Top 17 Attractions in Quito, Ecuador: Must-See Sites

The History of Quito, Ecuador, and Its Evolution as a Tourist Destination

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, boasts a rich history that dates back to pre-Columbian civilizations. Nestled high in the Andes at an altitude of 2,850 meters (9,350 feet), the city is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and offers a mix of historical and modern attractions.

A visit to Quito’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must. The city is renowned for its colonial architecture, vibrant streets, and cultural landmarks. Beyond the city, visitors can take a day trip to Cotopaxi Volcano, hike around the stunning Quilotoa Crater, or visit the famous Middle of the World Monument, to stand on the equatorial line. 

For a deep dive into local culture, strolling through La Ronda, admiring the Basílica del Voto Nacional, or exploring the trendy Mariscal neighborhood are top experiences.

17 Top Attractions in Quito, Ecuador

1. La Compañía de Jesús

La Compañía de Jesús is the most beautiful church in Quito. It was built a long time ago, starting in 1605, and took 160 years to finish! The inside is covered in real gold almost half a ton of it! The gold covers the walls, ceilings, and altars, making it shine beautifully. Visitors come to see its golden beauty and learn about its history. But remember you are not allowed to take pictures inside!

2. San Francisco Church

This is one of the oldest churches in the Americas! It was built in the 1570s and features different types of architecture, such as Renaissance, Baroque, and Mudejar. Inside, there is a gold-covered altar with a famous statue of the Winged Madonna (a special version of the Virgin Mary with wings). The church also has a museum where visitors can see beautiful designs from the 16th century.

3. Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World)

This place is called the “Middle of the World” because it is on the equator, the invisible line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Here, you can stand with one foot in the North and one foot in the South at the same time! A big yellow line marks the spot. Scientists later discovered that the real equator is a little bit away from this place, but people still love to visit this famous landmark!

4. El Panecillo

El Panecillo is a big hill in Quito where you can see amazing views of the city. At the top, there is a huge statue of the Virgin Mary. What makes it special? She has wings! This type of statue is common in the northern Andes mountains. Most people take a taxi to the top, but if you like walking, you can climb up!

5. TeleferiQo

TeleferiQo is a cable car ride that takes visitors to the top of a mountain. The ride goes up 1,100 meters (3,620 feet) in just 10 minutes! At the top, there is a café where you can relax and look at the breathtaking views of Quito. Just make sure to bring warm clothes because it gets very cold up there!

6. Calle La Ronda

This is a very old street in Quito that has been around since the Inca times! Later, when the Spanish came in the 16th century, they changed it to look like streets in Spain. Today, Calle La Ronda is a beautiful and fun place to visit. It has cafés, restaurants, art galleries, and museums. The buildings have pretty balconies and lanterns that make it look magical at night.

7. La Capilla Del Hombre

La Capilla Del Hombre is a modern art museum built by Oswaldo Guayasamín, a famous Ecuadorian artist who created powerful paintings about the struggles of Latin American people. The museum is called “The Chapel of Man” because it tells the story of people fighting for freedom and justice. It is on a hilltop and has great views of the city.

8. Plaza Grande

Plaza Grande is a big historic square in the center of Quito. Important buildings surround it, like the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral of Quito, and the Archbishop’s Palace. At the center of the plaza, there is a monument called “Heroes de la Independencia.” It honors the people who fought for Ecuador’s freedom from Spain. Many people visit this plaza to walk around, relax, and take pictures.

9. Casa Museo Guayasamín

Casa Museo Guayasamín museum is inside the home of Oswaldo Guayasamín, Ecuador’s most famous painter. His house is filled with his artwork, as well as ancient artifacts, religious art, and indigenous art. One of the most special places here is Guayasamín’s burial site, where he was buried next to his best friend.

10. Basilica del Voto Nacional

Basilica del Voto Nacional is the biggest church in Ecuador and is built in the Neo-Gothic style, like Notre Dame in Paris. Instead of gargoyles, the church has statues of Ecuadorian animals like monkeys, iguanas, tortoises, and pumas! Inside, the mosaic floor and altar to the Virgin Mary are very beautiful. If you are brave, you can climb the tall towers to see stunning views of Quito.

11. Plaza Foch

If you want fun nightlife in Quito, this is the place to go! Plaza Foch has many bars, clubs, and restaurants where people gather to eat, dance, and listen to music. The prices are a little higher here, but it is worth it because of the great atmosphere and entertainment.

12. Parque La Carolina

Parque La Carolina is one of the biggest parks in Quito. Families and friends come here to play sports, ride bikes, and have picnics. Inside the park, there is a botanical garden with many types of plants, a Vivarium where you can see and touch reptiles, and a Natural Science Museum with stuffed animals like Bengal tigers and harpy eagles.

13. Museo Casa del Alabado

Museo Casa del Alabado museum is inside a 17th-century Spanish colonial house. It has ancient artifacts that are thousands of years old. Instead of grouping them by time or culture, the museum places similar objects side by side from different civilizations. This helps visitors see how people from different times and places had similar traditions!

14. Quito Zoo

Quito Zoo is a rescue center for animals that are in danger or bad conditions. It focuses on Ecuadorian wildlife, like Galapagos turtles and the Andean spectacled bear. It also has some non-native animals to make the zoo more fun. Visitors can learn about animal conservation and endangered species while seeing animals up close.

15. La Floresta

La Floresta is the coolest neighborhood in Quito! A long time ago, it was full of wildflowers and trees. Later, rich families and artists moved in, and now it is filled with art galleries, cafés, bakeries, theaters, and jazz clubs. Many of the buildings have colorful murals and unique designs, making it a beautiful place to walk around.

16. Intiñan Museum

Intiñan Museum is right next to Mitad del Mundo and claims to be the real equator! Visitors can see a red line that marks the spot. The museum is very interactive. You can balance an egg on a nail (thanks to physics!), learn about Ecuador’s native tribes, and see a real shrunken head!

17. Museo de la Ciudad

Museo de la Ciudad museum tells the story of Quito’s history from ancient times to today. It is inside the oldest building in Quito, which was a hospital in 1565! Inside, visitors can see exhibits about traditional food, culture, and legends that show what life was like in Quito in the past.

Best Time to Visit Quito

Quito is near the equator, so the temperature is almost the same all year, around 20-21°C (68-70°F). The weather can change quickly with sun, fog, and rain all in one day!

1. June to September: Best time for dry weather. It is the busiest time, so prices are higher, and there are more tourists. August has festivals, concerts, and cultural events.
2. October to January: Popular but rainy. There are holidays and celebrations, like Christmas, New Year’s, and Quito’s founding day.
3. March to May: Rainy season, but many people come for Carnival and Semana Santa (Holy Week). Hotels and restaurants can be very crowded during these festivals.

Ecuador Travel Tips

1. Altitude Sickness: Quito is 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level. Because of the high altitude, some people feel dizzy or short of breath. Drink lots of water and move slowly for the first few days.
2. Language: Most Ecuadorians do not speak English. Only tour guides know English, but waiters, cashiers, taxi drivers, and hotel staff usually don’t. It is a good idea to learn some basic Spanish before visiting.

Money: Ecuador uses US dollars. Some coins are Ecuadorian, but they have the same value as US coins. Many places only accept cash, so it is better to carry small bills.