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South AmericaEcuadorPichincha

Quito

Pichincha, Ecuador · South America

About Quito

Quito is worth a stop: 15 minutes from San Antonio, 34km from Mindo Cloud Forest.

Quito is a major city located in Pichincha, Ecuador. With a population of 2,781,641, it is one of the largest urban centers in South America.

On a road trip, Quito sits in Ecuador, where you drive on the right. It's in the America/Guayaquil time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Quito to your route.

About Quito

The Virgin of El Panecillo (in Spanish: Virgen del Panecillo), also known as the Virgin of Quito from the sculpture of the same name, is a monument in Quito, Ecuador. It is located on the top of the hill of El Panecillo, a loaf-shaped hill in the heart of the city and serves as a backdrop to the historic center of

Read more Quito. With a total height of 135 feet (41 meters) including the base, it is the highest statue in Ecuador and one of the highest in South America (taller than the Christ the Redeemer statue in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro). It is also the tallest aluminum statue in the world.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Quito

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Quito?

Quito offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Quito?

Plan your road trip to Quito with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Quito as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Quito located?

Quito is located in Pichincha, Ecuador, South America. The coordinates are -0.2298 latitude, -78.5250 longitude.

What is the population of Quito?

Quito has a population of approximately 2,781,641 people, making it a major city in Ecuador.

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Quick Information

Population
2,781,641
Continent
South America
Country
Ecuador
Region
Pichincha
Timezone
America/Guayaquil
Coordinates
-0.2298, -78.5250

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in Ecuador

Police
911
Ambulance
911
Fire
911
Driving side
right
Full driving guide for Ecuador

Tags

South AmericaEcuadorPichinchaMajor City

Worth the detour from Quito

6 notable places within an hour's drive.

cathedral

La Compañía de Jesús

A Jesuit church in Quito covered in gold leaf, considered one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in the Americas.

2 km · about 5 min drive

cathedral

Basilica del Voto Nacional

A neo-Gothic basilica in Quito whose gargoyles are Galapagos animals (iguanas, tortoises, boobies) and whose towers can be climbed via open planks above the nave vault.

3 km · about 5 min drive

landmark

Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World)

A monument marking the equatorial line where you can stand in both hemispheres simultaneously, just north of Quito.

26 km · about 30 min drive

national park

Mindo Cloud Forest

A biodiversity hotspot just two hours from Quito, home to over 500 bird species, butterfly farms, chocolate tours, and waterfall hikes.

34 km · about 40 min drive

national park

Cotopaxi National Park

One of the world's highest active volcanoes with a perfect snow-capped cone rising to 19,347 feet.

51 km · about 60 min drive

natural wonder

Cotopaxi Volcano

One of the world's highest active volcanoes at 5,897 meters, with a near-perfect snow-capped cone visible from Quito on clear days.

51 km · about 60 min drive

When to drive here

Year-round

Tropical latitude: plan around the wet season rather than temperature.

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Quito.

San Antonio

🇪🇨 Ecuador

9 km away

Conocoto

🇪🇨 Ecuador

9 km away

Cumbayá

🇪🇨 Ecuador

11 km away

San Rafael

🇪🇨 Ecuador

12 km away

Nayón

🇪🇨 Ecuador

12 km away

Tumbaco

🇪🇨 Ecuador

14 km away

Sangolquí

🇪🇨 Ecuador

14 km awayPop. 5,114

Llano Chico

🇪🇨 Ecuador

14 km away

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence