Quito, Ecuador is arguably one of the most impressive cultural capitals in South America.
With a complete historical renovation of the downtown cultural area, exquisite antique churches, exotic ecological and cultural daytrips to places like Otavalo, Mindo, Termas de Papallacta, the Orienté, and the oldest observatory in South America, there’s lots to enjoy.
View my top tips for visiting Quito and get ready to be dazzled by this underrated destination.
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Top Things to Do in Quito
The capital city of Ecuador is Quito – a beautiful place built high up with in the mountains. For those with a head for heights take the telefonica cable car up from the base of the Pinchincha volcano for fabulous views of the city.At 2,800m above sea level the altitude in the city itself does take a little getting used to!
Quito is split in to two quite distinct parts – old and new. Quito old town is very beautiful and quite European in feel – lots if big plazas, beautiful churches, narrow cobbled streets surrounded by pastel coloured buildings.
The new town has more of the amenities, tourist shops, banks, tour operators, luxury hotels, restaurants and bars but its appearance has nothing on the old town. Most people opt to stay in the new town as it is safer after dark and closer to backpacker nightlife.
Here are my top picks for things to do within the city limits of Quito, Ecuador.
Stand on the Equator
Ecuador is named so for a reason. It’s one of the few countries on the Equator.
In Quito, you can stand on the real equator line at the Inti Nan museum. It’s a little kitschy, but it’s accurate (unlike the Mitad del Mundo which is actually about 250 yards off thanks to an 18th century misreading). Whoops!
You can get a classic shot straddling the line and try to wrap your head around the equatorial effects: “what direction do toilets flush?” and “what celestial bodies can you see at the equator?” Very trippy stuff.
Spend Time at the Quito Basilica
The Basilica del Voto Nacional in the historical section of Quito, Ecuador is worth more than a quick visit. This impressive ornate structure is one of the most commanding buildings in Quito.
The outside grassy areas are enjoyed by picnicking locals who enjoy gazing on the architectural details of this immense basilica. When we visited, entry was free. The interior is cavernous, and another opportunity to appreciate the work put in by the church’s architects. There’s an outside patio area to enjoy as well, including a small café.
We had done a fair bit of walking around on the morning of our visit, so we hung out with beverages for a few hours, had some sandwiches and generally extended our visit to the Quito basilica by gazing up at the structure over lunch.
La Campa’a de Jesus: Quito Gets Gilded
If you want to be overwhelmed by just how much gold leaf can be applied in a single building, then La Campa’a de Jesus Church in Quito is just what the doctor ordered. The structure has detailed decorations, and is reminiscent of similar buildings throughout Europe.
It provides a sense of perspective on the missionary culture that influenced the area historically. The church’s entrance fee for foreign tourists is a couple of bucks, while residents of Quito, Ecuador and Ecuadorian nationals in general are granted a fee that is half that price.
Take a Walking Tour of Quito, Ecuador’s Historical Section
This historical center of Quito, Ecuador is in my opinion the most picturesque portion of the city. You can visit one of the numerous tourist information offices for free maps and guide brochures, or download a walking itinerary that suits you from the Quito tourism authority’s website.
There is a particular section of streets near the presidential palace where the restoration efforts are particularly exceptional. If you run into the banking and coin museum, you’ll know you’re there. Some of these buildings look like architectural wedding cakes, with their snowy-white accent details displayed against yellow and pink walls.
Even if you don’t do a structured, self-guided walking tour, taking time to stroll through this section of town at your leisure is a must-do.
Check out Monday’s Changing of the Guard Ceremony
While the guards change out daily at the presidential palace in Quito, Ecuador, on Monday mornings at 11:00 a.m. things get officially fancy with a formal ceremony in full traditional costume with rifles, horses, a band and more.
The event takes place in the plaza in front of the presidential palace. You’ll want to get there early, as this is a great opportunity to people watch and grab some photos of soldiers and civilians alike. School children, grandparents, tourists and apparently anyone in the area with free time descend upon the plaza at this time.
It’s a colorful, vibrant and just plain cool activity to include on your visit to Quito, Ecuador.
Stop by the Historic Quito Observatory
Officially the oldest observatory in South America, the observatory in Quito is not only a pleasant attraction for city visitors and astronomy buffs, but also provides some serious steampunk photo ops for those who enjoy ornate historical structures and scientific equipment.
As a lover of old buildings, I was particularly taken with this one and how well it has been preserved. If you are an avid skywatcher, you will be thrilled with this observatory that harkens to the bygone days of gentleman astronomers.
