Your Itinerary For One Day In Quito, Ecuador

So… you’re looking to spend one day in Quito, Ecuador. I should right out the gates and say to simply explore the city of Quito alone you need more than one day. From taking the TelefériQo Cable Car up the mountain to visiting the equator line (“Mitad del Mundo”), you could easily spend 3-4 days exploring. But if you only have one day, you should focus on the historic center. Keep reading for your itinerary for spending one day in Quito, Ecuador.

Start with breakfast at Chuta Madre

Historic Center of Quito - best rooftop views

Tucked a few blocks above the Centro Historico in what appears to be a residential neighborhood is the Chuta Madre cafe and bakery. This charming business makes you feel like you’re having a meal at a friend’s house. You can cozily sit inside or climb the steps to the rooftop for a breathtaking outdoor view.

Address: Galapagos 635 y, Quito 170130, Ecuador
Pro Tip: Depending on the day of the week, this spot is open for breakfast, lunch (and sometimes dinner!) at a reasonable price. So depending on your schedule, this can be squeezed in at different parts of your day.

Explore the Basilica del Voto Nacional

The historic center of Quito is filled with stunning churches. In fact, on my first trip to Quito, we spent almost an entire day church-hopping! However, if you only have time to see one, the Basilica del Voto Nacional ranks #1 on the list. Not only is it an iconic symbol of the city, it’s the most unique church I’ve ever visited.

Ranked as the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas, work on the basilica started in 1892 and is still not complete to this day! Local legend states that when the construction is complete, it will mark the end of the world. While looking at the exterior alone is already impressive, what is most unique about it is the unique bell and clock towers. You can climb up to experience various shops, galleries, and cafes that are hidden from the outside. Of course, don’t miss the view.

Address: Venezuela 11-263 y, Quito 170130, Ecuador
Entrance: $2 to enter the church and $4 to climb the towers.
Pro Tip: If you’re on a budget and tight on time, skip entering the church and head straight to buy a ticket to climb the towers. From this ticket, you have an aerial view of the stained glass and interior.

Roam around the historic center (and don’t miss the Catedral Metropolitana de Quito and Plaza de la Independencia)

After finishing at the Basilica, make your way towards the heart of the historic center – the Catedral Metropolitana de Quito and Plaza de la Independencia. Explore the small streets of shops and plazas. You’ll eventually end up in the heart of the area. Nearby you’ll also be able to spot other points of interest like the presidential offices. (If you have a bit more time in your itinerary, add the La Compañía de Jesús church to your list – it is the most ornate church in Quito.)

My must-stop however is the cathedral for its unique dome-climbing experience. Before discovering it a few years ago, I had no idea that climbing a dome even existed! The Cathedral’s other claim to fame is that it is the oldest church in all of Ecuador – being constructed between 1535 and 1799.

Hours: tours leave every 30 min and a guide takes you through small passageways to get to the roof of the church.
Entrance: $3 (but there are other ticketing options if you want to visit the interior of the church).
Pro Tip: While this is one of the coolest church experiences you’ll have, if you’re claustrophobic I would skip this. The passageways are tiny and dark to get up to the domes.

Grab a Taxi Up to the Panecillo Monument

El Panecillo (the Little Loaf of Bread in English) is on the hill to the south of the centro histórico. It is a 134 foot-tall aluminum mosaic statue of La Virgen de Quito. You can climb to the top, and visit their museum on the interior of the statue.

Getting There: You can walk there from the Old Town, but you’ll be going through a shady area of vicious neighborhood dogs and potential muggings (locals shared this with me, I’m not making it up!) The best option would be taking a ~$5 taxi ride up to the top.
Entrance Fee: $1
Pro Tip: At the top by El Panecillo, I’d recommend making a snack stop at the outdoor food vendors down the way. Grab some traditional Ecuadorean hot chocolate, and other snacks.

End the Day with Dinner and a Sunset View from Cafe Mosaico

After the Panecillo, pop in an Uber or Taxi to take you to Cafe Mosaico. This spot arguably has the best overall sunset and city views of Quito. Other than the view, its other unique feature is that it also operates as a dog rescue. While visiting you’ll often see dogs lounging on couches and around the cafe.

Address: Manuel Samaniego N8-95, Quito 170136, Ecuador
Pro Tip: Reservations for a good table for sunset are an absolute must. Grab drinks and plan to order traditional Ecuadorean dishes!