Flights to Quito

From the airport

Official taxis wait outside arrivals, and an airport bus runs to terminals in the north of the city. The drive winds down from the plateau, so evening traffic can add time. At about 2,850 metres, Quito can leave new arrivals short of breath, so plan a light first day. Many visitors stay in the old town or in La Mariscal and La Floresta, where restaurants and cafés are close by.

The colonial old town

Quito's historic centre was one of the first places listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plaza Grande is framed by the cathedral and the Carondelet presidential palace. The Jesuit church of La Compañía has an interior covered in gold leaf, and the San Francisco church and monastery face a wide cobbled square. Calle La Ronda, a restored lane of small shops and cafés, is lively in the evenings.

Viewpoints and the equator

The neo-Gothic Basilica del Voto Nacional has gargoyles shaped like tortoises and iguanas, and visitors can climb its towers for views over the rooftops. On El Panecillo hill, a large aluminium statue of the Virgin overlooks the old town. The TelefériQo cable car rises up the slopes of Pichincha to almost 4,000 metres. About 25 km north, the Mitad del Mundo monument marks the equator line.

Day trips and timing

Otavalo's craft market is around two hours north, the Mindo cloud forest is known for hummingbirds and birdwatching, and Cotopaxi National Park is about two hours south. Quito's days are mild, usually around 10 to 20°C, but nights are cool. The driest months run from June to September, and afternoon showers are common the rest of the year.

Planning a Quito trip? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll help you choose the right connection.