While catching a nightly public telescope viewing is hit or miss, you can tour the facility and grounds for free, and enjoy a pre or post visit picnic in the adjacent park. View more tips for visiting the Astronomical Observatory of Quito.
Visit the Various Quito Museums
Those who enjoy historical exhibits, or tourists who feel comfortable having a few extra rainy-day activities in their hip pocket may want to check out the numerous Quito museums.
I wouldn’t say there are any in the city I’d consider world class, but if you’re looking to take your exploration of Quito, Ecuador to the next level, then there are a few venues here to help you do just that.
While some of them land firmly in the range of kitschy, the buildings are historical and fun to enjoy from that respect alone. Visit one of Quito’s tourist information offices for further information on the individual museums themselves when you’re in town.
Culinary Delights
There are a number of great restaurants to try out in the general area, and within the actual city limits of Quito proper. A number of them are located outside of town in historic haciendas where you can also spend the night, such as Hosteria La Cienega, and the Cactus Café in Cumbaya.
Best Day Trips & Places to Visit Near Quito
Mitad del Mundo
Just 30k outside of Quito is Mitad del Mundo – the centre of the earth (you can catch up bus from the north bus station situated in between the old and new quarter of the city) – Ecuador’s location on the equator line is the origin of its name.
Mitad del Mundo is a monument erected on what was thought to be the site where 0 degrees longitude meets 0 degrees latitude. Unfortunately for the monument builders it turned out years later that the actual point where this occurs is in fact c. 200m away from the monument – but it’s definitely still a fun place to visit and to take the obligatory photos at the ‘centre of the earth’.
There is quite an interesting museum inside the monument about all the indigenous communities with in Ecuador – there are many more than you might think!
Papallacta Hot Springs
The wonderful Papallacta hot springs are situated just 67k east of Quito, on the route taken in 1542 by the Spanish Conquistador Francisco del Orellana as he crossed the Andes mountain range in order to discover the Amazon River.
At 3,300 metres above sea level the views from the heart of the Andes mountains are incredible – be prepared for a slightly andrenalin filled bus journey though and those with a fear of heights shouldn’t take the window seat!
The hydrothermal value of the Papallacta springs is due to their location between two volcanoes Cayambe & Antisana – the springs termperature at source varies from 30 degrees to 70 degrees and at the pools from 36-40 desgrees.
A highlight of any trip to Ecuador is sitting in a natural hot pool, carved out of the rock, surrounded by the mist that clings to the tops of the Andes – it will really take your breath away.
The Ecuadorian medical association certifies that the waters have medicinal benefits and with a beautiful spa complex and a multitude of massages and treatments to choose from at bargain prices you are guaranteed to come out feeling like a new person.
You will need to stay over night as the complex is a long way from any thing else – there are budget options at the foot of the road up to the spa (a c. 2 mile road up) the spa itself has 32 rooms with heating, open fires, private bathrooms and their own private hot spring pools.
Find some backpacker friends in Quito and head up as a group to save on costs.
Latacunga, Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilatoa Lake
From the terminal terrestre in the old town of Quito you can get a bus to the little mountain town of Latacunga – here you can organise trips to the Cotopaxi volcano and Quilatoa lake (we booked with Tovar expeditions and were very well looked after).
Cotopaxi volcano is stunning & picture perfect – ask a child to draw you a volcano and their efforts would look like Cotopaxi! It is possible to climb the volcano – for the less adventurous you can take the path (a vertical one at 4,800m altitude) to base camp and from there reach the start of the glaciers.
Alternatively if you’re up for a challenge – you can opt to stay at base camp over night and scale the summit at 4am with crampons – a great challenge & experience! Lake Quilatoa is beautiful – a sunken crater lake filled with very inviting but utterly toxic turquoise waters & surrounded by grazing alpaccas.
The journey from Latacunga to the lake is one of the best in south america, with beautiful scenery and offering rare insights into the indegenous communities passed along the way.
Riobamba
The next destination I recommend is Riobamba where you can board the spectacular train – the Diablo Nariz (devils nose) the views from this train journey are stunning but it’s departure times are erratic and the town itself offers very little so check this before arrival.
One worth while expedition from Riobamba is the mountain bike trip up Chimborazzo – Ecuadors highest volcano at 6,300m to the summit. The walk to the top isn’t as steep as Cotopaxi so despite the higher altitude it is an easier walk up. The views as you mountain bike down Chimborazzo are stunning but be ready for a bumpy ride!
Plan a Trip to Quito
A visit to Quito provides not only an enormous amount of history to explore, but plenty of culinary delights as well.