Catherine - Savvy Family TravelQuito’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its narrow cobbled streets, centuries-old churches, and colonial architecture all invite you to explore! Located in the heart of Ecuador, Quito Old Town will enchant you with its history, culture, and vibrant local life.
If you have limited time in the city, this one-day itinerary for Quito Old Town will guide you through its most iconic spots, from breathtaking cathedral views, to hidden features, to flavorful local foods.
Quito Old Town in One Day
Basilica del Voto National
Get your blood pumping this morning with a visit and tower climb at Basilica del Voto Nacional. The architecture and artistry of this church is fascinating. While you’ll typically see gargoyles adorning a gothic cathedral, instead you’ll notice the Basilica is ornamented with the various animals of Ecuador. Each side of the building has animals from a different section of the country (Highlands, Coast, Amazon, and Galapagos). For example, Penguins, Turtles, and Iguanas represent the Galapagos. (Don’t miss our Galapagos itinerary and tips on getting there from Quito!)
It costs $2 to enter the lower section of the Basilica. If you want to tour the towers (there are three) then you must purchase a separate $4 ticket. An elevator can take you about half way up.
The best views are from the rear tower, so if you only plan to climb one, make it this one. Here, you’ll find a stunning view of the angelic statue on the hill (the Virgin of El Panecillo) framed between the two forward towers.
Note: Stair climbing is much more difficult at high altitudes, especially if you’ve just arrived and aren’t acclimated yet! Take your time and don’t be a hero – use the elevator if you need to. As I’ve mentioned in another post, consider requesting a prescription from your physician for altitude medication which is taken 24 hours before arrival.
Begin a Free Walking Tour
You can find a free walking tour (tips expected, at least $10 per person) that will take you to many of the sites below. A guide will give you fantastic historical insight, cultural stories, and an invaluable local perspective.
Where there is an entry fee though, your guide will not take you inside. So if you take a free tour, be sure to plan time to circle back and peek inside many of the sites on your tour.
Museo Camilo Egas
Camilo Egas is an artist who’s most famous for his depictions of the lives of indigenous people in Ecuador. Many of his works are on display in this FREE, two-story art museum in Quito Old Town.
His art is housed in a traditional home from colonial times. You’ll notice the central courtyard and walls thick enough to withstand earthquakes which are representative features of homes of this style.
What you might miss if you’re not looking, is that the entry way floor has inlaid spinal bones from cows!
When it was built, the residents believed these bones would ward off any evil spirits or bad energy that might follow someone into their home. (They also make a good boot scraper to remove dirt before entering.)
Nucanchi Shop
The curator of this shop works with artisans around the country to sell their handiworks. You’ll find a wide variety of handmade goods and local art. We were most impressed by the bowls intricately painted using strands of hair and the statues carved from palm ivory.
If you ask, you may even get a quick lesson on the traditional harvest dance which is performed with the colorful Aya Huma masks.
They also offer samples of agave sap juice that is used to make a famous Ecuadorian alcoholic beverage called Miske. We didn’t expect for a shopping stop in Quito Old Town to be so memorable!
Republica Del Cacao
You can’t leave Quito Old Town without sampling their high quality chocolates. Chocolatiers around the world import Ecuadorian cacao beans to improve the quality rating of their own chocolate products.
Republica Del Cacao is the perfect stop for a midday pick me up. Grab a coffee, a decadent dessert, and sample their unique chocolate flavors. Their chocolate bars (complete with gift wrap station) are a great souvenir or gift to bring home from Quito Old Town.
Independence Square/Plaza Grande
In the center of Plaza Grande, stands a a statue which is a tribute to Ecuador’s battle for independence from Spain.
Notice the lion at the bottom, symbolizing Spain retreating and relinquishing its control over the nation. The lion is surrounded by weaponry that was brought to the region by the Spanish. The bird above it has torn the chain and is holding a piece in its mouth.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito
This church is one of the oldest Catholic churches in all of South America. It costs only $2 to enter so you can enjoy its vivid frescoes, intricate alters, and incredible wood ceiling.
Church of the Tabernacle (Free)
This church was once part of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito.
