Quito 1-day itinerary

Start your day in the beating heart of Quito at Plaza Grande, flanked by the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral. Walk north along García Moreno street to the Basílica del Voto Nacional, a towering neo-Gothic church where you can climb the steep towers for sweeping views over the old city and the surrounding volcanoes. The morning light illuminates the stone facades beautifully and the streets are still quiet before the midday rush. Stop for a fresh juice and empanada from a street vendor near the plaza.

After lunch at a local almuerzo restaurant for a $3 set meal, visit La Compañía de Jesús — widely considered the most ornate church in South America with its gold-leaf interior covering nearly every surface. Explore the surrounding colonial streets, ducking into San Francisco Plaza to see the oldest church in Quito and the adjacent museum. The Historic Centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved colonial centres on the continent. Wander the narrow streets and admire the painted balconies and ironwork.

Head to La Ronda, a beautifully restored colonial street that comes alive after dark with live music, craft workshops, and traditional food stalls. Try canelazo, a warm spiced cinnamon drink made with aguardiente, or espumilla, a meringue-like ice cream sold from carts. The street is pedestrian-only and lined with galleries, small bars, and artisan shops selling handmade chocolates and leather goods. Street musicians play Andean folk music from the balconies above. It is the most atmospheric spot in the city after sunset.