Top 4 Places in Quito For a Great View

You will discover Quito's dramatic landscape is best appreciated from above, where the city sprawls across valleys and climbs up mountainsides in spectacular fashion. Whether you're an avid photographer or simply want to take in the majesty of Ecuador's capital, these four viewpoints offer distinct perspectives on this UNESCO World Heritage site. From ancient volcanic hills to modern gondola rides, each location presents a unique way to witness the city's blend of colonial architecture and natural grandeur.

Key Points

• Teleférico offers breathtaking panoramic views during a 20-minute gondola ride ascending to 13,000 feet above Quito.
• El Panecillo's summit provides spectacular city views and features the iconic 41-meter Virgin of Quito statue.
• Basilica Del Voto Nacional's viewpoint delivers stunning vistas of historic Quito, El Panecillo Hill, and Pichincha Volcano.
• Guápulo viewpoint offers unique perspectives of Cumbayá Valley and views of snow-capped Cayambe Volcano on clear days.
• Morning visits to these locations provide the clearest views and smallest crowds for optimal viewing experiences.

The Bird's Eye View From Teleférico

Anyone seeking Quito's most spectacular panoramic views shouldn't miss the Teleférico, one of the world's highest aerial lifts. The 20-minute gondola ride takes you from 10,226 feet to nearly 13,000 feet, offering breathtaking vistas of the city and surrounding volcanoes. A cozy café at the top provides hot drinks and snacks for visitors to warm up while enjoying the mountain atmosphere.

You'll find the base station easily accessible by taxi or bus from La Marin Station.

Once at the top, you can explore the Cruz Loma viewpoint, snap photos at the "Bridge in the Clouds" platform, or tackle the hiking trails to Rucu Pichincha summit. For a different adventure, try horseback riding along the mountain routes.

Experience stunning heights at Cruz Loma, where cloud-piercing viewpoints and mountain trails lead adventurers to unforgettable Andean vistas.

The Teleférico operates daily, with extended hours on weekends. Round-trip tickets cost $9 for adults, with discounts available for seniors, children, and Ecuadorian citizens.

Remember to bring ID and allow time to acclimate to the high altitude.

El Panecillo: Quito's Sacred Hilltop Vista

A distinctive bread-shaped hill marks the heart of Quito's historic landscape – El Panecillo. At 3,016 meters above sea level, this volcanic hill stands between southern and central Quito, offering strategic views of the city.

The statue was assembled from 7,000 pieces of aluminum during its construction in the mid-1970s. One will discover the iconic Virgin of Quito statue at its summit, a 41-meter aluminum masterpiece that replicates Bernardo de Legarda's 1734 sculpture.

Before Spanish colonization, this 200-meter rise served as a sacred indigenous site known as Yavirac, where Incas performed sun worship rituals and maintained a water reservoir.

Today, you can climb to the top of what the Incas called Shungoloma ("Heart Hill") to see the impressive winged Madonna statue while taking in panoramic views of Ecuador's capital from this historic vantage point.

Gothic Heights at Basilica Del Voto Nacional

Rising majestically above Quito's historic center, the Basilica del Voto Nacional stands as South America's largest neo-Gothic church at an impressive 115 meters tall.

For $2, you'll get access to one of the city's most thrilling viewpoints, but be prepared for an adventure – you'll need to climb steep stairs, ladders, and cross narrow catwalks to reach the top.

Designed by architect Emilio Tarlier from France, the basilica draws inspiration from the famous Notre Dame cathedral.

Once you've made it up, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the historic center, El Panecillo Hill, and the towering Pichincha Volcano.

For the best experience, visit during morning hours when skies are clearer and crowds are thinner.

Don't forget to notice the unique Ecuadorian touches, like gargoyles shaped as native animals including iguanas and Galapagos tortoises, that make this basilica distinctly local despite its European-inspired design.

Guápulo's Hidden Valley Lookout

Tucked away in Quito's eastern edge, the Guápulo district offers a spectacular viewpoint where you can discover sweeping vistas of the Cumbayá Valley below.

You'll come across this hidden gem situated behind Hotel Quito along Avenida González Suárez, making it a perfect addition to your sightseeing itinerary.

To reach the lookout, you can navigate the steep cobblestone streets or take the staircase down from the main road. On clear days, you can spot the majestic snow-capped Cayambe Volcano stretching across the horizon.

If you're exploring the area, consider combining your visit with a walk through the nearby La Floresta neighborhood.

While getting there might be easy, the uphill return can be challenging.

You'll want to save your energy and grab a taxi back – it's only about $4 and well worth avoiding the steep climb.

The Wrap Up

You will discover these four viewpoints offer distinct perspectives of Ecuador's capital city. Whether you're riding the Teleférico's gondola, standing beside the Virgin statue at El Panecillo, climbing the Basilica's towers, or wandering Guápulo's historic streets, each location delivers unique panoramas. Don't forget your camera – from snow-capped volcanoes to colonial architecture, Quito's dramatic landscapes deserve to be captured from every angle.