3 Days in Quito, Ecuador: The Perfect Itinerary and Travel Guide

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Planning on spending 3 days in Quito, Ecuador? Keep reading for my comprehensive travel guide to Quito, including an itinerary and useful travel tips.


Quito, Ecuador is an incredibly fascinating city. The Ecuadorian capital is a South American gem – as one of the first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, this is a city that’s worth visiting for much longer than just a quick stop en route to the Galapagos. From the beautiful colonial architecture to the incredible viewpoints throughout the city, there are a ton of things to do in Quito to keep you busy.

During my first visit to Quito, I spent several days taking in the sights and absorbing the Ecuadorian culture. If you only have a short time to spend exploring Quito, or if you’re just stopping over before heading to the Galapagos Islands, 3 days in Quito is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the city and begin your Ecuador adventure. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the city’s top sights, try some delicious local food, and take in the views from some of the most incredible lookouts.

Me standing on the orange Quito Sign in Quito Ecuador

Ready to spend 3 days in Quito, Ecuador? Keep reading for a sample itinerary and helpful travel tips on where to stay in Quito, where to eat, how to stay safe, and more!

A World in Reach contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here.

Top Travel Tips for Quito, Ecuador

Quito, Ecuador Basics

  • Location: South America
  • Ecuadorian Currency: US Dollar
  • Language: Spanish
  • Visa Information: If you’re a US Citizen visiting Ecuador for less than 90 days, you do not need a visa. You do need to have at least six months of validity remaining on your passport. If you’re from a country other than the US, click here to see if you’ll need a visa.
  • Tipping: In most restaurants, rounding up your bill is an acceptable tip for the servers. In many fancier restaurants, a service charge (usually 10%) may be added to your bill – in this case, there’s no need to tip. In taxis, it is also acceptable to round up the fare. If the driver assists with your bags, consider giving an extra $1 or so for their help.

When is the best time to visit Quito?

There is truly no bad time to visit Quito. With the city’s high altitude and location near the equator, temperatures remain relatively consistent year-round. June through September are the driest and warmest months. It’s also the high season, so you can expect to see more tourists and slightly higher prices during this time.

From January to May, temperatures tend to be a bit cooler and the city sees more rain (and fewer tourists). October and November generally see lower temperatures, fewer tourists, and cheaper prices, while in December, there tends to be a boost of tourists over the holidays.

I visited Quito between May and June and had excellent weather during my visit. The temperatures were warm but not too hot, and we had little rain other than the occasional sprinkle. Even if you plan to visit during the warm months, bring a jacket with you. The mornings and evenings can get a bit chilly, and if you ride the TeleferiQo, the temperature will be several degrees cooler at the top.

If you enjoy planning your travels around local holidays and festivals, consider checking one of these out:

  • Quito Carnival – early February before Ash Wednesday
  • Semana Santa (Holy Week) – the week before Easter Sunday (late March or early April)
  • Ecuadorian Day of the Dead – November 2
  • New Year’s Eve – December 31. Not a local festival, but Quiteños know how to celebrate!
A statue of the Virgin Mary atop a hill in Quito, Ecuador

Quito Safety Tips – 3 Days in Quito

When I told my friends and family that I would be traveling to Quito, they were all concerned about my safety. My aunt even told me I should dye my hair dark and go tanning since I wouldn’t fit in as a pale-skinned blonde (spoiler alert: that was not necessary). Despite their worries, I found Quito to be a very safe city. Like anywhere else in the world though, you should always take basic precautions and use your common sense. Here are some of my top tips for staying safe during your 3 days in Quito:

Don’t walk around with your valuables in sight.

Petty theft and pickpocketing are common in Quito. I even nearly got my phone snatched out of my hand! Keep your valuables, like your phone or camera, secure in a purse or backpack when they’re not in use.

Don’t put your wallet or your phone in your back pocket. Carry only the spending that you’ll need for the day, as well as one debit and credit card, while you’re out exploring the city. Leave the rest of your cash as well as a back-up debit card (use a separate bank account from your primary debit card) and credit cards secured safely back at your hotel. I like to keep my extra money hidden in a pocket inside my suitcase.

If you’re concerned about pickpockets or bag slashers, consider getting a pickpocket-proof bag. I bought this Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack for my trip to Quito and love it. It’s traveled the world with me since!

Getting Around Quito: Use only registered taxis, or call an Uber.

