My Photography & Travel Guide to Quito, Ecuador
Quito is—quite literally—breathtaking. The city is the cultural heart and political capital of Ecuador. We spent 3-4 days in Quito before traveling to the Galápagos Islands (click on the link to read my blog on The Galápagos Islands).
The capital city of Ecuador, Quito, is a vibrant and culturally rich destination that offers visitors the chance to experience South American culture at its best, whether you’re looking for amazing architecture, historical landmarks, delicious food, or photography.
Quito lies on an elevated Andean valley, surrounded by mountains, at 9,350 feet above sea level. This altitude makes it one of the highest capitals in the world and means that you’ll want to acclimatize by spending your first day taking it slow.
Thanks to one of the largest and best-preserved colonial cores in Latin America, Ecuador's capital was named the very first UNESCO World Heritage site. The city's dramatic setting squeezed between mountain peaks and straddling two hemispheres has always lured visitors, but its best-kept secrets are hidden in the narrow cobblestone streets, candlelit monasteries, and leafy plazas which you will find walking around the old town.
Quito contains:
Dozens of historic buildings to discover in Old Town,
the unique opportunity to visit the equator line,
hiking trails to trek from right within the city,
hundreds of ornate churches to admire,
a ride from the city into the Andes, one of the highest cable cars in the world,
fantastic local cuisine to try, plus some interesting local drinks to tip back, and
There are more than fifty museums to tour!
I really enjoyed my visit to Quito. Although I didn’t know what to expect, I found the city lively, gritty, and full of welcoming people.
Where to Stay: Luxury and Comfort in Quito
For the best experience, stay in the historic center or the trendy neighborhood of La Mariscal. Here are three luxury and three mid-level hotel options:
Luxury Hotels:
Casa Gangotena - A beautifully restored mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco, offering elegant rooms and top-notch service. We loved our stay. This is the kind of hotel that prepared a meal for us on arrival, which was past midnight because they were worried we had not eaten. The location is simply fantastic.
Hotel Plaza Grande - Located in the heart of the old town, this hotel offers luxury suites with a view of Independence Plaza.
Hilton Colon Quito - A modern hotel with all the amenities you’d expect, plus an excellent location near La Mariscal.
Mid-Level Hotels:
Hotel Patio Andaluz - A charming hotel in a colonial building, steps away from Quito's main attractions.
Ikala Quito Hotel - A cozy boutique hotel located in La Mariscal, known for its personalized service and comfortable rooms.
Hotel Reina Isabel offers modern rooms and a great location in La Mariscal, which is perfect for exploring the city.
How Long Should You Stay?
To leisurely experience Quito and its surroundings, plan to stay for at least 2-3 days. This will give you enough time to explore the city's historical sites, enjoy the local cuisine, and take some day trips to nearby attractions.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Quito is during the dry season, from June to September. During these months, you’ll enjoy clear skies and pleasant temperatures, perfect for photography. However, October and February are also considered an excellent time to visit. We visited in early December.
Getting Around the City
Quito has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and the newly opened metro. For convenience, Uber and Bolt are widely available and reliable options for getting around the city. We were able to walk to all the best locations from our hotel in the old town.
Where to Eat
Quito has something for every palate, from traditional Ecuadorian dishes to international cuisine.
You'll find Quito's best traditional eateries in the city's compact 16th-century Centro Histórico (Old Town). Seco de chivo (braised goat stew) and patacones (plantain fritters) are Ecuadorean classics. Quesadillas quiteñas (quesadillas from Quito), which are filled with queso dulce and are much more like a pastry than a Mexican quesadilla, are a local favorite and dipped in hot chocolate.
Zazu - A fine dining restaurant offering contemporary Ecuadorian cuisine.
Urko Cocina Local - Known for its farm-to-table approach and creative dishes.
Casa Gangotena Restaurant - Offers a refined dining experience with stunning views of Plaza San Francisco.
La Purísima - Serves traditional Ecuadorian dishes in a casual setting.
Bandido Brewing - Great for craft beer and delicious pub food.
Coffee Shops:
Cafe Galletti - A cozy spot offering locally sourced coffee.
Isveglio - Known for its excellent espresso and pastries.
Photography Gear: What to Bring
For capturing Quito’s diverse scenes, pack a versatile kit. Be careful with your gear since Quito is not the safest city in the world.
Camera Models: Full-frame Mirrorless cameras like the Canon EOS R5, Sony A7R IV, Nikon Z7, or Leica Q2/3.
Lenses:
Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for architecture and landscapes.
