Free self-guided walk · Quito

Plazas and churches of the old town

A free self-guided walk through Quito's Centro Histórico, from the Basílica del Voto Nacional to Plaza Grande, La Compañía, San Francisco and La Ronda.

Distance
1.9 km
Walking time
26 min
Allow
About 1.5 hours with stops
Stops
5

Open the route in Google MapsQuito city guide

About this walk

This walk links the main churches and squares of one of Latin America's best-preserved colonial centres.

Quito is at 2,850 metres, so take the hills slowly.

  • Terrain: Hilly old-town streets; the thin air makes slopes harder.
  • Best time: Weekday morning, when the churches are open and the plazas lively.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Basílica del Voto Nacional

    Start at the neo-Gothic basilica and its climbable towers.

  2. Plaza Grande

    The main square, with the presidential palace and the cathedral.

  3. La Compañía de Jesús

    The Jesuit church covered in gold leaf.

  4. Plaza San Francisco

    The great square in front of the San Francisco church.

  5. La Ronda

    Finish on the restored colonial street of cafés.

Tips

  • Some churches charge entry and close at lunchtime.
  • Keep your phone and bag close in crowded plazas.
  • Use a registered taxi or an app after dark.

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.