Quito

Quito is known for one of the best-preserved colonial old towns in the Americas, set high in the Andes beside active volcanoes.

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Quito is the capital of Ecuador, set at about 2,850 meters on the eastern slopes of the Pichincha volcano. It is the country's political and cultural center, and most national government institutions are based here. The old town is one of the largest and most intact colonial districts in the Americas, with about 130 monumental buildings, many holding religious art from several colonial schools. UNESCO listed the historic center as a World Heritage Site in 1978, alongside Kraków.

Start with Plaza Grande, the main square, then the churches of La Compañía and San Francisco and the views from El Panecillo. Day trips reach the equator monument at Mitad del Mundo, about 35 km north, and Cotopaxi National Park. La Mariscal is the main district for nightlife and hotels. Expect thin air and strong sun at this altitude, and pack layers because nights are cool.

Quito in five

Allow time for the airport rideMariscal Sucre airport (UIO) is in Tababela, about 45–60 min from the center by road, more at rush hour.
Go slow at altitudeAt about 2,850 m, take the first day easy. The TelefériQo cable car climbs to around 4,000 m, so save it for later.
See the old town by dayChurches, plazas and museums cluster in the historic center. It empties at night, so use taxis or ride apps after dark.
Use US dollarsEcuador uses the US dollar. Carry small bills, as change for $20 and larger notes is often short.

Things to do in Quito

See all attractions in Quito

A group of people walking in front of a large building

Bar · QuitoHotel Plaza Grande | Quito - EcuadorAsk the hotel about nearby parking before driving over.

Sight · QuitoEl PanecilloBring a warm layer; it can be windy at the top.

Museum · QuitoMuseo del Carmen AltoGo on a weekday for a quieter visit.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to QuitoPut the places you like in Quito on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Mariscal Sucre (UIO), about 45–60 min by road
Getting there: Flights from the Americas and Europe
Getting around: The Quito Metro, buses and ride apps
Best base: The old town or La Floresta
Time needed: 2–3 days

Weather by month

Rainy days
Days with storms

Best
Good
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryRain25 rainy daysHigh17°Low10°Showers
FebruaryRain26 rainy daysHigh17°Low10°Rainy
MarchRain29 rainy daysHigh17°Low10°Rainy
AprilRain28 rainy daysHigh17°Low10°Wettest
MayRain25 rainy daysHigh17°Low10°Rain eases
JuneRain20 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh17°Low9°Dry, sunny
JulyCloudy12 rainy daysHigh18°Low9°Dry, windy
AugustRain15 rainy days2 days with stormsHigh19°Low9°Dry, clear
SeptemberRain17 rainy days2 days with stormsHigh19°Low9°Dry
OctoberRain26 rainy days2 days with stormsHigh18°Low10°Showers
NovemberRain28 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh17°Low10°Showers
DecemberRain26 rainy daysHigh17°Low10°Festive

Average daily high and low in Quito, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Quito

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 17°
Humidity: 56%
Wind: 9 km/h
Chance of rain: 94%

Quito

03:05 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT-5

Today18°10°94%Monday: Rain. High 18°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 94%.
Tue19°11°91%Tuesday: Rain. High 19°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 91%.
Wed18°11°99%Wednesday: Rain. High 18°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 99%.
Thu17°10°100%Thursday: Rain. High 17°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 100%.
Fri17°11°100%Friday: Rain. High 17°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 100%.
Sat17°11°94%Saturday: Rain. High 17°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 94%.
Sun20°10°55%Sunday: Drizzle. High 20°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 55%.

Updated 12:35 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD

Amount

Converted to

USD · US Dollar

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

What's on in Quito

Concerts, festivals and big events in and around the city

Events calendar

Coming up

Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa · concertKarol G TropitourJan 15 – 17, 2027 · Rooms near the venue

Day trips by train

Otavalo marketAbout 2 hours by busAndean craft market, biggest on Saturdays.
Cotopaxi National ParkAbout 2 hours by roadVolcano views and high-altitude walks.
Mitad del MundoAbout 1 hour by roadEquator monument and museums.

Before you go to Quito

Cotopaxi and Otavalo day toursVolcano and market trips with a driverCompare day trips

Stays in QuitoColonial houses and La Floresta roomsCheck availability

eSIM for QuitoMaps and ride apps after darkRead the guide

Travel insurance for the AndesAltitude illness and volcano tripsRead the guide

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Rules for Quito, checked

Check entry requirements for your nationality on the foreign ministry (Cancillería) website before you book.
Dial 911 for police, fire or an ambulance anywhere in Ecuador.
Declare goods above the allowed limits on the customs form at arrival. Check restricted items with the national customs service (SENAE) before you pack.
Ask the driver to use the meter on yellow taxis, or agree the fare before you get in if the meter is not running.
Carry drinking water and check for ongoing demonstrations before you travel. Past protests have closed roads, and a 2025 landslide disrupted water supply.

Plan around Quito

Galápagos Islands

Fees, rules and cruise or land trips

Read the guide Cuenca

A calmer colonial city in the southern Andes

Read the guide Bogotá

The nearest big capital for a two-country trip

Read the guide All of Ecuador

Entry, money and the regions

Read the guide Insurance for altitude trips

Cover for hiking, volcanoes and altitude illness

Read the guide Phone and data plans

eSIMs for the Andes

Read the guide

Quito FAQ

How many days do I need in Quito?

Two to three days: one for the old town, one for the TelefériQo and museums, and one for Otavalo or Cotopaxi.

Does altitude affect visitors in Quito?

Often, a little. At about 2,850 m, many people feel breathless or tired for a day or two. Rest, drink water and go easy on alcohol.

What currency does Ecuador use?

The US dollar. Bring small bills; larger notes can be hard to break in shops and taxis.

Is Quito safe for tourists?

Most visitors have an easy trip, but petty theft is common in crowded areas and the old town is quiet at night. Use taxis or ride apps after dark, keep valuables out of sight and check your government's travel advice.

Can I fly to the Galápagos from Quito?

Yes. Flights to the islands leave from Quito and Guayaquil, and many from Quito stop in Guayaquil. Buy the Transit Control Card at the airport before airline check-in.