El Panecillo

El Panecillo is a hill above Quito’s Old Town, topped by the winged Virgen de Quito, a landmark made from thousands of aluminum pieces. From the summit, you can look across the historic center and the city’s southern districts, with surrounding volcanoes visible on clear days. The statue is the focus, and you can climb its stairs for a higher viewpoint. Food and drink stalls near the monument make it easy to pause for a refreshment. The exposed summit can be windy, so bring a warm layer.

The hill and its landmark

El Panecillo is a rounded hill south of Quito’s Old Town. Its name means “little bread roll,” a reference to the hill’s shape. The summit is marked by the Virgen de Quito, a winged figure that has become one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

The statue is made from thousands of aluminum pieces. It was inspired by an 18th-century sculpture by Bernardo de Legarda, associated with the Basilica of San Francisco. The figure’s wings distinguish it from many other depictions of the Virgin Mary. From across Quito, it is a visible point of reference on the skyline.

Views from the summit

The hill looks over Quito from between the city’s central and southern districts. From the statue area, the historic center and much of the city spread below; the view extends toward the surrounding volcanoes when the sky is clear. Looking in different directions also gives a sense of how Quito’s districts sit around the hill.

The summit is an exposed viewpoint, and strong wind can make it feel cold. If you plan to climb the stairs, allow for the effort on both the ascent and descent. Tie back long hair before heading up, and bring a warm layer.