If you’re considering a trip to Quito, Ecuador, you might be wondering: Are you ready for the crowds? The chaos? The cops? The clergy? How about the canines? All of this awaits you in South America’s oldest capital city—a bustling metropolis that sits at over 9,000 feet above sea level. And trust me, every one of those feet will make itself known.
We only had 24 hours in Quito, but what a day it was. From navigating the maze of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to ascending nearly 800 steps to reach one of the city’s most iconic statues, this adventure was anything but ordinary.
The Journey to Quito Begins: A Long Drive and a Hidden Gem
Our journey started with a long, winding drive from the airport into the heart of Quito. The trip took about an hour—plenty of time to catch up on some sleep. Or if you’re like us, stay wide awake, taking in the blend of old architecture and new graffiti that decorates the city’s outskirts.
As we arrived in Old Town, we were dropped off at an unmarked, nondescript wooden door. A bit ominous, right? But behind that door was one of the most unique hotel experiences we’ve ever had: Hotel La Basílica Quito. This place is a bed-and-breakfast built around an interior courtyard, with a history that’s as intriguing as the city itself. Originally, it served as a storage facility for weapons. Now, it’s a charming retreat with a spiral staircase leading to a rooftop that offers breathtaking views of Quito.
From that rooftop, you can see the conquered city of Quito laid out before you. It’s a sight to behold, but we weren’t just here to look. We were here to conquer it ourselves, starting with one of its most famous landmarks.
The Climb to the Virgin of El Panecillo
Off in the distance, atop a hill, we spotted a silver behemoth glistening in the sun: the Virgin of El Panecillo. Taller than Christ the Redeemer in Rio, this statue looms large over the city, and the only thing standing between us and it was a grueling climb up about 800 steps.
Let us tell you, these steps are no joke. They’re steep, often covered in dog poop, and known to be a bit sketchy when it comes to safety. But we decided to go for it anyway, huffing and puffing our way up the hill. As we climbed, the graffiti-covered buildings grew more frequent, and the streets became eerily deserted. We were the only ones on the stairs, and it wasn’t until we were about halfway up that we realized why—locals warned us that the higher you go, the more dangerous it gets.
So, of course we had to look it up when we got home. They’re called the “Most Dangerous Stairs in Quito”. Plus, there’s a number of people adamant that you don’t do it. Looking back on our video we see building spray painted with that exact warning. So, here’s your head’s up if you want to see the statue.
But we pressed on, and eventually, we reached the top, where the Virgin of El Panecillo stands tall. The statue, built in 1976, is the largest aluminum statue in the world and offers stunning panoramic views of Quito and its surrounding mountains. We even climbed up to the observation deck inside the statue, which added another 100-plus feet to our ascent. From up there, the city looked like a sprawling canvas, dotted with churches and colonial-era buildings.
Navigating Quito’s Bustling Streets
After our climb, we descended back into the city, navigating Quito’s bustling streets. Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s easy to see why. The narrow streets are lined with colorful buildings, each one seemingly older than the next, and the squares are packed with people going about their daily lives.
We found ourselves in Independence Square, the heart of Old Town, where we were treated to a sermon from a fired-up preacher. Religion plays a big role in Quito, and you’ll see symbols of it everywhere you go—from crosses on buildings to the numerous cathedrals that dot the city.
Speaking of cathedrals, we visited several during our walk, but the highlight was undoubtedly the Basilica del Voto Nacional. This massive Gothic church took 30 years to build and features 377-foot-tall towers that offer some of the best views in the city. Inside, a wooden plank walkway above the main cathedral lets you peer down at the beautiful buttresses—a unique experience that you won’t find in many other churches. Plus the views are great back towards the Virgin of El Panecillo. We had to get a group picture with the backdrop.
A Taste of Quito
By this point, we were exhausted. The altitude, combined with our early morning flight, was starting to take its toll. But we weren’t done yet. We made our way to Bandido Brewing, a local craft brewery with a great selection of beers. After a few cold ones, we continued our exploration of the city, stopping by a makeshift market to pick up some local souvenirs.
As the sun set, we found ourselves back in Independence Square, sitting at a sidewalk café with more cold beers and some delicious local food. We were even treated to a performance by a group of clowns, jugglers, and dancers—an unexpected but delightful end to our day.
Mitad del Mundo
Just outside Quito, you can visit the Mitad del Mundo(Middle of the World) monument, which marks the equator. Visitors can stand with one foot in each hemisphere, and the site offers interactive exhibits about the equator and the indigenous cultures of the region.
If you’ve always wanted to stand at the equator, go do it. Otherwise, it’s basically just a statue marking the location surrounded by some touristy shops and restaurants. You won’t need to spend more than a couple hours here. So make your itinerary accordingly.
Recommended Hotels
1. Hotel La Basílica Quito
We stayed in this charming boutique hotel is housed in a restored colonial building with beautiful interior courtyards. The rooms are individually decorated with a mix of modern and traditional Ecuadorian styles. It’s well-loved for its personalized service and excellent location, close to major attractions in the historic center. If it’s available, we highly recommend. If interested, we give a tour in the video near the top of the blog.
2. Casa Gangotena
Although on the higher end of the mid-level spectrum, Casa Gangotena offers a luxury experience at a relatively affordable price. It’s a beautifully restored mansion with opulent decor, spacious rooms, and a rooftop terrace offering stunning views of Quito’s historic center. The hotel also has a highly regarded restaurant.
3. Ikala Quito Hotel
Ikala Quito Hotel is known for its excellent service and comfortable accommodations. It has a cozy, homely feel with modern amenities, including a rooftop terrace, a garden, and an on-site restaurant. Its location in the La Mariscal district makes it convenient for nightlife and dining, while still being close to the historic center.
4. Hotel Patio Andaluz
This hotel is set in a beautiful colonial-style building and offers a perfect blend of history and comfort. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the hotel has an excellent restaurant serving Ecuadorian cuisine. It’s located just steps away from Plaza Grande, making it a great base for exploring Quito.
5. Hotel Mama Cuchara
This boutique hotel is part of the Art Hotels Ecuador collection and is known for its artistic vibe and stylish decor. It has a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city, an art gallery, and comfortable, well-designed rooms. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the location is ideal for exploring Quito’s historic sites.
6. Casa Joaquin Boutique Hotel
Casa Joaquin offers a cozy, intimate setting with just a handful of well-appointed rooms. It’s praised for its friendly service, comfortable rooms, and a good breakfast. The hotel also has a rooftop terrace where guests can relax and enjoy views of the city. Its location in La Mariscal makes it convenient for dining and nightlife.
7. Hotel Reina Isabel
A larger hotel with a variety of room options, including suites, Hotel Reina Isabel offers modern amenities such as a fitness center, spa, and restaurant. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped, and the hotel is located in a vibrant area close to many restaurants and shops.
These hotels offer a comfortable stay with a good balance of price, location, and amenities, making them great choices for travelers looking to explore Quito without breaking the bank.
The Final Word
Quito is a city that defies easy description. It’s chaotic and calm, beautiful and gritty, ancient and modern all at once. Yes, there are dangers here, and yes, you need to be cautious. But the city is also full of life, with lively, happy people who are proud of their hometown. If you ask them about the dangers, they might just laugh and say that they’re more worried about visiting America than they are about living in Quito.
So if you’re considering a trip to Quito, our advice is this: Go for it. You’ll be amazed by what you discover. And if you only have a day or two. Make sure to spend them wisely, because this city has a lot to offer, and you won’t want to miss a thing.
