3 Days In Quito: The PERFECT Itinerary (2023)
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So, how long do you need in Quito? In my opinion, three days in Quito is the perfect amount of time. It gives you enough time to really get a feel for the city, acclimatise to the crazy altitude and try some of the local foods.
There are plenty of things to do in Quito; from being able to visit the ‘middle of the world‘ (where the equator line lies), to exploring the Old Town with its grand buildings and churches.
Then the quirky pubs in La Floresta, chocolate tours in the Historic Centre and day trips to nearby towns such as Otavalo and Mindo. Quito has a lot to offer a first time visitor!
In the following post, I explain all of the best things to do whilst spending 3 days in Quito. As I’ve mentioned, this is a great amount of time to spend in the capital of Ecuador, so let’s get started!
Still got a question about how many days in Quito or a 3-day Quito itinerary? Let me know over on Instagram or shoot me an email at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com!
🇪🇨 Other Ecuador posts:
- Banos To Guayaquil (Ecuador) Complete Guide & Routes
- Banos To Cuenca (Ecuador) Full Guide & Routes
- 2 Weeks In Ecuador: Routes, Itineraries & Guides!
- Quito To Cotopaxi: FULL Guide, Routes + Tips
- 10 Days In Ecuador: Route, Itinerary & Tips
3 Days in Quito: A Summary
Quito is the capital of Ecuador and is a popular starting point for backpackers travelling around the country. As well as being the oldest capital city in South America, it is the second-highest city in the world; sitting at an impressive 2850m (9350ft) above sea level.
San Francisco de Quito (the official name) was also the first UNESCO city in the world, along with the Galapagos Islands in 1978.
As well as having some fun things to do within the city, it’s a great base to have in Ecuador to explore some of the nearby locations; such as Mindo, Cotopaxi, Banos and the Amazon Rainforest!
It’s also perfect for budget backpackers or tourists, as it’s one of the cheapest cities we’ve ever been to.
When you first arrive in Quito, I recommend booking or at least knowing what you’re doing next. Whether it’s your Galapagos flight, a Cotopaxi hike or a trip to Mindo Rainforest, know what you’re doing next so that you can plan your transfers or journeys on day three.
If you want my recommendation, it’s to head to the Amazon Rainforest from Quito. Stay at Community Hostel for your 3 days in Quito, and book a 4-day/3-night tour to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. This means all of your onward transfers are sorted, and you’re in for the adventure of a lifetime!
But if the Amazon Rainforest isn’t your thing, I’ve listed a few other locations to visit after Quito in the ‘onward travel’ section.
Day 1 in Quito
Summary: acclimatize and rest, have an easy breakfast and walk around the Old Town and Museo de la Ciudad. Do the Middle of the World tour, and have either a family-style dinner at Community Hostel, or head to Cafe Mosaico for sunset drinks.
Day 1: Morning
When you first arrive in Quito, it’s likely you’ll need to acclimatize from the altitude. If you need to take it easy, don’t feel guilty. Quito is the second-highest city in the world, so take it easy!
If you’re not feeling the effects of the high altitude, I recommend heading out for breakfast, grabbing a coffee, watching the world go by and enjoying your first morning in Quito.
After breakfast, take a walk around the Old Town. You don’t need to spend too long doing this, as tomorrow you’ll be taking a free walking tour of the city (which is also a great opportunity to make new friends).
Afterwards (if you still have the energy) head to the Museo de la Ciudad. Located in the colonial centre of Quito, it’s a great way to learn a little more about the city.
Day 1: Afternoon
Get ready for your Middle of the World tour! Depending on the tour you have booked (you can book online here or via Community Hostel), tours start around 2 pm.
All tours have transfers included, but you need to pre-book before arriving in Quito for the best availability.
The tour includes visiting the equator line, proof of visit certificate, a museum visit, magnetic field games, tram rides and more. It’s a must-do when in Quito (and it’s a pretty chilled activity for your first day!)
