Ecuador’s lofty capital city sits at 9,350 ft. (2,850 m) above sea level, crammed between two imposing mountain ranges. Quito is known for its beautiful, well-preserved historic center. Along with Kraków, it was the first city to be designated by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978.

There’s much to see in this vibrant, picturesque city, where old meets new. Let Good Life Expeditions introduce you to our favorite Quito highlights and the beautiful landscapes surrounding the city. Contact us to get started planning your trip.

Highlights of Quito

On a city tour, take in all the Quito highlights, including the impressive Government Palace, the Compañía de Jesus church, its green and gold domes, baroque splendor, and other historic buildings. Stroll through the busy plazas. Sample Ecuadorian cuisine. Stay in our carefully selected Quito hotels.

Quito is a great base for exploring the surrounding landscapes, with mountains, volcanoes, and the Amazon within easy reach. Some of our favorite day trips include:

Quito extends to within a mile of zero latitudes, which delineates the equator. There are a museum and monument to mark the spot, known as Mitad del Mundo or the middle of the world. Here you can stand on the equator for a fun photo opportunity!

Just a few hours from Quito is the Mindo Cloud Forest, in the Andes’ valleys. It is bursting with biodiversity. It offers a wide range of outdoor pursuits, including hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, and rafting.

Cotopaxi is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Enjoy a day trip to the beautiful Cotopaxi National Park. It has a rugged landscape due to the altitude that offers hiking to the volcano’s summit, mountain biking back down, and horseback riding.

For a bit of Ecuadorian culture, a visit to the Otavalo market is a must. The famous indigenous market stretches on forever. It’s great for browsing for souvenirs. You’ll find everything from jewelry, textiles, local musical instruments, and more.

Responsible Ecuador Travel with Good Life Expeditions

To take in all the Quito highlights, including those of the surrounding area, let Good Life Expeditions design the perfect trip for you. Our knowledgeable travel team will take care of all the details and logistics. Contact us today.