Taxis and Ubers are very cheap in Quito; while the buses are cheaper, taxis or Ubers will nearly always be more convenient. To ensure that you get a registered taxi, call one from the Easy Taxi app or Uber.

During my visit to Quito, I had no issues hailing taxis from the street. Each ride generally costs between $2 and $5. If you go this route, make sure to check and see that the taxi has a green sticker on the side – this will let you know that it is an official, registered taxi. When you get in the taxi, make sure to tell the driver to turn on the meter, or else you will get overcharged. If the driver refuses to use the meter, find another taxi. If you’re going on a longer trip, like to/from the airport, agree on a price before getting in the taxi. For example, $25-$30 is a reasonable fare for a trip from the airport to the center of Quito.

Don’t underestimate the altitude.

Quito’s altitude is 9350 feet above sea level. Chances are, that’s a pretty big difference from what you’re used to back home. When you first arrive in Quito, you might notice a slight headache and that you get out of breath sooner than you do at home. You should acclimate after your first day or so, but if you notice your symptoms getting worse, seek medical attention. Altitude sickness can be serious!

Enjoy a drink or two, but don’t drink too much.

This is especially true if you’re traveling solo. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a night out and a few alcoholic beverages, but make sure not to get too intoxicated. Ensure that you are able to navigate back to your accommodation.

When drinking, never let your drink out of your sight. Walk with your hand covering the opening and never accept a drink from strangers. It could be laced with something, and you could end up being drugged and robbed or sexually assaulted.

If you’re traveling with friends, make sure to take care of one another. If you notice that one of your friends seems like he or she has had too much, make sure that they make it back to your accommodation safe and sound.

Stay safe if you plan on meeting up with someone.

If you plan on using an app like Tinder during your 3 days in Quito, make sure to take necessary precautions so that you stay safe. Have a conversation with them and do a little bit of internet stalking before you decide to meet up, and if you do meet up, do so in a public place. Always let a travel buddy or a friend back home know what’s going on – send them a photo of a person as well as their name and a link to their social media. I also recommend sharing your location on your phone with someone you trust in case something goes wrong.

Spending 3 days in Quito? Don’t forget travel insurance!

When I book a trip, my first step is booking a flight. My second step? I buy travel insurance.

If cases of stolen belongings, altitude sickness, or ankle sprain during your 3 days in Quito, travel insurance will help you get reimbursed for unexpected expenses. During all of my travels, including my trip to Quito, I use World Nomads Travel Insurance. I’ve never had to make a claim but had my phone gotten snatched out of my hand, I would have been so glad that I had the option to do so!

Click here to learn more about World Nomads or get a quote for your next trip.

What to Pack for 3 Days in Quito: The Essentials

  • Umbrella – Quito can be rainy at anytime, even during the dry season. Pack an umbrella for those unexpected (or expected) showers!
  • Waterproof Jacket – Quito can get a bit chilly, especially if you’re going to be at the top of one of the nearby mountains. Bring a waterproof jacket to help you stay warm. It’ll help keep you dry during the rain too!
  • Sunscreen – Quito is located at the equator, so the sun is strong! I got a pretty bad sunburn on one of the coolest, cloudiest days of my trip. Make sure to pack some sunscreen and apply it every day!
  • Camera – You’ll want a camera to capture the beauty of Quito. Make sure to have one on hand – it’s up to you whether you use your phone or a dedicated camera! I’m a big fan of my Sony a6000.
  • Pickpocket-Proof Bag – As I said earlier, pickpockets are common around Quito. I chose to protect my belongings with a pickpocket-proof bag. The zippers lock together and the material is slash-proof. It’s not fool-proof, but it will help deter opportunistic thieves. My anti-theft bag is made by Travelon; they have several options for women and men.
  • US Dollar Bills – Ecuador’s currency is the US Dollar. Before you leave the US, go to your bank and get some $1 and $5 bills. In many markets, shops, and cafes, the shopkeepers may be unable to accept larger denomination bills. These small bills are also handy for covering taxi fares.

3 Days in Quito Itinerary

3 Days in Quito // Day 1

Morning: Take a Free Walking Tour of Quito

Start off the first morning of your 3 days in Quito with a free walking tour. There are a few different tours in Quito, but I recommend Free Walking Tour Ecuador, which is operated by the kind folks at the Community Hostel. On this tour, a local guide will take you around Quito’s beautiful and historic colonial center and tell you all about the history of the city and its sights. You’ll see the plazas, churches, and more that make Quito unique.

