With 7 days in Quito, you'll have time to experience the city's highlights. Beyond the postcard-perfect plazas, Quito pulses with a modern energy. The vibrant neighborhood of La Floresta buzzes with art galleries and hip cafes, while the historic Calle La Ronda comes alive at night with traditional music and canelazo.
Why Visit Quito
Straddle Two Hemispheres: Visit the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo complex to stand on the equatorial line. See water drain in different directions, balance an egg on a nail, and visit the excellent Intiñan Solar Museum for interactive experiments you can't do anywhere else on Earth.
Ride to Rooftop of the City: Take the TelefériQo cable car up the side of Volcán Pichincha to Cruz Loma at 4,100 meters. The views over the entire city and surrounding volcanoes are staggering, and you can hike further along ridges for even more dramatic perspectives.
Indulge in a Unique Food Scene: Quito's high-altitude cuisine is a delight. Savor fresh ceviche in a mercado, warm up with locro de papa (potato soup), try crispy fried cuy (guinea pig) for the adventurous, and don't miss the sweet, anise-flavored canelazo drink on Calle La Ronda.
Find cheap transport to Quito
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Quito
Enter your departure city to see prices
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
Start your Quito adventure by getting your bearings and exploring the city's most iconic landmarks. Take time to soak in the atmosphere and discover why this destination captures the hearts of millions.
Plaza de la Independencia
Experience Plaza de la Independencia, one of Quito's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Ecuador's culture and heritage.
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 2: Local Life & Neighborhoods
Experience Quito like a local today. Wander through authentic neighborhoods, discover hidden cafes, and get a taste of everyday life in Ecuador.
Basílica del Voto Nacional
Experience Basílica del Voto Nacional, one of Quito's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Ecuador's culture and heritage.
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 3: Art, History & Discovery
Uncover layers of history that shaped Quito. From ancient remains to modern marvels, today reveals the stories behind the city's evolution.
La Compañía Church
Experience La Compañía Church, one of Quito's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Ecuador's culture and heritage.
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 4: Off the Beaten Path
Venture beyond the tourist trail to discover Quito's lesser-known treasures. These local favorites offer authentic experiences away from the crowds.
TelefériQo Cable Car
Experience TelefériQo Cable Car, one of Quito's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Ecuador's culture and heritage.
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 5: Markets, Food & Exploration
Indulge your senses with Quito's culinary scene. From bustling markets to beloved local spots, today is a feast for both eyes and taste buds.
Mitad del Mundo
Experience Mitad del Mundo, one of Quito's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Ecuador's culture and heritage.
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 6: Culture & Hidden Gems
Dive deeper into Quito's rich cultural heritage. Today is about understanding what makes this city tick, from its artistic legacy to its local traditions.
Calle La Ronda
Experience Calle La Ronda, one of Quito's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Ecuador's culture and heritage.
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 7: Final Treasures
Make every moment count on your final full day. There's still so much to discover in Quito, and today brings fresh adventures.
Ready to explore Quito?
Travel Tips
- 1Book accommodation in the city center for easy access to attractions. Quito is best explored by combining walking with public transport.
- 2The best time to visit Quito is June to September. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
- 3The local currency is US Dollar (USD). Carry some cash for small vendors and markets.
- 4A few words in Spanish go a long way with locals. Even "please" and "thank you" will earn smiles.
- 5Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip. WiFi can be spotty in historic areas.
- 6With 7 days, consider a day trip outside Quito to experience more of Ecuador.
Must-Try Food in Quito
💡 The weather can change in an instant. Always carry a light jacket or sweater, even on sunny days, as temperatures drop quickly, especially after sunset.
Book Activities in Quito
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Neighborhoods to Explore in Quito
Centro Histórico (Old Town)
The heart and soul of Quito, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a labyrinth of steep, cobblestone streets lined with magnificent Spanish colonial and Baroque architecture.
La Mariscal (Gringolandia)
The city's primary tourist and nightlife district, known for its grid of streets filled with hostels, bars, restaurants, travel agencies, and souvenir shops.
La Floresta
A trendy, bohemian neighborhood known as Quito's cultural and artistic quarter.
Day Trip Ideas
With 7 days in Quito, you have time for a memorable day trip. Here are some great options nearby:
Mitad del Mundo & Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve
Stand on the equatorial line at the iconic Mitad del Mundo monument complex.
Otavalo Indigenous Market
Visit one of South America's most famous and vibrant indigenous markets.
Plan your Quito adventure
Let AI create the perfect itinerary for your trip to Quito. Just describe what you want to experience.
Plan Quito trip