Home
Archives
Blog
Photos
Travel Videos
RSS Feed
E-Mail
Categories: Ecuador, Photo Essays, South America
Tags: blogsherpa, Ecuador, lists, Photo Essays, South America
Quito is the capital city of Ecuador and stands 2,800 m (9,186 ft) above sea level, making Quito the second-highest capital city in the world behind La Paz in Bolivia. Its official, less popular name is San Francisco de Quito.
Quito, Ecuador
Quito is most often visited for it’s proximity to the celebrated middle of the world, equator line (La Mitad del Mundo). In addition, Quito’s old city (Centro Histórico), also boasts the most exquisite Spanish colonial architecture that attracts photographers from around the world. Cathedrals dot the landscape and the Andes mountains wrap the city valley. Looking off into the distance at the 45 m (148 ft) tall aluminum monument of a madonna that stands overlooking the city from a hilltop, I felt I was in a special place.
What To Do In Quito
La Mitad del Mundo
A 30 meter (100 ft) tall monument and museum marking the equator. Ride an elevator to the base of the monument for spectacular views of the park marking the 4 direction points.
La Mitad del Mundo
Museo de Sitio Intiñan
The real equator line lies only 240 meters (10 minute walk) from the celebrated monument of La Mitad del Mundo. The landscape still represents a small indigenous village, whom discovered the point over a hundred years ago, before GPS. Participate in fun experiments which can only be done on the real equator line.
Museo de Sitio Intiñan
Plaza de La Independencia
Plaza Grande is the city’s central square, surrounded by administrative buildings, museums, tourist offices and one of the oldest cathedrals in South America.
Plaza de La Independencia
Basilica del Voto National
Located in the historic center of Quito, this basilica is a must see attraction. It is the largest Neogothic Basilica in the Americas, but still remains unfinished today. The highlight is climbing to the highest point of the church’s tower, if you dare to climb steep ladders inside and spiral ladders outside. You will be rewarded with some incredible views.
Jason at the Basilica del Voto National
Volcano Pichincha
Quito is surrounded by volcanoes, some of them snow-capped and visible from the city on a clear day. The closest volcano to the city is Pichincha, located to the west. Access the volcano via Teleferico (cable car) for cityscape views. Looking for a day hike? Continue on foot for 3 hours climbing to the top of Rucu Pichincha summit at 4680 m (15,354 ft). Hike at your own risk and bring warm clothes.
Volcano Rucu Pichincha
La Mariscal
Also known as Gringolandia, this trendy neighborhood of bars and posh restaurants caters to both Quiteños and western tourists. You can party 24 hours near Plaza Foch, where tables and chairs spill into the streets busy with taxis trying to catch a fare. There are also an unlimited number of travel agencies located here.
La Mariscal, Also Known as Gringolandia
La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
The Church of the Society of Jesus, known as La Compañía is also just a few blocks from the main plaza in the historic center. The church has a Latin Cross design and south nave. The gold leaf interior is what blows your mind. Pay an entrance fee to see the most artistic skilled work in all of Quito’s churches.
La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco
Church and Monastery of St. Francis known as El San Francisco, is a colonial styled church and monastery located in the garment district of the historic center. A beautiful open plaza rests in front of the church. Dine at the touristy outside restaurant and watch the pigeons circle the plaza.
Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco
Parque Metropolitano
The Metropolitano Guanguiltagua Park is the largest city park in all of South America. Away from the city center, enjoy long walks, jogging and biking.
Parque El Ejido
Dividing the old and new city is El Ejido Park. On the weekends the park is crowded with visitors shopping for art, jewelry and crafts. Children pedal gokarts while adults enjoy the sun and entertainment of the bustling park. On Sundays, Avenida Amazonas is open only to pedestrians. Rent a bike and ride down the street leading to El Ejido Park.
Parque El Ejido
Museo del Banco Central
The Central Bank Museum is the best museum in Quito, displaying artifacts from all of Ecuador’s regions and cultures, including pre-Inca. Enjoy classic and modern art from Ecuador for a small entrance fee.
Museo del Banco Central
Parque Itchimbia
The Itchimbia Park overlooks the city on the Itchimbia hill and is home to a glass museum with varying exhibits.
Parque Itchimbia Museum
Before heading up to the top of Itchimbia, enjoy eating at Café Mosaico with the most incredible dinning view in all of Quito.
En el Itchimbia, Café Mosaico
- More to Ecuador Than Galapagos Islands
- Otavalo Market in Ecuador
- Discover Chone, Ecuador, My Hometown
View the entire Quito, Ecuador photo gallery.
Things To Know
Transportation in a cab, if it doesn’t have a meter, involves negotiating for all your rides. Ask the hotel or hostel you are staying at what it should costs to visit certain areas in order to obtain a fair price. The trolley is the cheapest fare in town, but protect your belongings during the crowded rush hour.
Pickpocketing and robbery stories are often heard when in Quito. Be aware of your surroundings, save your photos often, strap cameras across your chest and don’t carry much money. If you plan on staying out late enjoying the bars and clubs around Plaza Fosch, find a partner when walking home and avoid dark side streets.
The bus pollution can be overwhelming considering the city lies in a valley, trapped by the Andes mountain range.
Quito is also a great place for settling down and taking some Spanish lessons. I took classes for a month at the Cristóbal Colón Spanish School.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Related posts:
Del.icio.us
Digg
Technorati
Magnolia
Newsvine
Reddit
20 Responses
This is a great post! I used to live there when I was really little and I don’t remember too many of these places all that well! It’s definitely next up on my list of places to visit (or re-visit in this case).
I’m glad to see that the real equator has gotten more than an easily missed monument on the side of the road like it was 17 years ago!
Loved Quito, especially the climb up the Basilica, not for the faint of heart! I had to keep telling myself, “just don’t look down!”
Great list, I’m definitely going to do as many of these as possible while I’m in Quito!
The real equator line is a fun place to learn about the effects of the equator line and polar forces. Unfortunately, it is still not as popular or promoted like the big monument.
Excellent Ali! Let us know if you have any questions.
We were shocked that they allow people to climb that high up. It was a blast, but not for everyone. Lol. We loved it.
Just when I think your photos can’t get any better…..THEY DO!
Great pics guys! Sadly, we didn’t spend much time in Quito. It was more of a stop over on our way to the Galapagos. We spent a day hiking up to the refuge at Cotopoaxi, which was also very cool.
Awesome article – I am headed to Quito in October so this was super helpful!!
Thanks Marlene, you are too kind!
Glad we could help Kristin.
We visited the refuge too, but by vehicle. It was the strongest wind I have ever felt in my life. The weather was pretty bad. We froze from the wind. Someday, we are determined to go back and summit that baby!
Thank you for all the info. I will be in ecuador september 3 i will b staying for two months.
Ecuador is one of the most beautiful countries in South America. Nothing compares to the landscapes of its highlands.
Quito has been on my places to visit list since the mid 90′s. My travels took me to Asia instead, but one of these days I really need to get there. Amazing shots!
We spent a couple months volunteering in Los Roldos, a shanty town outside of Quito and had a wonderful time. We lived by Stadio Olymipco and had a blast exploring the city and all that it has to offer.
There are certainly elements of Quito that we don’t miss – we kinda had to go back in the closet, which sucks. We are avid runners and would go jogging through Parque Metropolitano before bussing out to our volunteer gig. There is nothing enjoyable about feeling like your lungs are going to explode on your morning jog. Yikes.
On the other hand, you have Pisco Sours, LLapengachos and some of the most amazing views in the world. Oh, and locros – potato, cheese and avocado soup.
Great post!
Loved Cafe Mosaico – great at night too. Also had fun mountain biking for a day – where we ended up at hot springs and biked along a river through BLACK tunnels – El Chaquinan I think is what it was called.
We loved it too! We didn’t even know about it, until my Spanish teacher was kind enough to take us. What a great view. That bike ride sounds very exciting.
I would have definitely liked to climb in the Basilica, the Compañía de Jesús Church looks very beautiful (at list from your picture) and it must be very nice to stay in Cafe Mosaico. I loved your potos and your tips which are short and to the point.
Thanks Anca, glad you enjoyed the article. Climbing the Basilica is a crazy adventure!