural center and wide views of the historic center and the volcanoes. It is quieter than El Panecillo and good at sunset. Take a taxi up and back rather than walking the steep streets after dark.

Which museums in Quito are worth visiting?

10. Capilla del Hombre and Casa Museo Guayasamín

Oswaldo Guayasamín is Ecuador’s best-known painter, and this chapel-museum in the Bellavista neighborhood holds his huge, powerful works about Latin American history. Entry is around $10 and covers the chapel and his former house, with guided visits in English and Spanish. Allow 2–3 hours and combine it with a taxi to Guápulo afterward.

11. Chocolate tasting

Ecuador grows some of the world’s finest cacao, and several small chocolate shops in the Old Town offer tastings and short workshops. Our walking tour includes a tasting, and if you want more, a dedicated chocolate class usually runs 1–2 hours.

Food and markets: what to eat in Quito

12. Lunch at Mercado Central

Mercado Central is where Quiteños go for a filling lunch: corvina fried fish, locro de papa (potato and cheese soup), hornado (roast pork) and fresh fruit juices, usually $3–6 a plate. Go for lunch between 12:00 and 14:00; many stalls close by mid-afternoon. Here is our guide to eating at Quito’s Central Market.

13. Mercado San Francisco

Smaller and older than Mercado Central, this market is known for its herbal healers who perform limpias (cleansing rituals) and for fresh juice stalls. It is a short walk from Plaza San Francisco and easy to combine with a morning in the Old Town.

14. Street food and the Friday Foodie & Beer Tour

Empanadas de viento, humitas, tamales and colada morada are all easy to find in the center. If you want a guided tasting across different regions of Ecuador, our Friday evening tour is the fun way to do it. Browse our list of Ecuadorian street foods you must try first.

Which Quito neighborhoods should you explore?

15. La Ronda

This narrow cobbled street on the southern edge of the Old Town is lined with craft shops, cafes and small bars with live music. Daytime is calm; evenings, especially Thursday to Saturday, are livelier and a good place to try canelazo, a warm cinnamon drink. The street is patrolled and fine at night, but take a taxi back rather than walking the empty surrounding blocks.

16. La Floresta

A residential neighborhood with street art, independent cafes, craft beer bars and the Ocho y Medio art-house cinema. It feels far less touristy than La Mariscal and is good for an afternoon coffee and dinner.

17. Guápulo

Guápulo clings to a steep hillside below La Floresta, with a white colonial church at the bottom and views over the valley. Walk down in daylight, visit the church, and take a taxi back up, because the climb is hard at this altitude.

18. La Mariscal and Plaza Foch

The main nightlife area, full of bars, clubs and international restaurants. It is fun for a night out but has the most petty crime in the city, so keep your phone in your pocket and use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps after dark.

Where can you find nature inside Quito?

19. Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua

One of the largest urban parks in South America, with eucalyptus forest trails, picnic areas and viewpoints over the Tumbaco valley and, on clear mornings, Cotopaxi. It is free and a good low-key acclimatization walk. Go in the morning and stay on the main trails.

20. Parque La Carolina and the Botanical Garden

La Carolina is Quito’s central park, busy on weekends with football games, joggers and families. Inside it, the Jardín Botánico has an orchid collection and native Andean plants for a small entry fee.

Getting around is easier since the Quito Metro opened: a ride costs $0.45 as of 2026 and it crosses the city in about 30 minutes, with stops at San Francisco in the Old Town and La Carolina.

What are the best day trips from Quito?

Quito is the best base in the country for day trips. These are the ones we run most often.

21. Mitad del Mundo and the Intiñan Museum

The official equator monument at Ciudad Mitad del Mundo costs $5 for adults (official ticket page). The GPS equator actually runs a couple of hundred meters away, and the small Intiñan Museum nearby (around $5–6 with a guided tour) is where you will see the water and egg demonstrations. It takes about an hour each way by car. Our Mitad del Mundo guide explains the history.

22. Cotopaxi National Park

Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes at 5,897 m, is about 1.5–2 hours south of Quito, and park entry is free. Most visitors hike from the car park toward the José Rivas refuge and walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon at about 3,800 m. Go on a clear morning, and see our Cotopaxi and Quilotoa guide for independent options.

23. Quilotoa crater lake

A turquoise lake inside a volcanic crater at around 3,900 m, about 3.5 hours from Quito. The hike down takes 30–45 minutes, and the climb back up is hard at this altitude (a mule costs about $10). It is a long day by bus, so many people join our Quilotoa Crater Lake tour (from $57.50, Tue/Thu/Sun) or combine it with Cotopaxi on the 2-day adventure.

24. Otavalo market

Otavalo’s Plaza de los Ponchos is one of the biggest Indigenous markets in South America, open daily with the largest market on Saturdays. Buses leave from Quito’s Carcelén terminal about every 20 minutes and take roughly 2 hours for around $2.50–3. Read our complete Otavalo market guide before you go. Our Otavalo Indigenous Market tour runs Tuesdays and Saturdays from $57.50 with lunch.

