Choose from 31 Fun Things to Do in Quito
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Guayasamin Museum
What do they look like, the faces of Ecuador? It is a question that Oswaldo Guayasamin, one of South America’s most important artists, has tried to answer. He was not only a masterful artist, but also a collector and spent over 30 years transforming his former home in Quito into what is today known as the Guayasamin Museum. The art museum is a combination of Guayasamin’s private archaeological collection and his own works that he donated to the city of Quito shortly before his death.
It displays over 4,500 pre-Colombian artifacts, including ceramic bowls, fertility figurines and burial masks. You can find puzzling clay statues, 1,500-year-old depictions of shamans with mask-like features and braided hair, but also the facial features of humans across the Americas. He captured the people with boldness and they can now be admired in paintings, woodcuts and sculptures. The artist also liked to create more private portraits and often painted his friends and family. In fact, a whole room inside the museum is dedicated to his and all mothers. Close to the museum there is also La Capilla del Hombre, called Man’s Chapel. It is constructed similarly to an Incan temple and pays tribute to the human being and invites for quiet reflection and meditation. Inside, visitors can find murals and sculptures as well as messages about human rights, peace and solidarity.
Practical Info
The Guayasamin Museum can be found about 8 kilometers north of the historical center of Quito in the Bellavista neighborhood. The closest bus station is Bellavista, from where it’s still a bit of a walk to the museum. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm.
Address: E18- y Mariano Calvache, Quito, Ecuador
Hours: Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm.
Admission: Adults: $8,00
From $ 8
Middle of the World Monument (La Mitad del Mundo)
The Middle of the World Monument (Ciudad Mitad del Mundo) commemorates the site where 18th-century French explorer Charles Marie de la Condamine once calculated the globe's equatorial line to be. Make a day trip from Quito to this tourist mecca to snap a share-worthy photo straddling the equator line where the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemispheres meet.
The Basics
Take an elevator to the top of the enormous, trapezoidal monument for great views of the surrounding countryside. You'll also find the Ethnographic Museum and Planetarium (additional fees required) and a scale model of colonial-era Quito here, which helps provide a sense of the Old Town's layout.
When to Get There
The monument is open daily from 9am to 6pm. The site is predictably crowded during the high season of June through September, so if you want a solo photo op, it's best to make the trip first thing in the morning or at the end of the day. On weekends, locals hang out at the monument—watch the area come alive with folk music and dance shows.
Not Quite the Middle of the World
The Basics
Take an elevator to the top of the enormous, trapezoidal monument for great views of the surrounding countryside. You'll also find the Ethnographic Museum and Planetarium (additional fees required) and a scale model of colonial-era Quito here, which helps provide a sense of the Old Town's layout.
Most full-day and half-day Quito city tours make a stop here, while the Quito city attractions pass includes admission to the Mundo monument. Many tours conveniently combine a stop at the Mitad Monument with visits to El Panecillo, Cotopaxi Volcano, Cayambe Volcano, and the Church of the Society of Jesus (Iglesia La Compañía de Jesús).
How to Get to the Middle of the World Monument
Located about 14 miles (23 km) north of Quito near San Antonio de Pichincha, Mitad el Mundo is reachable by car, taxi, or public transportation.
- Souvenir shops, bars, and restaurants on site.
- Choose a tour with roundtrip transfers to avoid worrying about transport.
- Both the monument and museum are handicap accessible.
- Be prepared for lines and crowds at this popular destination.
Located about 14 miles (23 km) north of Quito near San Antonio de Pichincha, Mitad el Mundo is reachable by car, taxi, or public transportation.
When to Get There
The monument is open daily from 9am to 6pm. The site is predictably crowded during the high season of June through September, so if you want a solo photo op, it's best to make the trip first thing in the morning or at the end of the day. On weekends, locals hang out at the monument—watch the area come alive with folk music and dance shows.