Day 1: Evening
At the end of your first day in Quito, you can either relax back in your accommodation or head out for dinner. If you’d like to watch the sunset from a pretty rooftop bar, I recommend Cafe Mosaico.
It’s only a 10-minute walk from both Secret Garden Hostel and Community Hostel, so you don’t need to worry about walking around too much at night.
Day 2 in Quito
Summary: Free walking tour of Quito, Parque El Ejido, La Ronda neighbourhood for dinner and drinks.
Day 2: Morning
After breakfast, I recommend doing a free walking tour of Quito. You can do the free walking tour with Community Hostel (which starts at 10 am every day, and they meet on the rooftop). This includes iconic sights such as La Compania de Jesus, Basilica del Voto Nacional and Plaza de la Independencia, and is the perfect chance to make friends and meet new people.
TOP TIP: If you’re doing the walking tour, don’t forget to tip your tour guide at the end. We found around $8-10 USD was the standard tip amount in 2023.
Day 2: Afternoon
Not far from the Old Town is Parque El Ejido. It’s great to walk around and to have some time away from the bustle of the city. If you’re on a tight budget, pick up some lunch from the supermarket and have a picnic in the park.
Day 2: Evening
‘Magical’ La Ronda is known as Quito’s most ‘romantic’ and pretty neighbourhood. Full of colorful buildings, craft shops, art galleries and lantern-lit streets, it’s a beautiful and safe area to spend your evenings in Quito.
Spend your time in La Ronda roaming the streets, drinking cocktails and enjoying a pizza and craft beer at Panaderia Reina de la Paz.
Day 3 in Quito
Summary: breakfast and coffee in the Old Town, Quito cable car and viewpoint (or Quilotoa crater lake), afternoon drinks, Community Hostel family dinner and onward transfers to the Amazon Rainforest!
Day 3: Morning and afternoon
By day 3, your body should be a little more used to the altitude (although if you haven’t acclimated, I do not recommend the next activity). First, head to a supermarket and stock up on snacks and drinks.
Then head to Quito’s TelefériQo, the main station for the Quito cable car. This takes you even higher in altitude (another 1100m!), and you’ll get to see Volcán Pichincha up close. When at the top, you can either take a hike, walk or relax and enjoy your picnic.
When you return to town, take it easy, grab a coffee, a glass of wine, or head to the Bandido Brewing pub for a couple of cheap beers (happy hour is between 4-7 pm).
But don’t go too over the top, you’re off to the Amazon Rainforest in the evening, so you need to rest!
Not acclimated yet? Take a day trip to the wonderful Quilotoa crater lake. Just 2 hours from Quito, it’s a fun day trip full of hikes, beautiful views and epic scenery.
Day 3: Evening
Be sure to sign up early for the Community Hostel family-style dinner. If you’re up for it, join in on one of the evening social activities, or just chill in the lounge area whilst waiting for your Amazon tour transfer to pick you up. It usually arrives around 11.30 pm – 12 am, so get comfy!
As well as running a family-style dinner, they host free karaoke, salsa lessons, quiz nights and more. If that’s not your thing, chill in their TV room, read your book or catch up on your favourite series!
Other things to do in Quito
Where to stay in Quito
Knowing where to stay in Quito is important. Why? Well, there for starters, it’s a big city. There are many areas to choose from, and picking the wrong one could be detrimental to your trip. Secondly, some of the areas are less safe and tourist-friendly than others.
If you’re in Quito for the first time, I recommend booking accommodation in either the main Historic Centre or La Floresta.
The Old Town (Historic Centre) is perfect for 3 days in Ecuador, as it’s in the centre of town, close to all of the major attractions and has some great hostels and hotels.
La Floresta is better suited to digital nomads and long-term stays in the city.
Some of the best accommodations in Quito include:
- Viajero Hostel (city centre): a beautiful hostel that includes free breakfast!
- Community Hostel (city centre): the perfect social hostel for the Amazon Rainforest tour!
- Secret Garden: (city centre): around a 15-minute walk to the main square, and is ideal for specific Cotopaxi tours.
