24 hours in Quito

Breakfast: Hay Pan de Jerome

Start your day at Hay Pan, a small bakery right in the heart of Quito. Here you can pick up fresh bread rolls and pastries, or enjoy a full breakfast menu. It’s a lovely way to start your day with a full stomach and a proper Ecuadorian coffee.

Photo: Hay Pan de Jerome

Things to do: Visit the Pichincha volcano

For a stunning view of Quito, take the cable car – El Teleférico – up to the Pichincha volcano. From the city centre, take a taxi to the west of the city, where you’ll board the cable car. The cable car takes you from 3,100 metres to 3,900 metres, making it one of the highest cable cars in South America. The cable car journey takes around 18 minutes and, on your way up, you’ll pass through three different microclimates. Once you’ve reached the Cruz Loma terminus, you’ll be treated to a stunning view over Quito. If you’d like to explore the surrounding area further, there are some lovely walks to enjoy here.

Lunch: High Tea at Casa Gangotena

After a refreshing walk, you’re bound to be feeling peckish. Casa Gangotena comes highly recommended, whether you’re staying overnight or just popping in for lunch or dinner. The hotel-restaurant is a member of Relais & Châteaux, so you can be sure that every meal you order here is of excellent quality. Looking for something special? Then take your time over lunch and opt for the Quiteño-style high tea, featuring excellent coffee, tea, sandwiches and pastries. Choose authentic Ecuadorian coffee or tea made from fresh tea leaves. Then let yourself be surprised by the various savoury and sweet treats. And, as is customary with high tea, a scone is also waiting for you.

Photo: Casa Gangotena

Things to do: Visit the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

This Baroque church is built from volcanic rock and was completed in 1765, 160 years after construction began. The church features a variety of architectural styles and is regarded as one of the most beautiful churches in Ecuador. The interior is covered in gold leaf and features wood carvings, paintings and sculptures.

Photo: Atlas Obscura

Dinner: Zazu

After a day full of new experiences, you can relax and enjoy an excellent dinner at Zazu. Ecuadorian chef Wilson Apala serves modern dishes with Latin American influences. The dishes are prepared using local ingredients. Many of the vegetables are grown in the restaurant’s own greenhouses, and they work closely with local farmers and fishermen to ensure their dishes are always of the highest quality. It is no surprise, then, that this restaurant is a member of Relais & Châteaux.

Photo: Relais & Châteaux

A night out: the rooftop terrace at Casa Gangotena

On the third floor of Casa Gangotena, you’ll find a panoramic roof terrace where you can enjoy delicious drinks. From here, you have a stunning view of the city of Quito, which is lit up with lights in the evening.

Accommodation: Illa Experience Hotel

The Illa Experience Hotel is a unique place to stay and is within walking distance of the main square. The hotel is housed in a historic mansion, which makes your stay a truly authentic experience. Each floor has a different décor inspired by a historical period. Find out more about the Illa Experience Hotel