What to Do in Quito, Ecuador
A One Day Tour of Activities, Dining and Sightseeing in Quito
So you have 24 hours in Quito, Ecuador. What to do? Here's one suggested day tour of the capital of this Andean nation.
Starting the Day: Quito's Teleferiqo
Your first stop is one of Quito’s newest attractions: the Teleferiqo. The Teleferiqo is a cable car that goes from downtown Quito to the top of a nearby volcano. Yes, the volcano is active, but no, it won’t explode while you’re on the ride.
Morning is the best time for the Teleferiqo, as Quito often gets cloudy in the afternoon. The Teleferiqo whisks you up from about 10,000 feet to about 14,000, so be prepared to be a little woozy at the top. Bring a jacket: it gets chilly up there! Needless to say, the view is breathtaking (pun intended).
Noontime: Lunch and Shopping in the Mariscal district
Enjoy the view of the city for a while and browse the shops and restaurants that have sprung up around the Teleferiqo. Once you’re done, head into the Mariscal area, well known as the gringo part of town. Tell the cabbie to drop you off at the corner of Juan León Mera and Foch: you’ll find yourselves at The Magic Bean, which is known for outstanding coffee (hence the name) but also make the best sandwiches and vegetarian food in Quito. Portions are huge. The cab ride should cost you about $3, and lunch at the magic bean, per person, runs about $10 (all prices in US$).
Once you’re done eating, turn south on Juan León Mera street as you exit the Magic Bean. As you walk, you’ll pass dozens of small shops specializing in stuff that visitors to Quito like: handicrafts, textiles, paintings, antiques, Panama hats...you name it. If you make it far enough down Juan León Mera you’ll hit the artisan market, where dozens of stalls sell goods from the native market of Otavalo: ponchos, sweaters, scarves and much, much more.
Dinner in Quito's historical center
At around five-thirty, hop in another cab and tell him to take you to Café Mosaico, Calle Manuel Samaniego N8-95 (cab fare: about $3). Café Mosaico is located on a hill just to the east of Quito and it has the best view of the sunset in town. If you get there early, you can get a coveted table on the balcony. Have a couple of drinks (about $4 for a mixed drink, beer, wine and soft drinks are cheaper) and enjoy the show.
Once the sun has set, grab another cab and tell him to take you the Plaza de la Independencia. This is the colonial heart of town, and it will be all lit up and in its glory. On the north side of the square is the old Archbishop’s palace, which has now been converted into stores and restaurants. Dinner is in the palace at Hasta La Vuelta Señor (“Until I return, my Lord”), an Ecuadorian restaurant that is something of a Quito institution. An excellent dinner will run you about $15-25 per person, including food and drinks.
When dinner’s over, you'll need to dance off that heavy Ecuadorian meal. Take a cab back to the Mariscal area: just to the north of the Magic Bean are many of the hippest cafes, bars and discos that Quito has to offer. Dance the night away, or until you’re too tired to boogie. Then, take a cab home: don’t walk far in the Mariscal area at night.
