El Panecillo
El Panecillo
4.5
About
Resembling a type of small bread (panecillo), this hill makes an excellent observation point over Quito and features La Virgen del Panecillo, a majestic sculpture that can be seen from any location in the city.
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127 within 3 miles
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- George SMiami Beach, Florida1,075 contributionsMust-see & great photo opThis is a hill which overlooks Quito. It is topped with a huge statue of The Virgin Mary and can be seen from the city even at night, when the statue is bathed in white light. The hill (shaped like a loaf of bread) is at Quito’s southern end (close to Old Town) and can be reached by either a city bus or via a cheap Uber ride. There is a restaurant (Pimms) on the top and there is no admission fee. The views of the city from the top are great and, in my opinion, superior to the ones from TeleferiQo. There is a $2 admission should you want to climb the stairs inside the silver aluminum statue of the Virgin. BTW, the City hop-on bus generally makes an extended stop here and you can take some wonderful pictures. A must-see!!Visited February 2020Traveled soloWritten February 18, 2020
- floridaprincess65Fort Lauderdale, Florida67 contributionsVery interesting the way it's made.Go to the top so you can see how it's made and go inside. You need to pay $1 but it will allow you to go inside the stature, climb a few levels so you can see the city from there and read about the history. Around a stature there is a park with a lot of kiosks with food. Lot's of people. We did not try the food.Visited January 2020Written January 27, 2020
- Elizabeth MIbarra, Ecuador7 contributionsbeautiful place in QuitoQuito a beautiful city with different places to enjoy for enjoy and have a good time with the family. Four years ago I lived in Quito, for me it was a big but very beautiful city, had spaces to share with family or friends. I did not know this city, but my uncle lived there, he took me to know various places for example the carolina park, el recreo shopping center, quicentro sur and el panecillo. The place I liked the most was el panecillo. because I didn't know what it was and when we went I saw that el panecillo was a very big angel. I don't remember the way to go but I can say that it is very cute, in the angel there a door to enter a museum, and while we walked we went up until we went out to a balcony, from there you can see a beautiful landscape of Quito, houses, buildings and mountains. Also, you can find people from other countries because this is a tourist place in Quito. If you don't know el panecillo, I recommend you go with your family or friends to enjoy a beautiful landscape, for me it is an experience that I will always remember.Visited November 2019Written October 3, 2020
- 1020bluestemTennessee178 contributionscome for the best views of the citycome during sunset or sunrise for some of the best views of the city in the right light. many food vendors up top, so come hungry. the spiced cider drink was excellent! bring change for the banos.Visited December 2019Written January 5, 2020
- KathTGreater Sydney, Australia3 contributionsUnique sculpture in a top location.This gives the Virgin the top place she deserves as probably the best known woman in history. Up there on the mountain, in a happy, dancelike pose she looks over and chams the city of Quito. The views are magnificent. She lights up the Old Town at night and for me, a great landmark to help navigate my way.The little museum is quite interesting showing the stages of construction as well as other facts. Craft stalls and low priced good food stands nearby.Visited January 2020Written January 18, 2020
- Kevin SPontypridd, United Kingdom6,211 contributionsVisible from practically anywhere in the cityVisible from practically anywhere in the city on a hill of the same name. Too far and steep for walking, a $3 taxi ride from the historic centre to the top for wonderful views of the city and quite a few tourist stalls selling trinkets, souvenirs, woollen clothes etc. Just a short stop for the views, so for $6 or 8/10 with a tip hold the taxi for a short while for the return journeyVisited January 2023Written February 8, 2023
- Stany_VEGeraardsbergen, Belgium221 contributionsGreat viewsWalking up from the old city centre is quite a challenge. You can also take a bus or a taxi. The views are great. There are food stalls, souvenir shops and toilets. Inside the aluminum sculpture of the virgin is also worth a visit.Visited February 2020Traveled with friendsWritten February 25, 2020
- TravelerToo53 contributionsUp Close with an Icon of QuitoThe 125’ silver metal statue of the Virgin Mary is visible from almost anywhere in Quito. I cheated and took an Uber from across town rather than walk up the many stairs to view the impressive statue. This site on a hill provides an amazing panorama of the city before you and you get a sense of how the city grew along the narrow valley. Visiting the El Panecillo is free but it is well worth the single dollar it will cost you to go inside the statue to view how it is constructed, see pictures of its being put together and ascending to the 360 degree walkway for unimpeded views of the valley and city. A wonderful experience. Once I was there and saw the Cathedral in the distance, I decided to walk down the stairs, along the street up to the Cathedral and complete the experience.Visited March 2023Written March 4, 2023
