City: Pichincha Province
Top Things to do in Pichincha Province
Top 10 Free Things to do in Pichincha Province, Ecuador
Pichincha (Spanish pronunciation: [piˈtʃintʃa]) is a province of Ecuador located in the northern sierra region; its capital and largest city is Quito. It is bordered by Imbabura and Esmeraldas to the north, Cotopaxi and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas to the south, Napo and Sucumbíos to the east, and Esmeraldas and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas to the west.
Restaurants in Pichincha Province
1. Volcan Cayambe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By E3809NNcarolinac
Hello, I want to talk to you about my experience of living in Cayambe. I have lived in Cayambe since I can remember, this small town saw me grow up. Cayambe is a very magical place, full of places to visit and traditional and delicious food. Cayambe's weather is very crazy, there are days when the sun is very hot, others when the cold makes you freeze, and others when the wind is so strong that you feel it can take you. In my opinion I prefer cold weather, it is much more pleasant. Cayambe is the place of the Bizcochos and the Queso de hoja, throughout the town of Cayamabe you can find some restaurants that have Quesos de hoja and Bizcochos, it is a traditional dish of Cayambe. Many tourists come to Cayambe to try the Queso de hoja and Bizcochos, some people also take them abroad. The best known place where tourists go to eat bizcochos is the Bizcochos del Padre restaurant. Cayambe also has some places that you can visit for example: monument to the middle of the world, the Cariacu waterfalls, the snowy Cayambe, the Puntiatzil architectural complex, Municipal Museum, Molios ta Onio railway bridge. Cayambe also has many parks that you can go to, it also has rivers, another known place is also the house of Mariana de Jesus, a very beloved saint in the country. There are also many pools, one that I know is on the bank of a river. Of the places that I have visited in Cayambe, the Cariacu waterfalls are my favorite places, these waterfalls are very large, they are in a community called Cariacu, to get to these waterfalls you have to walk a lot. The first time I went to these waterfalls, I was a girl and the road was not pretty, because it was in poor condition, years after I went again, the road was already more arranged and with signs so that you can get there. The people of the community are in charge of taking care of the waterfalls, and the people should not damage or dirty the waterfalls I have not been able to go to the snowy Cayambe, but in the photos I have seen, it is a very magical and beautiful place, with a beautiful view. In order for you to get to the snowy, you must be accompanied by someone who knows the way because you can get lost. Living in Cayambe has been a beautiful experience, the food and all the places it has for you to have fun. If you ever come to Ecuador, I recommend that you visit Cayambe in the province of Pichincha. Cayambe is near to the capital of Ecuador. I hope you visit some Cayambe and visit the Cariacu Waterfalls and eat the delicious Quesos de hoja and the Bizcochos.
2. 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.
3. Santo Domingo Church (Iglesia de Santo Domingo)
4. Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,477 reviews
Located in the heart of the Old City, this busy plaza honors those heroes who started the movement toward independence from Spain.
Reviewed By CBPolitico
What an amazing place, the core plaza in old town, it has the Presidential Palace, the Bishop's palace and other old, government buildings. The place will be crawling with municipal, military and federal police. The smell of pot is always lingering in the air (be careful though, with all the police locals seem safe and able to smoke, but if you are seen paying for anything you could be in trouble). It is alive! There is so much going on in this space - music at all times, not planned, but spontaneous. People show up with their instruments and play throughout the day, singers will just set up and sing - not even for money, but for the joy of it. You can sit here all day - see it lit at night
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. El Panecillo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,581 reviews
Resembling a type of small bread (panecillo), this hill makes an excellent observation point over Quito and features La Virgen del Panecillo, a majestic sculpture that can be seen from any location in the city.
Reviewed By georgesB4777WE - Miami Beach, United States
This is a hill which overlooks Quito. It is topped with a huge statue of The Virgin Mary and can be seen from the city even at night, when the statue is bathed in white light. The hill (shaped like a loaf of bread) is at Quito’s southern end (close to Old Town) and can be reached by either a city bus or via a cheap Uber ride. There is a restaurant (Pimms) on the top and there is no admission fee. The views of the city from the top are great and, in my opinion, superior to the ones from TeleferiQo. There is a $2 admission should you want to climb the stairs inside the silver aluminum statue of the Virgin. BTW, the City hop-on bus generally makes an extended stop here and you can take some wonderful pictures. A must-see!!
7. Guapulo
8. Basilica de Nuestra Senora de la Merced
9. El Sagrario
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Located around the corner of Plaza Independencia, this magnificent building was originally built as the Cathedral’s chapel and is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Quito.
Reviewed By georgesB4777WE - Miami Beach, United States
This is a church which is literally adjacent to the Metropolitan Cathedral. I found it to be more imposing and richer in decoration than the cathedral. It’s beautiful altar stand outs along with a nice and airy dome and a blue ceiling. It feels so different from the cathedral. I would call to your attention the intricately carved massive doors in the rear of the church. Another church in Quito that you should visit.
10. La Virgen del Panecillo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 881 reviews
Located on top of the Cerro El Panecillo, this imposing sculpture can be seen from any location in downtown Quito.
Reviewed By annemacmillan
The Statue can be seen all over the City, it reminded me of Christ The Redeemer in Brazil.. You can go inside the Statue it only costs $1 and walk all the way up to the top on each floor there’s a Gallery that tells the story of the Monument with the beautiful stain glass windows. The Statue stands over 3,000 meters above sea level once you get to the top you can walk around the outside and see a full 360c panoramic view of Quito it looks over City & Old Town and is very visible.. tip take a camera the views are incredible.
