tour of quito

• HISTORIC DISTRICT (HALF DAY)
• MIDDLE OF THE WORLD (HALF DAY)
• CABLE CAR (HALF DAY)
• QUITO IN ONE DAY
• HISTORIC DISTRICT + CABLE CAR
• MIDDLE OF THE WORLD + HISTORIC DISTRICT
• CABLE CAR + MIDDLE OF THE WORLD
• COTOPAXI VOLCANO
• MINDO CLOUD FOREST
• QUILOTOA LAGOON
• QUILOTOA & COTOPAXI
• PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS
• BAÑOS AMAZON GATEWAY
• MOUNTAINS ROUTE
• HIGHLANDS TREASURES
• GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
• CUENCA WORLD HERITAGE
• MEETINGS & EVENTS

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City Tours in Quito

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Since 2005, Quito City Tour & Travel has provided unforgettable first-rate experiences in the magical city of Quito and Ecuador.

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Tours in Quito

• Full day tours from Quito
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Tours in Ecuador

Where your next aventure in Ecuador begins

Full day tours in Ecuador

Multi day tours in Ecuador

Quito City Tour

Panoramic tour hop on - hop off.

Tour Mitad del Mundo

Tour to the equinoctial line at the middle of the world.

Quito At Night

Night tour to the historic center, stop al la ronda.

City + Mitad del Mundo

In the morning the city tour and at the noon the mitad del mundo tour.

Secret Tours of Quito

Live unique experiences and discover secrets of the capital.

Private Charters

Hire the quito tour bus privately for your special event.

Panoramic Tour Hop On - Hop Off.

Tour to the Equinoctial line at the middle of the world

Night tour to the Historic Center, stop at La Ronda.

Tour the city in the morning and Mitad del Mundo at the noon

Live unique experiences and discover the secrets of the capital.

Hire the Quito Tour Bus privately for your especial event

Full day tours

• Cotopaxi Day Tour

Tour to the National Park and hike to the refuge

• Quilotoa Day Tour

Visit the turquoise lagoon in the crater of the volcano

Baños Full day tour

Enjoy baños in 1 day route: quito -baños- quito.

• Otavalo Day Tour

Tour to the largest craft market in Latin America

• Papallacta Day Tour

Hiking and relaxing in the hot springs pools

Mindo day Tour

Visit the impressive cloud forest of Mindo

Visit the Cotopaxi National Park, Limpipungo Lagoon and hike to the refuge.

Enjoy the adventure capital in one day!

Hiking and relaxing in Papallacta. Enjoy the hot springs pools.

2, 3 and 4 days Tours

Comfortable and complete tours

Cotopaxi-Quilotoa 2D/1N

Route: quito - cotopaxi quilotoa - quito.

Quilotoa, Baños 2D/1N

Route: quito - baños quito.

Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños 3D/2N

Route: quito - cotopaxi quilotoa - baños - quito.

4D/3N Andes and Amazon

Short 4-day and 3-night trip through the andes and amazon.

Route: Quito- Cotopaxi Quilotoa - Quito

Route: Quito - Cotopaxi - Baños - Quito

Route: Quito - Cotopaxi - Quilotoa - Baños - Quito

Short 4-day and 3-night trip trough the ecuadorian Andes and Amazon

Secret experiences in Quito

• Santa Clara Tour

Visit to the cloister monastery of Santa Clara: the church, the lower choir, the upper choir and the beautiful orange oval cupola

Catedral Church Domes Tour

The cathedral of quito opens its doors to us at night to tour its church and its altars, domes and catacombs..

Basilica Church Tour

Visit the largest neo gothic church in quito, you will be able to walk through places that are normally closed and you will discover hidden secrets.

• Santo Domingo Tour

Visit to the Santo Domingo convent, we will visit the church, the chapel of the Virgin of the Rosary, the catacombs and the beautiful domes

• San Francisco Tour

Live the mythical San Francisco and delve into its legend. Discover its hidden places and secrets.

Jacchigua Tour

Enjoy a unique show in the world, you will experience two hours of live artistic and musical show.

Visit the cloistered monastery of Santa Clara: the church, the lower and upper choirs, and the beautiful orange oval cupola.

The Cathedral opens its doors to us at night. Visit the church, altars, domes and catacombs.

Visit the most prominent neo-gothic church in Quito. Walk through places that are usually closed and discover hidden secrets

Take a tour on the only double-decker bus; you will discover details and hidden secrets of Quito, legends, and stories of San Francisco.

Visit the Santo Domingo convent, the church, the chapel of the Virgen del Rosario, the catacombs and its beautiful domes

On this tour you will be able to enjoy a unique show in the world, you will experience two hours of live artistic and musical show. Live Ecuador!

Unique selection of the top recommended tours in the Galapagos Islands

Andes and amazon.

Visit the most important pre-columbian archeological site in Ecuador

Complete city tour through the city, travel its rivers, churches, squares and streets of its historic center

Visit and walk through the stunning landscapes of cloud forest and Andean moorland

Explore breathtaking landscapes forests, lagoons, flora and fauna of eastern Ecuador

Unique selection of the top tours in the enchanted islands

Short 4-days 3-nights trip through the Ecuadorian Andes and Amazon

Cuenca city tour. Visit it riverts, churches, squares and its historic center

Walk through the stunning landscapes of the cloud forest and andean moorland

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Pick a tour an reserver your space:

Tuesday April 09

• Baños Day Tour

Wednesday April 10

Thursday april 11, friday april 12.

• Quito at Night Tour

Saturday April 13

• Mitad del Mundo Tour

Sunday April 14

Monday april 08.

• Mindo Day Tour
• Cathedral Tour
• Basilica Tour

discover the the best tours in quito

Day trips from quito.

Experience the enchantment of Quito on our website! Plan your trip with our essential guides, insider tips, and must-see recommendations.

Welcome to Quito Trip: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Day Trips from Quito!

Experience the wonders surrounding Quito with our exceptional selection of day trips. From breathtaking natural landscapes to culturally rich heritage sites, our carefully curated excursions promise to take you on a remarkable journey beyond the city limits.

Explore the captivating surroundings of Quito with our selection of popular day trips. Embark on an exhilarating journey to the mesmerizing Middle of the World Monument, where you can straddle the equator and delve into the fascinating world of Ecuador’s geographical significance. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Cotopaxi National Park, where the towering Cotopaxi volcano awaits, offering thrilling hikes and unforgettable views. Discover the enchanting beauty of the Mindo Cloud Forest, where lush greenery, stunning waterfalls, and a plethora of bird species create a true paradise for nature lovers. Uncover the mysteries of ancient civilizations at the captivating ruins of the Ingapirca archaeological site, a testament to Ecuador’s rich history. These popular day trips from Quito promise a delightful blend of cultural exploration, natural wonders, and unforgettable experiences.

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Cotopaxi Quilotoa Tour

Mindo Cloud Forest Tour

Devil´s Cauldren in Baños

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things to do in the old town quito

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Quito’s Historic District, a captivating destination in South America that boasts a rich cultural heritage and a multitude of attractions. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating history, vibrant architecture, and must-visit landmarks of this enchanting district. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking an immersive cultural experience, Quito’s Historic District has something to offer for everyone.

Unveiling the Historical Significance

Quito’s Historic District, also known as “Centro Histórico,” is a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses the heart of Ecuador’s capital city. It stands as a testament to the city’s colonial past, showcasing an intriguing blend of Spanish influence and indigenous heritage. Exploring this district is like stepping back in time, as its narrow cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and meticulously preserved buildings narrate stories of a bygone era.

Marvels of Colonial Architecture

One of the standout features of Quito’s Historic District is its exquisite colonial architecture. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Plaza de la Independencia, the main square that serves as the epicenter of the district. The square is adorned with significant buildings, including the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Marvel at the intricate details of the facades, the imposing bell towers, and the richly decorated interiors, all testaments to the architectural mastery of the past.

Cultural Gems Await

Venture beyond the main square and discover a treasure trove of cultural gems scattered throughout the district. Begin your journey at the Church of the Society of Jesus, commonly referred to as La Compañía. This baroque masterpiece is adorned with dazzling gold leaf decorations, intricate woodwork, and awe-inspiring religious artwork. Its ornate beauty is bound to leave you spellbound.

Continue your exploration to the San Francisco Church, an iconic landmark that dates back to the 16th century. Step inside to witness a harmonious blend of indigenous and European influences, as well as a magnificent courtyard that exudes tranquility amidst the bustling city.

Embrace the Authenticity of Calle La Ronda

For a taste of traditional Ecuadorian culture, make your way to Calle La Ronda, a charming street lined with colorful colonial houses that have been transformed into artisan shops, galleries, and lively cafés. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas of this vibrant neighborhood as you explore the local crafts, sample traditional delicacies, and perhaps even enjoy a captivating live music performance.

Museums: A Glimpse into the Past

Quito’s Historic District is home to an array of exceptional museums that offer profound insights into the city’s history, art, and culture. The Museo de la Ciudad, situated in a beautifully restored colonial building, showcases a diverse collection of artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that chronicle the city’s evolution over the centuries.

Art enthusiasts should not miss the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo, an avant-garde art museum housed in a former military hospital. Here, you can admire thought-provoking contemporary artworks from both local and international artists, providing a glimpse into the city’s vibrant art scene.

A Gastronomic Journey

No cultural exploration is complete without indulging in the local cuisine, and Quito’s Historic District offers an array of culinary delights. Visit traditional markets such as Mercado Central to savor authentic Ecuadorian dishes bursting with flavors and aromas. Don’t miss out on trying the renowned “locro de papa,” a delicious potato soup enriched with cheese, avocado, and herbs, or the delectable “ceviche,” a refreshing seafood dish infused with citrus juices and spices.

For a truly immersive gastronomic experience, consider joining a culinary tour that takes you through the vibrant streets of the Historic District, introducing you to hidden culinary gems and local delicacies. From freshly baked empanadas to sweet treats like “helado de paila,” a traditional Ecuadorian ice cream, your taste buds are in for a delightful adventure.

Captivating Cultural Events

Throughout the year, Quito’s Historic District comes alive with captivating cultural events that celebrate its rich heritage. If you happen to visit during the Holy Week, witness the vibrant processions and religious ceremonies that fill the streets with an atmosphere of reverence and devotion.

