3 Days in Quito: Family-Friendly Itinerary at High Altitude
Planning just three days in Quito with kids? At 9,350 feet above sea level, Ecuador’s capital can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s also packed with family-friendly parks, cultural landmarks, and unforgettable views. This 3-day Quito itinerary is designed for families, balancing the challenges of high altitude with kid-approved activities so you can experience the best of the city without burning out.
Why Quito Works for a Short Family Trip
Quito is one of those cities that hits you fast: altitude, chaos, and color all at once. At 2,850m (9,350 ft), even a short stay can feel intense, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it. With kids, three days is enough to soak up the highlights, eat well, and still have downtime for playgrounds and hot chocolate breaks.
Here’s our family-tested 3-day Quito itinerary: short, sweet, and designed for real life with kids.
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Day 1 – Parks, Playgrounds, and Settling In
Morning: La Carolina Park
Start your Quito trip where the locals go on weekends, La Carolina Park. It’s a giant green space full of playgrounds, paddle boats, bike rentals, skateparks, and even an outdoor gym if you’re feeling ambitious. It’s the easiest way for kids to run wild while you adjust to the altitude.
Inside the park is the Jardín Botánico Quito, a botanical garden with giant lily pads, orchids, and shaded paths. Manageable for small legs, and surprisingly peaceful in the middle of the city.
Lunch: Grab something nearby. La Hueca del Verde does local plates, or Quinua Restaurante offers healthy vegetarian dishes, both kid-approved.
Afternoon: SIM card & Book Stop
Practical but essential: head to Mall El Jardín for a local SIM at Tuenti Isla. While you’re there, pop into Librería Mr. Books so the kids can pick out Spanish storybooks, a fun way to keep them entertained during downtime.
Dinner: Keep it easy with Dough – Brunch & Drunch for pancakes and comfort food after a big first day.
Family tip: Don’t overdo it. Day 1 is about gentle wins, not cramming in sights.
Day 2 – Science, Stars, and the TelefériQo
Morning: Museo Interactivo de Ciencia
Kick things off with Museo Interactivo de Ciencia. It’s hands-on, colorful, and the kind of place where no one cares if your kids push every button in sight.
Late Morning: Museo Amazónico or Mercado Central
Depending on attention spans, head to the Museo Amazónico (short, cultural, manageable) or dive straight into Mercado Central for lunch, noisy, chaotic, and a cheap, authentic food experience. Fried plantains, empanadas, and fresh juices are kid-friendly wins.
Afternoon: Teleférico de Quito
After lunch, head for the Teleférico, one of Quito’s highlights. The cable car takes you up to nearly 4,000m in 15 minutes. The ride is exciting for kids, the views are breathtaking (if the clouds behave), and there’s enough to explore at the top without overcommitting.
Grab hot chocolate at Cruz Loma Café before heading down.
Dinner: Try Restaurante Mercado Árabe for Middle Eastern food, or Govinda Gopal for hearty vegetarian.
Family tip: Don’t plan this on your very first day. Let everyone acclimatize a bit before going higher.
Day 3 – Markets, Old Town, and Coffee
Morning: La Mariscal Artisan Market
Pick up souvenirs and practice bargaining. Ponchos, woven bags, and handmade toys make for fun kid distractions.
Late Morning: Mercado Central
If you skipped it on Day 2, eat here today. It’s loud, busy, but a perfect way to experience Quito like locals do.
Afternoon: Calle La Ronda
Spend your last afternoon wandering Calle La Ronda cobbled streets, performers, and colorful balconies. Stop at Peguche Handicrafts Coffee Shop for crafts and hot drinks.
Optional: If kids still have energy, add Parque Itchimbía for skyline views and playground time.
Dinner: Wrap up with something familiar but tasty: Formosa (Chinese), Mile Time (casual), or keep it local at Mercado stalls.
Family Tips for a 3-Day Quito Itinerary
Altitude hits fast: drink water, take breaks, don’t overschedule.
Transport: Uber is your best friend. Cheap, safe, and avoids bus chaos.
Weather: four seasons in a day. Layers are essential.
Expect the unexpected: meltdowns, clouds hiding the volcano views, kids bargaining at markets, it’s all part of the Quito experience.
Final Thoughts – Short Stay, Big Memories
Three days in Quito won’t cover everything, but it’s enough to see the city’s highlights: parks, science, mountains, markets, and a taste of Old Town. For families, it’s the perfect way to dip into Ecuador’s capital without burning out.
Planning more time? Check out our 7-Day Quito Family Guide, where we dive deeper into parks, museums, and local cafés.
FAQs About Visiting Quito With Kids
Is Quito safe for families?
Yes, but like any big city, it pays to be cautious. Stick to busy areas, especially in the Old Town, and take Ubers at night rather than walking. We never felt unsafe with our kids, but we avoided flashing valuables and kept to family-friendly neighborhoods.
How do kids handle the altitude in Quito?
At 2,850m (9,350 ft), everyone feels it. Our kids got tired quickly, needed more snacks, and sometimes complained of headaches. Plan easy first days, hydrate constantly, and don’t push long walks until day 2 or 3.
What’s the best way to get around Quito with kids?
Uber is cheap, safe, and reliable, usually $2–5 USD for short rides. Public buses are very cheap but crowded and tricky with small kids. Taxis can work, but confirm the price before you get in.
Is the Teleférico safe for children?
Yes, the gondolas are enclosed and well-maintained. The main concern isn’t safety but altitude, at nearly 4,000m, kids may feel dizzy or breathless. Keep the visit short, bring water, and plan rest stops.
What food can kids eat in Quito?
Markets serve simple, affordable meals, rice, plantains, grilled meat, and fresh juices are kid-friendly staples. For picky eaters, Quito has international options like pizza, Chinese (Formosa), and brunch spots (Dough). Always carry snacks for when little stomachs revolt.
What’s the best time of year to visit Quito with kids?
Quito’s climate is fairly consistent year-round: mild days, cool nights, and rain showers possible anytime. June–September tends to be drier, making it easier for outdoor activities with children.
