Virgin of the Panecillo

Tourist attraction · Quito

Virgin of the Panecillo

Tourist attraction · Quito

1

Gral. Melchor Aymerich, Quito 170111, Ecuador

Photos

Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by Photo by JP Bennett/Flickr
Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by null
Virgin of the Panecillo by null

Highlights

Aluminum Virgin Mary statue with city views and museum  

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Gral. Melchor Aymerich, Quito 170111, Ecuador Get directions

virgendelpanecillo.com

Information

Static Map

Gral. Melchor Aymerich, Quito 170111, Ecuador Get directions

+593 2 317 1985
virgendelpanecillo.com
Virgendelpanecillo

Features

restroom
payment debit card
wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Oct 23, 2025

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@afar

"See Cotopaxi from a (Safe) Distance The most iconic views of Quito feature the snow-covered peak of Cotopaxi in the background. Though a hike to its crater is on many visitors' wish list, its recent spurt of activity may deem it too unsafe for the next few months. But there’s no need to panic. To glimpse the tallest active volcano in the world, head to El Panecillo. Located on its own volcanic terrain, this 656-foot hill towers above the old town and offers the perfect view of Cotopaxi. El Panecillo is also home to the city’s winged virgin. El Virgen de Quito (Quito’s Madonna) stands on a globe, which is covered by a snake with what looks like a crocodile's face. This multi-piece aluminium structure was erected in 1976 and is one of the city’s most popular tourist spots. It’s advisable to take a taxi to El Panecillo at sunrise or sunset for the best shot. Nowadays, police presence is all day, but locals strongly warn against walking to the hill."

48 Hours in Quito
View Postcard for Virgin of the Panecillo

Darpan Jain

Google
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.

Kara H

Google
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.

Glenda Meeberg

Google
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.

Mert Korkusuz

Google
There’s a great view from here of Quito city. The walk up from the historic centre takes about 30-40mins, and the steps are marked with a little yellow footprint with the step number written on it! At the top there are stalls selling food and souvenirs, and you can enter the monument for $1 top fo to a view point. There are also two levels of displays - one of photos of its construction, and the other of stained glass windows.

Nature Amazonian

Google
Such great place✨I recommend going on a day when the sky is clear, so you can better appreciate the view😻

Leo Lai

Google
Ok, if you like to visit the beautiful statue in close distance. But I'll say if you don't have much time, you may skip it.

Oleksii Motorykin

Google
Authentic Quito experience. I walked here from my hotel, so that was a challenge in its own. The top is higher than 10000ft. You can eat, buy gifts, and use restrooms.

Barb Hauck-Mah (barbhmphilly)

Google
We viewed this stunning, record-setting statue on a tour of the Old City in Quito. It's the world's tallest aluminum statue as well as the tallest statue celebrating the Virgin Mary. The statue is located so that it's visible throughout the city. It's located on Mount El Pencillo, a 650 ft high hill. We learned that it was constructed from 1971-1975 and that it measures 135 feet from its base to top. There is a small museum at the statue's base that's open some hours weekly, but check ahead. It's also possible to climb to a viewing area at the statue.