El Panecillo

4.6 (1,355 reviews)

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Best time to visit

A clear morning hour, preferably before 10 a.m., gives crystal-clear visibility of the snow-capped volcanoes and short shadows. The afternoon often becomes hazy, and rain clouds typically gather as the day goes on.

Budget tips

The hill area itself and the view are free, while entry to the statue itself with the observation terrace costs a small ticket. Save money by taking a taxi rather than a guide, and buy water and snacks from the local stalls instead of the souvenir shops.

Recommended for

Photography enthusiasts, Families, City walkers, History buffs

Plan your visit

1-2 hours

About

Quick facts: A 45-meter-tall virgin of aluminum weighs roughly 300 tons, which corresponds to about 40 heavy elephants, and she stands on a globe with a dragon under her feet. The hill rises just under 3,016 meters above sea level, and on a clear day you can see all the way over to the volcanoes far out on the horizon.

Highlights: Few know that she has wings, making her one of the only winged madonnas in the world, and on the pedestal she crushes a serpent against the globe. The hill once served as the Incas' sacred sun site, so centuries of history literally lie under the soles of your shoes when you stand up there.

Insider tips

Take the taxi all the way up, as the walk is steep and the neighborhood at the foot can feel unsafe, especially after sunset.
Go inside the statue and up the stairs, the view from the wing level beats everything you see from the square below.
Bring a light jacket, the wind at the top can pick up unexpectedly strong.
Come on a cloudless day, preferably a weekday, when local families on weekends flock to the stalls.