Quito and the Andes

Day by day

The plan

Times are suggestions. Opening hours and seasons change, so check before you go. Once it’s in your trip, move anything you like.

1. Day 1

   Quito’s old town

   1. 09:00

      Plaza Grande

      Activity

      The heart of the colonial center, framed by the cathedral and the presidential palace.

   2. 10:30

      La Compañía de Jesús

      Activity

      A Baroque church covered in gold leaf, one of the most striking interiors in South America.

   3. 12:30

      Lunch: Ecuadorian classics in the old town

      Food & drink

      Try locro de papa, a creamy potato soup served with avocado and cheese.

   4. 14:30

      Basílica del Voto Nacional

      Activity

      A neo-Gothic basilica whose towers look out over the whole old town.

   5. 17:30

      Calle La Ronda

      Activity

      A restored colonial lane with balconies and lanterns, at its best in the evening.

2. Day 2

   Views and the equator

   1. 08:30

      TelefériQo

      Activity

      A cable car up the slopes of Pichincha volcano for wide views over the city; go early, before the clouds roll in.

   2. 12:30

      Lunch in La Floresta

      Food & drink

      A leafy neighborhood of small cafés and local kitchens.

   3. 14:30

      Mitad del Mundo

      Activity

      The equator monument north of the city, where you can stand with a foot in each hemisphere.

   4. 18:00

      El Panecillo

      Activity

      The hill crowned by the Virgin of Quito, with the old town lighting up below. Go by taxi.

3. Day 3

   Cotopaxi, then south to Baños

   1. 07:30

      Drive south to Cotopaxi National Park

      Getting around

      A couple of hours along the Avenue of the Volcanoes; a driver or a day tour makes it easy.

   2. 10:00

      Limpiopungo lagoon

      Activity

      An easy walk around a high lagoon with Cotopaxi rising right behind it.

   3. 13:00

      Lunch: hearty Andean food near the park

      Food & drink

      Soups and grilled dishes to warm up after a morning at altitude.

   4. 15:00

      Continue to Baños

      Getting around

      The road drops from the páramo toward the green edge of the Amazon.

   5. 19:00

      Stay in Baños

      Stay

      A small town at the foot of Tungurahua volcano, base for the next two days.

4. Day 4

   Waterfalls and hot springs

   1. 09:00

      Ruta de las Cascadas by bike

      Activity

      Rent a bike and ride the mostly downhill road past a string of waterfalls; trucks and buses bring you back.

   2. 11:30

      Pailón del Diablo

      Activity

      The most powerful waterfall on the route, seen from trails and bridges right beside it.

   3. 14:00

      Lunch in Baños and melcocha

      Food & drink

      Watch the sugarcane taffy being pulled by hand in shop doorways.

   4. 16:00

      Casa del Árbol swing

      Activity

      The famous swing over the valley, with Tungurahua across from you on a clear day.

   5. 19:00

      Thermal baths

      Activity

      Baños is named for its hot springs; a soak is the best end to a day on the bike.

5. Day 5

   Back to Quito

   1. 08:00

      Breakfast in Baños

      Food & drink

      Fresh fruit juices and a slow start before the drive.

   2. 09:30

      Drive or bus back to Quito

      Getting around

      A few hours north with the volcanoes on both sides when the sky is clear.

   3. 15:00

      Artisan market in La Mariscal

      Activity

      Textiles, Panama hats and crafts from around the country in one place.

   4. 19:00

      Farewell dinner in the old town

      Food & drink

      End where you started, with the churches lit up at night.