How to Plan a Trip to Quito
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Ecuador needs.
Your 4-step Quito plan
Step 1 — Book flights to UIO
Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) is the main gateway to Quito. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to UIOStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Old Town (UNESCO) + La Compañía church for the best first-time visit — Largest + best-preserved Spanish colonial historic centre in the Americas.
Where to stay in QuitoStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Old Town (UNESCO) + La Compañía church, then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Quito.
Things to do in QuitoStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Aeroservicios bus to old town is USD 8 and takes 60 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
UIO arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Visa-free for 90 days for US, UK, EU, Canada, AU, NZ, Japan, Korea + 100+ nationalities. Yellow fever certificate required from endemic countries.