25. Mindo cloud forest (and Papallacta hot springs)

Mindo is a cloud forest town about 2 hours north-west of Quito, known for birdwatching, hummingbirds, waterfalls, zip lines and chocolate. Buses run from the La Ofelia terminal for about $3–4, or join our Mindo Cloud Forest tour on Fridays from $57.50; more in our Mindo guide. If you prefer a lazy day, Papallacta’s thermal pools sit about 1.5 hours east at around 3,300 m, and the public pools cost roughly $10–11.

What can you skip in Quito?

Honestly, we would skip the double-decker hop-on bus unless mobility is an issue, since the Old Town is best on foot. Walking up to El Panecillo is not worth the risk. And if you are short on time, pick either the Basílica towers or the TelefériQo for the big view, not both on the same day.

Where should you stay to explore Quito?

Stay in or near the Old Town if sightseeing is your priority, or in La Floresta or La Mariscal for cafes and nightlife. Our where to stay in Quito guide compares the neighborhoods, and our own Community Hostel is right next to where the walking tour starts.

Plan it with us

Start with the free walking tour on your first morning, then let us know which day trips fit your dates. Message our local team on WhatsApp at +593 97 953 3832 or email info@communitytravel.ec, or drop by our office at Pedro Fermín Cevallos N6-78 y Olmedo. You can see all our trips on the tours page.

Frequently asked questions

Het bericht Things to Do in Quito: 25 Picks from Local Guides (2026) verscheen eerst op Community Adventures Ecuador.

Updated September 2026 by our Quito-based guides: bus fares, park hours, refuge altitude and climbing rules rechecked.

How much does it cost to visit Cotopaxi independently in 2026?

Here is what a day at Cotopaxi costs on your own, as of 2026. Pickup prices are per vehicle, so they get much cheaper when you split them with other travelers.

Independent vs a tour: which is better for you?

With a picture-perfect cone and permanent cloak of snow, Cotopaxi is considered one of the most beautiful volcanoes on the continent. At 5897m, she is Ecuador’s second tallest peak after Chimborazo, rising serenely above the páramo grasslands, where wild llamas and horses roam amid the wildflowers. Cotopaxi’s name, which means “Neck of the Moon”, is a tribute to her heavenly appearance.

While her neighbours Chimborazo and Imbabura are both referred to as “Taita”, or “grandfather”, Cotopaxi is considered to have a female gender. And, according to folklore, her loveliness hides a dark past. Legend tells that Cotopaxi was once an old woman who was turned into a volcano by shamans as punishment for killing her son’s new bride and cooking her up in a cauldron. Even today, elderly local residents sometimes refer to Cotopaxi as “Mama Juana”, the name of the murderous old woman.

The Cotopaxi National Park

The Cotopaxi National Park is a highlight of any trip to Ecuador and can be easily visited independently in a day. While you need climbing experience, equipment and a specialized guide to summit Cotopaxi, anyone with a basic level of fitness can walk a breathless kilometer to the first refuge on the flanks of the volcano at 4800m above sea level. Even for the less mobile, the national park is worth a visit, for the chance to gaze up at the beautiful volcano from the pristine páramo, with its clouds of purple lupin flowers and herds of wild horses.

On a clear day, the journey to Cotopaxi through the Avenue of the Volcanoes is spectacular. Coming from Quito, you pass the peaks of Cayambe, Antisana and the Ilinizas. Even if they are hidden behind clouds, keep your eyes open because when a sudden gust of wind momentarily reveals the face of one of these giants, it’s an unforgettable sight. For the best chances of a clear day, visit between July and September.

Just 50km south of Quito, Cotopaxi is located between the towns of Machachi and Latacunga on the Panamerican Highway. Buses going north or south on the highway can drop you off near the main entrance, making Cotopaxi one of the most easily accessible national parks in Ecuador.

How to go to the Cotopaxi

The national park has two entrances. The South Entrance or Control Sur is the main gate, located 25 minutes’ south of Machachi along the Panamericana. To get to the South Entrance from Quito, take a bus from the Quitumbe terminal heading to Latacunga (or any destination south of the park along the Panamericana) and ask the driver to let you off at the park, after about 1.5 hours’ drive ($2.10). From any destination south of the park, take a bus heading north to Quito along the Panamericana and ask to be let off at the park (check with the driver when you board the bus that this will be possible).

Buses will drop you at the side of the Panamericana, which is ten minutes’ drive from the park’s South Entrance. Local guides with trucks wait by the highway offering transport and tours of the park. Those planning on taking a tour with these guides are advised to use this entrance, especially if hoping to meet fellow travelers to share the cost.

The North Entrance or Control Norte, accessed via the village of El Pedregal to the north of the park, is lesser used and more complicated to get to by bus, but the route is more scenic. This is a good option if you have your own transport.

Both the North and South Entrances are open to admit visitors between 8am-3pm daily, although you can remain within the park until 6pm. It’s free to enter upon presentation of valid ID. If you have your own 4×4 vehicle, you can drive around the signposted tracks that lead to the various attractions. Alternatively, you can take a tour offered by the local guides who wait by the two main access points to the park. These guides are part of a licenced association and offer a safe and professional service, but speak little English. They all provide the same standard tour, which costs $50 for 1 person (may be negotiable to $40); $25pp for 2 people; and $20pp for 3 people. The 3-hour itinerary includes three stops.