Another highlight is the Festival of Lights, an annual event where the district is adorned with mesmerizing light installations, creating a magical ambiance that illuminates the historical landmarks and transforms the city into a spectacle of colors and creativity.

Exploring Beyond the District

While the Historic District itself offers an abundance of cultural wonders, don’t limit your exploration to its borders. Quito is nestled amidst stunning natural landscapes, providing opportunities for outdoor adventures just a short distance away. Consider embarking on a day trip to the nearby Pichincha Volcano, where you can hike to its summit and revel in breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surrounding valleys.

Alternatively, venture to the Mitad del Mundo, a monument marking the equator line that divides the Earth’s northern and southern hemispheres. Here, you can straddle the equator and visit the Intiñan Museum, where fascinating experiments demonstrate the unique gravitational effects experienced at this global landmark.

what are the Things to do in Quito?

Quito, the cultural gem of Ecuador, beckons with its rich history, awe-inspiring landscapes, and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a food lover, this enchanting city offers a myriad of experiences to suit every taste. In this expert guide, we unveil the top things to do in Quito, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this captivating destination.

Explore Quito’s Historic Center: Step back in time as you wander through Quito’s UNESCO-listed Historic Center, one of the best-preserved colonial centers in Latin America. Marvel at the intricate architecture, visit awe-inspiring churches and immerse yourself in the city’s captivating history.

Take in the Panoramic Views from El Panecillo: Climb to the top of El Panecillo, a prominent hill overlooking Quito, and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding valleys. Don’t forget to admire the iconic statue of the Virgin of Quito while savoring the picturesque scenery.

Immerse Yourself in Local Culture at La Ronda: Stroll along the charming streets of La Ronda, a historic neighborhood brimming with cultural delights. Indulge in traditional cuisine, enjoy live music performances, and explore artisan shops, capturing the essence of Quito’s vibrant cultural scene.

Discover the Mitad del Mundo: Stand at the equator line at the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) complex, where you can straddle the northern and southern hemispheres simultaneously. Explore interactive museums, experiment with gravity-defying demonstrations, and delve into the fascinating science behind the equator.

Embark on an Adventure in the Cloud Forest: Escape the city’s hustle and bustle and venture into the nearby cloud forest. Hike through lush trails, encounter diverse flora and fauna, and marvel at breathtaking waterfalls, immersing yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds Quito.

Tour Guide Ecuador

pedro simon toaquiza

Hi, Welcome to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, I am Pedro Toaquiza passionate tour guide with over 10 years of experience dedicated to offering Daily tours, multi-day tailored to each traveler in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.

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Quito Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Quito. We've got 474 adventures going to Quito, starting from just one day in length, and the longest tour is 131 days. The most popular month to go is October, which has the largest number of tour departures.

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Ecuador Quest

It is a short but sweet week around the country, there is a great mix of destinations in the itinerary. I enjoyed going to Banos and the Amazon (secondary forest) with a group of travellers, to not only share the experience and take part in some great activities. Having the local CEO guide and transport organised also made it a hassle-free and fun adventure. G's focus on Planeterra and environment is honourable. My constructive feedback is to include breakfast in Banos as its inconvenient otherwise. Other than that, the CEO Alejo Buitron was fantastic! A great ambassador for G and Planeterra, organised and friendly with a positive spirit.

Local Living Ecuador—Amazon Jungle

Genuinely it was all amazing. The intimacy of the family made it though, as did the connection with the jungle. The more modernity which can stay away from this tour, the better.

8 Days Ecuadorian Adventure, Exploring Nature, Culture, and Wonders

Absolutely memorable experience with Responsible Travel Agency! Their attention to detail and personal approach made my trip unforgettable. From customised itineraries like a small hike in Chimborazo to helpful tips along the way, they went above and beyond to ensure every aspect of the journey was comfortable and also will help if some unexpected changes happen during the trip. Thank you Santiago for a great time and friendly approach for arranging this tour!

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Private tour to Otavalo and Surrondings

This tour was excellent. Our guide was knowledgeable & friendly. Never looked at the time and treated us as friends. Wish all were like Andres. He was very informative and friendly. We all enjoyed his personality and knowledge.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

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The best way to explore the country. We booked the 6 day tour with other 2 friends, and I highly recommend the team. Thank you so much!!

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Fantastic way to explore Ecuador’s nature. The trekking was excellent and every day felt different. Christian was our guide and he did a great job at introducing us to this beautiful country and its culture and people. I traveled alone and immediately felt comfortable and welcomed by everyone in the group. Lovely people and a unique experience that I would recommend to any newcomer to this country!

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Quito old town walking tour (with map).

Quito — the capital of Ecuador — is one of the Americas’ greatest cities. Situated at an elevation of 2,800 meters, in a valley surrounded by Andean peaks, it’s naturally stunning. It has Ecuador’s best museums. The nightlife is great, as is the cafe culture. But the most interesting part is Quito Old Town (Quito Centro Historico in Spanish) — the colonial city center.

The best way to see the Quito old city is on a self-guided walking tour. You’ll need a full day to explore the churches, plazas, museums and monuments. But don’t worry — there are ample opportunities for cafe breaks. This is the perfect way to kick off your adventure backpacking Ecuador .

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I receive a tiny percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you, which helps me keep this site up and running. 

Quito Old Town Walking Tour Map

Starting Point: Plaza Grande

The center of traditional life in Quito Old Town is the pretty Plaza Grande. Palm trees and well-manicured gardens line the walkways through the park, which centers around a large fountain. On weekends, the square is crowded with old men getting their shoes shined while they read the newspaper, kids running around, and ice cream vendors keeping everyone happy.

The plaza is ringed with ornate colonial architecture. Many of the buildings have been re-purposed to serve important modern functions. Look on the northeast side to find the former Archbishop’s palace — a gorgeous building that now contains shops and restaurants.

The Governor’s Palace

If you’re facing the cathedral, the long white building to your right is the Governor’s Palace. Today, it’s the home and office of Ecuador’s president.

Hour-long, free English tours of the palace leave every 20 minutes starting at 9 am. Show up early to reserve a ticket (you’ll see the line form on the far end of the plaza). The tours are well worth doing — the palace is filled with incredible murals and artwork. The exhibits are a celebration of Ecuador’s natural and cultural wealth. Tours end on the balcony of the palace. Overall, one of the most interesting things to do in Quito Old Town.

The Metropolitan Cathedral

The first church you’ll visit on this Quito Old Town walking tour is right on the Plaza Grande. The Metropolitan Cathedral seems pretty ordinary at first glance. But the real treasures are inside.

The main attractions are the murals that blend European Christian iconography with a unique Andean interpretation. Check out the imitation of the Last Supper painting — the disciples dine on cuy (guinea pig). Or look for the nativity painting featuring llamas along with the usual farm animals. These are some of the best displays of traditional artwork in colonial Quito.

Admission costs $3 for the church and another $3 to climb the bell tower. If you speak Spanish, you can ask one of the guides to show you around (included in the price of your ticket).

The Metropolitan Cultural Center

Across the street from the cathedral, this cultural center — housed in a historic building — features local and international art exhibitions.

Admission is free, and the exhibitions are very high-quality. I saw an international war photography show and some interesting modern art. Some exhibitions are not appropriate for small children.

To find out what’s on when you’ll be in town, check out their (Spanish-only) website .

Compañía de Jesús

The next stop on this Quito Old Town walking tour is the most beautiful church in the city — and probably in all of Ecuador. The Compañía de Jesús, or “Church of the Jesuits,” is known for its gold plated interior.

The main attractions are the elaborate design and traditional architecture. Everything from the exterior to the tiniest detail inside was perfectly thought through — after all, it took 160 years to build this church! The construction is highly symbolic. Take one of the free guided tours in English or Spanish to learn more about what the different components, from the paint colors to the pillar carvings, represent.

Admission is $5. Allow 30 minutes to fully explore this colonial Quito landmark.

Plaza de San Francisco

Next is a short walk to Quito’s most pleasant and one of its largest plazas. Plaza de San Francisco is anchored around the San Francisco Church and Convent. It’s a huge space, constantly filled by pigeons and ice cream vendors (even when it’s freezing and raining outside!). The views of the mountains surrounding Quito are nothing short of spectacular.

Cafe Break: Tianguez

This cafe is right underneath the church. Pull up a table on the plaza for some of the best people-watching in South America. If it’s raining, hide inside with the tempting smell of roasting coffee beans.

The main reason to come here is the absolutely perfect cappuccino ($1.50). Seriously, you’ll never have an espresso beverage this satisfying again. But if you’re starting to get hungry, you can also grab a small snack.

Tianguez also operates a fair-trade shop. They sell coffee, chocolate and handicrafts. It’s a good place to pick up gifts. Your money goes directly back to the (mostly rural) communities who produce the crafts.

Church and Convent of San Francisco

One of the best places in Quito Old Town to see classic baroque architecture is the interior of this massive church. It’s mostly carved wood. Much of the interior has been built and rebuilt many times due to earthquake and other damage.

Most of the church’s artwork is in the small museum next door. If you’re into religious art, it’s worth visiting, but it’s not an essential stop.

Admission to the church is free. The museum costs $2.50.

Lunch Break: Cafeteria Modelo

Next, backtrack slightly toward the Compañía de Jesús to get to the best cheap meal in Quito Old Town at Cafeteria Modelo. This tiny cafe doesn’t look like much from the outside. But it has fantastic empanadas and tamales. After your meal, get some of the home-made ice cream.

Meals cost around $4, with cheaper snacks available.

Casa del Alabado

Getting tired of exploring churches and old paintings? Mix it up with a visit to Casa del Alabado, the best place to see pre-Colombian artifacts in Quito Old Town.

The private collection includes works from the Incas and other South American societies. It’s arranged by theme — with an entire room devoted to shamanism — so you can see how different cultures interpreted widely similar legends and customs. Good displays in English mean you’ll come away learning a lot about ancient Ecuador.

Allow 90 minutes to thoroughly explore the museum. Admission is $4.

