Best Things To Do In Quito, Ecuador

At 9,250 feet above sea level, Ecuador’s capital is the second highest capital city in the world, only surpassed by La Paz, Bolivia. Quito was built in the 16th century on the ruins of an ancient Incan city, and the city’s Old Town is the best-preserved historic city center in Latin America.  From visiting the middle of the world to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town, here are the best things to do in Quito, Ecuador.

Quito’s Old Town
One of the best things to do in Quito is explore Old Town, located in the central part of the city.  Old Town has remained relatively unchanged from its colonial past and most of the city’s main tourist attractions are found within this historic district.  The Plaza de la Independencia is a popular starting point.  This massive square is surrounded by historical buildings including the Palacio de Carondelet– Ecuador’s Presidential Palace, and the Cathedral of Quito. 

There are several other noteworthy historic churches in Old Town that are popular landmarks to visit in Quito.  La Compania de Jesus is considered one of Ecuador’s most beautiful churches because of its entirely gold-covered nave.  The Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco is another beautifully ornate church in Quito, and the adjacent Museo Franciscano houses religious artwork and paintings.  If you are feeling adventurous, you can climb the towers of the Basilica of the National Vow, the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas.

Another must-do in Old Town is visiting the Mercado Central market for shopping and street food stalls.  You can try all of the local Ecuadorian dishes, such as tand fritada– fried pork with hominy, and locro de papas– a hearty potato soup.  Fresh naranjilla fruit juice is another popular refreshment at Mercado Central.

Mitad del Mundo
Just north of Quito is Mitad del Mundo– the center of the world where the earth’s equator lies.  Visiting Mitad del Mundo is one of the best things to do in Quito.  Mitad del Mundo is marked by a monument where explorers calculated the location of the equator.  The surrounding city of de Mitad del Mundo also has many restaurants and shops offering local artisanal goods like alpaca blankets. 

Pichincha Teleférico
Quito is surrounded by volcanoes, both active and dormant.  Pichincha has been dormant since 1999 and taking the cable car 13,000 feet up to the summit is one of the best things to do in Quito.  The cable car ride takes approximately twenty minutes, and you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the city and surrounding Andean foothills.  On a clear day, you can see several other volcanoes around the city including Cotopaxi, the 2nd largest active volcano in the world.

The Quito Astronomical Observatory
Another one of the best things to do in Quito Ecuador is visiting the Quito Astronomical Observatory.  Founded in 1873, the observatory is one of the oldest in South America and features a display of 19th century astronomy instruments.  On select nights, you can book a stargazing session at the observatory.

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