The Most Awe-Inspiring Spots to Watch the Sunset in Quito

Parque Itchimbía has become a popular park for tourists because of its excellent overhead view of the city. With El Panecillo behind, making for a great photo opportunity when the sky turns orange, without buildings in the way. The easiest way to access the park is to take a taxi from Historic Center or Plaza Foch; otherwise, walking can take up to an hour.
Parque Itchimbia, Quito, Ecuador, +593 9 9711 2726

Facing Pichincha volcano and Basilica del Voto Nacional, Mosaico has a stunning view of the Historic Center and is a great place to watch the sunset with late-afternoon tea or dinner. Get there early to get a good spot near the fence and an unobstructed view (Mosaico also takes reservations). For own safety, make sure to take a taxi back to where you need to go.
Café Mosaico, Manuel Samaniego n895 y Antepara, Itchimbia, Quito, Ecuador, +593 2 254 2871

Take an exciting trip in a TeleferiQo cable car and take in the spectacular, unique view: when the sun sets behind Pichincha volcano, the whole city turns pink and night comes almost instantly. Not only can riders see Quito, but they will also see all the way to the south of the city and the valley in the foreground. TeleferiQo closes at 8p.m., so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the view, but remember to keep the ticket or else risk staying the night. As TeleferiQo Station itself is quite far from the city, buses don’t travel there, so the best option is to take a taxi.
TeleferiQo Gondola Station, Quito, Ecuador

Watch the sun set over the mystical horizon, and see layers of clouds moving in and out of the Crater of Pululahua. Save some time and stay at El Crater, a hotel facing the volcano (don’t worry, it’s dormant).
Pululahua, Quito, Ecuador, +593 2 239 8132

Can’t get enough of nature? Then watching the sunset from Mirador Parque Metropolitano is the way to go. Even though the sunset will set behind you, you will be in the best viewpoint to see the colours appearing over the valley in the outskirts of Quito. Walking to the actual lookout from the parking area will take you approximately 30 minutes. Make sure you bring a torch because some of the parts of the trail can be quite dark after sunset.
Mirador Parque Metropolitano, Quito, Ecuador

Hanzo, a Japanese resturant in central Quito, is only 15 minutes walking from Plaza Foch in Mariscal. Get private bungalows facing the windows with an incredible view of the city—and a fancy seafood dinner to boot.
Hanzo, Jose Orton, Quito, Ecuador, +593 2 353 0466

If having El Panecillo in sunset photos isn’t a must, why not view the sunset from El Panecillo itself? This lookout point provides an excellent, exclusive view of the southern city which you won’t be able to see as from the other lookouts. While walking up the hill to Panecillo is possible, taking a taxi is better, especially for those not used to high altitudes.
El Panecillo, Quito, Ecuador