If you’re visiting Quito on a weekday, take a few minutes to wander around La Ronda — a pedestrian street — after visiting the museum. Stop into the galleries or just soak up the traditional vibe. If you’re visiting on a weekend, save your exploration for later (more info below).

Basílica del Voto Nacional

Walk off your lunch with a long-ish stroll to the north end of Quito Old Town. You’ll see the massive Gothic basilica well before you reach it. The towers loom over the entire colonial city.

The cathedral is a pretty typical example of Gothic architecture — huge arches, stained-glass windows, etc. But you’re here to visit the towers. Climb the stairs to the second level (and higher, if you dare) to see the “gargoyles” — in this case, iguanas and turtles!

Admission to the church is $1. Tack on another $1 to climb the towers.

Cafe Break: Cafe Dios No Muere

Yes, this bizarre little Cajun restaurant in the heart of Quito Old Town is tiny. And yes, it’s very popular for lunch. But if you visit a bit later in the day, you can snag one of the sidewalk tables in a charming alley.

The food is decent if you need a snack, but the real treat is the locally sourced coffee. Whether you prefer an Americano or a fancy sweet beverage, you won’t be disappointed. Plan on spending about $1.50 for your drink, and $5-6 if you order food.

Museo de la Ciudad

Next, head to the far southwest end of Quito Old Town to reach the City Museum. This ornate former hospital now houses a huge array of displays on Ecuadoran history and culture. There is a strong focus on the lives of indigenous people, past and present.

Displays are mostly in English, and massive information overload is a real possibility. Allow an hour to quickly pass through, or two hours if you’re deeply interested in history.

Admission to the City Museum is $3.

Plaza Santo Domingo

By now it’s probably getting dark. So finish your Quito Old Town walking tour in the city’s most charming plaza — Plaza Santo Domingo.

Evening is a particularly good time to visit. The church is all lit up and street performers come out in full force.

The church at the center of the plaza is pretty unremarkable, but it’s worth poking your nose in. Admission is free.

Weekend Add-On: La Ronda

On Friday and Saturday nights, Quito Old Town hosts one of the world’s greatest street parties. A mile-long stretch of the pedestrian street known as “La Ronda” turns into an open-air festival of music, food, and culture.

The party gets going around 7 pm. Find a cozy-looking restaurant with a band playing traditional Andean folk music. If you’re hungry, order a “locro de papa” — a typical potato and cheese soup. Otherwise, stick with canelazo, a slightly boozy, slightly spicy warm beverage made from naranjillo juice (like orange juice), cane liquor and cinnamon. Food costs around $4, and drinks are around $1.50. There is no cover charge for live music.

As you walk around, keep an eye out for street performers dancing in elaborate costumes. They’re there to entice you to attend a traditional dance performance at a nearby restaurant, bar or gallery (around $5). If you prefer to be the one dancing, stick around until 9 pm or so, when the salsa parties start.

Where to stay in Quito Old Town

There are pros and cons to staying in Quito Old Town instead of the backpacker district and heart of Quito nightlife, La Mariscal.

On the plus side, if you’re wondering, ‘is Quito safe?’, you’re better off staying in the Old Town. Solo women will feel safe walking around until about 10 pm on weekdays, or midnight on weekends. The downside is that food and nightlife options are very limited on weeknights.

By far the best choice for budget travelers in the Quito historic center is La Posada Colonial . $14 a night buys you a large private room with a shared bathroom literally steps from La Ronda. Book in advance, especially if you’re looking to stay on a Friday or Saturday night.

If you’re after a dorm, head to Secret Garden . Not only is it a great place to stay, it’s connected to the only hostel in Cotopaxi National Park — meaning easy, convenient trips to the world’s highest active volcano.

Of course, there are many things to do in Quito outside the historic center. After you visit Quito Old Town, consider taking a ride on the TelefériQo, visiting the museums in the New Town, or standing on the Equator at the Mitad del Mundo. Further afield, you can even do day trips to Otavalo and Mindo . This is truly one of the greatest cities on the continent — so be sure to spend some time here when you travel to Ecuador !

What are your favorite things to do in Quito Old Town? Leave a comment!

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Read more about Ecuador here

Carrie is the founder of Trains, Planes and Tuk Tuks. For more than seven years, she's been solo-backpacking around the world to places few other tourists dare to explore -- from Ethiopia to Nicaragua to Jordan and beyond. When she's not on the road, you can find her hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and eating the world's best barbecue in her home city of Asheville, NC.

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• Destinations

Best things to see and do in Quito

Quito is the capital city of Ecuador and is also it’s most populated. This South American metropolis is the second-highest capital in the world offering tourists from all over the world a bird’s eye view on the amazing architecture and monuments it has. Only 25 km from the equator, Quito enjoys a stable subtropical climate but is the only capital city in the world that is in the shadow of an active volcano, Mt. Pichincha. Don’t worry though, it hasn’t let off any smoke since 2002, and that didn’t stop UNESCO from pronouncing Quito’s historic Old Town as one of the first world heritage sites. 

With all the fascinating things you can visit there, you don’t want to miss any opportunities to check out these must-see places when you get to Quito. You can find the best free walking tour in Quito for whatever you want to see. Some of this city’s main attractions include La Compania de Jesus Church in the Old Town, The Palacio del Gobierno, The Catedral Metropolitana, or the newly combined museum complex, Museo Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana, where the modern art, the ethnographic, and the musical instrument museums are located. See the beautiful baroque art that adorns the Basilica of the National Vow, the Church of Saint Francisco. Stretch your legs as you stroll through the Plaza Grande Square, to the viewpoint El Panecillo with its incredible statue of the Virgen of Quito, or check out the views from the rooftop of Vista Hermosa downtown. Don’t forget to check out the city’s airway tram system called the TeleferiQo to help you in case the high altitude has you huffing and puffing. 

Reserve a free walking tour in one of the available languages online like Spanish, French, Portugese, or English. This will assure that you get to see all of Quito’s main attractions and its hidden charms. Check out the opinions and reviews of other tourists like you on the guruwalk that they did in Quito. Their evaluations of both the route and the tour guide are very helpful for you to choose the best tour for your personal tastes and your schedule to be able to visit the city with your guide in the morning, afternoon, or evening. While you are checking out Quito, remember that we also have free walking tours available in Cuenca, Esmeraldas, and Ibarra. 

Free walking tour near Quito

Others cities to visit after quito, find other guruwalks in quito, where are you traveling to.

Old Town Quito: Ultimate Guide to the Quito Historic Center

If you’re visiting Quito, you’ll definitely want to spend time in the Quito Historic Center, one of the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods. In the Historic Center of Quito, you’ll find incredible testimony to Quito’s past, including colonial churches, fascinating museums, markets, and beautiful views.

After living in Ecuador for years, we’ve done everything there is to do in this beautiful part of the city, and now we’re sharing Quito Old Town highlights and things you can’t miss.

Keep reading for this ultimate guide to Old Town Quito Ecuador , including the best things to do in Old Town Quito, plus where to stay and eat. Plus, check out our Old Town Quito map , where we’ll show you all the places in the lovely colonial Quito Ecuador we recommend in this article.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

Quito Historic Center

Covering a good chunk of central Quito, the Quito Historic Center is one of the city’s most important neighborhoods and is home to many of the best things to do in Quito .

The Historic Center of Quito is located between El Panecillo in the south and Parque La Alameda in the north – easily walkable, except for a few hills! Check out our Old Town Quito map below for a map of this neighborhood!

In Old Town Quito Ecuador you’ll find colonial churches, museums, charming historic streets, markets, and some of the city’s most important buildings, like the presidential palace. This is a great place to explore when visiting Quito, and an important part of any Quito itinerary.

There is so much to do in the Quito Historic Center, but there are plenty of unmissable attractions in other parts of the city as well. Check out our Mega Guide of Things to Do in Quito for a comprehensive summary of everything there is to do throughout the entire city.

Why Is the Historic Center of Quito So Important?

The historic center of Quito is one of the largest and best-preserved historic centers in Latin America . There is plenty to see and do here, making it a fascinating and beautiful destination to visit.

Despite suffering damage due to multiple earthquakes since its colonial foundation, the historic center of Quito remains remarkably faithful to the past, while still being a lively and active modern neighborhood.

Safety in Quito

Even as a solo female traveler, I felt quite safe in Quito and have no incidents to report after living here for two years . Simply make wise choices – don’t walk alone at night, trust your gut, and take simple safety measures – and you will more than likely be completely fine.

Pickpocketing does happen – as it does in towns and cities in every country around the world. Practicing a few good travel safety measures and you will be totally fine. The key is to not make yourself an easy target. Check out our guide to safety in Ecuador for many more details!

• Don’t wear flashy jewelry or wander with your phone or camera in your hand. Feel free to take photos – don’t feel scared to! – but put away your phone or camera in your bag once you’re done.
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Ecuador
• Where to Stay in Quito: Neighborhoods and Accommodations Guide
• 37 Best Things to Do in Quito
• Mindo, Ecuador Guide: Ecuador’s Cloud Forest Paradise

Old Town Quito Map

We’ve created this Quito Old Town map with all the best things to do in Quito Old Town that we mention throughout the article . This includes where to stay in Old Town Quito, the best restaurants, and things you can’t miss.

Click around the Old Town Quito map to see our recommendations , or keep reading for these topics in this article:

• Things to Do in Old Town Quito
• Where to Stay in Old Town Quito
• Where to Eat in Old Town Quito

Things To Do in Quito Old Town

You could spend two days just exploring the churches, museums, and markets of Old Town Quito – there is just so much to see and do here.

However, I recommend setting aside at least three to four hours to see the best of this neighborhood.

While a visit to Quito isn’t complete without venturing outside of the Historic Center, it is an unmissable part of this city. You’ll want to spend a good chunk of your time in Quito exploring this neighborhood .

Quito Old Town Highlights

With just three to four hours to spend in Old Town Quito, make sure you see these sights – the essential, must-see destinations in the Historic Center of Quito you can’t leave without seeing.

Basilica del Voto Nacional

Plaza grande.

• Iglesia Compañía de Jesús
• Iglesia San Francisco

Full Day in Old Town Quito

If you have a full day to explore Old Town Quito, make sure to visit all the destinations above essential for any visitor, and some or all of these places as well. With a bit more time to appreciate the Quito Historic Center, these places can really add to your experience.

Presidential Palace – Carondelet Palace

El sagrario, centro cultural metropolitano, plaza del teatro, parque itchimbia, mercado central.

Looking for even more things to do in Quito, beyond just Old Town Quito? Check out our mega guide to the best things to do in Quito for even more inspiration. It’s filled with everything there is to see and do in Quito you can’t miss, plus off-the-beaten-path things to do you won’t read about anywhere else.

Top Quito Tours

• Quito Historic Center Walking Tour
• Quito Historic Center and Mitad del Mundo Excursion
• The Delicious Side of Quito: Quito Food Tour
• Personalized Quito Tour, Including TeleferiQo and Mitad del Mundo

* Old Town Quito Highlight

An absolute must-visit destination in Quito, and one of the best things to do in Ecuador ! Much more than just a beautiful church, the Basilica del Voto Nacional also has some of the best views of the Quito Historic Center, and stunning 360-degree views of the entire city.

Visit the clocktowers at the front of the church and the spire in the back for three distinct and beautiful views of the city . The climb to the spire will take you outside the building at one point and up very steep steps, so try to visit when the weather is nice!

You can purchase tickets from the side entrance or the front, and choose from three ticket options: access to the clocktowers and spire, access to the central part of the church, or both.

Unless you’re very interested in exploring the whole Basilica, I recommend just getting tickets to the clocktowers and spire. You’ll get a fantastic view of the church inside from a large interior balcony on your way up the clock towers .

Best Hotels & Hostels in Quito

• The Secret Garden, Quito ($)
• Selina Quito ($ – $$)
• Vista del Angel Boutique Hotel ($$)

Hotel Carlota ($$ – $$$)

Casa gangotena ($$$).

The true heart of colonial Quito Ecuador, Plaza Grande is a great place to start a self-guided walking tour of the city. In the center, you’ll find an impressive monument to Ecuador’s independence from Spain.

Around the plaza, you’ll find the Presidential Palace (Carondelet Palace) , the Catedral Metropolitana de Quito with the attached El Sagrario , and the former Palacio Arzobispal (Archbishop’s Palace – now converted into a mixed-use space with shops and restaurants).

This is a great place to people watch and appreciate the beautiful architecture and scenery of the Quito historic district. A must-visit destination on your Old Town Quito walking tour!

On the west side of the Plaza Grande, you’ll see the impressive Palacio de Carondelet, also known as Ecuador’s presidential palace. Closed to visitors for many years, this impressive palace now offers free guided walking tours that are well worth your time.

Guides offer tours in English and Spanish , and take groups through the impressive meeting rooms and salons throughout the building. You’ll hear plenty of fascinating stories from the palace’s history, as well as seeing fascinating details, like gifts to Ecuador’s president from foreign dignitaries.

Register for a time for a walking tour at the small ticket booth to the left of the palace. You’ll likely be able to walk right in, but securing your spot a few hours in advance, if possible, is best.

Make sure you bring some form of photo ID (it doesn’t need to be a passport), as you’ll need to go through security at the entrance.

On the front walkway, you’ll see ceremonial guards dressed in period-style garb guarding the main doors . Feel free to take a picture with them on your way out, though don’t expect a smile from them!

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Catedral Metropolitana de Quito

Another one of the historic buildings surrounding Plaza Grande, the Catedral Metropolitana de Quito is the city’s main cathedral and home to the archdioceses of the city. This is one of Latin America’s oldest churches and holds many impressive altars and artworks.

Tickets cost $4 USD to enter, and in addition to the main church, you’ll get to see a host of crypts and chambers as well as priestly garments, impressive paintings, and more.

Be on the lookout for the painting of the Last Supper featuring Jesus eating a “cuy” – Spanish for a guinea pig, and a beloved Ecuadorian delicacy.

For an additional ticket charge of $3 USD, you can climb the Cathedral’s dome – expect impressive views, but rickety steps practically make this an adventure sport.

Not as ornate or flashy as some of Quito’s other lovely churches (especially the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús), the Catedral is still a lovely spot to visit if you’re interested in history. If not, you’ll probably be just fine with visits to Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús and Iglesia de San Francisco, Quito’s two stars.

Once a part of the adjacent Catedral Metropolitana , this chapel is one of Quito’s many beautiful churches. Its beautifully detailed interior and golden altar are impressive and characteristic of colonial Quito, Ecuador.

Admission is free , and because it’s located steps from some of Old Town Quito’s must-see attractions, it’s worth a visit , even if only for 10 or 15 minutes.

Located across the street from both El Sagrario and Carondelet Palace , the Centro Cultural Metropolitano (Metropolitan Cultural Center) is well worth a visit when walking Old Town Quito.

This mixed-use building contains everything from cafes and restaurants to an academic library, but the true attraction is the rotation art exhibits, most of which are free admission.

Even if you don’t stay here long, make sure to visit the terrace for the view. Climb the central staircase to the building’s rooftop terrace for an incredible view of El Panecillo and the rest of the Quito Historic Center.

Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

Located just one block from the Plaza Grande and between the Carondelet Presidential Palace and Iglesia de San Francisco, Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús is – in my opinion – the most beautiful church in Ecuador, and one of the most beautiful in all of Latin America.

This ornate church seems to be covered from top to bottom in gold leaf, with extensive carvings, paintings, and elaborate altars filling the main nave .

It is a breathtaking sight to witness such an elaborate and ornate building, and even the most beautiful churches around the Quito Historic Center don’t compare.

Admission to most churches in Quito is free, but tickets here cost $5. Don’t less the admission deter you from visiting. The ticket price is well worth the visit to this church, easily one of the most beautiful and breathtaking destinations in all of Quito.

This is a highlight of any tour of Old Town Quito.

Iglesia de San Francisco

One of the most visually stunning churches in Quito , the Iglesia de San Francisco is an absolute must-visit destination when touring Old Town Quito. Set in the massive Plaza San Francisco, this church is just as beautiful inside as it is outside.

The gilded central altar and chapels throughout the church are stunning and display the wealth of the Spanish empire in Quito at the time of its construction.

The history of the site is heavy, though – it was constructed on the site of an Incan marketplace and temple , which is why the plaza slopes upward towards the site of the church.

For more dark history, check out the large-scale painting on the right side of the church near the entrance . You’ll find a detailed display of the tortures awaiting specific sins (tongue chopped off for gossip, etc.).

Entrance to the main church is free, though with a $5 USD ticket you can access the beautiful convent, adjacent chapels, and second-story balcony of the main church. These are worth a visit if you have time, though just seeing the church itself may be sufficient for you.

Plaza San Francisco is a great place to people-watch, so don’t hurry on to your next destination. Check out Cafe Tianguez , located near the steps up to the church – they have covered seating in the plaza for a quick meal, and inside they sell beautiful local handicrafts .

Casa del Alabado Pre-Columbian Art Museum

If you’re interested in learning more about Ecuador’s history through archeology, this is a fantastic little museum well worth a visit. Housing some of the country’s best archaeological finds , you’ll see pottery, sculptures, jewelry, tools, and more, including from numerous pre-Incan cultures.

Housed in a beautiful colonial building, the Casa del Alabado has eight permanent exhibit rooms , along with one temporary exhibit room and a nice museum shop. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday ; tickets cost $6 USD.

Museo de la Ciudad – Museum of the City

Yet another small but excellent museum in Quito, the Museo de la Ciudad has permanent exhibits that will help you get a great understanding of the city’s (and country’s) history and culture.

Standout exhibits display the unique clothing of indigenous groups throughout the country , the impact of the Spanish conquest, and everyday life pre- and post-colonization.

The museum is located within one of colonial Quito Ecuador’s first hospitals, in a gorgeous colonial building that would be worth a visit alone! The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and also offers guided tours in Spanish and English (at an additional cost).

A particularly gorgeous section of Old Town Quito , Calle La Ronda (La Ronda Street) is a pedestrian street that winds downhill through the Quito Historic Center and is home to some charming colonial architecture.

The buildings that line the street are also home to tons of small restaurants (at every price point) selling Ecuadorian food , so this is a great place to eat.

Here you’ll find restaurants and cafes selling some Ecuadorian specialties like empanadas de viento (giant, sweet empanadas) and canelazo (a fruity, warm, sometimes alcoholic drink for cold Quito nights).

There are also little shops selling handicrafts , Panama hats (which are originally from Ecuador!), art, and much more. Take your time exploring these shops, cafes, and more as you walk through La Ronda.

Stop at the Pacari chocolate shop on La Ronda for some of Ecuador’s best chocolates from this well-known brand. You can taste-test specialized chocolates infused with everything from rose and coconut to tropical fruits.

Make sure to stop at the intersection of Calle Guayaquil and La Ronda – looking south you’ll get one of the most beautiful views of El Panecillo , framed by historic houses lining La Ronda and colorful flags.

What To Pack for Ecuador

Check out our  Ultimate Ecuador Packing List   to help you pack for your trip – we’re sharing exactly what to bring to Ecuador and what we never travel without.

El Panecillo

El Panecillo – “the little bread roll” in Spanish – is a rounded hill that marks the southern extension of Quito Old Town and offers sweeping views over the city . With its massive statue of the Virgin Mary, called “La Virgen del Panecillo,” it is a distinctive and beautiful landmark in the Quito skyline.

Visitors can head to the top of the hill and the base of the statue (take a taxi or public bus to the top!) for views. You’ll also find a few handicraft vendors and carts selling drinks and snacks.

While many consider El Panecillo to be an obligatory part of a Quito itinerary, I generally recommend that visitors to Quito skip El Panecillo entirely, especially if you’re on a tight itinerary !

Instead, head to the Basilica and climb the clock towers and spire. The views from the Basilica are much, much better. El Panecillo is such an iconic part of the Quito skyline that you want a view OF the Panecillo, not FROM it.

Iglesia de Santo Domingo

Another one of Quito’s lovely churches, Iglesia de Santo Domingo stands out for its colorful painting and Moorish design influence. From the rooftop, you can get incredible views of the nearby Panecillo and the patio of the adjacent Dominican convent.

