Visiting Quito | Explore Quito and the Galápagos Islands
To reach the Galápagos Islands, you will travel through mainland Ecuador. Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is the most accessible starting point, and is worth visiting in its own right. High in the Andes, Quito is a dramatic sight - a sea of modern apartment blocks squeezed between mountain peaks. With a colonial past, and the largest historic center in South America, there's no shortage of things to do in Quito. We offer Galápagostrips from Quito that will give you time to explore this charming capital. Browse some of our Cruise and Land-based tours or enquire to customise your own trip!
From $9,662 per person, discover exotic Ecuador on a 13-day adventure. Experience the unruly rainforest, the majestic mountains of the Andes and the unique wildlife of the Galápagos Islands.
From $13,500
From $7,204 per person, discover Ecuador on a 9-day tour. Experience Quito's culinary delights, hike amongst stunning scenery and discover the unique wildlife of the Galápagos Islands.
From $9,000
From $6,957 per person, discover Ecuador on a 13-day adventure. Experience Quito's culinary delights, explore the Andes' majestic volcanoes, and discover the unique wildlife of the Galápagos Islands aboard a state-of-the-art yacht.
From $9,000
The old town, South America's oldest historic center, is a gold mine for churches, grand plazas, elegant palaces and museums. Labeled as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this beating heart of the city is a great introduction to Quito. While modern life has taken over - cafes, restaurants and shops fill the streets - it feels like being transported back 500 years ago, with many of the buildings serving as remnants from colonial times.
At the heart of the old town lies Independence Square - or Plaza Grande. This main square is home to some of Quito's most significant buildings, including the presidential palace and the city hall. The square is also rich in history, with a statue in the center commemorating the country's victory in its war for independence from Spain. If you visit on a Monday, you can watch the 'Changing of the Guard' ceremony which features a military band and parade.
Plaza de San Francisco is one of the old town’s most picturesque squares. Home to San Francisco church and monastery, it stands as one of the largest religious complexes in South America, and features baroque and colonial style architecture.
The Mercado Central (city market) is the perfect place to try an array of Ecuadorian cuisine. There are hundreds of different tropical fruits and several kinds of typical dishes such as encebollado (fish stew) and locro de papas (potato soup served with avocado and cheese). Exploring the market gives an insight into daily life for Quito's residents.