- Robert ORotterdam, The Netherlands3,758 contributionsHike up and downA painting from the 1850s shows a very different picture of El Panecillo. Covered with trees without any buildings or statues on top. Indeed it has the shape of a small bread (pane cillo). On the steeper slopes of the southern side of the hill you can still see forest called Bosque del Panecillo, but there are no trails. Priority has been given to the construction of a road for cars and buses. A missed opportunity. You can traverse the hill on foot by taking the staircase, the extension of Calle de las Siete Cruces at the NE side of the hill (mind the dog excrements). Walk back along the road at the south side (splendid views). The summit of the hill is 3016m. The old city is at 2800m. Elevation difference 200m. Distance of the whole hike is about 4 km. It took me one hour.Visited January 2020Written January 14, 2020
- RoblynMaryland623 contributionsTop of the Virgin MaryIt’s amazing how my family and I saw this lovely statue from afar when walking through Quito. It’s amazing to see it light up at night. We inquired about the statue and took an Uber to visit, the following morning. It’s interesting how our travel information did not mention this statue. We were glad to take the time to visit as our Uber driver waited for us. After we walked the grounds, we were able to pay a small fee to climb the steps inside to the top. What an amazing view! Afterwards, we did a little vendor shopping at the base of the Virgin Mary statue. Then our Uber driver drove to a lower level of the base to take our family pic with the Virgin Mary Statue in the background.Visited December 2019Written January 23, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,618 reviews
Excellent
745
Very good
639
Average
205
Poor
15
Terrible
14
1020bluestem
Tennessee178 contributions
Dec 2019
come during sunset or sunrise for some of the best views of the city in the right light. many food vendors up top, so come hungry. the spiced cider drink was excellent! bring change for the banos.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KathT
Greater Sydney, Australia3 contributions
Jan 2020
This gives the Virgin the top place she deserves as probably the best known woman in history. Up there on the mountain, in a happy, dancelike pose she looks over and chams the city of Quito.
The views are magnificent. She lights up the Old Town at night and for me, a great landmark to help navigate my way.The little museum is quite interesting showing the stages of construction as well as other facts. Craft stalls and low priced good food stands nearby.
The views are magnificent. She lights up the Old Town at night and for me, a great landmark to help navigate my way.The little museum is quite interesting showing the stages of construction as well as other facts. Craft stalls and low priced good food stands nearby.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin S
Pontypridd, UK6,211 contributions
Jan 2023
Visible from practically anywhere in the city on a hill of the same name. Too far and steep for walking, a $3 taxi ride from the historic centre to the top for wonderful views of the city and quite a few tourist stalls selling trinkets, souvenirs, woollen clothes etc. Just a short stop for the views, so for $6 or 8/10 with a tip hold the taxi for a short while for the return journey
Written February 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stany_VE
Geraardsbergen, Belgium221 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Walking up from the old city centre is quite a challenge. You can also take a bus or a taxi. The views are great. There are food stalls, souvenir shops and toilets. Inside the aluminum sculpture of the virgin is also worth a visit.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelerToo
53 contributions
Mar 2023
The 125’ silver metal statue of the Virgin Mary is visible from almost anywhere in Quito. I cheated and took an Uber from across town rather than walk up the many stairs to view the impressive statue. This site on a hill provides an amazing panorama of the city before you and you get a sense of how the city grew along the narrow valley. Visiting the El Panecillo is free but it is well worth the single dollar it will cost you to go inside the statue to view how it is constructed, see pictures of its being put together and ascending to the 360 degree walkway for unimpeded views of the valley and city. A wonderful experience. Once I was there and saw the Cathedral in the distance, I decided to walk down the stairs, along the street up to the Cathedral and complete the experience.
Written March 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands3,758 contributions
Jan 2020
A painting from the 1850s shows a very different picture of El Panecillo. Covered with trees without any buildings or statues on top. Indeed it has the shape of a small bread (pane cillo). On the steeper slopes of the southern side of the hill you can still see forest called Bosque del Panecillo, but there are no trails. Priority has been given to the construction of a road for cars and buses. A missed opportunity.
You can traverse the hill on foot by taking the staircase, the extension of Calle de las Siete Cruces at the NE side of the hill (mind the dog excrements). Walk back along the road at the south side (splendid views).
The summit of the hill is 3016m. The old city is at 2800m.
Elevation difference 200m. Distance of the whole hike is about 4 km.
It took me one hour.
You can traverse the hill on foot by taking the staircase, the extension of Calle de las Siete Cruces at the NE side of the hill (mind the dog excrements). Walk back along the road at the south side (splendid views).
The summit of the hill is 3016m. The old city is at 2800m.
