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2 nights, 3 days

Quito 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Quito grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Distances are straight-line, so actual transit times will differ. Feel free to reorder the stops. · Updated August 15, 2026

The whole route at a glance

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors Lines are straight connections, not actual routes.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3

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1

DAY 1

Around Pichincha Volcano · Nature·Temples & religious sites

Directions in Google Maps
  1. Morning
    Pichincha Volcano

    Nature

    An active volcano rising right beside Quito, with a caldera and a still-smoking crater near its summit. Trekking here lets you take in both sweeping city views and volcanic terrain.

  2. After lunch
    Church of Saint Frinci

    Temples & religious sites · 10.4 km from the previous stop

    This Catholic church and monastery stands in front of the main square in Quito's old town. It is considered one of Ecuador's oldest and most important religious sites, with a building scale ranked among the largest in South America's historic districts.

  3. Afternoon
    Palacio Gangotena

    Castles & palaces · 0.1 km from the previous stop

    A historic mansion facing Plaza San Francisco in Quito's old town, known for its elegant architecture. It now operates as a hotel, letting visitors explore its old-world interior.

  4. Evening
    Basilica of La Merced

    Temples & religious sites · 0.4 km from the previous stop

    A Catholic church in the historic center of Quito, Ecuador, it was the first house founded in the country by the Mercedarian order. It's a great stop while wandering through the historic old town.

2

DAY 2

Around Cathedral of Quito · Temples & religious sites·Museums & galleries

Directions in Google Maps
  1. Morning
    Cathedral of Quito

    Temples & religious sites

    The cathedral stands southwest of Independence Square in Quito. It has served as a parish church since 1545 and is now the most prestigious Catholic cathedral in Ecuador.

  2. After lunch
    Church of the Society of Jesus

    Temples & religious sites · 0.1 km from the previous stop

    A Catholic church in Quito's historic center, notable for its elaborate facade carved from solid volcanic stone. Its striking appearance has earned it the nickname "the Solomon's Temple of South America."

  3. Afternoon
    Iglesia de El Sagrario

    Temples & religious sites · 0.1 km from the previous stop

    This Renaissance-style Catholic church stands in Quito's old town, Ecuador. Though connected to the cathedral, it reads as a separate church and holds an important place in the history of Quito's religious art.

  4. Evening
    Sucre House

    Museums & galleries · 0.1 km from the previous stop

    This museum in Quito's old town opened in 1977 to honor Venezuelan independence hero Antonio José de Sucre and his wife, Mariana Carcelén. It offers a chance to trace the couple's story.

3

DAY 3

Around Basilica of the National Vow · Temples & religious sites·Culture & venues

Directions in Google Maps
  1. Morning
    Basilica of the National Vow

    Temples & religious sites

    This Roman Catholic basilica in Quito's old town, Ecuador, rises 83 meters high. It's a landmark visible from almost anywhere in the historic center, so you're likely to spot it while wandering the streets.

  2. After lunch
    Sucre National Theater

    Culture & venues · 0.5 km from the previous stop

    This is Ecuador's largest theater, built in Quito in the 19th century in the Italian Neoclassical style. Funded by citizen donations, it boasts a grand façade and interior worth admiring.

  3. Afternoon
    Quito Astronomical Observatory

    Attraction · 0.8 km from the previous stop

    An astronomical research institute affiliated with Quito's National Polytechnic School, focused on astronomy and atmospheric physics. Visitors can tour the historic observatory building and take in traces of scientific history.

  4. Evening
    Church of San Agustín

    Temples & religious sites · 1.1 km from the previous stop

    This Augustinian church and monastery sits in Quito's old town, between Calle Guayaquil and Calle Flores. Tucked among the historic district's streets, it fits well into a walking route of the area's churches.

Where to stay for this itinerary

Around Pichincha Volcano, the anchor of day one. Staying here keeps your first day's travel shortest.

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