City: Ecuador
Top Things to do in Ecuador
10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Ecuador That You Shouldn't Miss
Coordinates: 2°00′S 77°30′W / 2.000°S 77.500°W / -2.000; -77.500
Restaurants in Ecuador
1. Montanita Spanish School - Day Classes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 319 reviews
Reviewed By yusufventures - Manchester, United Kingdom
To kick start my trip around South and Central America I decided to join a Spanish school, due to my complete lack of Spanish ability, that also had options for surfing and I stumbled upon Montanita Spanish school. I spent a total of 4 weeks at the Montanita Spanish school along with the accommodation at the nearby Cabanas and I very much enjoyed my time there. The classes are split between morning grammar classes and afternoon practical classes. I opted to join the group classes which I enjoyed particularly when it came to the practical lessons in the afternoon and the Spanish games that were played. The teachers were very friendly and knowledgable and I liked the fact that they stuck to giving explanations in Spanish in order to immerse you in the language. The level of grammar taught was quite intensive and the notes I took will surely help me as I continue to learn on my own. The school itself has a nice relaxed vibe to it. They offer drinking water, coffee, tea and even bread and juice during the morning lessons. The classes on the roof are particularly nice as they offer a great view of Montanita. There are also many activities to keep you occupied outside of school hours. I of course took part in surfing which was generally in between classes or first thing in the morning daily and a few lessons of Salsa which can be done any weekday evening provided you have at least 2 people interested. There were also social activities such as BBQ's, Surf trips, beach cleaning, welcome dinners and cultural festival days. I took part in as many as I could and had a great time at each one. The interns and staff were great engaging with me often and just generally being fun to be around. I would gladly go back in the future and one thing I would do differently would perhaps be to live with a host family so that I am practicing Spanish throughout the day, I admittedly got a bit too comfortable speaking English during the evenings. All in all it is a great spot to learn Spanish, surfing and to just generally have a great time.
2. Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7,730 reviews
The Temple of the Sun Temple Painter Ortega Maila is a masterpiece built by the indigenous painter and sculptor Ortega Maila after a great research of design and ancestral architecture to maintain his art and culture of the Andes. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour with a guide. The tour includes an aromatherapy session and coca leaf tea courtesy of the museum.
Reviewed By I2924GCdanielt - Prague, Czech Republic
Great place to visit, within the hour tour you can experience aromatherapy, coca tea, and view world-wide class paints.
3. Fundacion Iglesia de la Compania
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,974 reviews
This Jesuit church is a masterpiece of baroque and Quiteno-colonial art with lavish golden altars and gilded columns, making it one of the most ornate structures in Ecuador.
Reviewed By tomy476 - Chicago, United States
Fundación Iglesia de la Compañía is a must see visit while in Quito. The $5 entry for tourists is well worth it. From floor to ceilings the cathedral of an overload of beauty for the eyes with gold inlay everywhere, carvings, statues, murals... While there Without a guided tour I listened in on a few guided groups and would recommend doing that. If you want, this would be an ideal place for a longer silent spiritual retreat like visit to take the beauty in...
4. Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,677 reviews
Established in 1536 by Franciscan monks, this magnificent architectural masterpiece features a museum in its convent with art from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Reviewed By georgesB4777WE - Miami Beach, United States
This is the oldest church in Quito (from the 16th century) and one of the most beautiful. Though one can argue that the Jesuit one is more “uber” than this church, it, nevertheless is “uber-magnificent” also. It is relatively plain from the outside, but its baroque inside explodes and takes your breath away. The main altar and the side altars are beautifully gilded and carved. Its decorated ceilings remind me of a Moorish design, probably coming from Spain. Every inch of the interior is covered with gilt or art. A site that cannot be missed. The admission to the church is free and photos during services are prohibited. The convent and museum next door however, charges a $4 admission fee and has a separate entrance.
5. National Museum of Ecuador
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 438 reviews
The National Museum recognizes the multiplicity of identities of Ecuadorian society, its permanent transformation and mobility, and seeks to establish itself as a space for participation, dialogue, confrontation and representation in the public sphere. For this end, the Museum establishes a new model of relationship with the public, citizens and the community, that goes beyond specialized audiences.
Reviewed By georgesB4777WE - Miami Beach, United States
The National Museum - NaMu - is now open after a recent renovation and is a not to be missed visit. It is one of the museums located in the Casa de la Cultura (the circular modern building in Arbolito Park) and admission is free. It gives an oversight of the history of Ecuador from pre-Colombian to the modern era. The narratives and information are also in English and are informative. Very interesting ancient artifacts, historical timelines and a marvelous gold exhibition of relics and masks on the ground floor. On the second and third floors there are also thematic exhibits on Ecuador’s history, economy, society, and culture. Once again, nice and informative exhibits, including some modern art. I would allocate at least three hours for this visit. This is a “must see”!
6. Casa Museo Guayasamin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,254 reviews
This museum features exhibits related to the Ecuadorian contemporary artist Oswaldo Guayasamín including posters, signed prints and colonial religious art.
Reviewed By tortuga1959 - Bern, Switzerland
A great museum with a very interesting history behind. Guaysamin was a very special artist with huge talent.
7. La Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Cuenca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,086 reviews
This large cathedral (circa 1885) features a series of sky-blue cupolas; the interior contains a magnificent altar and a famous crowned image of the Virgin Mary.
Reviewed By 68olivers
Our hotel sits on a hilltop about a mile and a half from the city center. We had a grand view of the city center of which the blue domes of this church stood out. The church is even more striking up close. Beautiful gothic arches, stained glass windows, very ornate altars that speak of days gone will greet you inside the church. For $2, you can access the stairs to the roof. The stairs are winding, narrow and at times steep. If you are fit enough, I recommend it strongly. The views are magnificent from atop the church. There are 52 churches in Cuenca- 1 for each week as our guide told us. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is one of three churches that I would recommend as a "Do Not Miss" when visiting Cuenca.
8. Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water (Nuestra Senora del Agua Santa)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 492 reviews
The town of Banos is famous for this magnificent Basilica, a place of pilgrimage for those seeking to thank the Virgin of the Holy Water for her many miracles.
Reviewed By SLBHAM1960
I feel Banos is situated in a remote part of Ecuador. It is a delightful town. The church is located in the downtown area with shops, restaurants, and markets around. A very peaceful place to visit and beauty abounds with the grounds and the structure. A must see!
9. Basilica del Voto Nacional
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,861 reviews
Considered the largest church in Quito, this impressive building features fine bronze doors, colorful stained glass windows and a tower with sweeping views of the city.
Reviewed By Dorito50 - Washington DC, United States
A church that reminded us of Notre Dame in Paris is the last thing we expected in Quito, but that was the magnificent Basilica del Voto Nacional. Admission is $1/pp. There is a separate $2/pp to go to the roof and the cupola over looking the grounds and the city. All well- spent. The grounds themselves are lovely and worth wandering. Besides the magnificent architecture and stained glass inside, each province has donated artwork that fill side altars and is fascinating for its variety and insights into the different parts of Ecuador. An exquisite silent chapel behind the main altar is easy to miss but shouldn’t be. We are not religious but found it easy to spend more than an hour here altogether and would have tarried longer if it had not been closing time.
10. Museo de la Ciudad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
Reviewed By kevinsbastianp - Carchi Province, Ecuador
This museum is in the historic center of Quito, before it was an old hospital, it was the first hospital in the Royal Audience of Quito, it has its own church, it is small and has gold and silver ornaments. The rate is cheap, it is a great museum with rooms dedicated to a pre-colonial life, colonial and when Quito was inhabited by nomadic communities before the Inca empire. Inside the museum there is area dedicated plants and animals. You can see old picture, artworks with stones and cow bones, also armor and old guns. I recommend visited because you learned about much old Quito.
