View over central Quito from above, with the Basilica of the National Vow rising among the rooftops
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Quito in 1 day

  • 1 day
  • 4.5 km on foot
  • 16 stops
  • Audio guide

One day is enough to get to know Quito's historic centre properly, one of the very first places in the world named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's all walkable, so you can string together three free routes: the highlights, the story of independence and the city's legends. It's a full day but with short distances, ideal for a stopover or a short trip. Just remember: at 2,850 metres, take it slowly.

One day in QuitoGold, rebellion and legends

Start early with “The best of Quito in one morning”: Plaza Grande, La Merced and the gold of La Compañía, ending at the Arco de la Reina. Pace yourself, as the altitude is real. Have hornado for lunch at the Mercado Central, a few minutes' walk away. In the afternoon, “From Rumiñahui's fire to the cry of 1809” tells you, at Carondelet Palace and San Agustín, how Quito rose up against the Spanish Crown. As the sun goes down, “Quito of devils, roosters and ghosts” takes you from the Basilica down to La Ronda. Stay there for a bowl of locro de papa.

  1. Morning

    The best of Quito in one morning

    Mixed · 1.3 km · 1 h 30 min

    1. Plaza GrandeQuito's living room: the government, the Church and the city council face each other around a garden of palm trees.
    2. Basilica of La MercedThe tallest tower of colonial Quito and a Virgin to whom the city entrusts its earthquakes.
    3. Church of La Compañía de JesúsSeven tonnes of legend and one certainty: few churches in the world shine so brightly inside.
    4. San Francisco and the Quito SchoolIn this monastery, Indigenous and mestizo artists learned the trade that filled the Americas with Virgins and Christs.
    5. Arco de la Reina and El Carmen AltoA colonial arch over the street of the Seven Crosses, the house of a saint and the best view of El Panecillo.

    Start the audio guide See the route

  2. Lunch

    Try Hornado at Mercado Central. Av. Pichincha y Esmeraldas, Centro Histórico

  3. Afternoon

    From Rumiñahui's fire to the cry of 1809

    History · 1.3 km · 1 h 30 min

    1. Plaza and Church of San FranciscoOn the ashes of the city Rumiñahui ordered burned, the Spanish town of San Francisco de Quito was born in 1534.
    2. Metropolitan Cultural Centre and former Royal BarracksThis building taught the ideas that sparked independence, and right beside it their champions were killed.
    3. Carondelet Palace and the First CryOn the morning of 10 August 1809, Quito removed the president of the Audiencia and formed its own government.
    4. Church and Monastery of San AgustínIts chapter house ratified the junta of 1809, and its crypt holds the patriots killed a year later.
    5. Plaza and Church of Santo DomingoFrom his pedestal, Sucre points towards the volcano where Quito's independence was sealed in 1822.

    Start the audio guide See the route

  4. Early evening

    Quito of devils, roosters and ghosts

    Mysteries & legends · 1.9 km · 1 h 50 min

    1. Basilica of the National VowA Gothic cathedral with iguanas and tortoises instead of gargoyles, and a prophecy: the day it's finished, the world will end.
    2. House 1028 and the legend of Bella AuroraQuito's most beautiful girl dreamed of her death every night, until a black bull recognised her in the bullring.
    3. Metropolitan Cathedral and the rooster on the domeA rooster on the dome that punishes drunkards, and an archbishop poisoned in the middle of Good Friday mass.
    4. La Compañía: the painted Hell and Quito's saintA young woman who offered her life to stop the earthquakes, and a painting of Hell to greet the faithful.
    5. The atrium of San Francisco and the legend of CantuñaAn Indigenous builder sold his soul to the devil to finish the atrium on time, and was saved by a single stone.
    6. La Ronda street and the Virgin of El PanecilloThe street of bohemians, serenades and secret bars, beneath the gaze of a winged Virgin.

    Start the audio guide See the route

  5. Dinner

    Try Locro de papa at Hasta la Vuelta Señor. Pasaje Arzobispal, calle Chile Oe4-56 (Plaza Grande), 3.er piso

The map

Quito in 1 day, on the map

Each route’s stops are numbered in order; the stars are the extra sights.

Mixed History Mysteries & legends

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Before you go

Tips for Quito in 1 day

  • You'll feel the altitude on day one: walk slowly, drink plenty of water, eat light and save the alcohol for the evening. The old town's hills, like the one up to the Basilica, are more tiring than they look.
  • The weather changes within hours: strong sun in the morning, a downpour in the afternoon. Dress in layers and pack a rain jacket, sunscreen and shoes with good grip for the cobbles.
  • Many churches charge admission and some close around midday, so check opening times. At night, stick to busy streets and head back in a registered taxi or a ride-hailing app.

Questions

Quito in 1 day: your questions

Can you see Quito in one day?

The historic centre, yes: it's compact, and our three routes cover its main squares, churches and legends. What you'll miss are the trips that need transport, such as Mitad del Mundo, the TelefériQo or El Panecillo. If one day is all you have, focus on the old town and enjoy it without rushing.

How far will I walk?

The three routes add up to about 4.5 km: 1.3 km for the highlights, 1.3 km for history and 1.9 km for legends. That's not far, but there are hills and you're at 2,850 metres, so build in breaks. With churches and meals, it fills the whole day.

Will the altitude affect me?

Most people feel it a little: some tiredness, a mild headache or shortness of breath on the climbs. That's why this plan keeps an easy pace, with no high viewpoints. Drink water, eat light and, if you have heart or breathing problems, check with your doctor before you travel.

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