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Quito Adventure: 11 Days of Exploring Ecuador's Capital

Evelyn Valverde Picado

Evelyn Valverde Picado

27 Sep 2023

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through Quito, Ecuador's vibrant capital. Discover stunning natural reserves, immerse yourself in rich cultural heritage, and explore architectural marvels. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems of Quito!

Trip to Quito

Day 1
+

$4

Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve
Ecological reserve spanning across the mountainous landscape surrounding the Pululahua volcano.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Cristobal Ortega Maila
Exhibits on Andean indigenous culture in an imposing stone building designed by artist Ortega Maila.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$4
Day 2
+

$14

·

$ 1

Fundación Guayasamín
Museum dedicated to sculptor & painter Oswaldo Guayasamín in the artist's former hillside home.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
$6
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Quito Botanical Gardens
Sprawling green space with Japanese gardens, a bonsai collection & a boating lagoon with fountains.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$4
22 - 27 min

~

Directions

Museum of the City
Small museum in a 1565 hospital featuring exhibits about Quito's history & a tranquil courtyard.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$4
Day 3
+

$0

·

$ 1

Parque La Carolina
Biking, soccer & basketball are popular in this vast park featuring a pond with paddle boats.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba
Stone walls, ceramics & the remains of tombs from ancient villages dating back to 1500 BC.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Calle La Ronda
Cobblestone alley featuring restored historic buildings & a lively bar scene in the evening.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
Day 4
+

$5

·

$ 1

Pucará de Rumicucho / Ruins / Ruinss
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Intiñan Site Museum
Museum showcasing exhibits from places on the equator, plus equator-related science experiments.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$5
47 - 57 min

~

Directions

Independence Square
Grand plaza & park in the heart of old Quito, lined with monumental government & church buildings.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
Day 5
+

$7

Contemporary Art Center of Quito
Museum in a former military hospital featuring contemporary art exhibits & cultural programs.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
Free
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

La Basílica
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Catedral Metropolitana de Quito
16th-century domed church with neoclassical architecture & 4 colorful, dramatic chapels.
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
•
Free
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Church of the Society of Jesus
Iconic baroque church, built from 1605–1765, known for its elaborately carved, gilded interior.
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
•
$6
Day 6
+

$10

·

$ 1

Iglesia de Santo Domingo
Place of worship including a neo-Gothic altarpiece, with 16th & 17th-century paintings & sculptures.
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
•
Free
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Free Walking Tour Quito
9:15 AM - 11:15 AM
•
Free
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

TelefériQo Cable Car
Attraction with a cablecar lift to the top of a mountain for high-altitude hikes & panoramic views.
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
•
$10
Day 7
+

$0

·

$ 1

La Mariscal Artisan Market
Lively covered market with vendors selling Ecuadorian textiles, jewelry & other traditional crafts.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
23 - 28 min

~

Directions

Cima de la Libertad y Templo de la Patria
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
Day 8
+

$0

·

$ 1

GREAT WATERFALL PITA
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
55 - 66 min

~

Directions

Pasochoa
Sweeping area views are the draw to this moderate-sized peak, located in a sprawling nature reserve.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
Day 9
+

$13

Parque Nacional Cotopaxi
Expansive national park offering sweeping mountain views, a variety of trails, campsites & lodges.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$13
Day 10
+

$0

Atacazo
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
Day 11
+

$0

Yanacocha Biological Reserve
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free

Budget breakdown: $55 In total

Activities & Food:$52
Transport:$4