The Basílica del Voto Nacional is Quito’s giant neo-Gothic church, 115 m tall and famous for towers you can climb. As of 2026, entry to the nave costs about $2 and the towers about $4 for foreigners, cash only. It opens Mon–Fri 9am–5pm and Sat–Sun 6am–6pm. Plan 1–2 hours to cross the wooden bridge over the nave and reach the condor tower.
We look at the Basílica every day: its towers rise right in front of our rooftop in the Old Town. It’s one of the first places we recommend to guests, and one of the few in Quito where you get to climb through the building itself rather than just look at it.
Quick answer: Basílica del Voto Nacional essentials
- Address: Carchi 122 y Venezuela, Old Town (Centro Histórico).
- Price (as of 2026): about $2 for the nave; about $4 for the towers (foreigners). Bring cash.
- Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat–Sun 6am–6pm.
- Height: 115 m, built in neo-Gothic style between 1887 and 1988.
- Time needed: 1–2 hours to see the nave and climb the towers.
- Don’t miss: the wooden bridge over the nave, the clock tower, the condor tower and the animal gargoyles.
How much does it cost to visit the Basílica, and when is it open?
There are two separate tickets: one for the church interior (the nave) and one for climbing the towers. Most visitors do both. Payment is in cash, so bring small bills.
| What | Price (as of 2026) | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Nave (church interior) | about $2 | Mon–Fri 9:00am–5:00pm; Sat–Sun 6:00am–6:00pm |
| Towers (foreigners) | about $4, cash | Mon–Fri 9:00am–5:00pm; Sat–Sun 6:00am–6:00pm |
Prices in USD, as of September 2026. Services and special events can affect access to parts of the building.
What do you see when you climb the Basílica towers?
This is the reason people love this place. The climb takes you up through the structure of the church in stages, and each one gets a little more adventurous.
The wooden bridge over the nave
Early in the climb you cross a wooden walkway high above the nave, between the roof and the vaulted ceiling. Looking down into the church from up there gives you a real sense of how big the building is.
The clock tower
Next is the clock tower, where you climb past the clock and get views over the Old Town’s rooftops, domes and plazas.
The condor tower
The highest point open to visitors is the condor tower. Getting there involves steep stairs and ladders, and the final section feels exposed. The reward is a 360-degree view over Quito, including El Panecillo and the hills that surround the city. If you’re uncomfortable with heights, the clock tower alone is still well worth the ticket.
What are the animal gargoyles on the Basílica?
Instead of the usual monsters and demons of European Gothic churches, the Basílica’s gargoyles are Ecuadorian animals. Look for tortoises, iguanas, armadillos and condors sticking out from the walls and towers. It’s the detail that makes the building feel distinctly Ecuadorian, and you see many of them up close during the tower climb.
Bring a zoom lens or use your phone’s zoom from the street, too: some of the best-placed gargoyles are easiest to photograph from below.
What is the history of the Basílica del Voto Nacional?
Construction began in 1887, based on a design by architect Emilio Tarlier. The style is neo-Gothic, and the design takes inspiration from the Cathedral of Bourges in France, which is why it looks so different from the colonial Baroque churches elsewhere in the Old Town.
Building took about a century. The Basílica was consecrated in 1988, more than 100 years after work started. At 115 m, its towers are a landmark you can spot from much of the Old Town. For more on the neighborhood, read our guide to Quito’s Old Town.
How do you walk to the Basílica?
The Basílica is in the northern part of the Old Town, and you can walk there from most of the historic center. Its towers are so tall that you can use them as your landmark the whole way.
From Plaza Grande
- From Plaza Grande, find Calle Venezuela and head north on it.
- Follow Venezuela uphill for several blocks.
- The Basílica is at the corner of Venezuela and Carchi. Expect roughly 10–15 minutes on foot, depending on your pace and the altitude.
From our hostel (near the Mercado Central)
The Basílica is only about 700 m north of Community Hostel, so the walk takes roughly 10–15 minutes. Head north and uphill toward the towers, which you can see from the street, and aim for the corner of Venezuela and Carchi. Combine it with breakfast or lunch at the Mercado Central, two minutes from the hostel.
Quito’s streets are steep and you’re at about 2,850 m, so take the hills slowly, especially in your first days. Our altitude sickness guide explains why.
Want to see the Basílica without leaving your table? The rooftop bar and restaurant at Community Hostel Quito looks straight out at the Basílica’s towers and El Panecillo. Breakfast runs 7:30am–1pm daily and dinner 1pm–10:30pm Monday to Saturday, and it’s open to non-guests too.
Is the Basílica del Voto Nacional worth visiting?
Yes, and it’s one of the best-value stops in Quito. For about $6 in total you get the nave, a walk across a wooden bridge above it, and some of the widest views over the Old Town from the clock tower and the condor tower. Most churches in the historic center are about looking at art and altars; here the building itself is the experience.
If you only have time for one ticket, choose the towers. The views and the climb are what make this visit different from every other church in the city.
Tips for visiting the Basílica
- Bring cash. Tickets are paid in cash, so carry small bills.
- Go earlier for photos. Mornings tend to have clearer skies before clouds build up later in the day, which makes a big difference to the views from the towers. On weekends the doors open at 6am.
- Wear proper shoes. The climb involves steep stairs and ladders; skip sandals.
- Travel light. You’ll want both hands free on the ladders.
- Allow 1–2 hours. Rushing the climb at altitude isn’t fun.
- Pair it with a walking tour. Our free walking tour of Quito starts from the hostel and is a good way to get your bearings in the Old Town first.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to climb the Basílica towers?
As of 2026, the tower ticket costs about $4 for foreigners, and entry to the nave is about $2 on top of that. Payment is in cash, so bring small bills. Prices are approximate and may change.
Is climbing the Basílica towers scary?
It can be if you dislike heights. The wooden bridge over the nave and the clock tower are manageable for most people. The route to the condor tower uses steep stairs and ladders and feels exposed. You can stop at any stage and still enjoy great views.
How long do you need at the Basílica del Voto Nacional?
Plan 1–2 hours. That’s enough time to see the nave, cross the wooden bridge, climb the clock tower and the condor tower, and take photos without rushing. Remember you’re at about 2,850 m, so stairs take more effort than at home.
When was the Basílica del Voto Nacional built?
Construction started in 1887 to a design by Emilio Tarlier, inspired by the Cathedral of Bourges in France. It took about a century to complete, and the Basílica was consecrated in 1988. It’s a neo-Gothic building, unlike most of the Old Town’s colonial churches.
Can you see the Basílica from Community Hostel?
Yes. Our rooftop bar and restaurant looks out at the Basílica’s towers, as well as El Panecillo. It’s open to non-guests, so you can come for breakfast or dinner and enjoy the view even if you’re staying elsewhere.