Despite what you might read, Ecuador is open and very much ready for visitors right now, and honestly, they need tourism. There’s no ignoring that parts of the country are dealing with real challenges, particularly around the port cities, which sit on major routes tied to the South American drug trade and are best avoided. But in places like Quito, life feels safe and welcoming. I’ll be honest, Quito wasn’t a city we expected to love. We thought it would be a stopover, a place to rest and adjust to the altitude before heading to the Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos. But as soon as we landed at Mariscal Sucre Airport, grabbed a taxi, and drove the 45–60 minutes into the city, we found ourselves spending 48 hours in Quito, sitting at over 9,000 feet, in the perfect place to acclimate. Oh, and Quito is also the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage city.
Here’s how we spent 2 days in Quito.
Where We Stayed: Hilton Colón Quito
We based ourselves at the Hilton Colon Quito in the historical district – since we only had 48 hours in Quito, we wanted to be in a convenient location to explore. It sits right on Avenida Amazonas, close to La Mariscal and within easy reach of the historic center. From the hotel, you can walk to parks, museums, cafes, and the artisan market, and when we wanted to explore the historic center, it was just a 10–15 minute taxi ride. Make reservations here.
48 Hours in Quito: Top Things to See & Do
Start out in the historic city center at Plaza Grande. From there, you’ll be able to walk to just about everything in the ‘old’ city.
Basilica del Voto Nacional
The Basílica del Voto Nacional is one of the most famous landmarks in Quito, Ecuador. It’s a huge neo-Gothic church that stands out because of its size, tall towers, and detailed design. Instead of traditional gargoyles, it has stone carvings of Ecuadorian animals like iguanas and tortoises. The basilica also has a lot of historical and religious importance, and from the towers you can get an amazing view of the city – absolutely worth it, and one of our favorite spots we saw during our 48 hours in Quito.
La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
The gold church in Quito is called La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, often referred to as La Compañía. It’s famous because the inside is almost completely covered in gold leaf, making it shine when you walk in. The church was built by the Jesuits starting in the early 1600s and is considered one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Latin America. It’s located in Quito’s Historic Center and is one of the most visited churches in the city.
Plaza de la Independencia
Plaza de la Independencia, also known as Plaza Grande, is the oldest public square in Quito, Ecuador. It’s the historic, political, and cultural heart of Quito, and it anchors Quito’s colonial center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The plaza is a symbol of Ecuador’s independence and is still very much at the center of history, pride, and national identity.
La Floresta
La Floresta is a more lively section of the city, and about a 10-minute taxi ride from the historic center. We came here for the street art and ended up staying longer than planned. It’s colorful, relaxed, and full of small cafés in an adorable neighborhood.
Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal
This is a great market for textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs that don’t feel mass-produced. It’s very easy to “accidentally” buy more than you planned, and it’s a great spot for gifts. It’s also just a short walk from the Hilton Colón.
El Panecillo Viewpoint
El Panecillo Viewpoint is often described as walkable from the historic center, which is how we ended up doing exactly that, without realizing we probably shouldn’t have been walking up there.
It’s about a 45-minute climb and well over 1,000 steps, and as we walked higher, the streets became quieter and more isolated. Once we reached the top, an elderly local woman warned us very clearly not to walk back down.
The surrounding neighborhoods are quiet, and tourists are targeted there for robbery and petty crime. It’s not something we were aware of, and we’re happy we didn’t encounter any issues.
We were fortunate to make it up without incident, but we took her advice and took a taxi back down into the city. The views from the top are impressive and worth seeing, just don’t walk it. Take a taxi both ways.
Visit Mitad del Mundo (The Equator) with 48 Hours in Quito
This attraction is not in the city of Quito, it’s a 45-minute drive north by car. Yes, it’s touristy, but we still had fun standing in two hemispheres at once. If you have the time during your 48 hours in Quito, it’s a fun little detour outside the city.
48 Hours in Quito: Where to Eat
Plaza de la Independencia – Restaurants with outdoor seating line the square. Perfect for a rest between church visits and great for people-watching.