Often overlooked, this free church houses sacred relics and is a serene place for worship.
Church of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
The facade and the altarpiece of this church are identical patterns, just with different materials. The inside altarpiece is leafed in gold – like much of the interior of the church. We were told 165 pounds (75 kg) of gold adorns the church.
The $6 entrance fee (discount for students) comes with a guide. We highly recommend requesting one so you don’t miss the subtle intentions in the interior decor like that fact that one of the spiral staircases at the back of the church is actually a painting (see top right photo).
Museo Antiguo Banco Central Del Ecuador
Another free museum to check out (especially if you are experiencing a typical afternoon rain shower) is the Money Museum, also called the Old Bank of Ecuador.
San Francisco Church (Free)
This Franciscan church is free to explore and we also recommend their neighboring museum which has a small fee to enter. We were most interested to see the 12″ Virgin Mary statue that inspired so many replicas around the world.
Upon returning to our hotel, we even noticed one perched upon their check in desk!
Sinners Micro Brew in Plaza San Francisco
Sinners Micro Brew has a wide variety of beers available to sample on their tasting flights. This is also a great spot to have a snack if you’re not hungry for a full meal.
Casa del Alabado Pre-Columbian Art Museum
This art museum has a wide collection of art and archaeological objects that once belonged to Ecuador’s ancient societies.
Tickets are $6 per adult, with discounts for kids, students, and seniors.
They’re open Wednesdays through Sundays.
Yumbos Chocolate
Directly across Plaza San Francisco from the church is a Chocolatier called Yumbos. Visit them for a free demonstration of Ecuadorian chocolate production and a tasting of many of their high quality chocolate bars.
Where to Eat Ecuadorian Food in Quito Old Town
- La Vid Restaurante
- Runa Tulpa Andina
- Los Cangrejos de la Mona
- Guayacanes Zapotillo Hermoco Rest
Foods to Try in Quito Old Town
- Ponche Margolita – Foamy Drink from Street Vendors
- Drink Canelazo (Hot or Cold, with or without aguardiente)
- Humitas
- Bolon de Verde
- Fritada (Ecuadorian Fry)
- Locro de Papa – Potato Soup
- Pristiños (Fried Fritter Dessert with Syrup)
- Guaguas de Pan & Colada Morada (Bread Babies and Purple Juice)
You’ll find colorful breads shaped and dressed like baby dolls. These are most commonly enjoyed by locals in connection with the Day of the Dead.
Where to Stay in Quito Old Town
We recommend staying in Old Town versus choosing a hotel chain that is in the modern part of the city. Quito Old Town is walkable and you’ll find little gems around every corner.
We had a wonderful experience at La Basilica Hotel which came with breakfast to fuel us up for a day of exploring.
Beyond Quito Old Town
TelefériQo Cable Car
About a 15 minute Uber ride from Quito Old Town, you can ride the TelefériQo Cable Car up to breathtaking heights for panoramic views of Quito.
Middle of the World
Another 30 minutes north, you can straddle the middle of the world (Mitad del Mundo) on the equator line!
Cotopaxi Tour from Quito
For the adventure seeker, head out for a tour to Cotopaxi. Several tour companies will pickup in Quito and drive you the 2 hours to the mountain for hiking and horseback riding.
Banos
Another tour you can make a (long) day trip out of if you want to find jaw dropping views is to Baños, where you’ll be rewarded for your effort with waterfalls, hot springs and more. It’s considered the Gateway to the Amazon. It’s almost 3 hours from the city, but its doable in a day if you do not which to change accommodations for a night.
Otavalo
Less than two hours from Quito Old Town is Octavalo, where Ecuador’s largest indigenous market lets you browse an endless array of handwoven textiles, colorful crafts, and jewelry.
The Virgin of El Panecillo
The Virgin of El Panecillo is perched on a hilltop watching over the city. Visiting this iconic statue up close is an experience in itself—offering stunning city views and a chance to admire this towering symbol of Quito.
Save this Quito Old Town Itinerary for Later
Pin this image to Pinterest to finish planning for Quito Old Town later!
