Location: Quito
Top Things to do in Quito
10 Things to Do in Quito That You Shouldn't Miss
With a rich pre-Colombian history, Ecuador's capital was founded on the ruins of an Incan city but offers everything a modern traveler might need. It remains the least-altered historic center in Latin America and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quito’s important sites include baroque gems like San Francisco and Santo Domingo monasteries, as well as La Compañía church and college. This huge city sprawls across a breathtaking Andean valley surrounded by volcanic peaks.
Restaurants in Quito
1. Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By HZambonino - Quito, Ecuador
Located nearby the "official" monument to the Middle of the World, you will find this temple at the entrance of Pululahua inhabited Crater. the sculptures will take you to other era and the sight will offer you spectacular picture opportunities. Better to visit in the morning since the clouds get down from 2pm.
2. Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 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 Escape-overseas - Stevenage, United Kingdom
Impressive church in the centre of the old town. Many different animals and gargoyles providing drainage channels off the roof. Access to the interior is available for $2.00, with a further $2.00 allowing access to the towers, in art across a timber walkway above the vaulted ceiling, to a small platform and near vertical metal ladders to get to the tower. No control as to the number of people on the walkway is a cause for concern, particularly when hearing the timber grown, and start to deflect. We were glad to be firmly back on the ground. Elevators and stairs provide access to the main upper levels - no need to risk life and limb by crossing the walkway, which is not for the faint hearted.
3. La Capilla Del Hombre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By dtomato - Burlington, Connecticut
This museum was created by the local artist Oswaldo Guayasamin. He was unknown to us but had influences of Picasso and Goya. Massive canvases that were uncomfortably expressive. Wonderful!
4. Guayasamin Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
This museum features exhibits related to the Ecuadorian contemporary artist Oswaldo Guayasamín including posters, signed prints and colonial religious art.
5. Casa del Alabado
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 672 reviews
Casa del Alabado is a non-profit institution supported by individuals and private companies, established with the purpose of preserving and sharing the legacy of Pre-Columbian cultures in Ecuador.
Reviewed By pmb1206 - devon
Private collection in an old house but brand new display cabinets. Wonderful ceramics from many periods and areas. Spoiled by almost complete lack of contextual information. Apparently this is intentional and you are supposed to admire their beauty without understanding. The function of many of the exhibits was not at all clear. Fortunately the girl on the desk was keen to speak English and also knowledgeable.
Six dollars no discount for oldies.
6. Basilica del Voto Nacional
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 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 Hannisze - Hebden Bridge, United Kingdom
A visit to Quito will not be complete without a visit to this magnificent basilica. The architecture is really breathtaking, and it is worth paying to go up to the tower, as the view from up there was just amazing. I am so glad we walked all the way here from the Historic Centre, because it was really worthwhile. I was totally captivated by its beauty and the view from the top!
7. Quito Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
This historic district was the first city named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is noted for its narrow streets, Spanish colonial architecture and historic attractions.
Reviewed By Escape-overseas - Stevenage, United Kingdom
Colonial buildings and narrow streets, with walks up and down hill, make up the old town, now a Unesco World Heritage site. With churches visible from just about every corner, and local shops hidden in doorways, the town provides a quite different experience. Taxi cabs abound, with local police providing a high profile presence, good for local people and tourists alike.
8. Parque Metropolitano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 345 reviews
Reviewed By joelwx39 - Saint Paul, Minnesota
This is mainly an open air park. You walk through the woods and enjoy the outdoors without all the traffic of Quito.
There are maps that show the paths mounted in a couple locations.
Remember that you are at a high altitude so you will get winded and it will take longer to walk around.
We were fortunate because it was just blocks away from where our friends live. We just walked there and back.
9. San Francisco Church (Iglesia de San Francisco)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 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 Stephen A - Ashbourne, United Kingdom
Beautiful church with internal courtyards and resident parrots! Lots of history here, and we hired a guide to show us around. We recommend you do likewise. We do recommend you go up to the choir loft to overlook the interior of the church.
10. Intinan Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Located close to the Equator Monument, this onsite museum features interactive exhibits on how the Incas determined the middle of the earth, plus interesting science experiments such as balancing an egg on a nail and the affects of the Coriolis force on earth.
Reviewed By Thumper2u2 - Deer Park, Texas
Our driver recommended stopping here which I'm glad he did. We had a local tour guide that spoke English very well. The tour was captivating, entertaining and educational to say the least. Don't be sucked in by the Middle of the World monument that down the street. This place not only is geographically located at the center of the Latitude (000.0) and Longitude (000.0) the educational part is fantastic.
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