Top 35 places to visit in Quito

Otavalo Market is one of the largest and most famous indigenous markets in South America, renowned for its rich textiles and handicrafts made by the local Otavaleño community. Located in the Andes, it features colorful stalls brimming with woven blankets, hats, and vibrant clothing, a testament to centuries of artisan tradition. Visiting on Saturdays is ideal when the market reaches its peak, bursting with both locals and tourists. Nearby, you can explore the picturesque town of Otavalo and the surrounding natural beauty of the Imbabura province, where Lake San Pablo offers a tranquil escape from the market's lively atmosphere.

Cayambe Volcano is an imposing stratovolcano standing at 5,790 metres, making it the third highest peak in Ecuador. Notably, it is the only volcano in the world that lies directly on the equator, and its summit is capped with glaciers that contrast sharply against the green valleys below. The area offers hiking opportunities for experienced trekkers, usually best tackled during the dry season from May to October. Nearby, the town of Cayambe is known for its delicious bizcochos, a local pastry, which makes a perfect refueling stop after a day in the high Andes. Keep an eye on the weather, as conditions can change rapidly.

Avenue of the Volcanoes is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

El Altar Mountain is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Sangay National Park is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Cotopaxi National Park is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Mindo Cloud Forest is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Middle of the World Monument (La Mitad del Mundo) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Basilica of the National Vow (La Basílica del Voto Nacional) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Quilotoa Lagoon is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Intiñan Solar Museum is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Termas de Papallacta Spa is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Quito Old Town is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Telefériqo Quito is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Limpiopungo Lagoon is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Church of the Society of Jesus (Iglesia La Compañía de Jesús) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

San Francisco Church (Iglesia de San Francisco) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Independence Plaza (Plaza de la Independencia) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

El Panecillo is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Archbishop's Palace (Palacio Arzobispal) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Cathedral of Quito (Catedral de Quito) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Calle La Ronda is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Presidential Palace is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Guayasamin Museum (Casa Museo Guayasamin) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

El Sagrario Church is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Iñaquito Market (Mercado Iñaquito) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Santo Domingo Plaza (Plaza de Santa Domingo) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

City Museum of Quito (Museo de la Ciudad) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Yanayacu Biological Station is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Capilla del Hombre (Guayasamín Museum) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Casa del Alabado Museum of Pre-Columbian Art is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Mariscal is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Carmen Alto Convent (Museo de Carmen Alto) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Museum of Colonial Art (Museo De Arte Colonial) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in Quito. The dedicated guide is being written — see Quito experiences that visit it in the meantime.