Aaah, the Panecillo. It’s one of the trademark views of Quito — and yet personally, one of my least favorite things to actually see. A weird statue of some version of Mary stomping on a dragon with a chain, it always struck a more creepy chord for me than beautiful. However, if you want to hit all the main sites you gotta go up this one, and the view from the top is enjoyable. (There’s always something fun about looking out the top of a monument.)

I would recommend enjoying the view of the Panecillo from other parts of the city as you’re looking towards the hill. Most of your best photo ops of the Panecillo will actually come when you’re in other places around the city, not right at the foot of it.

Panecillo is a cute Spanish way of saying “Little bread loaf” which actually refers to the hill, not the statue, as it does look like a little bump of bread when you look at the horizon of Quito.

Here’s a few tips as to how to enjoy your time at the Panecillo:

• Take a taxi to the panecillo — rumor has it walking up the hill is one of the more risky spots of the city, and you’re most likely to get pickpocketed.
• Around Christmastime, they have a huge nativity made out of lights that is kind of fun to see
• Often there are little markets set up where you can buy souvenirs or food

Find more things to do in The Quito Bucket List: Sights Edition