A square in Old Town Quito, the city's historic district

Free Walking Tour Ecuador’s morning tour of Quito runs every day and meets at 10:20 AM. The afternoon tour meets at 2:20 PM and runs Monday-Saturday. All tours depart from Community Hostel. Walk-in availability may be available, but I recommend booking your tour in advance to secure your spot.

Make sure to bring along some cash to tip your guide! While the tours are free, the guides do work off tips. I usually budget at least $10 USD as a tip when I take free walking tours.

Afternoon: Take a trip to the Middle of the World

After the walking tour, grab lunch somewhere nearby (I recommend checking out Mercado Central for a delicious, cheap local meal) before heading back to Community Hostel for their Middle of the World Tour.

Me standing on the Equator at Museo Intinan outside of Quito, Ecuador

You can’t visit Quito without paying a visit to Ecuador’s namesake: the equator! First, you’ll be taken to the Intiñan Museum, home to the the most geographically accurate equator line. Here, you’ll spend some time learning about Ecuadorian history and performing some fun experiments to witness the magnetic forces of the equator. Up next, you’ll visit the more widely known Middle of the World Monument before being taken back to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, the driver may give you the option of being dropped off at the TeleferiQo or back at the meeting point. Skip the TeleferiQo for now as you’ll be going there tomorrow!

The Middle of the World Tours run from Monday to Saturday. The tour is $10, which does not include admission to the Intiñan Museum nor the Middle of the World Monument. Admission to the Intiñan Museum is $4 for adults, while the Middle of the World Monument costs $5. Like the free walking tour, it is recommended to book your spot for the Middle of the World Tour in advance.

Evening: Spend an evening exploring Quito’s Old Town

Quito’s breathtaking Old Town is the centerpiece of the city, and it should be visited both during the daytime and the evening. While you got an introduction to Old Town during the day while on the free walking tour, you’ll spend day 3 of your 3 days in Quito exploring it more in-depth.

During the evening, Quito’s Old Town transforms while retaining its charm. Visit La Ronda, the main street of Old Town, to be wowed by street performers. The area is full of delicious restaurants and there’s a nightlife spot for everyone. If you’re a fan of beer, check out Bandido Brewing, a pub and microbrewery where you can get dinner and a drink (or two).

3 Days in Quito // Day 2

Morning: Take the TeleferiQo to see Quito from above

Begin day 2 of your 3 days in Quito with beautiful views of the city.

One of my favorite things that I did on my trip to Quito was taking the TeleferiQo up to the Cruz Loma lookout. The TeleferiQo, a combination of the words “teleférico” and “Quito,” is Quito’s version of a sky tram and one of the highest aerial lifts in the world. At the top, you’ll have breathtaking views of sprawling Quito below from atop Cruz Loma lookout.

The view from the TeleferiQo in Quito

When you get to the top, spend some time walking around and taking in the gorgeous views. For the adventurous, there are some hiking trails to the summit of Rucu Pichincha. You can hire a guide or go on the trails yourself. If you choose to do the hike, make sure you are well-acclimated to Quito’s altitude!

Tickets for the TeleferiQo are $7.50 for adults. I was recommended to take a taxi to the TeleferiQo entrance as the neighborhood surrounding it is not the safest. Also, make sure to bring a jacket as the temperature is several degrees chillier at the top! The TeleferiQo opens at 9:00 AM; go as early as possible for the clearest views.

Afternoon: Shop for souvenirs at the Mercado Artesenal La Mariscal

When I travel, I love dedicating some time to shopping for souvenirs. My favorite places for souvenir shopping are local markets, and Quito’s Mercado Artesenal La Mariscal is one of the best I’ve visited.

Fruit stands at the Mercado Central de Quito

You’ll find everything here: blankets made from alpaca wool, t-shirts, chocolate bars, and more. They even had thimbles, which are my souvenir of choice!

Haggling is necessary when shopping at the market. Typically, you can negotiate the price to about one-third of their original asking price. Make sure you have small bills, as many of the shopkeepers may not be able to make change.

Evening: Have dinner and a drink in Plaza Foch

After your visit to the Middle of the World, take a taxi to Plaza Foch, the main square of Mariscal Sucre, Quito’s New Town. Here, you’ll find tons of cool restaurants, bars, and clubs. Find a nice place to have dinner and a drink to unwind after a long day of exploring. If you still have some energy, visit one of the clubs in the area to dance the night away.

