Three days in and around Quito with the equator and Otavalo, a flight to Cuenca for Panama hats and Cajas, then back to Quito.
7 days, 42 stopsBalanced paceJun to SepApproved by TravPa Editors, Nov 7, 2026
Trip at a glance
Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.
Day 1: The Basílica, La Compañía and La Ronda
The Basílica towers, Plaza Grande and the gold of La Compañía, lunch at the Mercado Central, then San Francisco and dinner on La Ronda.
1
9:00 AMBasílica del Voto NacionalClimb the towers for views over the old town and the volcanoes; the stairs and walkways are narrow and steep.About 1 hour here
$[fee] for the towers
Walk about 12 min
2
10:15 AMPlaza GrandeTake in Carondelet Palace, the cathedral and the arcades of the archbishop's palace from the benches under the palms.About 30 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 3 min
3
10:45 AMLa Compañía de JesúsAllow about 45 min for the gilded nave and altars; services take priority, so step aside quietly if one starts.About 1 hour here
$[fee]
Walk about 12 min
4
12:00 PMMercado CentralEat at the food stalls: corvina, conch ceviche and traditional Quito dishes are what the market is known for.About 1 hour 15 min here
Pay as you go
Walk about 15 min
5
1:30 PMOptionalCasa del AlabadoOpen Wednesday to Sunday; on Monday and Tuesday it opens only by reservation. Allow about an hour for the collection.About 1 hour 30 min here
3:00 PMSan Francisco Church and ConventSee the church, then the cloisters and Quito School art of the convent museum. Allow about 90 min.About 3 hours here
$[fee] for the convent museum
Walk about 6 min
7
6:00 PMLa RondaStay for dinner as the street fills with music. After dark, keep to busy streets or take a taxi back to your hotel.
Pay as you go
Before you go
Take it slow at altitudeQuito sits at 2,850 m. Rest, drink water and eat lightly on your first day before the TelefériQo and longer walks.
Time Otavalo for market daysThe Plaza de los Ponchos opens every day, but Wednesdays and Saturdays bring the most traders.
Carry layers and a rain jacketSunny mornings can turn to afternoon rain, above all from October to May, and the cobbled streets get slippery.
Plan your eveningsAfter dark, stay in busy areas such as La Ronda, Plaza Foch or La Floresta, and take a taxi or app ride between neighborhoods.
Start Cajas earlyRegister at the park control post, and do not start or continue a hike after 4 PM, when fog and cold set in.
Where to stay for this plan
Stay in La Mariscal or La Floresta for days 1 to 3 and 6, and in Cuenca's historic center for days 4 and 5.
Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.
Plan last checked Nov 7, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.