Not Quite the Middle of the World
The exact location where the equator passes through Ecuador was later found to be about 262 yards (240 meters) north of the line at Mitad del Mundo. To visit the real equatorial line, check it out on your GPS-enabled device and head to the nearby Inti Nan Solar Museum, about five minutes away by car.
Address: Pichincha, Quito, Ecuador
Hours: Daily 9am–6pm
Admission: US$2. Ethnographic Museum and Solar Museum: US$3 each
From $ 12
Inaquito Market
Iñaquito Market, located in North Quito between Avenida 10 de Agosto and Rio Amazonas, is one of the city’s most colorful indoor markets and a great place to get a feel for the local pulse of Ecuador’s capital. The market’s stalls are stacked with colorful exotic fruits and vegetables, spices, medicinal ingredients, meats and fish. Ecuador’s climate makes it ideal for growing many types of fruit, and it’s worth a visit to the market if only to sample some of the more unusual varieties, like tree tomatoes, giant green guanábana (soursop), gooseberries, dragon fruit or granadilla (similar to a passion fruit).
Hungry market goers will find an entire “food court” area where the specialty is whole roasted pig, sliced and served with hominy, cheese-stuffed potato pancakes and avocado. Juice stalls will happily blend up exotic fruits purchased in the main market.
Practical Info
Combine a visit to the Iñaquito Market with a trip up the nearby Teleferiqo for beautiful views of Quito.
Address: Avenida 10 de Agosto and Rio Amazonas, Quito, Ecuador
From $ 98
Capilla del Hombre
The brainchild of Oswaldo Guayasamín, Ecuador’s most renowned contemporary artist, the Capilla del Hombre or ‘Chapel of Man’ is an art museum with a unique concept – dedicated to chronicling the history of mankind through art. Guayasamín’s vision wasn’t realized until after his death, but the museum, inaugurated in 2002, is now among Quito’s most fascinating, housed in a striking hilltop building in Bellavista.
The Capilla del Hombre houses Guayasamin’s impressive personal collection, including paintings and sculptures by prominent Latin American artists, pre-Columbian artifacts, colonial sculptures and original works. Additional highlights include the ‘Tree of Life’ in the museum gardens, where Guayasamin is buried, and the ‘Eternal Flame’ installation, a powerful declaration of peace and human rights.
Practical Info
The Capilla del Hombre is located close to the Guayasamín Museum in Bellavista, Quito and is open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. Adult admission at the time of writing is $8.
Address: Mariano Calvache, Quito, Ecuador
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm
Admission: $8
From $ 8
Calle La Ronda
In downtown Quito, you’ll find the essence of the city along the emblematic street affectionately called Calle La Ronda. Visiting this pedestrian street at the southern end of the Old Town is like taking a walk back in time.
The narrow houses with their balconies and interior courtyards tell the story of Spain’s influence in Ecuador. But the history of Calle La Ronda goes much further back; rumor has it the Incas used this same path beginning in the 1400s. In time, people established houses along the route, and taverns were opened to care for the needs of travelers.
Painters, poets, musicians, writers and other influential people have been drawn to this street, where the colonial architecture, music, art and food sum up the identity of Quito. Although the area went through a period of violence, it has since been restored and is now a safe place to visit, especially popular among locals and tourists on weekends.
Go at night to get the full cultural flavor, when live music spills out of tiny bars and the bohemian atmosphere makes it seem as though the artists and poets that lived on this street in times past have come to life again.
Antique stores and souvenir shops provide a peek into the past as well as the local culture and give visitors a chance to pick up popular Ecuadorian take-homes like Panama hats (which are actually from Ecuador). In addition to the restaurants lining the street, there are also small shops that sell delicious empanadas, chocolate-covered strawberries, canelazos (a typical hot drink made with aguardiente and cinnamon), and other traditional Quito dishes.
Practical Info
Calle Juan de Dios Morales, referred to as Calla La Ronda, is just one block south of the Santo Domingo Plaza. Taxis are often recommended for travel around Quito, but it’s also easy to get to La Ronda from the trolley bus line — just get off at the Santo Domingo stop and walk from there.