Palacio Arzobispal – Inside this historic building, you’ll find food stalls and sit-down restaurants. Ice cream, empanadas, sweets, and it’s easy, quick, and fun.
Mercado Central – This is where locals eat. Busy, loud, full of traditional dishes, and incredibly affordable. The juices alone are worth the stop.
Manabiche – A fantastic seafood restaurant with large portions. Friendly staff and fresh flavors.
Street treats to try:
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Chicha (traditional drink made from corn or fruit. You’ll find different versions across Ecuador)
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Locro de papa (potato and cheese soup)
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Chocolate con queso (hot chocolate with cheese – you must try it during your 48 hours in Quito)
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Empanadas (sweet or savory filled pastry pockets)
Prefer a Guided Tour for Your 2 Days in Quito?
If you’re limited on time or prefer someone else to handle the logistics, a guided tour is a great way to explore Quito without the hassle of planning it yourself. Here are a few well tours to get you started:
- Mitad del Mundo and Cable Car private Tour
- Full Day Quito (City Tour + Middle of the World + Teleferico)
- Full Day Quito Private City Tour
- Cotopaxi Tour from Quoto, Full Day (including entrance fees)
- Cooking Class in Quito and Historic Market Tour
Practical Tips for Two Days in Quito
Altitude: Quito sits at nearly 10,000 feet (3,000 metres). When the sun comes out, it’s strong — hats and sunscreen are a must. Drink water, walk slowly, and don’t panic if you’re a little breathless. Everyone is at first. Quito is the perfect place for your body to adjust before heading to the Amazon or the Galapagos.
Safety: We felt perfectly safe walking around the historic center during the day. After dark, use taxis or Uber. Avoid hailing random cabs on the street, and ask your hotel or restaurant to call one or use a designated taxi stand. As always in any city, stay aware of your surroundings.
Weather: Mild during the day, chilly at night. The altitude means temperatures can drop quickly, so be sure to pack layers.
Getting around: Taxis and Ubers are cheap and quick. The historic centre is very walkable once you’re in it.
Distances
- Hilton Colón → Historic center 10–15 min taxi
- Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) to Quito → 45–60 min
- La Floresta & Artisan market → 5–10 min taxi
- TelefériQo → 20–25 min
- Mitad del Mundo → 45 min
Final Thoughts on 48 Hours in Quito
Quito genuinely surprised us. Spending just 48 hours in Quito, we learned its history, ate extremely well, and settled into the altitude without ever feeling rushed. Quito rewards slow wandering, looking up, and taking your time.
If you’re heading to the Amazon or the Galapagos Islands, it’s the perfect place to start. And if you only have two days, this 48 hours in Quito itinerary will still leave you with a proper feel for the city, and plenty of memories to bring home?
My Ecuador Travel Guide: Quito, the Amazon, and the Galápagos
We spent 48 hours in Quito, then traveled deep into the Amazon, and finished in the Galápagos. This guide pulls it all together; it’s clear, practical, and based on how we actually did the trip. I cover how to move between regions, when to book tours, what’s worth planning ahead, and where flexibility helps. You’ll find straightforward advice on routes, cash, packing, and timing, plus what to expect in each place without overcomplicating it. If you’re planning to visit Ecuador, and want to feel prepared before you arrive, this series is meant to help you do exactly that.
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- My Ecuador Travel Guide: From the Galapagos to the Amazon
- Ultimate Packing List for the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador
- Complete Guide to Visiting the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador
- 48 Hours in Quito, Ecuador
- Our Stay at Gaia Amazon Eco-Lodge: Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest Adventure
- Complete Galapagos Islands Packing List and Travel Tips
- How to Visit the Galapagos Islands on Your Own
- How to Decide Which Galapagos Islands to Visit?
- Santa Cruz Highlands Tour on Your Own: Insider Tips for a Perfect Day Trip
- Isabela Island, Galapagos: All You Need to Know Before You Go
- Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos: All You Need to Know Before You Go
- How to Visit Bartolome Island from Santa Cruz
- How to Visit North Seymour Island from Santa Cruz
What did I miss during our 48 Hours in Quito?
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