El Panecillo
El Panecillo is a natural elevation of 3,000 meters above sea level, located in the heart of Quito, and considered the most critical natural viewpoint in the city. An emblematic monument crowns this elevation: a giant aluminum sculpture known as the Winged Virgin or The Virgin of Quito is one of the sculptures with the most significant architectural and artistic recognition in Latin America, and it has become an iconic symbol of the city.
Cover Photo Quito Tour Bus
The basics#
The Spanish gave the name El Panecillo since the hill bears a resemblance to a small bread. However, before his arrival, this hill was called Shungoloma, which in Kichwa means “Hill of the heart.” Currently, El Panecillo is crowned by a 30-meter-high sculpture, a large-scale copy of the sculpture of The Virgin of Quito by Bernardo de Legarda, one of the most important representatives of the Quito School. The Virgin of El Panecillo statue comprises 7,400 pieces and is considered the tallest aluminum sculpture on the planet, even taller than the image of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil. The work was made by the Spanish sculptor Agustín de la Herrán Matorras and inaugurated on March 28, 1975. In El Panecillo, you will be able to appreciate the Andean beauty of the city of Quito and the splendor of its center history, a visit that you must necessarily include in your itinerary. Hop-On Hop-Off
Things to know before visiting El Panecillo#
- El Panecillo is a tourist destination that can be visited during the day or at night. At either time, you can obtain two completely different and, at the same time, surprising perspectives.
- If you go during the day, you can visit the museum inside the Virgin Monument, where you can learn about the history of its construction. Later, you can climb some steps that will take you to a viewpoint at the foot of the statue, where you will get a 360-degree view of Quito. If you go at night, you can see the historic center illuminated and the domes of its churches shining.
- El Panecillo is a tourist destination open to the public, and it has no cost. However, you must pay a small fee to enter the museum inside the Virgin Monument.
- Quito Tour Bus offers you the Quito City Tour, An unforgettable tour of the most significant historic center in South America, which includes a stop at El Panecillo.
- There are restaurants in El Panecillo where you can enjoy a spectacular view of Quito and savor exquisite Ecuadorian food.
- At the foot of the sculpture of the Virgin are stalls selling local crafts and typical food and drink stores, where empanadas de viento and canelazos, among others, are sold.
- For your safety, we recommend visiting El Panecillo accompanied by a tour guide or accessing the site by private transportation since it is not advisable to go up on foot because the streets you will have to ascend do not offer enough safety for tourists.
How to get to El Pancecillo?#
You can reach this destination in your vehicle, via VIP transportation, or through Quito Tour Bus tours.
In own vehicle
If you drive, you can park right in front of the monument. However, it is better to reach the destination via VIP transportation or tour.
In VIP transport
Another way to get to El Panecillo is to use the VIP transportation service, which is the safest way to get around Quito. If you are looking for comfortable and safe transportation to take you to this essential city destination, contact us by WhatsApp.
Quito City Tour by Quito Tour Bus
Quito Tour Bus, the only double-decker tourist bus in the city, takes you safely and pleasantly to the most essential natural viewpoint in the city. One of the Quito City Tour Stops is in the Panecillo, and thanks to the Hop On Hop Off de Quito Tour Bus system, you can get off at this place and then return to the bus to continue the tour. You can get on and off the bus as many times as you want for the duration of your ticket.
Quito City Tour + Cable Car + El Panecillo + Middle of the World
If you have little time in the city, this is the best option for you, since in a single day you will visit some of the main attractions of Quito. Discover the charms of the capital of Ecuador and opt for our Quito City Tour + Cable Car + El Panecillo + Middle of the World.
Private day tour
Another way to get to this site is on a day tour, which is undoubtedly one of the best visit options since you can get to know El Panecillo at your own pace while a designated driver takes care of all the logistical details. If you are looking for a day tour, Contact us by WhatsApp for more information.
When should you visit El Panecillo?#
El Panecillo is a tourist destination that can be visited 365 days a year. It is recommended to go to this site, especially during the Christmas season, because a giant, illuminated manger is usually placed on the site.
Frequently asked questions#
What's in El Panecillo?
According to our blog about what to do and how to get to El Panecillo, “Inside the monument of the Virgin of El Panecillo there is a small museum that exhibits images and the history of the construction of the monument open to national and foreign tourists. At the top is a viewpoint from which to see the city, and the perspective is 360 degrees.”
Visiting hours
