Quito was part of my grad trip through South America. I had just come from Colombia and decided to add Ecuador to the itinerary — mostly because flights were cheap and a few other travellers had told me it was worth it. I visited in August 2023, and it turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly rewarding stops on the trip.
Ecuador is not as famous as Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, or Peru, but it is a small country that punches above its weight with the diverse nature and things to do. Quito, the capital, sits at 2,850 metres in the Andes and offers a well-preserved colonial centre, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant backpacker community.
Is Quito Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. The city itself has a lot of character — colonial architecture, good food, and a lively atmosphere. But the real draw is what surrounds it. Within a day trip radius you have volcanoes, crater lakes, cloud-level hikes, and the actual equator line. For a capital city, the access to nature is hard to beat.
The backpacker scene is also strong. I met solo travellers from all over the world, and the hostel culture here felt more communal than in bigger South American cities. If you are doing a solo trip through South America, Quito is one of the easiest places to meet people.
How Many Days in Quito?
I would recommend at least four to five days. You need one full day for the Cotopaxi day trip, another for Quilotoa, and at least one or two days to explore the old town, the Basílica, and the TelefériQo hike. If you want a slower pace or want to add a day trip to the Intiñan Solar Museum, five days is comfortable.
I stayed for about a week and did not feel like I was stretching it. Between the day trips, the hostel social scene, and just wandering through the historic centre, there was plenty to fill the time.
Quito Safety and Altitude
Quito sits at 2,850 metres, so altitude sickness is something to be aware of. I did not have any major issues, but the first day or two felt noticeably different — shortness of breath walking uphill, mild headaches, and tiring faster than usual. Drink plenty of water, take it easy on the first day, and avoid heavy drinking until you have acclimatised. If you are heading to Cotopaxi or Rucu Pichincha, the altitude there is significantly higher and you will feel it.
On safety — Quito is generally fine for travellers who use common sense. The historic centre and tourist areas are busy and well-patrolled during the day. At night, stick to areas around your hostel and use taxis or Uber rather than walking through quiet streets. I never felt unsafe during my stay, but other travellers mentioned petty theft in crowded areas, so keep your phone and wallet close. The hostel staff at Secret Garden were helpful with advice on where to go and what to avoid.
Where to Stay in Quito: Secret Garden Hostel
Secret Garden Hostel was hands down the highlight of my accommodation in South America. The hostel has a rooftop restaurant and bar with views over the Quito skyline, and every night travellers would gather there to eat, drink, and share stories.
I met solo travellers from France, Australia, America, Britain, and Mexico — some of whom had been travelling for months. The vibe was exactly what you want from a hostel: social without being forced, relaxed but not dead. If you are backpacking Quito on a budget, this is the place to stay.
One fun fact about Ecuador — the official currency is USD. They even have $2 bills in circulation, which are practically impossible to find in the United States. I kept one as a souvenir.
Things to Do in Quito
Explore Quito Old Town
Quito’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved colonial old towns in South America. The streets are lined with churches, plazas, and colourful buildings. Plaza Grande is the main square and a good starting point — from there you can walk to most of the major landmarks. It is the kind of place where you can spend a full day just wandering without a plan and still feel like you saw a lot.
Basílica del Voto Nacional
A massive Gothic church in the centre of Quito. The architecture is impressive from the outside, but the real draw is climbing the towers. You walk across narrow bridges and up steep ladders to reach the top, where you get a panoramic view of the entire city. Not for those afraid of heights.
Intiñan Solar Museum
This is where the actual equator line runs — not the official monument nearby, but the real one confirmed by GPS. The museum has interactive demonstrations showing the Coriolis effect and other equator-related experiments. It is a bit touristy, but genuinely interesting and worth the visit. You can combine this with a trip to the Mitad del Mundo monument nearby for the full equator experience.
Day Trips from Quito
Cotopaxi Volcano Day Trip
An epic day trip from Quito. Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, and you can drive up to the refuge at around 4,800 metres before hiking to the glacier line. The landscape is otherworldly — barren, windswept, and absolutely massive. Book a tour from Quito; most hostels can arrange this. The drive takes about two hours each way, and most tours include lunch and a stop at a lagoon near the base.
Quilotoa Lagoon Day Trip
A stunning crater lake in the Andes. The turquoise water sits inside a volcanic crater, and the views from the rim are incredible. You can hike down to the water, though getting back up at altitude is a proper workout. The drive from Quito takes around three hours, so it is a long day, but well worth it. Some travellers do the Quilotoa Loop — a multi-day trek through indigenous villages around the crater — if you have the time.
Rucu Pichincha Hike
This was my favourite activity in Quito. You take the TelefériQo cable car up to 4,050 metres and then hike to the summit of Rucu Pichincha at 4,696 metres. At the top, you are literally above the clouds, looking down at Quito below. The hike is challenging at altitude but manageable if you have acclimatised. Bring layers — the weather changes fast up there. Start early in the morning; clouds tend to roll in by midday and you will lose the views.
Final Thoughts
Quito surprised me. I went in with low expectations and left thinking it was one of the best stops on my South America trip. The combination of a walkable city, incredible day trips, and a strong hostel community makes it an easy recommendation.
If you are doing South America, do not skip Ecuador. It is small, it is affordable, and it delivers.