Virgin of the Panecillo

Tourist attraction · Quito ·

Virgin of the Panecillo

Tourist attraction · Quito ·

Monument with city views, historical displays, and market stalls

Information

Gral. Melchor Aymerich, Quito 170111, Ecuador Get directions

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"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

Photo by JP Bennett/Flickr

Virgin of the Panecillo

@hotelsabovepar

1,965 Postcards · 675 Cities

Casa Gangotena Hotel Review | Hotels Above Par

"A massive hillside statue honoring Mother Mary and a nearby highlight to visit, also visible from various vantage points around the city." - Allie Lebos

https://www.hotelsabovepar.com/travel-guides/casa-gangotena-hotel-review-quito-ecuador

Virgin of the Panecillo

Mic

Google

A nice hike up and down. Good amount of exercise. Great scenery almost 360 panoramic. I was up there before Christmas and there were other lights and decorations. They made it really nice. I didn’t go to the top of the statue. There were a number of little shops around for various things. A really nice afternoon.

Chiara F

Google

Stunning views of the city of Quito. Unfortunately I couldn’t see Cotopaxi but you can see it on clearer days. The Virgen statue was not that impressive in my opinion but I didn’t go inside and anyway it’s still nice to see it as it’s such an iconic symbol of the city. I was advised by local guides to go there by uber.

Tim Britz J.

Google

Looking across yhe city to the rise of the hill on yhe western side stand the statue of the Virgin of Panecillo. Constructed of aluminum, this statue has a permanent place in the city. Suggest to take a taxi or Uber to the spot.

Darpan J.

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.

Santiago G.

Google

Amazing!! Extended hours on holidays and a view of the entire city center and if you are lucky the Cotopaxi volcano. If you want to buy anything to remember your trip there are plenty of stores and also food places. Be aware you may experience long waits going up during the holidays and parking is limited but it’s worth the wait.

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.

jackosc2

Google

The view is okay, if you go down to the road there is a patch of grass you get an uninterrupted view of the city, bypassing the trees. There is the option to pay $1 and go inside the statue and have a higher perspective. We had some great food and service from "los prestinos ain y zoe" would highly recommend. Busses do go there but we got a taxi, toilets are 25c per person to use. As a foreigner we highly advise not walking up to this, as the area surrounding is not safe.

Glenda M.

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.

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

48 Hours in Quito

Photo by JP Bennett/Flickr

Virgin of the Panecillo

@hotelsabovepar

1,965 Postcards · 675 Cities

Casa Gangotena Hotel Review | Hotels Above Par

"A massive hillside statue honoring Mother Mary and a nearby highlight to visit, also visible from various vantage points around the city." - Allie Lebos

https://www.hotelsabovepar.com/travel-guides/casa-gangotena-hotel-review-quito-ecuador

Virgin of the Panecillo

Mic

Google

Chiara F

Google

Tim Britz J.

Google

Darpan J.

Google

Santiago G.

Google

Kara H

Google

jackosc2

Google

Glenda M.

Google

Virgin of the Panecillo

Information

Postcards

Media

Casa Gangotena Hotel Review | Hotels Above Par

You might also like

Casa Gangotena Hotel Review | Hotels Above Par