Things to Do in Quito Ecuador: A Luxury Traveler’s Guide with Kuoda

November 12, 2025 | by: Kuoda Authors

Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is more than a stopover on the way to the Galápagos or the Andes. It is a city where colonial grandeur, Andean tradition, and modern creativity blend seamlessly. For travelers seeking authenticity wrapped in comfort, Quito offers endless possibilities. As a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2025 award winner, Kuoda has earned a place among the top 10% of travel experiences worldwide and we bring that same excellence to every curated experience in Ecuador’s vibrant capital.

Here, we share the most remarkable things to do in Quito Ecuador, curated with Kuoda’s signature high-touch service and insider access.

Explore Quito’s Historic Center

The Historic Center of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the best-preserved colonial quarter in Latin America. Kuoda arranges private tours that reveal the soul of this district. In Plaza Grande, the city’s political and cultural heart, your private guide will introduce you to centuries of history that unfold in its grand buildings. Step into La Compañía de Jesús, a baroque masterpiece shimmering with nearly seven tons of gold leaf, before continuing to the San Francisco Monastery, a spiritual landmark where European and indigenous artistry meet. With Kuoda, these visits go beyond sightseeing, we connect you with local historians and cultural experts who bring Quito’s heritage to life. We also weave in quiet moments for reflection, such as rooftop cocktails overlooking the city’s tiled rooftops.

See the City from Above at El Panecillo

For sweeping views of Quito, ascend to El Panecillo, crowned by the iconic Virgin of Quito statue. Kuoda curates this moment at sunset, when the city’s colonial rooftops and Andean peaks glow with golden light. A private toast as the panorama unfolds transforms the view into a memory you will carry home.

Stand on the Equator at Mitad del Mundo

No visit to Quito is complete without standing on the Earth’s equatorial line. At Mitad del Mundo, you can straddle the northern and southern hemispheres. Kuoda arranges a private visit to the nearby Intiñan Museum, where interactive exhibits reveal the astronomical significance and cultural myths surrounding the equator. To enrich the experience, we often pair it with a stop to sample helado de paila, a traditional fruit sorbet spun in copper pots.

Discover Quito’s Artisanal and Cultural Scene

Quito is a city alive with creativity. Kuoda opens doors to experiences few travelers access. We arrange private visits to artisan workshops, where weavers, woodcarvers, and jewelers preserve ancestral techniques, and guide you through La Floresta, a bohemian district alive with street art and galleries. To make these moments even more memorable, we can arrange a private dinner hosted by an artist in their studio, blending gastronomy, storytelling, and creativity in a way few visitors experience.

Indulge in Quito’s Culinary Treasures

Ecuador is one of the world’s great cacao producers, and Quito’s food scene reflects this heritage. With Kuoda, gastronomy becomes an immersive journey. Imagine dining at Nuema, ranked among Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, where Ecuador’s biodiversity inspires each dish. Or savoring Ecuador’s famed chocolate through a private tasting with master chocolatiers who trace its story from bean to bar, paired with locally grown coffee. For those who wish to cook, Kuoda arranges private classes with chefs, where you will learn to prepare specialties such as locro de papa or empanadas. Market tours in La Mariscal or Santa Clara round out the culinary experience, immersing you in the flavors of Ecuador’s highlands and Amazon.

Day Trips from Quito

Quito is also the perfect base for exploring Ecuador’s diverse landscapes. North of the city, Otavalo Market dazzles with colors and crafts. Kuoda introduces you to master weavers for private demonstrations before you retreat to a restored colonial hacienda surrounded by Andean scenery. To the south, Cotopaxi National Park beckons with horseback rides across highland plains beneath the towering snow-capped volcano, followed by relaxation at a luxury hacienda with curated wine pairings. For a gentler day, the Papallacta Hot Springs offer wellness and tranquility, where Kuoda can arrange private spa treatments framed by mountain views and farm-to-table dining.

Extend Beyond Quito with Kuoda

Quito is a gateway not only to the highlands, but also to Ecuador’s greatest treasures. Kuoda designs journeys that weave Quito into larger itineraries. Pair your city exploration with a luxury Galápagos cruise, where pristine islands teem with wildlife. Continue into the Amazon rainforest to stay in eco-luxury lodges or aboard river cruises guided by naturalists. Or travel to Cuenca, another colonial gem with its own artisan culture, architecture, and Andean traditions. Each extension flows seamlessly, ensuring your Ecuador experience is both diverse and deeply meaningful.

Why Experience Quito with Kuoda

Choosing Kuoda means choosing more than a tour, it means entering a story crafted around you. Recognized by Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2025, we design journeys that are private and personal, offering authenticity without sacrificing comfort. Insider access ensures that your encounters are genuine, while our commitment to responsible travel means your journey supports the communities you meet along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Quito Ecuador

How many days should I spend in Quito?
We recommend at least two to three days to explore the Historic Center, culinary scene, and nearby day trips.

Is Quito safe for travelers?
Yes, especially when traveling with Kuoda. We handle all logistics and guide you safely through every experience.

What is the best time to visit Quito?
Quito is a year-round destination due to its equatorial climate, though June through September offers particularly clear skies.

Can Kuoda combine Quito with the Galápagos or Amazon?
Absolutely. Many of our guests pair Quito with a luxury Galápagos cruise or an Amazon rainforest adventure.

Begin Your Quito Journey with Kuoda

From gilded churches to artisanal markets, from equatorial wonders to world-class dining, Quito offers experiences that are both timeless and unforgettable. With Kuoda, every detail is personalized, every encounter is authentic, and every journey is seamless.

Ready to explore the best things to do in Quito Ecuador?
Contact Kuoda today to design your private journey, award-winning, culturally rich, and entirely tailored to you.