Address: Calle Juan de Dios Morales, Quito, Ecuador
From $ 15
Independence Plaza (Plaza de la Independencia)
Plaza de la Independencia, known as Plaza Grande to the locals, was Quito’s main square in the 16th century, serving as central market and bullfighting area.
The plaza contains several important buildings: the Archbishop’s Palace to the north, City Hall to the east, the cathedral to the south, and the white, neoclassical Palacio del Gobierno (Government Palace) to the west.
The Government Palace (re-built in 1920 after its original 1650 building was destroyed by fire) is not open to the public, but you can take a peek inside the main entrance, which is a beautiful example of Moorish architecture. There is a tourist information booth just behind the entrance gate.
You’ll find more Moorish-inspired work in the courtyard of the Archbishop’s Palace (built in 1852) where there is also a small craft market and a few shops.
Practical Info
Plaza de la Independencia is the Old Town’s main square and is bordered by Chile to the north, Calle Venezuela to the east, García Moreno to the west and Espejo to the south.
Address: Plaza de la Independencia, Old Town, Quito, Ecuador
Admission: Free
From $ 15
Mindo Rainforest
Stretching over 48,000 acres (19,200 hectares) and reaching heights of 15,700 feet (4,778 meters), the Mindo Cloud Forest—part of the Mindo-Nambillo Ecological Reserve—is one of the most biologically diverse forests in the world.
The Basics
Exploring the lush jungles and forests of the Mindo Cloud Forest is a popular choice for a day trip from Quito, and it’s a spectacular 2-hour drive from the capital. Most tours include a wildlife-watching trek through the forest or a jungle hike to a waterfall, and popular additions include a ride on the Tarabita cable car, a visit to the Mindo butterfly farm, and a tour of the Mindo Chocolate Factory.
In addition to hiking and bird-watching, other outdoor activities in the Mindo Cloud Forest include zip-lining, river tubing along the Mindo River, mountain biking, and horseback riding through the jungle.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Prepare for hot, humid weather and bring a rain jacket as showers are common even in the dry season. Good hiking shoes are also essential.
- There are several options for accommodation and dining in Mindo Village.
- The Mindo Cloud Forest is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Mindo Cloud Forest is located around 62 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of Quito in the Andes Mountains and is about a 2-hour drive from the city. The easiest way to visit is as part of a tour or by hiring a private taxi. Buses also run daily from La Ofelia Station in Quito to Mindo Village.
When to Get There
The best time for bird-watching at Mindo is during the wet season, which runs December through April, when the highest number of migratory birds are present. Hiking and outdoor activities are possible year-round.
Wildlife Watching in the Mindo Cloud Forest
Thanks to its mild climate, high humidity, and regular rainfall, the Mindo Cloud Forest boasts a unique ecosystem where plant and wildlife flourish. Over 400 species of bird call the forest home, including hummingbirds, tanagers, woodpeckers, and partridge, alongside a number of rare butterfly species. The area is also notable for its wild orchids, with over 170 species present; other flora include bromeliads, heliconias, and ferns.
Address: Ecuador
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Intinan Museum
Who would’ve thought an invisible line would be so hard to find? As the very name of the country describes, the Earth’s Equator bisects Ecuador into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres—although pinpointing the exact location of that line has been an ongoing challenge. For hundreds of years, it was believed the Equator bisected Ecuador at the Mitad del Mundo monument, but new data has revealed the site is off by a few hundred meters. The nearby Intinan Museum, it’s said, is the site of the real Equator, although GPS info seems to point out that neither spot is correct. Either way, regardless of the Equator’s exact location, this small museum north of Quito is still a fascinating stop. Try to balance an egg on a nail or watch water spin opposite ways, and while some of the exhibits might be staged, the concepts behind the gravity and physics are curiously entertaining. In addition to exhibits about the Equator, the Intinan Museum also offers a look at Ecuador’s culture—from the biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands to Amazonian tribes. There’s even the chance to take a photo with an ancient shrunken head, and while the somewhat kitschy Equator tricks are admittedly fun to see, it’s the authentic looks at Ecuadorian culture that defines this Quito museum.
Practical Info
The Intinan Museum is open daily from 9:30am-5pm. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children, and the museum is approximately a 20 minute cab ride from the center or Old Town of Quito.
Address: Manuel Cordova Galarza, Quito, Ecuador
Hours: Open daily from 9:30am-5pm
Admission: Adults: $4; Children: $2
From $ 12
La Basilica Church
The Basilica of the National Vow (in Spanish, La Basilica del Voto Nacional), often called La Basilica, is one of the most beautiful Roman Catholic churches in Quito. Set up on a hill and visible from almost anywhere in the city, it’s particularly striking after dark, when it is illuminated.
Construction began in 1883 on what became the largest neo-Gothic church in the Americas, measuring 459 feet (140 meters) long and 115 feet (35 meters) wide, and reaching a height of 98 feet (30 meters) in the nave. The two front towers stand 377 feet (115 meters) tall.
The neo-Gothic decoration has an interesting twist — it features gargoyles and ornaments that depict local animals such as armadillos, iguanas, pumas, monkeys, tortoises and condors. The abundant artwork also includes bronze statues, stained-glass windows and impressive stonework.
Get the best views by climbing to the top of the three towers, where you can see a large portion of Quito and the surrounding mountains. Walking from one tower to the next on wooden bridges and steep ladders adds to the thrill.
The church is technically unfinished, and local legend has it that when La Basilica is completed, the end of the world will come.
Practical Info
The church is located seven blocks north of Independence Square at the corner of Calle Venezuela in Old Town, Quito. It is open daily from 9am to 5pm. It costs $2 to visit the top of the towers.
Address: Calle Venezuela y Carchi, Quito, Ecuador
From $ 15
Limpiopungo Lagoon
Like a mirror that reflects the beauty of the surrounding peaks, Limpiopungo Lagoon, tucked in a valley of the Cotopaxi National Park at over 12,400 feet (3,800 meters) above sea level, forms part of Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Head south from Quito and enjoy the constantly changing scenery along the Pan-American Highway, with unrivaled views of volcanic peaks including the majestic, snow-capped Cotopaxi.
Near the lagoon, there are hiking and bike trails as well as opportunities for horseback riding. The lagoon is home to at least 24 species of birds, including native waterfowl such as the rare Andean ibis, slow-swimming Andean ducks and coots and the endangered Andean condor. Mammals that roam the areas surrounding the lagoon include llamas, deer and rabbits.
All of this natural beauty is ideal for taking pictures, and a walk around the lake highlights different viewpoints.
Practical Info
It’s wise to arrive early, before the clouds cover the mountains and before the wind picks up, so that the calm lake perfectly reflects the surroundings. Remember that it’s cold at that altitude, with temperatures around 45 F to 57 F (7 to 14 C), so dress accordingly.
Address: Quito, Ecuador
From $ 45
Mariscal
La Mariscal is the epicenter of Quito’s tourist scene, so much so the neighborhood has become known as ‘Gringolandia.’
What Mariscal lacks in tourist attractions it makes up for in bars, restaurants, and clubs. Many visitors opt to stay in Mariscal for its wide range of accommodations and shopping and its reputation as the place to be when the sun goes down.
You’ll find a whole range of useful amenities in Mariscal, including internet cafes, banks and tour operators.
Practical Info
La Mariscal extends from south to north between the avenues of La Patria and Orellana and from west to east between the avenues of 6 de Diciembre and 10 de Agosto.