If you’re headed towards the center of Quito Historic Center from La Ronda and see that the church is open, it’s worth a visit! If not, it may be worth passing by, especially considering how many beautiful churches you’re likely to see in Quito.

Just in front of the Sucre Theater (Teatro Sucre), Plaza del Teatro is a small but pretty pedestrian-only square that shows off some of the charms of colonial Quito Ecuador . The theater is beautiful, with columns and gold details, and it’s a great place to consider attending a performance.

The theater often hosts performances that show off traditional Ecuadorian song, dance, and drama.

Here you’ll often find street performers throughout the day, adding to the charm of the square.

Nearby you’ll find some affordable and delicious Ecuadorian restaurants worth trying. El Criollo, located in Plaza del Teatro , offers a great selection of Ecuadorian dishes from the Quito region.

Around the corner (on Olmedo and Guayaquil streets), Cebiches de la Rumiñahui offers great food from the coastal region – try the encebollado , a fish and onion soup.

Travel Essential

Don’t head out on your adventure without comprehensive travel insurance! Good travel insurance may cover lost or stolen gear, medical emergencies, delayed or canceled flights, and more.  Check out the policies available from  SafetyWing or compare plans using  Visitors Coverage .

Iglesia de San Agustin

Built in the 16th century, the Iglesia de San Agustin is – in my opinion – one of Quito’s most beautiful churches . Not as famous as Iglesia de San Francisco or Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, this church is just as worthy of a visit.

Beautifully and colorfully painted from top to bottom, the interior has an array of ornate altars and a beautiful row of crystal chandeliers. It is usually quite peaceful and quiet inside if you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle.

Make sure to stop by Lero Lero for a coffee or breakfast before or after your visit to San Agustin – this cafe is built into the side of the church and shows off the interior patio of the adjacent convent.

Museo de Arte Colonial – Colonial Art Museum

Located in a restored colonial mansion, the Museo de Arte Colonial has some important post-conquest works on display . During the colonial period, nearly all art was religious in nature , so you’ll find lots of artwork with this theme, including specific works meant to convert indigenous populations.

This museum is perfect for those interested in art, history, or religion, but may be worth skipping for those without a particular interest in the subject.

If you’re looking for one just museum to visit in Quito, I generally recommend the Casa de la Cultura next to Parque El Ejido, just north of the Historic Center of Quito.

Parque Itchimbia is my pick for Quito’s most underrated park, and one of my favorite spots in Old Town Quito . Views are unbeatable – you’ll see the entire city! – there is plenty of space to explore, and events like concerts and food truck roundups.

You’ll also find the Palacio de Cristal, an arts and event space made entirely of glass , hosting rotating exhibits and events, mostly with free admission.

This is also a great place to relax on weekends. You’ll find families flying kites and playing, and there are beautiful, wooded biking and running trails with views of Quito’s valley and the valley on the other side of the hills.

Pair a visit with a stop at Vista Hermosa restaurant or Cafe Mosaico , located next to each other on the street below the entrance to the park. Vista Hermosa is fine dining, while Cafe Mosaico is much more casual, and both offer unbeatable views of the city.

Parque La Alameda

A small park at the northern edge of Quito Old Town, Parque La Alameda always ends up in the Quito guide books but isn’t really worth a visit , as there isn’t much to see here.

If you have time, head to Parque El Eijdo instead. Across the street from the Casa de la Cultura (my top museum recommendation in the city!), Parque El Ejido is a better choice for people-watching and wandering . It hosts artists displaying their works, has plenty more food carts to try, and is overall much nicer than La Alameda.

Parque La Carolina even further uptown is even better , especially on weekends when locals flock here.

Ecuador is filled with bustling and lively markets, which make up part of the daily routine of many Ecuadorians. If you’re looking to experience this side of Ecuador while visiting the Quito historic district, there is no better place to visit than Mercado Central.

Here you’ll find several floors where vendors sell fresh fruits and vegetables , meats, flowers, and more. Plus, you’ll find an entire section of food stalls selling prepared foods , fruit juices, and must-try dishes in Ecuador.

You won’t find much in the way of traditional handicrafts here – head to the La Mariscal neighborhood and visit the Mercado Artesanal for the best selection of handicrafts in the city . Or, head to Ecuador’s best market town, Otavalo , just a few hours north of Quito.

Read More : 37 Best Things to Do in Quito

Where To Stay in Old Town Quito

Quito’s Historic Center is one of the best places to stay in Quito for all kinds of travelers. Specifically, the Historic Center is where to stay in Quito for historic hotels and charming accommodations – and great views! – even on a budget.

You’ll find beautiful and comfortable hotels at every price point , and even some fantastic hostels (my favorite in the city – The Secret Garden ) for backpackers.

Not sure where to stay in Quito? Check out our article, Where to Stay in Quito: Quito Neighborhoods and Accommodation Guide , for more about all the best areas and specific hotel recommendations throughout the city.

The Secret Garden ($)

My number one hostel recommendation in Quito, I stayed in The Secret Garden several times and would definitely stay again. They offer a variety of room types, including affordable private rooms, and a social atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to meet other travelers.

But the real draw is the rooftop restaurant and bar – you’ll get unbeatable views of the entire city and surrounding mountains that make for an unforgettable experience.

Planning a trip to Cotopaxi after your time in Quito? Stay at The Secret Garden’s sister hotel, The Secret Garden Cotopaxi . This is my favorite hotel I’ve EVER stayed in, anywhere.

Nestled away in the Cotopaxi National Park, this retreat-like hotel organizes incredible hikes, climbing expeditions, and tours of the park. They offer direct transportation from their Quito site to Cotopaxi daily.

Vista del Angel ($$)

If you’re looking for a comfortable and unique stay in Old Town Quito on a budget, check out Vista del Angel Boutique Hotel . Just a few blocks from the Basilica, this hotel has incredible views – and a spacious terrace overlooking the whole city.

The rooms are simple yet charming, and the service is excellent – this is a great option for enjoying the Historic Center on a budget.

Hotel Casona 1914 ($$)

Hotel Casona 1914 is a beautiful hotel within a historic colonial building at the entrance to the Quito Historic Center. Facing Parque La Alameda and the Basilica, it’s conveniently located near transportation options to easily get around the city or walk the neighborhood.

Rooms are beautiful and feel luxurious, despite being surprisingly affordable , making Hotel Casona 1914 a fantastic option for travelers in Quito.

For a mix of Historic Center charm and all the modern amenities you could ask for, head to Hotel Carlota . One of the neighborhood’s best hotels, rooms are surprisingly affordable , usually costing right around $150 – it’s a steal.

Located just two blocks away from Plaza Grande, you’ll be able to walk and explore the Historic Center with ease. Plus, Hotel Carlota has a rooftop terrace with an absolutely stunning view overlooking the city.

Casa Gangotena is well known for being the best hotel in Quito , and the destination of choice for dignitaries, celebrities, and luxury travelers – and rightfully so.

Located in Plaza San Francisco, Casa Gangotena is within an immaculately restored colonial palace and has an incredible view of Iglesia San Francisco and surrounding mountains . The rooms are opulent, and the service is exquisite. Casa Gangotena is truly an unforgettable destination.

More Recommendations

Still not sure where to stay in Quito? Check out our article, Where to Stay in Quito: Quito Neighborhoods and Accommodation Guide , for more about all the best areas and specific hotel recommendations throughout the city.

Where To Eat in Old Town Quito

Vista hermosa.

Vista Hermosa – or, “beautiful view,” in Spanish – offers fine dining and has two locations in the Historic Center, both with great food and incredible views . I recommend the Vista Hermosa location near Parque Itchimbia for the best view of El Panecillo, day or night. Call ahead for a reservation on the terrace or by the window overlooking the city – these are the most coveted tables.

Cafe Mosaico

For a great view of Old Town Quito and El Panecillo – without the fine dining prices and ambiance of Vista Hermosa – check out Cafe Mosaico . Located just down the street from Vista Hermosa near the entrance to Parque Itchimbia, Cafe Mosaico offers coffee and cafe bites, plus a full menu for meals , making it a great option for any time of the day.

La Purísima

Located in a colonial building with a stunning interior patio , La Purísima is a great choice for authentic Ecuadorian cooking in Old Town Quito. They have classic options from all of Ecuador’s regions. Try the llapingachos (Ecuadorian potato balls) and fried yuca, and the huevitos chilenos (deep-fried donuts) for dessert.

Bandido Brewing

One of Quito’s original craft breweries, Bandido Brewing is not to be missed. This chill brewery serves great pizzas and small plates of food along with – of course – a great selection of beers . The historic building adds to the charm, and card games and board games make this the perfect place to spend an evening with friends.

While this little cafe has a pretty ordinary menu, the location of Lero Lero is what makes it special. It carves out a corner of the convent attached to Iglesia San Agustin and offers a glimpse inside the convent normally closed to visitors through a glass archway. Come here for breakfast and coffee, their standout options, and enjoy this historic little spot before exploring Old Town Quito.

• Best Day Trips from Quito
• Ultimate Ecuador Backpacking & Budget Travel Guide

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

Quito Street Food Tour: Honest & Unbiased Review

by Julie | Feb 4, 2024 | Ecuador , Food , Travel

Are you looking to do a food tour during your trip to Quito?

Want to try some street food while in Ecuador?

But you’re not sure which tour and whether any of them are worth the money and time .

In this Ecuador travel guide, I’m going to help you make your decision by giving you my honest review of the Quito Street Food Essentials Tour . You’ll also find out what to eat in Ecuador and where to eat this food in Quito.

This tour took place in May 2023 during my 6 weeks living in Quito. I was not paid by the food tour company to write this post, nor did they know I was going to write about them.

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Please see this website’s  Disclosure  for more info.

In this Post, You’ll Find…

• Best Way to Book Your Food Tour
• Meeting Point for Food Tour
• Stop #1 Plaza Arenas
• Stop #2 Quesadillas de San Juan
• Stop #3 Mercado America
• Stop #4 Street Art
• Stop #5 Puente del Guambra
• Stop #6 Mercado Santa Clara
• Stop #7 Marina Cocina y Panaderia

Where to Stay in Quito

Final thoughts, how to book your quito food tour.

Book your Quito food tour through either Get Your Guide or Viator . Both companies take bookings from solo travelers .

When I did my tour, I tried booking through Get Your Guide but couldn’t because they had a 2-person minimum requirement. So, I booked my tour through the food tour company’s website and ran into some problems . I’ll tell you about the problem below, so both solo and non-solo travelers won’t run into the same problems I did.

How Much Does the Food Tour Cost?

As of January 2024 , the food tour costs US$90 per person. Even if you’re a solo traveler, you get that price. In the past, solo travelers had to pay US$109!

The price is similar to most food tours in Latin America . The tour I took in Guatemala was US$90 and the food tour in Oaxaca was also US$90.

What Problems I Had With My Tour

My tour in Quito was scheduled for a Tuesday at 10:00 am .

Great! I was all set to go. The night before I packed my day pack, laid out my clothes, and planned how to get to the meeting point.

I got an email from Bondabu. The food tour was canceled . The other people who’d signed up had canceled, and the company couldn’t do a tour for one person.

However, they could do it the following day.

Great! No problem. I’m flexible.

However, that tour ended up being canceled as well! Not enough people had signed up.

So, Bondabu canceled on me twice . I was getting a REALLY bad feeling about this. What if they canceled a third time? Would I get my money back? Could I trust them?

I had booked through Bondabu directly and not through Get Your Guide . If I had booked through Get Your Guide or Viator , I knew it would be easy to get my money back. But I just wasn’t sure it would be easy to get a refund through Bondabu.

I decided to try a third time for that coming Saturday.

Luckily, I didn’t get any email from them saying that it was canceled. So it was on!

Can Vegetarians Join the Food Tour?

According to Bondabu’s website, there are vegetarian options at every stop . However, tell them ahead of time that you’re a vegetarian or vegan.

My Advice for Booking Your Tour

Here’s my advice:

Book your food tour through Get Your Guide or Viator . You should be able to get a refund easily through them. My experience with doing tours in Quito through Get Your Guide is that if you have trouble with the tour, you can quickly and easily contact them and they’ll help you solve your problem.

The Quito food tour was not the only tour in Quito that got canceled. I had booked a free walking tour through Guru Walks, and the guide canceled on me twice! Luckily, I hadn’t paid anything for that tour when I booked.

My Favorite Food Tours in Quito

Quito Street Food Essentials Tour – ( RATING: 4.9/5) – A fabulous food tour with 7 stops around Quito; THIS is the tour I did—continue reading for my take on the tour. Check prices here!

After Dark Street Food and Art Tour – ( RATING: 4.8/5) – A street food tour taking in the culinary nighttime scene of the Floresta neighborhood in Quito. Check prices here!

Chocolate Tasting Tour – ( RATING: 5/5) – Dig deeply into the history and culture of cacao in this tour that takes you to an elite restaurant for a multi-course tasting. Check prices here!

City Highlights and Food Tour –( RATING: 5/5) – A tour that combines food and the highlights of the historic district of Quito. Check prices here!

Meeting Point for the Quito Food Tour

To be honest, I had mixed feelings about this Quito food tour.

On the one hand, people raved about it on Get Your Guide . On the other hand, the tour company canceled on me twice, and they’d taken quite a while to respond to my last email. Plus, the guide was not the person I had been communicating with before but instead one of their employees.

Was I getting a second-rate guide?

Would it be worth the US$90?

Let’s find out.

The meeting point was at 10:00 am at the Teatro Bolivar in the historic district. According to Bondabu’s website , you can request to change the starting point of the tour. You can also request a hotel pickup and drop-off .

My guide was Santiago . The only other person on the tour besides me was a woman from Canada.

Santiago turned out to be a fabulous guide ! He was passionate about Ecuadorian food , excited to share his culture and history with us, and just a personable, patient, and fun guy. Santiago shared so much about Ecuador: politics, history, architecture, art, travel, and of course, food! Within the first 30 minutes, I was thinking that this tour was going to turn out to be one of the best things I’d done in Quito . Let’s see if it remained so.

Quito Food Tour Itinerary

My Quito food tour stopped at 7 places , 6 of them to eat and 1 to see street art. On Get Your Guide and on Bondabu’s website , they currently say 4 stops. They also say the tour lasts 2 to 3 hours. Mine lasted over 4 hours . We started at 10:00 am and ended after 2 : 00.

According to Bondabu’s website , you can request to lengthen or shorten the tour and even add extra stops if it doesn’t mean taking a big detour from the route.

• Stop #1: Plaza Arenas – fritada
• Stop #2: Quesadillas de San Juan – quesadillas
• Stop #3: Mercado America – tortilla de yuca, tree tomato juice, & sour sop juice

Stop #4: Street Art

• Stop #5: Puente de Guambra – viche, pescado encocado, babao juice, and naranjilla juice
• Stop #6: Mercado Santa Clara – lots of exotic fruit
• Stop #7: Marina Cocina y Panaderia – coffee, chocolate, and butterfly and pea tea

Your tour stops might be different than mine. Ask Bondabu about the stops.

Stop #1: Plaza Arenas

Santiago first took us to the main square of Quito, Plaza Independencia, and a 400-year-old building on the plaza, Palacio Arzobispal . It’s now filled with lots of restaurants—a good place to go for tourists.

There’s a food cart in one of the side halls of Palacio Arzobispal that sells 3 famous Ecuadorian foods : empanada viento, empanada morocho, and pristinos for $1 each . Worth stopping and trying them all. Santiago wasn’t the one who introduced me to this cart; that was on another tour with Guru Walks (that tour also canceled on me twice!)

We didn’t stop here to eat and we didn’t stay long, so I’m not counting it as an official stop on the tour.

For our official first stop, we needed to walk up a very, very, very steep hill to the area around the Basilica. However, Santiago made the walk enjoyable by talking nonstop about the architecture, politics, and history of Ecuador. And his life. He was very open, warm, and easy-going.

Eventually, we arrived at our first stop— Plaza Arenas —a market that no foreign tourist would think of visiting. There are no souvenirs in this market. Instead, you’ll mostly find household goods and kitchen and DIY equipment like kitchen sinks, saws, and drills and such. There’s even a blacksmith shop. 

Next to the sinks and drills is a green building with food vendors . All seemed to be run by women. You can order food from any of the stalls and sit down at one of the tables in the center of the hall.

We weren’t at Plaza Arenas to look at drills. Instead, we were there to try a very traditional and uber-popular Ecuadorian dish : fritada . Santiago said that Bondabu researched the best fritada in the city and said that the best one was here at Plaza Arenas.

On the surface, Plaza Arenas didn’t look like it would have the best of anything. However, if you’ve traveled enough in Latin America and Southeast Asia, you’ll know that some of the ugliest holes-in-the-wall actually have the most delicious food . Their motto is “The food is more important than the atmosphere.”

After eating the fritada at Plaza Arenas, I have to say that Santiago might be right. I’d already had fritada a few times in Ecuador before that day, but the one I had on the tour was the best I’d eaten. The pork was tender and juicy and the flavor was so delicious and complex. It was almost like you could taste each of the spices added to the pork.

So what’s fritada?

Fritada is a dish consisting of chunks of bite-sized pork that has simmered in water, orange juice, cumin, garlic, onion, and shallots . It comes with an array of wonderful side dishes. At Plaza Arenas, our fritada included toasted corn, fried plantains, a salad of tomatoes and red onions, a small corn on the cob, and potatoes.

You can drizzle a “spicy” salsa called aji over the pork and potatoes and well just about anything that’s edible. Aji is a chili sauce, but 95% of the time it barely registers on the Scoville scale. A common ingredient in many ajis is a popular fruit in Ecuador called tomate de abrol (tree tomatoes).

Best Ecuador Books That’ll Give You Wanderlust

Check out my list of 25 popular books on Ecuador . Here are 3 of my favorite books:

• The Panama Hat Trail
• The Mapmaker’s Wife: A True Tale Of Love, Murder, And Survival In The Amazon
• The Spanish Daughter

Stop #2: Quesadillas de San Juan

After leaving Plaza Arenas, we walked north past the Basilica and up another steep street to the San Juan neighborhood . We stopped across the street from Centro de Arte Contemporeaneo de Quito—a cultural center with lots of art exhibits—for a view of the skyline of Quito. 

Our second stop of the day was nearby—a famous restaurant selling a popular Ecuadorian street food — Quesadillas de San Juan .

Before the pandemic, Quesadillas de San Juan was a restaurant with sit-down service. Today you can’t even enter. You can only order takeout from a window on the sidewalk.

Quesadillas de San Juan is famous for one thing: Quesadillas.

Now if you’re familiar with Mexican food, you probably have eaten Mexican quesadillas —folded tortillas stuffed with cheese and often chicken, pork, or beef.

Ecuadorian quesadillas are absolutely NOTHING like Mexican quesadillas .

Quesadillas in Ecuador are pastries made of wheat, sugar, and cheese . The bottom is crispy and flaky and the middle and top are moist . The first time you bite into a quesadilla, you can taste a hint of cheese . It’s not overly sweet. Instead, the cheese gives the quesadilla a nice umami flavor .

This is not the first time I’ve experienced this food naming issue in Latin America. I’ve found other foods in other countries in the region with the same name as foods in Mexico, but the actual dishes are nothing alike . Tostados in Guatemalan cuisine are different from the ones in Mexico and tortillas in Ecuadorian and Panamanian cuisines are different from the ones in Mexico as well.

Stop #3: Mercado América

We continued walking north through another neighborhood tourists don’t usually visit. This time we’re in América neighborhood . Many of the streets here are named after countries or cities in North and South America. There’s Panama Street, Nicaragua Street, Canada Street, and New York Street.  

This was a very cool neighborhood . It’s not posh or flashy. The buildings are old (maybe from the mid-1950s) but nothing like the stately 200-year-old buildings in the historic center. Very local and down-to-earth. Small shops and restaurants. Some art deco buildings. The neighborhood reminds me of Condesa and Roma Norte in Mexico City. 

Our third stop on this Quito food tour was Mercado América .