Foch Yeah! sign in Plaza Foch, Quito Ecuador

This area is known to have scammers and pickpockets around who prey on tourists, so make sure to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

3 Days in Quito // Day 3

Spend the last of your 3 days in Quito exploring some of the city’s top sights.

As touristy as they may be, I highly recommend spending day 3 of your Quito adventure exploring the rest of the city via the Quito Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Bus.

For just $15, you can get a ticket on the Quito Tour Bus, which will double as your tour guide and mode of transportation for the day. The bus route runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, so start early to make the most out of your ticket.

Make your way to the tour’s main stop at Boulevard Naciones Unidas. You can book your tickets here on the day of your tour or do so online in advance. From here, you can take the bus around Quito, listening to the audio tour and hopping off at any sites that pique your interest. Here are some of my favorite stops on the tour:

Jardín Botanico de Quito

If you enjoy seeing local fauna and flora, make a stop at Quito’s Botanical Garden. The garden has an extensive collection of Ecuadorian and South American plants. Make sure to check out the orchid garden! Tickets to the botanical garden are $3.50 for adults.

A pond at the Quito Botanical Garden

Basílica del Voto Nacional

Located in Quito’s Old Town, the Basílica del Voto Nacional is the largest and most famous church in Quito. Pay the $2 entrance fee to climb to the top of the tower for breathtaking views over Old Town.

Basilica del Voto Nacional one of the best things to see in Quito

I recommend getting off at this stop and spending some time exploring elsewhere in Old Town during the day. Visit Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús (Church of the Company of Jesus in English), which is known as Quito’s “gold church” – you’ll see why when you go inside! Other must-see sites in Old Town include Plaza Grande, Quito’s Municipal Building, and the Palacio de Carondelet (the Presidential Palace).

Mirador el Panecillo

At the top of El Panecillo Hill, there is a statue of the Virgin Mary that is visible from nearly all of Quito. The views of Quito from atop the hill are also great. The tour bus stop here is 30 minutes, so you’ll be able to get off and explore a bit while the bus waits on you.

Virgen del Panecillo Quito Ecuador

3 Days in Quito – Where to Stay in Quito

During my visit to Quito, I stayed at Otavalo Huasi II, a family-run hostel with comfortable beds and a delicious breakfast served each morning. A bed here costs about $25 a night and includes breakfast.

Here are some of my other picks of great, affordable accommodations in Quito:

3 Days in Quito – Where to Eat in Quito

There are tons of affordable, delicious restaurants in Quito. Here are some of my favorite places to eat in Quito:

  • Mercado Central – This local market is full of stalls selling fresh produce, juices, and multi-course Ecuadorian meals. A meal here can be as cheap as $5, so this is a great place to try a variety of Ecuadorian staples. I recommend getting seafood from Las Corvinas de Don Jimmy! (map)
  • Cafe Plaza Grande – Located in the historic Hotel Plaza Grande, Cafe Plaza Grande is a delicious restaurant right in Old Town’s main square. A meal here will cost around $15-20 so it’s a little more expensive than other places in Quito. Make sure to order the homemade ice cream for a unique surprise! (map)
  • Bandido Brewing – This microbrewery/pub combo serves up delicious pizza and cold beer. It’s perfect for when you need a break from Ecuadorian food! (map)
  • La Pradera Food Truck Garden – If you and your travel buddies can’t agree on what to have for dinner, hit up the La Pradera Food Garden. Here, you’ll find all sorts of food trucks that will satisfy everyone’s appetite. (map)

Spending more than 3 days in Quito?

If you have more than just 3 days to spend exploring Quito, check out my guide to some of the best things to do in Quito, Ecuador. Here are some other great things to do in and around Quito:

  • Experience Ecuadorian culture and cuisine by taking a Quito Food and Beer Tour
  • Take a day trip to Cotopaxi National Park, where you’ll encounter spectacular views of the Cotopaxi Volcano
  • Spend a day in Otavalo, Ecuador’s most famous market town. Saturdays and Wednesdays are the best days to visit.
  • Get in touch with nature or have an adrenaline rush by taking a day trip to Mindo Cloud Forest, located just 2 hours from Quito.

This itinerary for 3 days in Quito, Ecuador is a perfect introduction to this charming South American city. Have you been to Quito, or are you planning a trip there? Let me know in the comments!

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