Address: Mariscal Sucre, Quito, Ecuador
Admission: Free
From $ 139
City Museum of Quito (Museo de la Ciudad)
Housed in the former San Juan de Dias Hospital (a stunning sixteenth century building and UNESCO World Heritage site), the City Museum of Quito (Museo de la Ciudad) tells the story of the city from its beginnings as an indigenous trading post through the rise of an Incan capital and the arrival of the conquistadors through to the nineteenth century. This history is laid out through a series of dioramas and models of traditional indigenous and colonial homes.
Another permanent exhibit highlights the history of the hospital, with a number of personal possessions of one of the hospital’s doctors on display. Signs throughout tell of how the various rooms were originally used. Getting to see the building itself is well worth the entrance fee.
Practical Info
Admission includes a free guided tour in Spanish. English tours are available for an extra fee.
Address: Garcia Moreno 572 y Rocafuerte, Quito, Ecuador
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 9:30am-5:30pm
Admission: Adults: $3; Children: $1
From $ 46
Palace of the Archbishop
The Palace of the Archbishop (in Spanish, Palacio Arzobispal) in the heart of Old Town Quito stands in good company on Plaza Grande, sharing the plaza with the cathedral, the Presidential Palace and City Hall.
Founded in the 16th century, this neoclassic building was once the seat of the archbishop of Quito. One of the oldest buildings in the city, it represents the religious authority of the Roman Catholic Church.
Although it tells an important story of the religious past in Ecuador, these days it has a lot to offer for visitors looking for rest and refreshment. Now, restaurants, coffee shops, craft shops and art galleries are gathered under the arches.
For foodies, this is Quito’s busiest food court. Here you can get it all, from fast food, to seafood, to inexpensive lunches, to fine dining with a romantic view of the plaza.
On the weekends, dancers and singers perform at the palace courtyard. And since so many people pass through this area, it makes an interesting place to sit and observe day-to-day life in Quito.
Practical Info
The Palace of the Archbishop is located on the corner of Chile and Venezuela streets in Old Town. At the palace’s fine-dining restaurant Mea Culpa, gourmet dishes run from $10 to $16 and the dress code is formal.
Address: Calle Chile y Venezuela, Quito, Ecuador
From $ 34
Cathedral of Quito
Built between 1562 and 1806, the iconic white façade and towering columns of the Cathedral of Quito today remains one of the most recognizable and distinguished structures in the city’s historic center. The impressive exterior is visible from hillsides that rise high outside of Quito, but travelers will find that its well-preserved interior is equally as stunning.
The religious monument is home to numerous works of art, including sculptures and paintings by artists that came up during the republican and colonial eras. The walls of the choir are covered by an incredible Miguel de Santiago painting known as the Death of the Virgin. The Cathedral of Quito is not only the largest Catholic church in Quito, but also one of the largest in Latin America, making it a destination that’s truly worth a visit.
Practical Info
The cathedral is located on the Plaza de la Independencia, between Venezuela and Garcia Moreno Streets.
Address: Eugenio Espejo, Quito 170401, Ecuador
From $ 15
El Sagrario
Technically, El Sagrario is the chapel that’s physically attached to Quito’s Old Town Cathedral. Thanks to its separate entrance, however, and ornate, stone façade, El Sagrario is considered a sight unto itself when wandering Quito’s Old Town. Constructed between 1617 and 1747, El Sagrario showcases architectural styles from Baroque to Neoclassical. Ionian columns and Corinthian columns both help hold up the façade, and the interior is lavishly decorated with touches of Renaissance art. Gaze upward at the frescoed archangels flying their way towards the chapel’s cupola, or down at the crypts beneath the floor that hold some of Quito’s remains. One of Quito’s most celebrated sculptors—Bernardo de Legarda—placed his touches on El Sagrario in the middle of the 18th century, and in addition to being a literal sanctuary from Old Town’s bustling streets, El Sagrario is a cultural and artistic treasure that’s free and easy to visit.
Practical Info
Admission to El Sagrario is free, and Sunday Mass is held at 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, and 5 pm. On all other days there are four separate masses beginning at 8am. For general entry, opening hours are from 7:30am-5:30pm on Monday-Friday, 7:30am-6pm on Saturday, and 7:30am-1pm and 5-6pm on Sunday.
