Quito: A Journey Through Ecuador's Cultural Capital

Alanis Marin

27 Nov 2023

Embark on an 8-day adventure to Quito, Ecuador's vibrant capital. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, explore stunning landmarks, and indulge in breathtaking natural beauty. From cable car rides to ancient marvels, this itinerary has it all!

Trip to Quito

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Viator

Day 1Ascend to New Heights at TelefériQo Cable Car

$20

$ 2

Attraction with a cablecar lift to the top of a mountain for high-altitude hikes & panoramic views.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$20

11 - 14 min

Directions

Museum in a former military hospital featuring contemporary art exhibits & cultural programs.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

6 - 8 min

Directions

Grand plaza & park in the heart of old Quito, lined with monumental government & church buildings.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 2Thrills and Chills at Vulqano Park

$25

$ 2

Amusement park with kiddie & family rides as well as a roller coaster, bumper cars & haunted house.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$13

13 - 16 min

Directions

Iconic baroque church, built from 1605–1765, known for its elaborately carved, gilded interior.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

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$13

26 - 32 min

Directions

Extensive trails through sprawling parkland, with bike paths & viewpoints over surrounding hills.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

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Free

Day 3Unveiling Quito's Iconic Landmarks

$ 1

Hilltop statue of a winged Virgin Mary made of aluminum, on a pedestal & standing 30 m. tall.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

18 - 22 min

Directions

Monumental 19th-century church featuring ornate neo-Gothic styling & city views from its towers.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

8 - 12 min

Directions

City park with an astronomical observatory, a statue of Simón Bolívar & a lake with boat rentals.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

20 - 29 min

Directions

Forested park with hiking trails & an ornate, 19th-century glasshouse full of rare trees & orchids.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

Day 4Dive into Quito's Art and Nature

$10

$ 2

Contemporary museum with exhibits highlighting the scientific & social significance of water.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$10

9 - 11 min

Directions

Large, tree-filled park with paths, weekend art exhibitions & vendors selling food & crafts.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

Directions

Part of Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana, auditorium hosting diverse concerts & artistic performances.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

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Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

Sprawling green area with 2 lagoons, sports courts & a playground, plus palm & eucalyptus groves.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

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Free

Day 5Wildlife Encounters and Natural Wonders

$23

$ 2

Elevated nature area with wooded trails & viewing decks overlooking the city, plus native alpacas.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

54 - 65 min

Directions

Zoo with a wildlife trail of native species including monkeys, tapirs & turtles, plus night safaris.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$13

48 - 58 min

Directions

Museum showcasing exhibits from places on the equator, plus equator-related science experiments.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$10

Day 6Serenity and Recreation at Metropolitano La Armenia Park

$ 1

Large, wooded park with picnicking & camping areas, plus a dog run, sculptures & sports fields.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

28 - 34 min

Directions

Biking, soccer & basketball are popular in this vast park featuring a pond with paddle boats.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

Day 7Immerse in Quito's Art and Nature

$ 2

Lively covered market with vendors selling Ecuadorian textiles, jewelry & other traditional crafts.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

Sprawling green space with Japanese gardens, a bonsai collection & a boating lagoon with fountains.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

50 - 60 min

Directions

Ecological reserve spanning across the mountainous landscape surrounding the Pululahua volcano.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

Day 8Standing at the Middle of the World

$18

Stone monument along the equator & a plaza where visitors can stand with a foot in each hemisphere.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$18

Budget breakdown: $119 In total

Activities & Food:$110

Transport:$9