
City at a Glance in Quito, Ecuador
1. Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World)
Visit the monument marking the equatorial line and experience the Corridor of the Earth where you can stand in both hemispheres at once.
- Equatorial Line: Experience the unique phenomenon of standing in two hemispheres simultaneously
- Science Center: Learn about the Earth's physics and geography through interactive exhibits
- Local Craft Market: Pick up unique souvenirs from Ecuadorian artisans
2. Basílica del Voto Nacional
Explore the neo-Gothic cathedral that offers panoramic views of Quito and is home to a variety of wildlife.
- Architecture: Marvel at the unique blend of Gothic and Ecuadorian architectural styles
- Bell Tower Tours: Climb to the top for breathtaking views of Quito city
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Discover the diverse wildlife, including owls and toucans, that reside within the cathedral
3. Old Town of Quito (San Francisco)
Walk through the oldest neighborhood in Quito, admiring its colonial architecture and vibrant culture.
- Historical Sites: Visit various historic churches, monasteries, and museums
- Plaza de San Francisco: Relax in the picturesque central square surrounded by colorful buildings
- Street Food Markets: Sample local cuisine from street vendors offering traditional dishes
4. TeleferiQo
Ride the cable car to the top of Pichincha Volcano for stunning views of Quito and the surrounding landscape.
- Scenic Views: Take in breathtaking panoramas of the city below and the nearby mountains
- Hiking Trails: Explore various hiking trails for all skill levels
- Restaurant: Enjoy a meal at the restaurant while taking in the breathtaking views
5. El Panecillo
Visit the monumental sculpture of the Virgin Mary on a hill overlooking Quito and learn about Ecuadorian history.
- Monumental Sculpture: Admire the impressive statue of the Virgin Mary
- Museum: Explore the on-site museum dedicated to Ecuadorian history and art
- Panoramic Views: Take in the panoramic views of Quito city from this vantage point
6. La Ronda
Stroll through a traditional street filled with artisans, musicians, and local cuisine.
- Artisan Workshops: Observe local artisans at work and purchase unique souvenirs
- Local Music: Listen to live traditional music performances
- Traditional Foods: Savor local dishes such as empanadas and ceviche
7. Equatorial Forest
Explore the equatorial forest and learn about the unique flora and fauna found in this ecosystem.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn about the local plants and animals
- Hiking Trails: Choose from various hiking trails of varying difficulty levels
- Wildlife Spotting: Look for animals such as toucans, monkeys, and iguanas in their natural habitat
8. Museo de la Ciudad
Learn about the history of Quito through exhibits showcasing artifacts, artwork, and models.
- Permanent Exhibits: Explore various permanent exhibits highlighting different aspects of Quito's history
- Temporary Exhibits: Discover temporary exhibits featuring rotating themes and collections
- Archaeological Artifacts: View archaeological artifacts, including pre-Columbian ceramics and gold objects
9. Museo de Arte Colonial
Admire the collection of colonial art and furniture at this museum housed in a historic convent.
- Colonial Art: View works by renowned colonial-era artists
- Historic Convent: Explore the beautifully preserved convent, which dates back to the 16th century
- Artifacts and Furniture: See an impressive collection of colonial furniture and artifacts
10. La Mariscal
Experience the vibrant nightlife and modern shopping in Quito's most popular neighborhood.
- Nightclubs: Dance the night away at trendy clubs
- Restaurants: Sample international cuisine from a variety of restaurants
- Shopping Malls: Find shopping malls offering popular brands and local boutiques
11. Parque Metropolitano
Relax in Quito's largest park and enjoy stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Take in breathtaking panoramas from various viewpoints within the park
- Walking Trails: Explore various walking trails through the park
- Picnic Spots: Pack a picnic and spend a leisurely afternoon in the park
12. Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
Marvel at the ornate gold-leaf interior of this stunning Baroque church.
- Gold Leaf Interior: Admire the intricate gold leaf designs adorning the church's interior
- Baroque Architecture: Appreciate the unique Baroque architectural style of the church
- Historical Significance: Learn about the church's role in Quito's history and its importance to the Jesuit order
13. Museo Etnográfico
Discover the diverse cultures of Ecuador through exhibits showcasing traditional artifacts and artwork.
- Permanent Exhibits: Explore various permanent exhibits highlighting different aspects of Ecuadorian culture
- Temporary Exhibits: Discover temporary exhibits featuring rotating themes and collections
- Artifacts and Artwork: View an impressive collection of artifacts, artwork, and textiles from various Ecuadorian cultures
14. El Arbol de la Pelota
Experience a traditional game of pelota (squash ball) at this historic site.
- Traditional Game: Watch or even play the traditional Ecuadorian game of pelota
- Historic Site: Explore a site steeped in history and cultural significance
- Scenic Views: Take in the scenic views of Quito city from this vantage point
15. El Chorro de la Pirámide
Visit the spectacular waterfall located within a lush forest and enjoy a refreshing swim.
- Waterfall: Marvel at the picturesque waterfall surrounded by dense forest
- Swimming: Cool off with a refreshing swim in the natural pool at the base of the waterfall
- Hiking Trails: Choose from various hiking trails through the lush forest surrounding the waterfall