Address: García Moreno, Quito, Ecuador
Hours: Opening hours are from 7:30am-5:30pm on Monday-Friday, 7:30am-6pm on Saturday, and 7:30am-1pm and 5-6pm on Sunday.
From $ 15
Carmen Alto Convent (Monasterio de Carmen Alto)
The order of the Discalced Carmelites founded a monastery in Quito in 1653. Before it became a monastery, the Carmen Alto Convent (Monasterio de Carmen Alto) was famous as the location where Saint Mariana of Jesus lived and died, and today, thousands of pilgrims make their way here each year to honor this famous Ecuadorian saint.
Two of the convent’s old cloisters now house a museum, where various pieces of religious art are on display, alongside images and artifacts from the convent’s centuries long history and information on the day-to-day lives of the nuns who live there. The rest of the building still functions as a working monastery. The nuns living within are famous for producing traditional sweets, including limones desamargados — small hollowed out lemons filled with a sweet creamy center.
Practical Info
Much of the information presented within the museum is in Spanish, so be sure to bring along a small pocket dictionary or translation app.
Address: Corner of García Moreno & Rocafuerte, Quito, Ecuador
Hours: Open Wed-Sun 9:30am-5:30pm
Admission: Adults: $3 Adults; Children: $1
From $ 46
El Panecillo
Squint south towards the old town from Quito center and you can’t miss El Panecillo, a hill that does indeed resemble a panecillo (bread roll), and the statue of the Virgin Mary standing on top.
At 9,895 feet (3,016 meters) above sea level, El Panecillo is Quito’s most popular lookout, affording 360-degree views over the city. On a clear morning (and mornings are the best time for cloud-free views in Quito) you can even see as far as Cotopaxi’s distinctive volcano.
The aluminum statue of the Virgin Mary was introduced to the Panecillo in 1976 and was inspired by the Virgen de Quito (Quito’s Madonna), which can be seen in the Church of St. Francisco.
Practical Info
The stairway to El Panecillo is a popular spot with muggers. Arrange for a cab to take you and wait while you visit the lookout.
Address: El Panecillo, Old Town, Quito, Ecuador
Hours: Open daily. Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm, weekends: 9am - 5pm
Admission: Grounds Admission: US$1, Admission to the Top: US$2
From $ 15
Pululahua
Only two craters in the world are inhabited—and Pululahua is one of them. Essentially a fog-filled, fertile bowl set 9,000 feet in the sky, Pululahua is the only crater in the world that’s also actively farmed. Though the area rarely ever receives rain, the rolling fog provides ample moisture for raising fields full of crops. Most people who visit, however, only make it as far as the overlooks, which are dotted along the crater rim and offer sweeping views of the basin. Those with a little more time, however, and a healthy dose of adventure, can hike, bike, or horseback ride the trails to the crater floor. Once here, walk amongst a rural setting that feels like it’s frozen in time. Gone are the urban trappings of Quito and the incessant hum of cars, which are replaced by the sounds of smiling farmers who still work the ground by hand. Aside from the trails, farmers, and fog, Pululahua is famously known for its ecological wealth. The crater is a geobotanical reserve with over 2,000 species of plants, and was the first place in South America preserved as a National Park. It’s even possible to sleep in the crater in simple, traditional hostels, and even if you can only spend 30 minutes admiring the view from the rim, this spot the Inca dubbed “cloud of water” is a site you’ll never forget.
Practical Info
Pululahua Crater is approximately 30 minutes from the streets of downtown Quito. The crater is accessible by bus or cab, as well as a number of guided tours that visit multiple sites in the area. For travel by bus, catch the bus to Mitad del Mundo and hire a taxi from there. Views of the crater are best in the morning before the clouds roll in, and remember to pace yourself when hiking to account for the high elevation.
