Quito

Historic colonial capital in the Andes

Curated by Vinod Kumar Jain & Amit Jain · All Frontier Global · free, no login · reviewed 2026-07-05

The journal

Quito's Old Town clings to a valley so steep that every street felt like a small negotiation with gravity. I stood with one foot in each hemisphere at the equator monument just outside the city, feeling faintly ridiculous and delighted, while a guide balanced an egg on a nail to prove a point about physics.

Things to do

Mitad del Mundo · Monument

Iconic monument marking the equator line, where you can stand in both hemispheres at once. Best: Jun–Sep

Historic Center · Historic district

UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning colonial architecture, baroque churches, and cobblestone streets. Best: Jun–Sep & Dec–Jan

Basílica del Voto Nacional · Religious landmark

Stunning neo-Gothic basilica with soaring towers offering citywide views from its spires. Best: Jun–Sep

TelefériQo & Pichincha · Cable car

Cable car climbing the slopes of Pichincha volcano for sweeping high-altitude views over the city and Andes. Best: Jun–Sep

La Compañía de Jesús Church · Temple

Stunning gold-adorned baroque church in Historic Center with intricate details. Best: Year-round

Arrival

Airport

Mariscal Sucre International (UIO) — ~40 km / 45–60 min by taxi.

SIM / data

Claro/Movistar SIM at airport counters.

Money on arrival

Ecuador uses US dollars; just bring cards/cash, ATMs give USD.

Daily costs

Backpacker/day

$24

Mid/day

$45

Comfort/day

$85

Rent (1BR)

$450–700

Balanced mountain capital

← Ecuador profile