So you’ve decided to take that bucket list trip to the Galapagos Islands? Then it’s also time to think about the length of your planned stopover in Quito. There is no denying that a stay in Ecuador’s capital city is essential for any trip to the center of the earth. However, your visit should not be limited to the city’s hilly cobblestone streets. Outside the city limits lie several natural wonders.
This is our four-day itinerary for an exciting long weekend in Quito, Ecuador.
Where is a good place to spend the night?
Casa Gangotena is the perfect place to stay during your visit to Quito. With 31 luxurious rooms, this 20th-century estate is located on the edge of Plaza San Francisco in the historic district. A Relais & Chateau property, Casa Gangotena is worth every penny to experience the neoclassical and art deco architecture, from the crimson courtyard to the lush garden.
Design-minded travelers will enjoy staying at the LEED-certified Carlota, housed in a historic house with a modern interior. Meanwhile, people passing through often prefer the JW Marriott Quito because of its convenient location in the bustling Mariscal district. However, it is also a great option for those who want a resort experience, complete with three dining options, a huge pool and spa, and a fitness center.
Thursday afternoon
TelefériQo is the place to go if you want breathtaking views of the city. You can take an Uber from the point where you dropped off your hotel and take the gondola up the Pichincha volcano to Cruz Loma. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also explore some of the hiking trails at the top of the volcano.
End the day at Centro Cultural Itchimbía for some excellent artwork by local artists. The steel and zinc building, built in 1889 in the Parisian style, sits on a hilltop above Quito’s San Juan neighborhood. You can also dine at Pim’s while enjoying the breathtaking view. Go to bed early so you will be well rested to explore the city tomorrow – by the way, did you know that Quito is the second highest capital city in the world?
Friday morning
Head to the famous Cyrano bakery on Avenida Portugal for a delicious morning pastry. Choose from excellent homemade pastries and breads, such as the pan de pesto, or go for the artisanal ice cream if you’re shamelessly waking up with a sweet tooth.
After breakfast, head to Quito’s historic center, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Explore the 16th-century district as you walk along the cobblestones of Plaza San Francesco, and where street performers provide a wonderful backdrop as you explore.
Once you are there, give in to the temptation to stroll through the narrow streets of the Old City. You will be amazed by the many whitewashed and pastel-colored facades with centuries-old decorative touches. On your way back to the square, be sure to stop by Chez Tiff Artesanal, a small café and chocolate store that is easy to miss. They offer bars made from Ecuador’s world-famous cocoa beans.
Friday afternoon
Stop for lunch at Hasta La Vuelta Señor, for a traditional lamb stew and a pint of local lager on the top floor of a Spanish colonial courtyard.
The churches that stand out the most in this city are probably those that dominate the historic center. The Golden Church, also known as the Compañía de Jesús, is best represented for its beautiful gilded interior. With emerald-and-gold domes adorned with 19th-century frescoes and gold leaf designs that seem to intertwine endlessly, this is by far the most elaborate example of Quito’s Baroque architecture.
The Basílica del Voto Nacional is one of the most beautiful and largest religious structures in South America. The exterior stonework of the church contains unique images of dolphins and turtles, which many visitors find more charming than the traditional gargoyles on European cathedrals.
Friday night
Make a reservation for an exquisite multi-course meal at Urko Cocina Local. This restaurant is praised for its excellent Ecuadorian cuisine. If you’re near Old Town, take a break and sip a refreshing glass of pumpkin beer from Bandido Brewing. This brewery was founded by expatriates from Oregon in hopes of changing the craft beer culture in Quito for the better.
Saturday morning and afternoon
Drink some coca tea before driving two hours to Cotopaxi National Park, less than a two-hour drive from Quito. Cotopaxi is Ecuador’s second most popular nature reserve, and it is the highest active volcano in the world (it rises up to 6 well kilometers!). You’ll be amazed, and not just because of the height. There is a great diversity of animals in this park, including condors, black-headed gulls flying overhead and large condors. With wild animals such as horses, deer and even bears roaming the park, you can endlessly wander around the park.
After seeing the beauty of the botanical garden at the entrance, begin the Zig Zag trail that leads to Jose Rivas Refuge. Before reaching your destination, you can take a closer look at the lower glacier. Remember that this hike is more challenging than expected due to its high elevation.
Saturday night
If you’re looking for a great meal, look no further than Zazu. This award-winning restaurant offers a fusion of global flavors and regional ingredients that come together in dishes such as guinea pig with peanut ravioli and duck with szechuan peppercorns and Andean potatoes. After you’ve had your fill, head to Reina Victoria Street for some bar-hopping and live music in the Mariscal Sucre neighborhood. Be sure to stop by Bar Rocky, Kings Cross and Dirty Sanchez Café – all great spots for rock lovers.
Sunday morning
La Llama serves delicious food throughout the day, but breakfast is a special occasion with a traditional spread of eggs and crackers. Ceviche of shrimp and beer, according to their self-proclaimed hangover treatment, is our recommendation.
La Mitad del Mundo (the center of the earth) is one of the most visited sites in Ecuador, just north of Quito. The Intiñan Solar Museum is where you should go if you want to learn more about the determination of the equatorial line in 1736. While not actually located on the equator, experiments involving flushing water and balancing eggs on a nail are surprisingly entertaining, whether it’s real science or not.
Once home
Quito is a great city to explore on foot, and there is absolutely no shortage of things to see and do. From churches and volcanoes to markets and parks, you can easily spend a week or more taking it all in. Even though these are only four days to marvel at this special city, you will feel that you have had a good taste of what the city has to offer.
If you get the chance, definitely put Quito on your list of places to visit – you will most certainly not regret it!
