Quito, Ecuador

Centro Histórico ‘Runseeing’

Eduardo Navas

The main visitor attraction in Quito, the historic old town Quito is a fun place to run and see the sights, although somewhat cramped and crowded. While there’s no escaping the imminent traffic of downtown Quito, our route sticks to wider sidewalks and pedestrian-only areas. The short option is a 4 km tour, while there are a few options for a longer run.

Start out from Plaza Chica, and loop through the pedestrian-only streets of Plaza Grande where you can see the Catedral Metropolitana de Quito and Palacio de Carondelet. Head northeast on Venezuela to La Basílica del Voto Nacional, one of Quito’s most beautiful architectural gems. Cut over to Sebastian de Benalcazar to see the Monasterio de Madres Agustinas, then head southwest, back toward the center down a series of rolling hills towards Plaza San Francisco. For the short option, return to the start, using Calle La Ronda, through a nicely preserved pedestrian-only residential district, then return to Plaza Chica via the Iglesia de Santo Domingo.

Add-On Options

Itchimbia Park/Crystal Palace Area. Head just east to Plaze Belmonte and do a loop of this area. Adds ~2 km.

Climb up to El Panecillo. This 5 km out and back climbs up this 30m tall hilltop statue of a winged Virgin Mary made of aluminum. Use Bahía de Caráquez, and onto Gral Melchor Aymerich, which leads up the hill. Note: hilly.

Park Cumandá Urban Park. Use Calle La Ronda to run through this urban park. Can be pretty hectic.

Three Park Loop. This 4.5 km loop adds three pleasant, green parks east of the Basilica. There are nice paths through Alameda Park (enter at statue of Simon Bolivar), the tree-filled El Ejido Park, and the more modern Parque del Arbolito and Cultural Center. MAP

 

Essentials
  • 3.7 km (2.3 miles) main loop. El Panecillo adds 5 km; The three park loop adds 4.5 km
  • 61 meters (199 feet); El Panecillo adds 249m (816 feet)
  • Plaza Chica
  • Plaza Chica Bus Stop

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Essentials
  • 3.7 km (2.3 miles) main loop. El Panecillo adds 5 km; The three park loop adds 4.5 km
  • 61 meters (199 feet); El Panecillo adds 249m (816 feet)
  • Plaza Chica
  • Plaza Chica Bus Stop