When you’re in Ecuador, you’ve got to visit at least one mercado (market). They’re great places to buy fresh and inexpensive fruits and vegetables. But the main reason you should visit one is that they are the best places to get traditional Ecuadorian food like hornado and llapingacho .

Here we tried tortillas de yuca . Another naming problem! Tortillas in Mexico and tortillas in Ecuador are two completely different dishes.

In Ecuador, they’re fried patties made of yuca (cassava) and cheese . You can also get tortillas de platanos (made of plantains and cheese) and a more popular Ecuadorian dish called llapingacho —which consists of potatoes and cheese.

When you order tortillas de yuca, you get 2 tortillas, a fried egg, and a salad of tomatoes and red onions .

Santiago also ordered 2 juice drinks for us:

• tomate de abrol juice (tree tomato)
• guanábana juice (sour sop)

There are so many wonderful dishes in Ecuador but for me, the best part of the cuisine is the fruit juices . On menus in Ecuador, the fruit juices are called jugos naturales . They’re made from real fruit and not some powdered package of artificial flavors. Depending on the restaurant, they usually cost between US$1.50 and $3.00 . The two we had at Mercado América are very popular. But you can get blackberry, strawberry, naranjilla, uvilla, passion fruit, granadilla, and many more flavors.

While we were enjoying our tortillas de yuca, I asked Santiago to give us a list of the top 10 must-try dishes in Ecuador . He came up with 15:

• sopa de bollas de verde – soup
• hornado – roasted pork
• locro de papa – potato soup
• seco de chivo – goat
• menestras – beans
• quinoa soup
• muchin de yuca – fried yuca
• sancocho – soup
• fritada – pork
• minestrone soup
• yaguarlocro – soup
• llapingacho – potato pancake
• caldo de gallina – chicken soup
• corvina – seabass

With 7 out of 15 dishes being soups, you can see that soup is really important in Ecuadorian cuisine .

After Mercado América, we headed to the government area of Quito. This is where you’ll find the national assembly building and many government ministries . There are also a few universities within walking distance. One of the main parks of Quito, Parque el Ejido , is also nearby.

Santiago took us down a narrow street whose sides were covered in street art made by the most famous street artists in Quito. Our destination was a building with a gate covered in pictures of fish. This was the entrance to Bondabu’s new offices.

 It was also the studio of many of Quito’s famous street artists . The building’s interior and courtyard are covered in works of art. 

Bondabu has a street art tour that you can take.

You Might Be Interested in…

• Top 40 Foods You’ve Gotta Try in Ecuador
• How to Get to Papallacta Hot Springs
• How to Extend Your Visa in Ecuador

Stop #5: Puente del Guambra

By our fifth stop, we had walked well over 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles). Some of the miles were on extremely steep streets.

I don’t think I’ve ever been on a food tour that did so much walking. It was a bit insane. If you’re young and fit, it’ll be no problem. However, if you have knee, hip, or foot problems like me, this tour is going to be a challenge. It’s too bad because it’s an amazing tour.

Perhaps Bondabu could use more public transportation or taxis . I was on a food tour in Singapore that covered even more distance than Quito’s, but we used public transportation to travel between stops.  Alternatively, they could find food stops that are not so far from each other. Still, I really appreciated being introduced to places that tourists normally never get to .

Stop #5 was at a place that I know your average tourist definitely wouldn’t visit. It was a food court located under a bridge that specialized in fish and seafood dishes from the coast of Ecuador. It was called Puente del Guambra .

When we got to Puente del Guambra, I was faced with another issue: I was pretty full. So was the other member of the tour. Food tours need to be well organized so that customers don’t feel full midway through them or customers don’t feel like they’d eaten way too much at the end of the tour.

I managed to eat the food at Puente del Guambra, but not as much as usual and I didn’t enjoy them as much as I would have liked to.

The area around Puente del Guambra is lively and crowded with pedestrians, cars, and people selling things on the street.  The food court was also busy—tables were full of people. If you go on your own, expect to share a table with strangers.

We had two dishes from the coastal province of Manabi :

The first dish was a small sample of Pescado Encocado . This is fish cooked in coconut sauce and served over rice. It reminded me of something you’d eat in Asia.

The second dish was viche —one of the most interesting bowls of soup I’d ever had. The soup’s broth is always made of peanuts and plantains and it usually comes with fish, shrimp, squid, and something surprising— a ball of plantains called bolon .

We also tried 2 fruit juices .

Naranjilla fruit juice – Made from naranjilla fruit. The fruit looks like oranges and tastes sour like oranges but in my opinion, it’s better than orange juice. I often had naranjilla juice on my Anahi cruise in the Galapagos .

Babaco fruit juice is made from a fruit I’ve never heard or seen before— babaco . This was my favorite of the two I drank. The juice was yellow , and it tasted like a mix of strawberry and pineapple .

Stop #6: Mercado Santa Clara

Six blocks later we were at stop #6 of the food tour: Mercado Santa Clara .

The market in the Santa Clara neighborhood was perhaps my favorite stop of this food tour , which is really saying something since I was full and since everything on this tour so far had been spectacular.

Santiago took us to a fruit vendor on the first floor of the market— vendor # 116 . I went back several times during my 6 weeks in Quito. The owner of the fruit stand is super nice and won’t charge you more because you’re a foreigner.

We didn’t visit the food court on the top floor that day, but on my future visits to the market, I found that it’s got a really good selection of Ecuadorian traditional dishes . Try the hornado (roast pork) here!

The reason I loved this stop so much is that we got to try so many different kinds of fruit that I’d never eaten or seen before in my life. Also, fruit is light and refreshing, so it’s good to eat if you’re a bit full.

The first fruit we had was uvilla —a small round fruit that’s also known as goldenberry. It tastes very sour but also a little bit sweet.

Granadilla looks like passion fruit except its orange. Inside it’s got seeds like those in passion fruit. However, it tastes better than passion fruit–sweeter and not as sour.

I’m currently living in Manabi province on the coast, and I see granadillas everywhere.

The highlight of the day was the third fruit— chirimoya . In English, it’s called custard apple . And indeed the texture is custardy. It’s also got a nice flavor—not sour at all, but just slightly sweet.

Chirimoya is so rich tasting that I often have a hard time finishing a whole one myself. It’s best to be shared with others .

Depending on the season and location, you can buy one chirimoya for between US$1 and $2 .

The last fruit we tried was pepino —green and smooth on the outside. Don’t eat the skin. The inside tastes like musk melon. It’s not sour or sweet. A bit like the blandest musk melon you’ll ever eat. Not my favorite of all the fruit I tried that day.

Every food tour should include a stop at a fruit stand to try the different fruits of a country.

You might be interested in these posts…

• Top 25 Places to Stay in Quito
• Top 20 Tours to Do in Quito
• Top 15 Places to Visit in Ecuador

Stop #7: Marina Cocina y Panaderia

The Quito food tour ended with a stop at Marina Cocina y Panaderia for coffee, chocolate, and tea. Luckily, we got there by taxi because it was a kilometer from Mercado Santa Ana.

When you’re in Quito, try to get to Marina Cocina y Panaderia for brunch. The food here is absolutely fabulous. They serve brunch and lunch items like chicken and waffles, French toast, bagels, sandwiches, muffins, donuts, and even kambucha. The menu is international with flavors from Korea, Turkey, Mexico, and the U.S. They even make their own bread. Their specialty is sourdough .

First, we sampled Ecuadorian chocolate : dark and milk chocolate. Delicious. Ecuador is a major exporter of chocolate, so when you’re in the country you’ve got to try some. Better yet, add a chocolate tour to your Ecuador itinerary.

We also ordered coffee and tea . The latter was maybe the best thing we had all day.

Ecuador grows coffee but up to that day, I hadn’t had a good cup of coffee. The one at Marina Cocina y Panaderia was the best I’d had up to that point .

The highlight of our visit to Marina Cocina y Panaderia was a cold tea called butterfly pea tea . It contained lemongrass, apple, carrot, flor azul, flor de azahar, and calendula and served with ginger beer . Besides having an out-of-this-world flavor, the cold tea was a beautiful purple. The flavors were like nothing I’d ever tried before in my life. It was probably the best thing I’d ever drunk in my life .

Why are some restaurants in Quito locked?

The other interesting thing is that the restaurant was open and full of customers, but the front door was locked when we arrived. We had to press a buzzer for someone to come and unlock the door. That’s not completely uncommon in Quito and other countries I’ve been to in Latin America.

Crime is on the rise in Ecuador due to the Mexican and Colombian cartels taking over the drug trade. The government is trying to fight back. Most of the crime takes place on the coast near the Colombian border but has gone all the way down the coast to Manta. When I was living on the coast, the popular mayor of Manta was murdered because he tried to stop the cartels from operating in his city. The area was under a curfew with no one allowed out on the streets between 10:00 pm and 5:00 pm.

Quito has its share of pickpockets and armed robbers.

I heard three stories during my stay in Quito of restaurant robberies . Armed robbers enter the restaurant during its busiest time and rob customers at gunpoint. They usually target popular restaurants that are guaranteed to have more economically middle to upper-class customers. That’s why you’ll find some of them locked during business hours.  

If you happen to be also looking for ideas on where to stay in Quito , here are my recommendations for every budget.

These suggestions are based on my time in the city and my friends’ visits to Quito. I spent 3 days in Quito before my trip to the Galapagos and 6 weeks after. During this time I stayed in 4 different hotels or hostels.

I recommend staying in either the historic center or in La Mariscal neighborhood . The historic center is convenient —close to all the main attractions—and you’re surrounded by lots of beautiful historic buildings. La Mariscal has got loads of restaurants and feels safer than the historic center.

You can also check out my complete list of where to stay in Quito .

Here is my Quick guide:

$ – Under US$40 | $$ – US$40 – $100 | $$$ – US$100 – $300 | $$$$ – Over US$300

Traveler’s House ($) – Great location in the historic center; in a 300-year-old house ; huge rooms; I stayed here before my Galapagos trip . Very helpful and friendly owner. RATING: 9.2/10 (230+ Reviews) | BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Viajero Quito Hostel ($) – Great location in the historic center; I stayed here on my last night in Quito and loved it! Their private rooms are very comfortable! RATING: 8.9/10 (1,100+ Reviews) | BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Friends Hotel and Rooftop ($$) – Perfect location in historic center; breakfast included, rooftop restaurant with incredible views . RATING: 9.3/10 (1,300+ Reviews | BOOK YOUR STAY : Booking.com

Hotel Casa Gangotena ($$$$) – This beautiful and historic hotel is perfectly located right on Plaza San Francisco!   RATING: 9.1/10 (65+ Reviews) | BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Illa Experience Hotel ($$$$) – The most stylish hotel in Quito has great views of the city and is located within walking distance of Plaza Independencia. RATING: 9.1/10 (42+ Reviews) | BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Check out this list of the top 25 places to stay in Quito – you’ll find a list of hotels with rooftop terraces, giving you stunning views of the city!

So, the ultimate question is this: Was this food tour worth it?

With all its cancellations, the food tour got off to a rocky start. However, in the end, it was more than worth i t. In fact, I’d say it was one of the top 3 things I did in Quito . It was definitely one of the best Quito tours I did.

If you’re in Ecuador and you’re wondering what to do in Quito, without a doubt add this food tour to your Quito itinerary. You get to visit places that are off the usual tourist trail and you get to really explore the culture and food of Ecuador more deeply.

If you can swing the $90, I highly recommend the tour. But book through Get Your Guide .

for more ideas on things to do in Quito, check out this article on the best tours in Quito .

Top Tours in Quito for Foodies

Best resources for your trip to ecuador, book your flight:.

Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights to Ecuador. They will turn up results for all airlines including major ones and local airlines. You’re guaranteed to find EVERYTHING that’s available and thus get the cheapest price.

Book Your Accommodations:

The best hotel booking sites are Booking.com and Agoda . They have the most choices and they consistently churn out hotels and hostels with the lowest prices. Another site for backpackers and budget travelers is Hostel World.

Book Your Tours:

Viator has the most tour choices of any site in Ecuador. They’re reliable and trustworthy. I also like using Get Your Guide for Ecuador for their excellent service. Both booking sites are reliable and trustworthy, and if you have trouble with your tour, they’ll quickly help you.

Get an eSIM

The most convenient way to stay connected to the internet is with an eSIM. I like to use Airalo for their excellent prices.

Want More Ecuador Travel Info?

Check out my Ecuador Travel Guide for more ideas, inspiration, and tips on traveling in Ecuador.

Are you on Pinterest?

Hey! How about saving one of these pins to Pinterest to read for later?

And feel free to follow me on Pinterest, where you’ll find lots of travel articles for everywhere around the world.

More Posts on Ecuador:

• The Ultimate Food Tour in Quito
• Galapagos Packing List
• Best Camera & Camera Gear for the Galapagos
• Anahi Galapagos Cruise Review: Western Islands Tour B1
• Anahi Galapagos Cruise Review: Eastern Islands Tour A2
• 25 Books to Read on Ecuador
• 15 BEST Places to Visit in Ecuador
• 25 BEST Places to Stay in Quito
• 20 BEST Quito Tours
• 15 BEST Day Trips from Quito
• Quito Itinerary for Culture, Food & History Lovers

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Mexico wants UN to suspend Ecuador over its police raid on the Mexican embassy in Quito

Mexico has released security camera video of the moments when Ecuadorian authorities forced their way into Mexico’s embassy, pushed a Mexican diplomat to the ground and carried out Ecuador’s former vice president who had been holed up there. The action Friday night greatly escalated tensions between the two countries.

People protest outside the Ecuadorian Embassy in Mexico City, Saturday, April 6, 2024. Mexico’s government has severed diplomatic ties with Ecuador after police broke into the Mexican Embassy to arrest a former Ecuadorian vice president. (AP Photo/Ginnette Riquelme)

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Police attempt to break into the Mexican embassy in Quito, Ecuador, Friday, April 5, 2024, following Mexico’s granting of asylum to former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had sought refuge there. Police later forcibly broke into the embassy through another entrance. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)

FILE - Ecuador’s Vice President Jorge Glas speaks during an interview at his office in Quito, Ecuador, Sept. 12, 2017. Ecuadorian police broke through the external doors of the Mexican Embassy in Quito, Friday, April 6, 2024, to arrest Glas, who had been residing there since December. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa, File)

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s president said Thursday his country wants the United Nations to suspend Ecuador from the world body as part of a complaint to the top U.N. court over Ecuador’s police raid last week on the Mexican embass y in Quito.

Tensions between Mexico and Ecuador have soared since late last week when Ecuadorian authorities forced their way into the diplomatic mission to arrest Ecuador’s former Vice President Jorge Glas who had been holed up there seeking asylum in Mexico.

Mexico filed its complaint Thursday at the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands asking the U.N. to suspend Ecuador, although a U.N. spokesman in New York said it would be up to other member states to decide on suspending a country.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, at a news conference in Mexico City, railed against Ecuador and said that the court, “in accordance with the United Nations charter, should approve the expulsion, and there should be no veto” from the U.N. Security Council.

López Obrador said Mexico is demanding a public apology from Ecuador for the raid, reparation of damages and a promise not to do it again. Ecuadoran Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld said her country would defend its actions and said an apology “is not something that is under discussion at this moment.”

The two countries have been tussling over Glas, a convicted criminal and fugitive, since he took refuge at Mexico’s embassy in December.

Ecuador has argued that Glas has been targeted for crimes, not for political reasons, and that Mexico should not have been considering asylum for him. On April 5, Ecuadorian police scaled the embassy walls and broke into the building.

Roberto Canseco, Mexico’s head of consular affairs and the highest ranking diplomat present since Ecuador expelled the ambassador earlier in the week, tried to keep them from entering, even pushing a large cabinet in front of a door. But police restrained him and pushed him to the floor as they carried Glas out.

A copy of Mexico’s formal complaint filed with the ICJ said, “Mr. Canseco was violently assaulted at the Embassy library,” adding, “This resulted in injuries to his arms, legs, face, back, and neck, as well as psychological harm.”

The complaint claims that “a member of the United Nations which has persistently violated the Principles contained therein may be expelled from the Organization.”

It asked the court “to suspend Ecuador as member of the United Nations” until it issues “a public apology recognizing its violations to the fundamental principles and norms of international law” and agrees to reparations.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Thursday that “on the issue of membership suspended, it’s outlined in the (U.N.) Charter, it’s an issue for the member states to decide.”

Mexico, as well as foreign experts, say the raid on the embassy appeared to be a blatant violation of international accords. Mexico broke off diplomatic relations with Ecuador in response. Leaders across Latin America condemned Ecuador’s actions as a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

On Tuesday, Ecuador’s Deputy Minister of Human Mobility Alejandro Dávalos told representatives of the Organization of American States gathered in Washington, D.C. that Glas did not meet the requisites to merit receiving asylum from Mexico and could not be considered politically persecuted.

But OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro noted that “the use of force, the illegal incursion into a diplomatic mission, nor the detention of an asylee are the peaceful way toward resolution of this situation.” He said Ecuador’s actions could not be allowed to set a precedent.

Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

Friday, April 12, 2024 4:47 pm (Paris)

• International

Mexico to take Ecuador embassy raid to the International Court of Justice

On Friday, Ecuadorian police raided Mexico's embassy in Quito to arrest Jorge Glas, the former vice president of Ecuador sought for corruption charges, who had sought refuge inside. The raid drew criticism from a wide range of governments.

Le Monde with AFP

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Mexico said it will file a complaint against Ecuador at the International Court of Justice on Monday, April 8, following the raid on its embassy in Quito , which prompted searing international condemnation. Mexican diplomatic personnel left Ecuador on Sunday as the two countries severed diplomatic ties after Quito's security forces stormed the embassy late Friday to arrest a former vice president sheltering inside.

"Starting tomorrow we are going to the ICJ where we are presenting this sad case," Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena said at an event to welcome the diplomats home. "We believe that we can win this case quickly," she added. Spain and the European Union joined the United Nations chief and Latin American countries in criticizing Quito for the raid, which it carried out to capture former Ecuadoran vice president Jorge Glas.

Glas sought refuge there last December after an arrest warrant was issued against him for alleged corruption. On Friday, Mexico granted Glas political asylum, in a move that Ecuadoran President Daniel Noboa's government branded an "illicit act." That came a day after Ecuador ordered the Mexican ambassador out of the country in response to comments from Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador that irked Quito.

Late Friday, Ecuadoran special forces equipped with a battering ram surrounded the embassy, and at least one agent scaled the walls, in an almost unheard-of raid on diplomatic premises, which are considered inviolable sovereign territory.

'Flagrant violation'

Diplomatic personnel and their families left Ecuador on Sunday and returned to Mexico on a commercial airline after a military plane was ruled out due to the soaring tensions. The officials and their families were accompanied to Quito airport by the ambassadors of Germany, Panama, Cuba and Honduras, as well as the president of the Ecuador-Mexico Chamber, according to the Mexican Foreign Ministry.

Lopez Obrador has called the raid a flagrant violation of his country's sovereignty. Mexico has also denounced physical violence against the head of mission, Roberto Canseco, who was pushed to the ground by officers while trying to prevent the invasion. "How is it possible, it can't be. This is crazy!" a shaken Canseco told local television after the raid.

Condemnation has poured in from regional governments across the political spectrum, including Nicaragua, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Peru and Venezuela. Bolivian President Luis Arce said his government had recalled its ambassador to Ecuador in a show of support for Mexico and summoned the Ecuadoran envoy in his country for an explanation.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was "alarmed" by the raid, while Spain, Germany and the European Union issued statements condemning it as a violation of the Vienna Convention. The 1961 convention, a treaty governing international relations, states that a country cannot intrude upon an embassy on its territory. "Protecting the integrity of diplomatic missions and their personnel is essential to preserve stability and international order, promoting cooperation and trust between nations," the EU statement said.

Tensions had flared on Wednesday after Lopez Obrador drew a comparison between 2023 election violence in Ecuador, in which candidate Fernando Villavicencio was murdered, and crime in Mexico ahead of the June 2 legislative and presidential elections. The Ecuadoran government criticized his comments as offensive and said the country was still in "mourning" for Villavicencio, a fierce opponent of corruption.

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