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Set in an Andean valley with the verdant Pichincha volcano rising to the west, Quito is the capital of Ecuador.
From the scenic hill of El Panecillo, the Virgin of Quito spreads her silver wings and watches over the fine colonial buildings of the old town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its chaotic narrow streets, lined with colonial churches, monasteries and mansions, radiate outwards from attractive plazas.
Exploring on foot
Recently spruced up, this part of the city tempts the visitor with its abundance of history at every turn and a walking tour here is a must. The city’s newer area has less to entice the visitor but more to entertain them, as it is here that you will find the majority of the shops, cafés and restaurants.
From Quito you can travel an hour north by road to visit the geographic characteristic that gives the country its name, the Equator. It is marked by a monument and museum, and offers the opportunity to stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
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Suggested itineraries featuring Quito
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Quito, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Quito
- The Cloudforest 12 miles away
- Papallacta 29 miles away
- Otavalo 36 miles away
- Avenue of Volcanoes 50 miles away
- Hosteria Pantavi 53 miles away
- The Amazon 113 miles away
- Guayaquil 168 miles away
- Cuenca 189 miles away
- Loja 266 miles away
Photos of Quito
Our expert guides to exploring Quito
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Quito, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Quito at its best.
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Ecuador's wildlife beyond the Galapagos: the Amazon and cloudforest Ecuador's wildlife beyond the Galapagos: the Amazon and cloudforest
Ecuador's wildlife beyond the Galapagos: the Amazon and cloudforest
While Scott from our Latin America team believes that the Galapagos are fundamental to any amateur naturalist’s trip to Ecuador, he’d also encourage you to consider exploring the mainland’s Amazon and cloudforest regions as part of your Ecuador wildlife tour.
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Accommodation choices for Quito
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Quito. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Hotel Hilton Colon
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Patio Andaluz
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La Casona de la Ronda
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Casa Gangotena
Quito
Ideas for experiencing Quito
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Quito, and which use the best local guides.
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Quito City Tour Quito City Tour
Quito City Tour
Visit downtown Quito to relish in this urban jewel and its treasures of art and architecture. Quito’s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Cotopaxi National Park Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi National Park
Travel south out of Quito to an area dubbed by the 19th century German explorer Von Humboldt as the "Avenue of the Volcanoes". Cotopaxi National Park is at the heart of this area and is deservedly Ecuador's most-visited mainland national park.
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