What to do in the National Park

The first stop is a small museum with an exhibition on the geology, history, flora, and fauna of the park.  

The second stop is the parking lot for the José Rivas Refuge, which is reached after a beautiful 9km drive through the park. The guides are happy to stop for you to take photos en route. Although the walk from the parking lot to the refuge is only 1km, it takes most people 45 minutes to an hour, due to the altitude and level of difficulty. At 4800m above sea level, the air feels very thin. The path is steep and rocky and there’s a good chance of snowy conditions. If you’re planning on doing the walk, bring water, snacks (especially chocolate, which is an excellent source of energy at high altitude), sunglasses, warm clothes, and sunblock.

The refuge is warm and welcoming, with hot drinks and food available. After the cold and strenuous walk, it just might be the best hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted! Be aware that prices are high because all supplies are carried in on foot (a corn cob with cheese costs $5). If conditions are good and you’re feeling fit, it’s possible to walk beyond the refuge for another hour toward the glacier edge at about 5,000 m (stepping onto the glacier itself requires a certified guide). Your guide might accompany you while you walk to the refuge or glacier and back, or may wait with the car. If you guide chooses to wait with the car, don’t worry, the path to the refuge is well marked and there will be other people using it!

After you descend from the refuge, the third stop on the tour is the Laguna Limpiopungo, a shallow lake at 3,800 meters elevation whose reeds provide a habitat for several species of birds. On still days, the volcano is sometimes spectacularly reflected in the lake’s surface. The standard tour only includes a quick stop at the lake, followed by transport back to the Panamerican highway to flag down a passing bus.

Those with their own transport can hike or bike one of the well-marked trails that lead from Laguna Limpiopungo. Options include an easy 90-minute easy trail past a natural spring and a viewing point to the Control Norte; and two circular cycle routes, one to the natural spring (3 hours), the other to the Santo Domingo Lake (4-5 hours).

Another trail leads northwest around Laguna Limpiopungo to the volcano Rumiñahui. Located 13 kilometers northwest of Cotopaxi, it was named after the Inca leader Atahualpa’s bravest general. From the lake to the base of Rumiñahui is about a two-hour hike, with camping possible along the way. A path toward the volcano’s central peak is clearly visible along a well-defined ridge. Unlike Cotopaxi, it is legally permitted to climb Rumiñahui without an accredited guide, but it’s not recommended. Though it’s a relatively straightforward climb, combining an uphill hike with a bit of scrambling, the quality of rock can be poor. A rope and climbing protection are required.

On the eastern edge of the park, 15 kilometers beyond the lake, are the oval ruins of El Salitre, formerly an Inca pucara (fortress), abandoned soon after the arrival of the Spanish.

There is only one hotel within the national park. At Tambopaxi (www.tambopaxi.com), the rooms have wood-burning stoves and there is a decent restaurant with vegetarian options. Private rooms are quite pricey ($91 for a single and $115 for a double, including breakfast), but camping ($16 pp) and dormitory beds ($20pp) are more affordable. A few kilometers outside the park, Cuello de Luna (www.cuellodeluna.com) and Hacienda El Porvenir (www.tierradelvolcan.com) have more economically priced private rooms available. Camping at El Porvenir is good value at $6 pp.

Further afield, both Machachi and Latacunga are worthy of an overnight stay before or after your visit to the park.More information about the Cotopaxi National Park can be found at http://areasprotegidas.ambiente.gob.ec/en/areas-protegidas/cotopaxi-national-park or on Facebook @Parque Nacional Cotopaxi.

If you would like to take a tour to the Cotopaxi National Park, we offer the Cotopaxi Bike and Hike Tour and the Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 2 Day Adventure.

Is it worth doing Cotopaxi on your own?

If you speak some Spanish, are traveling with one or two friends and like figuring out logistics, going independently is cheap and flexible. If you are solo, the numbers change: a private pickup for one person costs about the same as our day tour, which adds a guide, a bike descent, lunch and hotel-area pickup. Many travelers combine Cotopaxi with the crater lake of Quilotoa; our Cotopaxi and Quilotoa guide compares every way to do both, and the Quilotoa Loop guide covers hiking the villages without a tour. For more trails around the country, see hiking in Ecuador.

Plan it with us

We are local guides based in Quito’s historic center, and we get asked about Cotopaxi every day. Whether you go independently or with us, stop by our office at Pedro Fermín Cevallos N6-78 y Olmedo, or message us on WhatsApp at +593 97 953 3832 (0979533832 in Ecuador) or email info@communitytravel.ec, and we will tell you the current bus times, weather and the best day to go. You can also browse all our tours.

Frequently asked questions

Quick reference: Ecuador travel facts and figures 2026 · Ecuador travel glossary · About Community Adventures Ecuador

Het bericht How to Visit Cotopaxi Independently (2026 Guide) verscheen eerst op Community Adventures Ecuador.