- Hotel Stubel Suites & Cafe (La Floresta): a hotel with offers stunning views of the Guápulo Valley.
- NH Collection Quito Royal (La Floresta): a more luxurious stay with a health club, free WiFi and free breakfast.
Where to eat in Quito
If you’re interested in the best food options in Quito, I’ve listed some of our favourites below. But, we found the best cafes and brunch spots by simply walking around (they’re sadly not all listed on Google Maps), so keep your eyes open!
🍳 Breakfast, brunch and lunch:
- Magnolia Cafe Arte: a lovely cafe in the Old Town for breakfast and lunch. The staff are the sweetest! (Old Town)
- Ocho Cafe: the perfect spot for coffee and breakfast. (La Floresta)
- Jervis: a cute coffee spot with tasty bagels and amazing cappuccinos (La Floresta)
- Coffee Zular: a brunch spot for good coffee and food (Old Town)
- Atavico Cafe: a busy breakfast and lunch spot serving amazing sandwiches (Old Town)
🍝 Dinner:
- Bandido Brewing Company: an excellent beer brewing pub with delicious food options. Happy hour is from 4-7 pm daily. (Old Town)
- YiYi Dumplings: a cute dumpling and dim sum cafe (La Floresta)
- El Hornero: a pizza and pasta spot (La Floresta)
- Sinners: for American-style pub food (La Floresta)
Budget for 3 days in Quito
Quito is a great city for backpackers travelling on a budget. You can easily spend a day in Quito for under £30 per person ($35 USD) and comfortably travel around the city, eat in a restaurant and even buy some souvenirs.
If you’re visiting Quito with a mid-range budget (similar to Tom and myself), I recommend budgeting around £60-80 per day. This includes a private Airbnb apartment, a meal in a restaurant, taxis and trams and a few evening drinks.
| Accommodation (per night) | Food (per day) | Activities (some activities are free!) | Transport | |
| Low-budget backpacker | Shared dorm: £8-15 | £3-6 | £0-50+ | £0-£3 (public transport) |
| Mid-range backpacker | Private room: £30-60 | £10-30 | £0-80+ | £0-10 (taxis) |
Of course, prices will vary and depend on the time of year that you are visiting Quito, but on average, most things cost under £10 ($12 USD); including nightly accommodations!
Day trips from Quito
If you’re staying in Quito for longer than one day and want to head out of the city, I recommend the following day trips (or overnight trips).
- Amazon Rainforest tour (Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve): not a day trip, but so worth it if you have the luxury of time on your side! It’s a must-do, must-see and must-experience when in Ecuador. Find out more about visiting the Amazon from Quito here!
- Mindo: Mindo is a beautiful cloud forest just 2 hours north of Quito, and is the perfect day trip. Mindo can be visited either independently or with a tour – you can see how to get to Mindo from Quito here or book a day trip to Mindo here!
- Cotopaxi: Cotopaxi volcano is one of the most iconic sights in the country, and is a must-see for any nature fan. Again, you can either book a day trip to Cotopaxi, or travel there independently.
- Otavalo: Otavalo is a bustling market town around 2 hours from Quito. It’s a popular choice for those wanting to learn a little more about the local culture and traditions. You can either visit Otavalo independently or book a guided tour from Quito here.
- Quilotoa Crater Lake: just 2 hours from Quito, Quilotoa Lagoon was formed when a (now extinct) volcano collapsed. It’s now a dazzling emerald Green lake that’s well worth the journey.
- Middle of the World Equator Line: one epic day trip from Quito that’s only 20 minutes outside of the city! I recommend booking a tour for this rather than visiting independently. You’ll visit the literal ‘middle of the world’, be given an ‘Equator line certificate’ and play some fun games testing the surrounding magnetic fields!
- Quito cooking class: another tour located in the city itself, this is a great way to fill some time in Quito and to learn more about the local history and culture. I highly recommend booking a homestay cooking class similar to this one!