Standard zoom (24-70mm) for street photography.
Telephoto lens (70-200mm) for distant subjects and portraits.
Top 10 Photography Locations in Quito
Quito’s historic center is recognized as having the best-preserved, least-altered historic center in all of Latin America. In 1978, Quito became the first city in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Plaza de la Independencia -
Independence Square is the principal and central public square of Quito, Ecuador. This is a very busy and lively square full of people.
La Compañía de Jesús
La Compañia is considered the most ornate church in Ecuador. It took 160 years to build (1605-1765).
Although its dominant architectural style is Baroque, it also includes Moorish elements (like the geometric shapes on the church’s pillars), stucco decoration in the Churrigueresque style, and Neoclassical touches in the chapel. It is beautiful to photograph at night.
The central nave is completely covered in gold and is incredibly ornate and lavish.
TelefériQo
It is located on the second-highest cable car, located on the eastern side of Pichincha Volcano. The views are amazing. But remember, you will be nearly 13,000 feet or (4,000 meters), so it can be hard for some people to breathe. They actually have Oxygen stations on top, just in case you feel short of breath.
I would recommend buying a round-trip ticket since the walk down is very long. The views are completely worth it, though.
Basílica del Voto Nacional
The Basílica Del Voto Nacional is the largest neo-Gothic church in South America. According to local legend, the world will end if the basilica's construction is ever officially completed.
The Basílica del Voto Nacional is located on the corner of Venezuela and Carchi in central Quito, seven blocks northeast of Plaza de la Independencia
Plaza San Francisco
In the city of Quito you will find the cobbled Plaza de San Francisco - one of the oldest and most beautiful sights in the city.
Behind it towers the striking white Monastery of San Francisco. This was traditionally an area where native people would come to trade.
Today you can take a seat at one of the cafés located here and watch the many tourists and Quiteno people strolling along as they get on with their business.
El Panecillo
The Virgen de El Panecillo stands on a hill in the center of Quito, visible everywhere in the city. It is not only the tallest aluminum statue in the world but also the world’s tallest winged representation of the Virgin Mary.
La Ronda
La Ronda is a wonderful area for street photography. This Unesco-listed historic district has a long, curvy street that has become one of the Ecuadorian capital’s most treasured attractions over the years.
We really enjoyed walking down the various streets.
We were super lucky to watch one of the largest festivals in the city during our visit.
Mitad del Mundo (Cross the Equator)
You can't go to Quito and not visit the Middle of the World Monument. It is a must-do when in Ecuador in general. But I have to break this to you—the equator line is not there! When the French came, they actually measured it wrong. Years later, when scientists from all over the world came to actually measure it accurately, it turned out it was a bit off. By then, the monument was already famous and wasn't moved, but still, it is quite near the truth.
Calle de las Siete Cruces
Calle de las Siete Cruces, which means Street of the Seven Crosses, officially García Moreno, after the infamous early 20th century President brutally murdered on its sidewalks, is now home to an astonishing number of visitor sites, including the Museo de la Ciudad, the Carmen Alto Monastery, the Presidential Palace and Plaza Grande, the Numismatic Museum at the Ecuadorian Central Bank building, early 20th-century aristocrat María Augusta Urrutia’s residence (for a taste of upper-class Quito), La Compañía Church, the Cathedral, even a colonial home where, as a sign once read, “Bolívar danced”.
Explore the markets
Quito has many great markets, and they offer amazing opportunities to experience Ecuador’s cultural diversity. Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal has a wide selection of artisanal goods, including everything from alpaca blankets to Ecuadorian chocolates. Mercado Municipal Santa Clara is another popular market for purchasing local art and experiencing Ecuadorian craftsmanship.
The most famous market is Otavalo Market, a massive market about two hours from Quito. Seeing all the crafts made by indigenous people in the area is fascinating. You will find everything there, from traditional ponchos, hats, and outfits to local chocolate and spices.
Spend time in the Old Town
The old town is the heart of the city, and we loved exploring the area. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the plaza features the Palacio del Gobierno, the Cathedral, and the Palacio Presidencial. Wander through the quaint streets as you take in colonial architecture and explore Quito’s rich history.
Special Festivals and Holidays
Quito is vibrant with festivals year-round, but the Fiestas de Quito in early December are particularly spectacular. The city celebrates its founding with parades, concerts, and cultural events, offering unique photo opportunities.
Wrapping UP
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I hope you have found this Photography Guide on Quito helpful. You can see my other Photography & Travel Guides by Clicking on this Link.