Quito Unleashed: 10 Days of Adventure and Culture

Giulia Madonini

21 Nov 2023

Embark on a thrilling journey through Quito, Ecuador, as you uncover ancient marvels, immerse yourself in vibrant culture, and witness breathtaking natural wonders. From soaring cable car rides to exploring hidden museums, this itinerary promises an unforgettable experience for solo travelers.

Trip to Quito

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Viator

Day 1Cable Cars, Palaces, and Revolutionary Tales

$42

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$30

11 - 14 min

Directions

1801 palace housing government offices & presidential quarters, with areas open to the public.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

5 - 8 min

Directions

Paintings, weapons & documents unpacking the dramatic story of a 19th-century revolutionary heroine.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

$11

Day 2Museums, Churches, and Colonial Charms

$30

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$11

3 - 4 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$19

5 - 8 min

Directions

Cobblestone alley featuring restored historic buildings & a lively bar scene in the evening.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

23 - 34 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3Conquer the Majestic Pichincha Volcano

Active stratovolcano with hiking & climbing, plus the panoramic TelefériQo gondola at its foothills.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 4Water Museums and Gothic Grandeur

$27

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$15

7 - 9 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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$11

Day 5Geobotanical Wonders and Cultural Delights

$15

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

9 - 11 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$15

32 - 39 min

Directions

Expanse of tree-lined walkways, sports facilities & ornamental gardens across a disused airport.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 6Artisan Markets, Parks, and Panoramic Views

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

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Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 7Contemporary Art, Parks, and Serene Escapes

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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Free

9 - 14 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

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Free

12 - 15 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 8Botanical Gardens and Urban Oasis

$12

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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$11

6 - 9 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 9Nature Retreats and Artistic Inspiration

$19

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

Museum honoring Latin Americans with extensive artworks by Oswaldo Guayasamín & artifacts.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

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$19

Day 10Conquer Cotopaxi National Park and Revel in Ukelele Plaza

$38

$ 2

Expansive national park offering sweeping mountain views, a variety of trails, campsites & lodges.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$38

142 - 171 min

Directions

Colorful trampoline park with a synthetic soccer field, also offering kids' birthday parties.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $189 In total

Activities & Food:$180

Transport:$9