A stopover in Quito
A UNESCO-listed colonial centre high in the Andes, about 45 minutes from the airport.
Last reviewed November 2026.
| Airport to the centre | about 50 min |
| Typical central 3–4★ hotel | ~$90 / night |
| Airline stopover program | None, but split tickets often work |
⚠ At 2,850 m, take it easy on the first day.
With 24–48 hours
- Old town churches and Plaza Grande
- TelefériQo cable car
- Mitad del Mundo on the equator
Eat: Locro de papa, a potato and cheese soup.
Tips
- Leave big bags at the airport's left-luggage desk or your hotel so you can explore right away.
- With separate tickets, give yourself at least one night between flights.
- Check whether your passport needs a visa or travel authorisation to leave the airport.
Quito stopover: questions
How long does it take to get from the airport into Quito?
About 50 minutes to the centre. A UNESCO-listed colonial centre high in the Andes, about 45 minutes from the airport.
How much is a hotel for a Quito stopover?
Plan on roughly $90 a night for a well-reviewed, central 3–4★ hotel. Prices rise with events and peak season, so check the live rate for your dates.
Is there a free stopover program in Quito?
No airline runs a stopover program here, but two separate tickets through Quito often work. Leave at least one night between flights.
What can you do in Quito with 24 hours?
Old town churches and Plaza Grande. TelefériQo cable car. Mitad del Mundo on the equator.
What should I eat on a Quito stopover?
Locro de papa, a potato and cheese soup. With one night, make dinner the local meal and keep breakfast near the hotel so you're not rushed back to the airport.
Can I leave the airport on a layover in Quito?
It depends on your passport. Check whether you need a visa or an electronic travel authorisation for Ecuador before you book, and allow time for immigration and security on the way back.
Routes where Quito is on the way
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