Going to Quito, and wondering what to do? Look no further! This ultimate list of things to do in Quito will make your visit unforgettable, we got you covered with our guide! Whether it be for historical sites or cultural experiences, there is something for everyone in Quito. This blog is going to show you everything you have to do and see, including the famous Otavalo Indigenous Market.
Explore the Historic Center
Start your exploration of Quito in its historic center. A UNESCO World Heritage site dotted with breathtaking colonial architectural homes. You can walk through the narrow streets and enjoy the magnificent buildings. Key attractions include:
Basilica del Voto Nacional: With an extensive blend of Gothic and Ecuadorian styles, the Basilica del Voto Nacional is an imposing church and an icon of Quito. Don't forget to visit the towers for a special view of the city.
La Compañía de Jesús: This church is another stop that you cannot miss if you are an art and history lover. It is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and one of the most iconic landmarks in Ecuador. Built by the Jesuits in the 17th century, this church is renowned for its intricate interior, entirely gilded with gold leaf.
San Francisco: The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, commonly known as el San Francisco, is a Catholic basilica that stands in the middle of the historic center of Quito, in front of the square of the same name. It is the oldest and one of the most significant religious sites in Ecuador’s capital.
El Panecillo: The hill of El Panecillo rises above the south side of Quito’s historic downtown district. A large statue of the Virgin crowns it and it's a great viewpoint of the city.
Feel Quito’s beauty as you walk in the historic center. Local shops and street vendors add to the area's liveliness, as you take in a little bit of the city culture.
Visit the Mitad del Mundo
No visit to Quito is complete without a visit to the Mitad del Mundo. This place marks the equator and makes it possible to stand in both Northern & Southern Hemispheres at the same time! Things to do in the area include:
Museo Intiñan: A place to engage with hands-on activities on the equator and some components of native culture. In this place, you’ll discover the four regions of Ecuador: the Amazon, the Andes, the Coast, and the Galapagos Islands, and how they are related to the equator.
The Monument: Stand on top of the monument and gaze out over your surroundings to enjoy the breathtaking views. This is the historical place where the famous French Geodesic Mission established latitude 0.
Cultural Shows: Enjoy the music, dance, and handicrafts of Ecuadorian cultures.
Not only is this a fun experience but it also educates you on how Quito's geographical location makes us unique.
Take a Ride on the Teleférico
Enjoy amazing panoramic views of the city by riding on the Quito cable car, Teleférico. It is a short drive up the Pichincha Volcano. Near the top, you will have a beautiful view of Quito and the rest of the Andes Mountains.
If you're feeling adventurous, there are a few hiking trails in the area as well. Awesome place to shoot and hang out at the natural beauty of nature. Bring warm clothes as it can be cool at higher altitudes.
Discover La Ronda
One of the oldest streets in Quito, La Ronda is that ideal blend of character, charm, and history. This area has been reclaimed and become a lively artisan district, with shops, eateries & galleries. Here you can:
Try local food in traditional restaurants.
Explore artisan’s workshops to witness craftsmen at work.
Get overtaken by live music or street concerts.
A stroll down the La Ronda is like taking a walk through a time warp, and it’s also a great means to get in touch with the local culture.
Day trips from Quito
Discover the best of the destination by embarking on day trips from Quito, this city serves as a gateway to incredible experiences. From rich cultural heritage to stunning natural wonders, these excursions offer something for every traveler. Whether exploring historic sites, vibrant markets, or majestic landscapes, your journey promises unforgettable memories. We offer the Cotopaxi Tour, Quito City Tour, Otavalo Market Explore Ecuador's Cultural Gem, Mindo Cloud Forest Trip, Quilotoa Tour, and Papallacta Hot Spring.
Otavalo Market
The famous Otavalo Market is known for its colorful textiles and handicrafts. It is just a short trip away from Quito. It represents one of the biggest markets in South America and one of the most popular day trips from Quito.
Browse through artisanal products like scarves, bags, and jewelry, connect with local artisans, and try the local food. This needs to be on your bucket list when you visit the city.
Cotopaxi National Park - Discover the majestic beauty of Cotopaxi Volcano, Ecuador's second-highest peak. Experience breathtaking landscapes as you hike along scenic trails, explore unique flora and fauna, and feel the awe-inspiring power of nature at this incredible natural wonder.
Quilotoa Lake - Embark on our Quilotoa tour and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of its blue-green volcanic crater lake, nestled in the heart of the Andean countryside, southeast of Quito. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, this serene retreat offers a peaceful break from the city's hustle and bustle. Along the journey, you'll explore vibrant craft workshops in Tigua and share meaningful moments with a local Indigenous family, making it an unforgettable cultural and natural experience.
Mindo Cloud Forest - Escape the hustle of Quito with a day trip to the enchanting Mindo Cloud Forest. Immerse yourself in its stunning natural beauty, enjoy exciting activities like zip-lining and hiking, and spot exotic wildlife and colorful birds in this eco-lover's paradise. It's the perfect retreat for anyone who loves nature and adventure!
Papallacta Hot Springs - Papallacta Hot Springs, just outside Quito, offers a serene escape with its soothing thermal pools surrounded by stunning Andean scenery. Perfect for relaxation, these natural hot springs are known for their therapeutic properties and breathtaking mountain views, making it a must-visit destination for rejuvenation.
Experience Quito’s Nightlife
If you've ever been to Quito, you know that the nightlife is alive! You can check out the nightlife after a day of exploring. You can find many bars and clubs that allow you to feel the rhythm of Ecuadorian music.
Seek out venues hosting live music, especially genres with Latin flair like salsa and merengue. These places are something that the Mariscal district is well known for. It is a bit too seamless for many people on weekends.
You will find these in local restaurants and street food stalls. Tasting local dishes is a good way to get yourself acquainted with the culture.
With a diverse geography, Quito offers limitless opportunities to be outdoors to whatever degree you might wish. So bring your hiking boots or serious trekking gear, and once underway, remember to stay hydrated, as fresh Andean air is pretty refreshing.
Find Local Cuisine
Ecuadorian food is delightful in flavor, and the right place for it is Quito. First of all, don't pass on trying the ceviche. This raw seafood is marinated in citrus juices which is a little sour but very delicious. Locro de papa is another one of the dishes that you should try. It’s rich and creamy potato soup that warms the soul.
Find your way to local markets and restaurants for authentic flavors. The street food stalls also sell different types of great-tasting snacks, which consist of empanadas and llapingachos, a kind of potato patty. Diners coming to Quito will realize that it's not all about the cuisine, but rather about interfacing with the culture and having a fantastic culinary experience the city has in store for its visitors.
Why Choose Cuenca Best Tours?
Cuenca Best Tours will be the best thing to do in Quito. The city is explored through rich experience and knowledge on our part, thus ensuring that you do not forget the experiences during your travel. Here's why you should choose us:
Expertise: our tour guides are not only knowledgeable about Quito's history and culture, but they will give deep insights into every attraction that is visited.
Tailormade Tours: We work out each tour based on your interests, hence no two experiences are alike.
Convenience: We will look after all the details; just sit back, relax, and enjoy your trip with no trouble with logistics at work.
Local Connections: We have a broad network of local contacts with artisans and markets giving you exclusive experiences.
There is so much to do in Quito that suits every kind of traveler. Be it the historic center or even the lively Otavalo Market, the memories you create on a trip to Quito will be something that you will never want to forget.
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