Discover the vibrant heart of Ecuador in Quito, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site nestled high in the Andes. This eclectic metropolis seamlessly blends colonial history with modern life, offering travelers everything from ancient cathedrals and traditional markets to breathtaking volcanic landscapes and lush cloud forests.
Whether you are exploring the historic Old Town, standing on the equator at Mitad del Mundo, or venturing into the nearby Cotopaxi National Park, Quito serves as the perfect gateway to the diverse wonders of Ecuador. Join us as we uncover the best experiences this high-altitude capital has to offer.
The Old Town
Most travellers generally spend their time in the Old Town, which UNESCO designated as cultural heritage site in 1978. The city lay out was how the Spanish built it on their arrival, with the central plaza as always, in the centre of the old town. The plaza is home to the Palacio de Gobierno, the Cathedral, other religious buildings, and the Presidential palace. The Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in all of South America, and has been rebuilt on a number of occasions due to the many earthquakes that have hit the area.
Monastery of San Francisco
The oldest colonial building in Quito is home to the Museo Franciscano where historical paintings, art and furniture are exhibited. Found on the Plaza San Francisco, along with the ornate, La Compañia church, there are a number of churches throughout the Old Town area, most built in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. A visit to the recently renovated El Sagario, Santo Domingo, is also recommended as well as La Merced and the monasteries of San Augustín and San Diego, with their respective museums.
Colonial Homes
Most colonial houses were built of adobe mud bricks, that have a square patio at the centre. These well-preserved houses in Quito, complete with their ornate, wooden balconies, occupy the streets near La Ronda and Juan de Dios Morales. These impressive buildings, are open throughout the day and even sell souvenirs and handicrafts. You can tour two historical homes, The Casa de Benalcázar and Casa de Sucre, where José de Antonio de Sucre, an important figure during the war of independence, once lived.
Mitad del Mundo
The Middle of the World Monument can be found at zero latitude on the equator, just 22 km north of Quito. There is a planetarium and an excellent scale model of Quito at the mitad del mundo site. This is one of the very few places on the planet where you can stand on both hemispheres of the globe, at the same time!
Markets
The day trips from Quito to the market towns of Otavalo and Cotacachi are excellent for souvenir shopping, as well as cultural experiences! These markets sell everything from household goods, to hand-made sweaters and textiles. Panama hats and fine leather goods, are also present and market day is when all of the different regions of Ecuador come together to sell their different traditional wares.
Cotopaxi National Park
South of Quito, along the “ring of fire” is the Cotopaxi National Park. Found in the middle of the country, Cotopaxi's climate varies from 12 to 17°C and at the high elevation of more than 6000 metres, the Cotopaxi volcano is the second highest mountain in all of Ecuador. The volcano receives many visitors each year who want to hike, climb, or even cycle its spectacular slopes.
Visit the Haciendas
Enjoy Ecuadorian hospitality, history, cuisine and attractions at these traditional haciendas, locally called “hosterías”. Some are more rustic than others, with three, four and five star categories of lodgings, where you can stay. Some of the activities on offer at these estates, include horse riding, wild-life viewing, bird-watching, hiking, swimming, biking, and private tours of the estates.
Head out east to The Oriente
Ecuador is a condensed country, with most of the Oriente rainforest found within a few hours from the capital Quito. A jaunt in the jungle is easier to get to than a lot of other regions in South America, making the cloud forest and the river systems easier to visit for most travellers.
Virgin of the Americas
The statue of the Virgin Mary stands on a hill overlooking Quito, called the Mirador de Panecillo allowing spectacular, panoramic views of the city. Visible from most of the city, and somewhat reminiscent of the Corcovado in Brazil, this aluminium, colonial statue of the Virgin of Quito, stands at 41 metres high and is said to protect and shower blessings over the city of Quito, below.
Parks
Wander around the Parque Metropolitano, the largest urban park in South America, for mountain biking, walking, running, sculptures, picnicking and great views. Football, volleyball, kite-flying and running are popular in La Carolina Park, or you can even rent a paddle boat. At La Alameda Park, you can find the oldest astronomical observatory in South America. For a change of pace, check out the weekend arts and handicrafts at El Ejido.
Teleférico to Cruz Loma
Take the cable car from the city centre to Cruz Loma on the east side of Pichincha, for spectacular views of the city. Marvel at the Old Town on the north-side of the city with its colonial roofs and ancient streets and buildings. To the south, you can see the modern metropolis of office buildings, hotels, restaurants and shops.
Quito Zoo
Located in Guayllabamba to the north of the capital city, the zoo has the biggest collection of endemic fauna in Ecuador, including 45 species from different regions of Ecuador. From the highlands to the tropical jungle, and from the coastal region to the Amazon Jungle and not forgetting the Galapagos Islands., of course! Many endangered animal species, inhabit the zoo, which is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of endemic species.
