Quito
Plan Quito with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
Wake early in Quito and the city is wrapped in clear mountain light. White colonial towers and blue domes rise from the old town, a winged statue of the Virgin watches from the hill of El Panecillo, and green volcanic slopes climb steeply on every side. Street vendors set out fresh fruit and hot bread, church bells ring across the plazas, and on the clearest mornings the snow-capped cone of Cotopaxi floats on the southern horizon.
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Quito Day Tours
View allQuito at first sight
Quito is the capital of Ecuador, set in a long Andean valley at about 2,850 metres above sea level beneath the Pichincha volcano, making it one of the highest capital cities in the world. Founded by the Spanish in 1534 on the site of an older Inca city, it has one of the largest and best-preserved historic centres in the Americas, among the very first places listed by UNESCO in 1978. The equator runs just north of the city.
Why include Quito in your itinerary?
- A colonial old town of rare beauty. Gilded churches, monasteries, plazas and balconied streets fill Quito's historic centre, a living city where art, faith and everyday life still meet on every corner.
- Volcanoes and lagoons within reach. The Avenue of the Volcanoes begins south of the city, so snowy peaks, high moorland and turquoise crater lakes are easy day trips from your hotel.
- Standing on the middle of the world. Few capitals let you stand on the equator in the morning, ride a cable car up a volcano at midday and walk through a centuries-old old town at dusk.
Signature experiences in Quito
The Historic Centre and Its Churches
Start at the Plaza Grande beside the presidential palace and the cathedral, then walk to the Church of the Society of Jesus, whose interior glows with gold leaf from floor to ceiling. The vast Church and Convent of San Francisco, the neo-Gothic basilica with gargoyles shaped like Ecuadorian animals and the restored lane of La Ronda complete the walk. Our private guides explain the Indigenous artistry hidden in the colonial decoration.
El Panecillo and the Cable Car up Pichincha
The hill of El Panecillo, crowned by a tall aluminium statue of the winged Virgin of Quito, gives a wide view over the old town's rooftops and domes. For an even higher panorama, a cable car climbs the slopes of the Pichincha volcano to almost 4,000 metres, where paths lead through high grassland with views of the whole city and, on clear days, distant snowy peaks. Go early, before clouds build.
The Middle of the World
About forty-five minutes north of the centre, a monument and park mark the equator line, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere. The true GPS equator lies a short distance away, where a small open-air museum shows traditional dwellings and playful experiments with water and balance. It is a favourite half day for families, and our team can combine it with the Pululahua volcanic crater viewpoint.
Volcano and Crater Lake Day Trips
South of Quito, Cotopaxi National Park surrounds one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, with wild horses grazing beneath its glacier-capped cone and walks around the Limpiopungo lagoon. Further south, the emerald Quilotoa crater lake sits inside a collapsed volcano at nearly 4,000 metres. These are long, high-altitude days, so our team plans them after you have acclimatised and checks weather and park conditions.
Markets, Cloud Forest and Andean Villages
North of Quito, the town of Otavalo hosts one of the best-known Indigenous craft markets in South America, full of woven textiles, ponchos and colourful hammocks. To the north-west, the Mindo cloud forest is a green world of hummingbirds, butterflies, waterfalls and orchids. Both make wonderful private day trips, combining Andean scenery, village life and gentle nature walks.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Quito
The Historic Centre
Staying in the old town puts you among plazas, churches and colonial mansions, with boutique hotels in restored houses and rooftop views of domes and towers. It is the most atmospheric base for sightseeing on foot. The streets are lively by day but quieter after dark, so we recommend short walks only on main streets in the evening and private transport for longer journeys.
La Floresta and La Mariscal
North of the old town, La Floresta is a leafy residential district with cafés, small galleries, an independent cinema and a relaxed local feel. Neighbouring La Mariscal is the traditional travellers' quarter with many hotels and restaurants, though it is busy and requires extra care at night. Both sit about ten to fifteen minutes by car from the historic centre.
La Carolina and González Suárez
The modern north of Quito surrounds La Carolina Park, a large green space with gardens and walking paths, close to shopping centres, business hotels and international restaurants. The González Suárez area on the eastern edge offers hillside hotels with sweeping views of the valley below. These districts suit travellers who want modern comforts and a calmer base.
Cumbayá and Tumbaco
Below the city to the east, the valleys of Cumbayá and Tumbaco are a little lower, warmer and sunnier than central Quito, with garden hotels, family restaurants and a relaxed suburban feel. They lie closer to the airport, which makes them convenient for early flights and the first night after a long journey. Our drivers link them easily with the old town and day trips.
How long to stay in Quito and how to pair it
Recommended stay
We recommend three to four nights in Quito. Two days cover the historic centre, El Panecillo and the cable car, while extra days let you visit the Middle of the World and take a full-day trip to Cotopaxi and Quilotoa or to Otavalo and the cloud forest. Spending the first days gently at altitude also helps your body adjust before higher excursions.
How to pair it
Quito pairs perfectly with the Galápagos Islands, reached by flights from Quito or Guayaquil, and with the Andean towns of Otavalo, about two hours north, and Baños, about three and a half hours south. Mindo's cloud forest is about two hours away, and Cuenca is a short flight south. Ten days can combine Quito, the volcano route and the Galápagos, with private transfers arranged by our team.
Best time to visit Quito and the rhythm of the day
Best months
Quito enjoys spring-like weather all year, with mild days and cool nights. The driest months are June to September, the best time for clear volcano views and excursions, though August can be windy. From October to May, mornings are often bright and afternoons bring showers. December and the city festivities in early December are lively. Pack layers, sun protection and a rain jacket in any season.
