El Panecillo is a large grassy knoll in the southern part of Quito’s Old Town. Visitors come to the steep hill to see the aluminium statue of the Virgen de Quito (Madonna of Quito) and the unobstructed view of the undulating city and its distant volcanoes. The hill, which is named after its resemblance to a loaf of bread, can be seen from most parts of the city rising above the skyline.
Ascend the hill on a sunny morning to make the most of Quito’s most-visited vista. Muggers often target the narrow sets of concrete steps that lead up the hill. For a safer option, ride a taxi or bus to the summit, which stands at 3,016 metres (9,895 feet) above sea level. Take a look around the scenic peak and relax on the grassy lawn with the scenic backdrop of the Old Town.
Get a closer look at the Virgen de Quito, which is made out of 7,000 individual pieces of aluminium. Agustín de la Herrán Matorras designed and sculpted the spiritual artwork in 1976 after taking inspiration from Bernardo de Legarda’s famous statue of the same name. Enter through the statue’s base to see the on-site museum and the viewing platforms. Find out about the historical significance of the area to the Spanish and indigenous peoples. There are three levels of viewing platforms offering varing views of the hilly city and mountains.
Purchase a souvenir model of the Virgen de Quito from vendors by which to remember your trip. Listen out for the music and chants of religious processions around the steps of the hill.
Be sure to look after your valuables, although the police regularly patrol the museum and the statue. El Panecillo is situated at the southern end of the Old Town district. The statue and the museum are open to the public daily from morning until late in the afternoon. There is a small fee for the viewing platforms.
