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Published: 10-12-2021
Quito, the capital city of Ecuador is nearly the size of Paris, and can be found amid the Ecuadorian Andean mountains at over 3000 metres elevation. It was the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is found on the equator. It forms part of the Ring of Fire and is steeped in art and culture, with more than 60 museums and many historical churches. With the amazing sites and activities on offer in this cosmopolitan capital, you will definitely want to make a stop in Quito on your way to the fabulous Galapagos Islands.
Quito at night!
Try and dedicate at least a few days to this interesting city, where you may find yourself standing on the equator, riding a gondola to a volcano, climbing an ancient church, riding a trolley, and so much more.
Stand on the Equator line at La Mitad del Mundo
Quito is an equatorial city famous for is ubication at the centre of the earth. The actual “Mitad del Mundo” is just on the outskirts of the city and is a scientific centre, historical monument, and geographical phenomenon, all in one. You can experience the unique opportunity to set your compass to 00°00’00; Or, hold hands with someone in a different hemisphere; spend hours doing scientific experiments, gazing at the planetarium, and viewing pre-Columbian art museums. Plus, you can eat, drink, and shop without ever leaving. And don’t forget to stamp your passport to prove that you stood on the equator!
Mitad del Mundo
Ride the Teleferico (cable car) Up the Pichincha Volcano
The capital of Ecuador is one of many major cities found along the Ring of Fire, mixing volcanic life and downtown chaos in a unique manner. In Quito, the adventure begins at the Teleferico, a glass gondola that takes you from downtown Quito, up into the Andean mountains in a space of 10 minutes. Once on top of the active, yet dormant volcano, you can take part in a high-altitude trek to the Ruca, one of three peaks of the volcano. Or, you can simply soak up the spectacular views of one of the world’s highest cities.
Cable car to the Pichincha volcano
Play in the Park at Parque Metropolitano del Sur
If you like your green areas, Quito will not let you down! The city has more than a dozen parks offering hiking trails and amazing forests to get lost in and reconnect with nature. The biggest is Parque Metropolitano del Sur, located to the south side of the city and set in an astounding 1,400 acres of mountaintop natural prowess. It includes meandering meadows and eucalyptus woods, brimming with native orchids and wildflowers, plus 80-plus species of birds. There are a number of wooden playgrounds, gym machines, and 10 km of rustic hiking trails. Other Quito parks worth exploring include “Parque Metropolitano” “Guangüiltagua”, “La Carolina Park” and the “La Alameda Park”.
rustic childrens playground in a city park
Climb the Stairs of Basilica del Voto Nacional
Start exploring Quito’s heritage with the highlight of the city´s skyline, The Basilica del Voto Nacional. This is the largest neo-Gothic church in South America, rising high into the air from is base in the historic centre. This gothic masterpiece is best admired from the inside, where you can appreciate 24 different chapels, intricate stained glass, and unique gargoyles inspired by Ecuadorian animals. If you are not afraid of heights, it’s worth the $2 to climb the towers and view the city of Quito from its rooftop! There are many other churches and convents in this ancient city, including Quito’s version of the Sistine Chapel at La Compañia de Jesús, and the San Francisco Convent and Monastery, the oldest monastery in South America.
Voto Nacional at dusk
Meet the Angel Overlooking Quito at La Virgen del Panecillo
The Virgen of Panecillo, or Bread Virgin, is a giant, winged homage to the virgin Mary, that looks over and blesses the city of Quito. Named after the bread-shaped hill she occupies and standing 41 metres higher than Rio’s famous “Christ the Redeemer”, The Virgin of Pancillo is the world’s largest aluminium statue and the largest statue of the mother of Jesus, in the world! climb the hill and marvel at this magnificent, metal construction. Visit the towers that line the inside of the statue, where you can put together the fascinating pieces of her 125-year story of inception, construction, and modern-day relevance.
Virgin de panecillo
La Floresta's Street Art
If art is your thing, you can’t pass through the capital without experiencing the 21st-century influence on the city. Like many other urban centres, Quito has a special section of street art. In contrast to the Bohemian vibe of La Ronda, La Floresta has more of a chic, boutique ambiance emphasizing the conceptual concepts as opposed to the more traditional art. Locals colloquially call this part of town, “the area of the snobby artists” and where you can find walls, whole buildings, and even streetlamps etched with art of graffiti murals. The brightly painted historic mansions and tree-lined streets, surrounding avant-garde art studios, complete the bohemian aspect of these wonderful streets.
Street art in Quito
Plaza de Independencia
Plaza de Independencia is the part of Quito responsible for the UNESCO stamp of approval. They call it “the best-preserved, least altered historic centre in Latin America.” Spend at least half a day to explore Independence Plaza, starting with a visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral followed by some shopping at the Palacio Arzobispal. If you’re there on Monday, be sure to programme the 11 am changing of the guards at the presidential palace. Afterwards, take a tour of the palace and meet the current president, Guillermo Lasso.
Reading the newspaper in the Plaza Independencia
Go Bohemian on Calle La Ronda
Calle La Ronda offers excellent insight into modern-day Quito, where the ancient city combines with an urban metropolis. Originally constructed by the Incas as a gateway between Quito and Cusco, this colonial neighbourhood gradually sprung up in the surrounding area. Over the years, the neighbourhood became a centre for artisans, musicians, priests, poets, and travellers. And today, it maintains its identity as the Bohemian centre of Quito. You can wander down cobblestone streets, visit quaint galleries, and observe artisans deep in their craft. Today, you can also enjoy micropubs, fine restaurants and even some charming little chapels.
Calle La Ronda
Eat Ecuadorian Street Food
Quito has some very unique foods to try, and the best way to sample an authentic version is on the street. On the weekends, stalls spill out into the open-air markets, attracting locals and tourists alike, to sample their wares. If it’s tripa mishki (grilled cow intestines) or gautita (cow stomach and peanut soup) you’re after, head to Parque Genaro Larrea or Parque José Navarro. For Ecuadorian fish and chips, the Mercado Santa Clara is best option in Quito. For everything else, the Mercado Central has all the classics like empanadas, llapingachos (potato pancakes), chicharrón (fried pork), and salchipapas (French fries with hot dogs), amongst other delectable delights!
Quito streetfood stands
Botanical Garden of Quito
Locals call it the Eden of Quito, and perhaps it’s a worthy testament to the gardens dedicated to four ecosystems and 1,200 species of orchids. It’s the perfect place to spend a rainy day and admire the majestic botany of the plant world. The Botanical Garden of Quito is located inside Parque La Carolina and has special exhibits dedicated to Ecuadorian roses and the regions medicinal plants. Depending on how much you love greenery, you could spend your days away from the traffic filled streets and be at one with nature.
Quito Botanical gardens
Embrace Art and Culture at one of Quito's Museums
Quito is a paradise for art and culture lovers. With more than 60 museums, you could literally spend weeks checking them all out! There is everything from quaint, hole-in-wall collections to large world-class establishments. But, start with one of Quito’s beloved, La Capilla Del Hombre, a museum dedicated to the architecture, art, and history inspired by local, contemporary artist Oswaldo Guayasamín.
Quito art exhibition
Cheer at the Atahualpa Olympic Stadium
Football is an important part of life in all of Latin America, and no less so than in Ecuadorian culture. There is no better way to immerse in local culture than with a match at the historic Atahualpa Olympic Stadium. It was opened in 1951 and has served a key role in city and national games, including FIFA World Club qualifying matches. The local colours of Ecuador are yellow, red, and blue and expect lots of noise, a rowdy crowd, flowing beer, and street food abound in this vibrant stadium!