The daily rhythm
Quito is an early-rising city. Mornings are the clearest time of day, perfect for the cable car, viewpoints and volcano trips before clouds gather. Late morning and early afternoon suit the old town's churches and museums. Rain often arrives mid-afternoon in the wetter months, when a long lunch or a café is ideal. Evenings are cool, and the historic centre's floodlit domes look magical after dark.
On-the-ground logistics in Quito
Arrival
Quito International Airport (UIO) lies in Tababela, about forty kilometres east of the city centre. The drive takes around forty-five minutes to one hour and fifteen minutes depending on traffic, along modern highways down into the valley and back up to the city. Flights connect with Guayaquil, the Galápagos and major hubs in the Americas and Europe. Our private airport transfers meet you at arrivals and drive you straight to your hotel.
Getting around
Quito stretches long and narrow through its valley, so distances are bigger than they look and traffic can be heavy. The historic centre is best explored on foot by day. The city has a modern metro line and trolleybuses, but they are busy and require care with belongings. For sightseeing across districts, evenings out and day trips, a private car with driver arranged by our team is the safest and most comfortable choice.
Local etiquette tip
Quiteños are courteous and fairly formal, so greet people with buenos días or buenas tardes before asking anything. Dress modestly in churches, removing hats and keeping shoulders covered, and avoid photography during services. Ask before photographing people, especially in Indigenous markets. Bargaining gently is normal at craft markets but not in shops. Speak calmly and patiently, as politeness matters greatly here.
Must-do things in Quito
- Walk the gilded interiors of Quito's colonial churches
- Stand on the equator at the Middle of the World
- Ride the cable car up the slopes of Pichincha
- See the city from the Virgin of El Panecillo
- Climb the towers of the neo-Gothic basilica
- Stroll the restored colonial lane of La Ronda
- Visit Cotopaxi National Park beneath its snowy volcano
- Look down into the emerald Quilotoa crater lake
- Shop for woven textiles at the market in Otavalo
- Taste potato and cheese soup, empanadas and tropical juices
Do’s and don’ts in Quito
Do
- Do take your first days slowly at altitude
- Do carry layers, sunscreen and a rain jacket
- Do use private or arranged transport after dark
- Do visit viewpoints early before clouds gather
- Do drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals at first
Don’t
- Don't show phones, cameras or jewellery carelessly
- Don't walk empty streets alone late at night
- Don't plan high excursions on your arrival day
- Don't photograph people without asking first
- Don't underestimate strong sun at high altitude
Quito at a glance
Plan Quito with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
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Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Quito.
Where should I stay in Quito?
Stay in the historic centre for colonial atmosphere and walking access to the churches, in La Floresta for a leafy local feel, in La Carolina or González Suárez for modern hotels and a calmer base, or in Cumbayá and Tumbaco for warmer valleys close to the airport. Our team suggests the area that suits your plans and arranges your private airport transfer.
Is Quito a good base for exploring the Andes?
Yes. Quito is the natural gateway to the Ecuadorian Andes, with Cotopaxi National Park about one and a half to two hours south, the Quilotoa crater lake around three and a half hours away, and Otavalo and the Mindo cloud forest about two hours from the city. Our private day trips with a driver and guide make it easy to explore and return to Quito each evening.
What is the dress code and etiquette in Quito?
Dress in comfortable layers, as days are warm in the sun and evenings are cool. Modest clothing with covered shoulders is respectful in churches, where hats should be removed. Ecuadorians value polite greetings, patience and a calm tone. Ask before taking photographs of people, especially in markets. Our guides explain local customs as you explore.
Is Quito suitable for families and Muslim travellers?
Yes, with good planning. Children enjoy the equator park, the cable car and the volcano trips, though altitude means taking things slowly. Halal food is very limited, but grilled fish, vegetarian dishes, soups, fresh fruit and juices are easy to find, and our team can advise on meals. Quito has a small Islamic centre with a prayer hall, and our team can share details.
Is it safe to travel to Quito now?
Ecuador has faced serious security problems in recent years, mostly concentrated in some coastal areas, and Quito requires sensible care. Petty theft is common in crowded places and on public transport, so keep valuables hidden and use arranged transport, especially at night. Altitude is the other main health point. Check your own government's official travel advice before departure. Our WhatsApp team is available throughout your trip.
What are the must-do things in Quito?
The must-do things in Quito include the golden churches of the historic centre, the view from El Panecillo, the cable car up Pichincha, the Middle of the World on the equator and a full-day trip to the volcanoes and crater lakes of Cotopaxi and Quilotoa. Otavalo's market and the Mindo cloud forest are lovely extras. Our private guided visits combine them at the best times of day.
How many days do you need in Quito?
Plan at least three to four nights. Two days cover the historic centre, the viewpoints and the cable car, while extra days allow the equator, Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, or Otavalo and the cloud forest. A slower start also helps with altitude. If you are flying on to the Galápagos, Quito makes an ideal base before and after the islands.
What can I book in Quito with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours, including Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon Day Tour from Quito. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Quito?
With a private transfer: a driver at arrivals, flight tracking and a fixed price for the whole vehicle, door to door. Tell the desk the flight number and the hotel.
Is there public transport from the airport to Quito?
Public options vary by airport and end at a station rather than your hotel; the private transfer starts at the arrivals door and ends at your door.
Which tours are available in Quito?
Among them: Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon Day Tour from Quito. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Quito?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.