El Panecillo and Virgin of Quito
A majestic aluminum statue of the Virgin Mary atop a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Quito.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunset & city lights
El Panecillo and Virgin of Quito
Best Time
Sunset & city lights
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic aluminum statue of the Virgin Mary atop a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Quito.
"Beautiful viewpoint over the city of Quito, especially magical at sunset and twilight."
Taxi Up, Walk Down (Carefully!)
Take a taxi to the top for safety. Consider walking down, but be wary of stray dogs . :taxi:
Clear Skies for Views
Visit on a day with clear skies to fully appreciate the stunning panoramic views of Quito. :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Virgin of Quito Statue
Summit of El Panecillo
A towering 41-meter aluminum statue of the winged Virgin Mary, offering a striking silhouette against the sky.
Panoramic City Views
Viewpoint inside the monument
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Quito, especially magical at sunset and twilight.
Historical Displays
Inside the monument
Learn about the monument's construction through fascinating photos and stained-glass windows.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Safety and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Taxi Up, Walk Down (Carefully!)
Take a taxi to the top for safety. Consider walking down, but be wary of stray dogs. :taxi:
Clear Skies for Views
Visit on a day with clear skies to fully appreciate the stunning panoramic views of Quito. :sunwithface:
Climb for the View
Pay a small fee to ascend to the viewpoint inside the monument for unparalleled city vistas. :ticket:
Sunset Magic
The late afternoon offers a magical experience as you witness both the sunset and the city lights. :city_sunset:
Tips
from all over the internet
Taxi Up, Walk Down (Carefully!)
Take a taxi to the top for safety. Consider walking down, but be wary of stray dogs. :taxi:
Clear Skies for Views
Visit on a day with clear skies to fully appreciate the stunning panoramic views of Quito. :sunwithface:
Climb for the View
Pay a small fee to ascend to the viewpoint inside the monument for unparalleled city vistas. :ticket:
Sunset Magic
The late afternoon offers a magical experience as you witness both the sunset and the city lights. :city_sunset:
Staircase Challenge
For the adventurous, there are 847 steps down to the city center, marked with footprints. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise El Panecillo for its stunning panoramic views of Quito, especially during sunset and twilight when the city lights illuminate the landscape. The iconic Virgin of Quito statue is a major draw, offering a sense of awe and historical context. While the views and the monument are highly appreciated, some travelers caution about safety concerns, particularly regarding stray dogs on the walk up.
"The best part about this place is that it is in the middle of both North and South so from that place you can see both the North side and the right side. And I think the best time to go there is in the evening right before the sunset so that you can see both the sunset and you can see city Lights as well. A local suggested me to take a taxi up there even if you are very close because there are so many dogs on the way and they can bite you and I walked my way down and it was true there were dogs and at one point dogs were trying to chase me , but I'm used to the situation, so I fend them off, but not worth the risk."
Darpan Jain
"Beautiful viewpoint over the city of Quito. Around 30 minutes walking from the town centre and free entry. Just be aware of the stray dogs as they can get territorial when you walk through the quiet residential areas. There are small market stalls at the top selling food / drinks. Very nice atmosphere."
Kara H
"This monument can be seen from a distance, but it is nice to see it close up and see/read the displays about its history. Great views of the city of Quito from up here too! You can take the hop on hop off bus tour to get here."
Glenda Meeberg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can walk up from the historic center, which takes about 30-40 minutes and the steps are marked with yellow footprints. However, it's strongly recommended to take a taxi due to territorial stray dogs.
The hop-on-hop-off bus tour also stops here.
While the walk is possible and marked, many travelers and locals advise against it due to the presence of stray dogs that can be territorial and aggressive. Taking a taxi is the safer option.
The most recommended method is by taxi for safety and convenience. You can also use the hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
Yes, if you choose to walk, the steps are marked with little yellow footprints indicating the step number.
While direct public buses might be limited, the hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a convenient option that includes a stop at El Panecillo.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the hill itself is generally free. However, there is a small fee, around $1, to enter the monument and access the viewpoint.
The monument and viewpoint are typically open during daylight hours. It's best to visit in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset and city lights.
No, advance booking is not usually required. You can purchase tickets for the viewpoint upon arrival.
The fee grants you access to climb up to the viewpoint inside the monument, offering stunning panoramic views of Quito.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but the entry fee is generally very affordable, making it accessible for most travelers.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon, leading up to sunset, is ideal for capturing both the statue and the city bathed in golden light, followed by the twinkling city lights. Clear days are also crucial for unobstructed shots.
You can capture stunning wide-angle shots of the city, close-ups of the impressive aluminum statue, and dramatic sunset or twilight cityscapes.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and other visitors. Some areas inside might have specific rules.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the statue. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light photography during sunset and twilight.
The viewpoint inside the monument offers the most comprehensive city panoramas. The base of the statue provides a dramatic perspective looking up.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the incredible panoramic views of Quito, explore historical displays about the monument's construction, and browse small market stalls selling food and souvenirs.
Yes, there are small market stalls at the top selling food and drinks for visitors.+1
It's a 41-meter tall aluminum statue of the winged Virgin Mary, a significant religious and cultural icon for Quito and Ecuador.
Absolutely! The sunset views and the romantic ambiance make it a perfect spot for couples. Some viewpoints even have places to seal your love with a padlock.
Inside the monument, you can find displays detailing the history of its construction, including photos and stained-glass windows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The panoramic views of Quito can also be a fun way to point out different parts of the city. Consider taking a taxi to the top for a safer and quicker ascent, especially with younger children, to avoid any potential issues with stray dogs.There are market stalls at the top where you can grab snacks and drinks, which can be helpful for keeping kids happy. The historical displays inside the monument might be interesting for older children who can appreciate the story behind its construction. Visiting during daylight hours is generally best for families to ensure good visibility and a comfortable experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The panoramic city views are unparalleled, offering incredible opportunities for wide-angle shots of Quito stretching out below.Aim for late afternoon to capture the magical transition from sunset to the city lights.
❤️ Couples and Romantic Getaways
Some travelers mention viewpoints where couples can seal their love with a padlock, adding a sweet touch to the visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Virgin of Quito
Crafted by Spanish artist Agustín de la Herrán Matorral, the winged Virgin Mary is a symbol of peace and protection for the city.The statue is made of 7,000 pieces of aluminum, meticulously assembled. Its construction was a significant undertaking, and visitors can learn about this process through historical displays located within the monument's base.
Many visitors are captivated by the sheer scale and artistry of the statue. It's not just a religious symbol but also a testament to engineering and artistic achievement, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Quito.
Unforgettable Panoramic Views
+1The best time to experience these views is undoubtedly in the late afternoon. As the sun begins to set, the city is bathed in a warm, golden light, creating a magical atmosphere. Shortly after sunset, the city lights begin to twinkle, transforming Quito into a dazzling spectacle.
To truly appreciate the vista, it's recommended to visit on a day with clear skies. Clouds can obscure parts of the city, diminishing the impact of the panoramic views. The small entrance fee to the viewpoint inside the monument is well worth it for the unparalleled photographic and visual experience it offers.
Navigating Safety and Access
Therefore, taking a taxi to the summit is the most recommended method of transportation. This ensures a safe and direct arrival at the monument. For those who prefer to walk down, it's advisable to do so with caution and awareness of your surroundings.
Once at the top, while the hill itself is generally free to access, there's a small fee to enter the monument and ascend to the viewpoint.
This fee contributes to the upkeep of the site and allows visitors to enjoy the best possible views. Small market stalls at the top offer refreshments and souvenirs, adding to the onsite experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit