El Panecillo is the hill that rises above Quito’s old town, crowned by a towering aluminium statue of the winged Virgin of Quito that watches over the city. From its summit, reached by road, a magnificent 360-degree panorama takes in the whole of the historic centre, the sprawling modern city and the ring of Andean volcanoes beyond. A beloved landmark and one of the best viewpoints in the capital, especially at sunset, it offers an unforgettable perspective on Quito’s dramatic setting between the mountains and is a favourite stop for visitors.