Address: Ecuador
From $ 30
Cotopaxi National Park
With sweeping plains, rocky mountain trails, and glassy lagoons, Ecuador’s largest and most-visited national park is a spectacular setting for an outdoor adventure. Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Cotopaxi National Park is most famous for the much-photographed Cotopaxi volcano, the highest active volcano in South America.
The Basics
Located an hour from Ecuador’s capital city of Quito, Cotopaxi National Park makes for an ideal day trip for those looking to take advantage of the region’s exceptional hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. A full-day tour typical includes a drive along the scenic Route of the Volcanoes, views of Cotopaxi Volcano and Limpiopungo Lake, and a choice of short hikes or downhill biking. An overnight Cotopaxi National Park tour affords more time for exploring or allows you to extend your trip to include the nearby Quilotoa Lagoon.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an entrance fee to enter the national park.
- The park is located at high altitude; if you’ve just arrived in Quito, it’s wise to spend a couple of days acclimatizing before hiking or biking.
- Although there are plenty of walking trails in the national park, climbing the Cotopaxi Volcano is only suitable for experienced hikers.
- There are several car parks in the national park, but access to many of the trails is by 4WD only.
- The park has limited visitor facilities, so be sure to bring everything you need, including comfortable shoes, sun or rain protection, and plenty of water.
How to Get There
The Cotopaxi National Park is located 31 miles (53 kilometers) southeast of Quito, about an hour’s drivel. There are no public transport options for reaching the park; the easiest way to get there is to join a guided tour or arrange a private tour from Quito.
When to Get There
You can Cotopaxi year round; in fact, there is little variation in temperatures throughout the year. The most popular time for hiking and outdoor activities is during the dry months (July to September).
Climbing the Cotopaxi Volcano
Scaling the 19,000-foot (5,900-meter) high Cotopaxi Volcano is a bucket-list activity among hiking enthusiasts. With high altitude and technical sections that require crampons and ice axes, it’s a challenge suitable only for experienced hikers or climbers, and it’s recommended you hire a reputable guide. Most hikes (which last about five hours) set out late at night or early in the morning in order to summit in time to catch the sunrise.
Address: Cotopaxi, Quito, Ecuador
Admission: Varies
From $ 45
Cotopaxi Volcano
The Cotopaxi Volcano, one of South America’s most famous peaks and Ecuador’s most active volcano, is perhaps the most recognizable landmark along Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes. On a clear day, you can see the snow-capped cone all the way from Quito, but a closer exploration requires a trip to Cotopaxi National Park.
The Basics
Cotopaxi, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, summits at 19,347 feet (5,897 meters), making it one of the world’s highest active volcanoes and one of the most popular climbing sites in South America.
While summiting the peak is a major draw, it’s also possible to enjoy the park and its volcano views on a less strenuous day trip from Quito. These tours might include a visit to the Cotopaxi Glacier, a short hike through Limpiopungo Valley, or even the chance to cycle down the volcano on a mountain bike.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cotopaxi Volcano is a must-visit for adventure travelers, outdoors enthusiasts, and photographers.
- Dress in layers, as the temperature can vary widely within the national park.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Be sure to bring sun protection, water, and snacks; there are no shops or other major services within the park.
How to Get There
No public buses run to the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park, so the best way to get there is to drive or join a guided tour. Some buses do drop passengers off along the highway about a 30-minute drive from the national park parking area.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the volcano is during the dry season, from mid-July to early October. The peak looks its best in the light of the early morning or late evening, so consider staying overnight in the area.
Climbing Cotopaxi
Alexander von Humboldt was the first European to attempt to climb Cotopaxi in 1802, though he didn’t make it all the way to the top. Today, climbers come from around the world to reach the summit. The hike is only appropriate for serious hikers with experience trekking at high altitudes. If you’re planning to climb, spend a few days in Quito acclimatizing to the altitude first and consider enlisting the help of a climbing guide.
Address: Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Admission: Varies
From $ 45