Related posts: Frog Concert Mindo: Just WHAT Is It? FULL Guide | Quito To Cotopaxi: FULL Guide, Routes + Tips
Onward travel after 3 days in Quito
Quito tends to be at the start of most backpackers’ Ecuador trips. After Quito, as it’s well located in the country, you can get to most other major destinations, and even embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Amazon Rainforest or the Galapagos Islands.
Some popular routes include;
- Starting in Quito, then heading into the Amazon Rainforest
- Flying from Quito to the Galapagos Islands
- Heading north to Mindo cloud forest
- Heading south to Cotopaxi volcano, the world’s highest active volcano
- Taking a trip to Otavalo, a market town in the Andean highlands
- Travelling to Banos, the adventure capital of the country
- Heading straight to Guayaquil, the biggest city in Ecuador, before flying to the Galapagos
There are so many options to choose from when deciding where to go after Quito! To help you decide, I’ve written a 3-week, 2-week and 10-day itinerary for Ecuador, with all options starting from Quito (or Guayaquil if you’re working in reverse). Enjoy!
Related posts: 2 Weeks In Ecuador: Routes, Itineraries & Guides! | What To Pack For Ecuador: All-Year Round Guide
3 days in Quito: FAQs
1) How many days do you need in Quito?
Two-three days is enough time to explore Ecuador’s capital city. This gives you enough time to explore the Old Town, eat some local food and see some of the major sights. It’s also a city at an exceptionally high altitude; so a few days gives you some time to acclimatize.
2) Is it safe to walk around Quito at night?
Safety is subjective, so I can only share my personal experiences when it comes to safety in Quito.
We found walking around during the day to be safer than at night, although there were certain areas that I wouldn’t have visited alone at any time of day.
Both hostels we stayed in in Quito (Community Hostel and Viajero), either served family-style dinners or were right next to restaurants for us to use. This meant we didn’t have to wander too far after dark.
Areas such as La Mariscal and La Ronda are popular with tourists and locals after dark, and of course, you can have an epic time in Quito after dark (and I’d love to hear from you if you did!).
Whne it comes to safety at night in Quito, you decide for yourself and what you’re comfortable with.
3) Is Quito a walkable city?
Yes, Quito is walkable. You can easily walk around the Old Town and La Floresta without needing to use any public transport. Distances between the areas can be relatively far, so if you want to travel from one area to another area, I recommend Uber, the tram or bus.
Remember; Quito sits at an altitude of 2850m, so you might find it a little hard to walk around at first! We often became out of breathe and tired after a short walk; so you might want to factor that into your itinerary!
4) What is the best month to visit Quito?
In summary, August is generally the warmest month of the year, with a high of 20°C (60°F). February is the coldest, with a low of 10°C (50°F).
But tourists can visit Ecuador year-round, and there isn’t a specific “best” time to go. You can explore the country in any month and have great weather.
As Quito sits at an altitude of just under 3000m, it’s colder than most locations in the country. Even though it’s close to the equator, the altitude means most of the year Quito is windy, chilly and even a little cold (under 20°C / 60°F).
5) Do you need a SIM card to travel around Ecuador?
Yes, I highly recommend downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and safety in Ecuador.
We found most of the cities to be chaotic and difficult to find local SIM cards. ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!
Don’t forget travel insurance for South America!
If you’re visiting South America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.
Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.
I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.
If you need medical help at any point whilst in South America, you need travel insurance.
With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)
Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for South America. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!
If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!
3 Days in Quito: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about spending 3 days in Quito and how many days in Quito are enough. When you’re planning a trip to Ecuador, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at real-life travellers wanting authentic and down-to-earth information.
I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Ecuador content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
🇪🇨 Other Ecuador posts:
- One Day In Quito: What To Do, Eat, See & Explore
- Quito To Guayaquil: Full Guide & Transport Options
- 10 Days In Ecuador: Route, Itinerary & Tips
- Ecuador Itinerary 3 Weeks: FULL Route + Guide
- Quito To Cotopaxi: FULL Guide, Routes + Tips
MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
