Top Instagrammable places in Quito
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is one of the country’s most beautiful towns. Surrounded by lush mountains and the snow-capped Andes, Quito is a hidden gem in Ecuador. With its vibrant street art, colonial buildings, and bustling marketplaces, Quito is a living canvas. As the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, Quito holds a special place in visitors’ hearts thanks to its numerous museums, historic churches, and a growing food scene that celebrates Ecuadorian ingredients.
The best time to visit Ecuador, and specifically Quito, depends on the region, as Ecuador doesn’t have traditional summer and winter seasons. The dry season from June to September is ideal for visiting Quito, though other months, especially November to February, can also be enjoyable.
Quito has many attractions and is perfect for exploring Ecuadorian culture. This article will highlight the most Instagrammable places in Quito and the best spots to visit in Ecuador’s capital.
1. Basílica del Voto Nacional
One of the most beautiful churches in Ecuador is the Basilica del Voto Nacional. Don’t miss this gem if you want amazing photos of Ecuador and a stunning overview of Quito. This unfinished Roman Catholic church is perfect for capturing both its unique architecture and panoramic city views.
From the twin bell towers, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of Quito. For the best experience, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to catch the best light for your pictures of Ecuador.
To get to the Basilica, you’ll need to climb uphill from Plaza Independencia. There is an entrance fee, and reaching the top involves climbing steep ladders and wooden planks connected by ropes. It’s not ideal for those afraid of heights, but the incredible city views make it worth the effort for your Ecuadorian photo collection.
Location: Venezuela 11-263 y, Quito 170130, Ecuador
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 9 AM to 5 PM , Sat & Sun 9 AM to 6 PM
Entrance Fees: Total $4 to explore the entire Basilica
2. La Ronda Street
If you’re looking for vibrant colors and old-world charm, La Ronda is a must-visit in Quito. As one of the city’s oldest streets, it showcases some of the best traditional Ecuadorian architecture from the colonial era.
Stroll down La Ronda to discover galleries, cafes, and talented local artisans displaying their crafts. Many vendors are tucked away in the back of shops, offering unique items that are perfect for souvenirs and gifts.
Take a walk, enjoy the colorful windows adorned with plants, and stop by a chocolate shop for a sweet treat. It’s a fantastic spot for capturing pictures of Ecuador’s rich culture and heritage.
Location: between Calle Venezuela and Pedro Vincente Maldonado
Opening hours: 24 hours
Entrance Fees: No Fees
3. Plaza Independencia from Hotel Plaza Grande
Hotel Plaza Grande is one of the most luxurious hotels in Quito, featuring the city’s only presidential apartment. Located on the bustling Plaza San Francisco, the hotel offers stunning views of the town square, the church, and the distant mountains from its terrace.
From the balcony of Hotel Plaza Grande, you can enjoy unique views of the Presidential Palace, Plaza Independencia, El Panecillo with its angel statue, and the Cathedral of Quito. The vibrant street food vendors and buskers below add to the lively atmosphere.
The central statues in the area are popular photo spots, perfect for capturing beautiful pictures of Ecuador. Whether you’re with loved ones or exploring solo, Hotel Plaza Grande is a fantastic place to experience Quito’s charm and take memorable pictures of Ecuador.
Location: Chile OE4-22, Quito 170401, Ecuador
Opening hours: 24 hours
4. La Compania Church
If you’re only going to visit one church in Quito, make it La Compañía. This church is renowned as South America’s best Spanish Baroque building. The stunning facade is just the beginning; inside, you’ll be amazed by the seven tons of gold leaf that adorn the entire temple. Often called Quito’s Sistine Chapel, it truly dazzles.
For accommodations, finding a clean and comfortable hotel in Quito might be challenging. Expect to pay around 150 conventional units per day for a decent room.
Don’t forget to capture the beauty of La Compañía and the city’s vibrant scenes with your camera for some incredible pictures of Ecuador.
Location: García Moreno N10-43, Quito 170401, Ecuador
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 9:30 AM to 6 PM , Sat 9:30 AM to 4 PM , Sun 12:30 PM to 4 PM
Entrance Fees: $5
5. El Panecillo
Location: El Panecillo Hill
Opening hours: Mon to Thurs 9 AM to 6 PM , Fri to Sat 9 AM until 9 PM
Entrance Fees: No entrance fee if you only want to view the statue from the outside.But there is a $2 entrance fee if you would like to go inside
6. Teleferico
While not a hidden gem, Teleferico is a must-visit in Quito. This sky tram, one of the largest in the world, takes you up the Pichincha Hill to Cruz Loma, offering stunning views of Quito. At the top, you can enjoy activities like cycling, walking, or exploring Vulcano Park’s amusement rides.