Elevation difference 200m. Distance of the whole hike is about 4 km.
It took me one hour.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roblyn
Maryland623 contributions
Dec 2019
It’s amazing how my family and I saw this lovely statue from afar when walking through Quito. It’s amazing to see it light up at night. We inquired about the statue and took an Uber to visit, the following morning. It’s interesting how our travel information did not mention this statue. We were glad to take the time to visit as our Uber driver waited for us. After we walked the grounds, we were able to pay a small fee to climb the steps inside to the top. What an amazing view! Afterwards, we did a little vendor shopping at the base of the Virgin Mary statue. Then our Uber driver drove to a lower level of the base to take our family pic with the Virgin Mary Statue in the background.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saby d
348 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
We visited el Panacillo between Christmas and new year. It was total craziness and chaos. We did 90 minutes over wat normally would have been a 15 minute ride. Once up there you have a beautiful view of the city, I think I would have enjoyed it more if we had gone by day. On the top there are several food stands and souvenir stands. You can enter the monument and get even a better view.
It is worth visiting, but the monument is better appreciated from the old Town.
It is worth visiting, but the monument is better appreciated from the old Town.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grandmaoftwinsx2
Utah163 contributions
Nov 2021
The Winged Virgin Statue stands tall on Panecillo Hill and can be seen from almost anywhere in Quito. Made of Aluminum she glitters in the sunlight as she holds the chain which represents control over the serpent/snake which is the devil. The Moon represents Fertility and he outstretched hand represents prosperity. She has 12 stars on her crown for the 12 apostles of Christ. Beautiful place to look out over all of Quito.
Written December 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sofia M
Kolkata (Calcutta), India29 contributions
Sep 2021
The ride is totally worth it. The view of the city is amazing from the top. The tallest aluminium statue is so beautifully placed with such beautiful details. Hiking up on the mountain is one amazing journey. If you are not a hiker, taxis are available to take you to the top.
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PollyKapow
Newcastle upon Tyne41 contributions
I will be staying in a hotel nearby. Is this a good/safe place to go running?
heyjudithz
Knoxville, TN1,498 contributions
You should be fine in the daytime. I would probably want a running partner after dark, but I am ultra-cautious. May I add that I have visited three times and have NEVER felt unsafe anywhere in Ecuador. It is a beautiful country of beautiful people. Have a great trip!
Buenas tardes , una duda cual es el costo actualmente
Medicina Tropical y del Viajero - Quito
Quito, Ecuador11 contributions
Un dólar adultos y 50 centavos para niños desde los 6 años
MyEyesOrYours
Los Angeles, CA181 contributions
Can you take an Uber up there? And if so, is it difficult to get one to pick you up? Because of poor cell service?
Oscar V
Quito, Ecuador7 contributions
You can certainly take an Uber up to the Panecillo. If you do not have good cell phone coverage, you can try and find wifi hot spot to get online.
God_of_Small_Things7
United States1,496 contributions
Do they have fixed hours to go to the top of the Statue? Or is it allowed 24 hours? I am planning to go to El Panecillo in the evening time and want to be able to climb to the top of the Statue as well.
Middlemiss
London, UK486 contributions
Definitely not 24 hrs. To be honest the view from the base of the statue is worthwhile.
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Claim your listingEl Panecillo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about El Panecillo
- We recommend booking El Panecillo tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 51 El Panecillo tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience El Panecillo:
- Quito City Tour Double Decker Bus (From $15.00)
- The Original Quito City Tour in Trolley with Hotel Pick-up - "Small Group" (From $40.00)
- Cable Car and Quito Private City Tour (From $80.00)
- Quito at Night & Urban Legends Tour (From $20.00)
- Quito City Tour Private (From $65.00)
- Hotels near El Panecillo:
- (0.92 mi) San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve
- (0.07 mi) El Palomar
- (4.96 mi) Wyndham Garden Quito
- (3.79 mi) 593 Hostel Boutique Quito
- (4.59 mi) Cuyabeno Lodge
- Restaurants near El Panecillo:
- (3.91 mi) Zero Lab Fine Dining
- (5.17 mi) Bocatto Da Fiorentino
- (4.25 mi) Little Italy Ecuador
- (5.78 mi) Sher E Punjab Rincon de la India
- (5.31 mi) Coffee Factory
- Attractions near El Panecillo:
- (0.27 mi) Santitour
- (1.52 mi) Llamingo Travel
- (2.22 mi) Mundo Ventura Operadora Turismo Ecuador
- (3.02 mi) ActivExpedition
- (3.69 mi) Strawberry Tours
El Panecillo Information
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