Don’t miss the chance to capture incredible pictures of Ecuador from this unique vantage point. The panoramic views of Quito and its surroundings make for some of the best pictures of Ecuador you can get.
Location: Fulgencio Araujo, y, Quito 170527
Opening hours: Mon to Sun 9 AM to 7 PM
Entrance Fees: It costs $8.50 for adults and anyone under 18 is $7.00
7.Quito Cathedral
Quito’s City Cathedral, located in Independence Square, is one of the most stunning sights in Quito, Ecuador. Built in 1678 and rebuilt in 1806, this grand building features white walls and a tiled roof, representing a beautiful example of colonial-era architecture.
When visiting Ecuador, don’t miss the chance to explore Independence Square and admire the Quito Cathedral’s beauty. This iconic site offers fantastic opportunities for taking memorable pictures of Ecuador. Stroll around the square to capture some of the best pictures of Ecuador’s historic architecture.
Location: QFHP+RX7, Eugenio Espejo, Quito 170401
Opening hours: Mon to Sat 9 AM to 5 PM , Sun 10 AM to 2 PM
Entrance Fees: No fees
Final Thoughts
We hope that by the time you’ve finished reading this article, you have a better understanding of everything there is to see and do in Quito. In addition, we ask that you share in the comments any more Instagrammable locations that you may be aware of or have visited in addition to those listed above.
Common Questions About Places In Quito
Quito is famous for its well-preserved colonial center, the Middle of the World monument, and as a gateway to the Galapagos Islands.
If you visit the old downtown don’t forget to stop by Calle La Ronda, a narrow street full of life! you can find restaurants which serve typical food and drinks. It’ll be best if you visit it at night!
You can see baroque style architecture with the old churches that accent the area, and you can even climb up some of them. A vibrant city, Quito has rich artistic traditions, some incredible food, and more to explore than meets the eye. Quito is worth visiting.
La Fortuna waterfall is iconic in Costa Rica and is one of the tallest in the country. The beautiful waterfall towers high 200 feet alongside some incredible nature, which creates a spectacular setting. The waterfall reveals itself through the colossal trees as you make your way down the stairs.
The oldest of all South American capitals, Quito is notable for its well-preserved old town, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978. The area was a market centre and political frontier before its conquest by the Inca empire, which led to its fortification as an Inca settlement.
In Quito, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Quito is one of the world’s most affordable cities, where you can still take a taxi anywhere in town for $1.50 to $10 and find a menu del dia—usually a four-course meal of soup, salad, meat/rice/vegetables, dessert, and beverage—for $1.50 to $2.50.
Quito is a very walkable city, although the capital of Ecuador is located at 2800 mts.
Is it safe to walk around Quito? Walking around Quito is safe if you do it in tourist areas, preferably during the day. Like any other city, Quito has areas that could be more unsafe than others; however, remember that most safety problems in Quito can be avoided by using common sense and taking precautions.
Start Planning Your Ecuador Trip Now!
Book Your Flight:
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flights. A travellers favorite way to book flights, as it searches websites and airlines around the world with one click.
Book Your Bus or Transportation Within Ecuador:
There are two ways to book your transporation, ask your hotel or hostel, go to the local bus terminal, or book online, for a less stressful trip using 12go.asia
Book Your Accomodation:
Find the best hotels or hostels at HostelWorld, Booking.com, Agoda.com. Perks include with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out and Free cancellations.
Dont Forget Your Travel Insurance:
Two popular choices are SafetyWing and WorldsNomads. A traveler should buy traveler’s insurance to protect themselves against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen baggage. It provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Useful Apps
Ecuador Bus / CheckmyBus / Busbud – Booking Bus
Chat Ecuador / Ecuador Social – Date App. / Whatsapp – Communication
Bookaway / EasemyTrip / buenosaires.gob.ar – Booking Hotel
Rail.cc / EasyBook.com / Wego – Booking Train
Ubereats / Foodchow / Bolt – Food Delivery
Grab / Uber / Tanigo – Booking Taxi
Want More Information On Ecuador?
Be sure to check out my nomad travel guide on the Ecuador for even more tips.
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