Perched high in the Andes Mountains, Quito, Ecuador is a captivating destination that blends colonial charm with modern vibrancy. As the second-highest capital city in the world, Quito offers visitors a unique perspective on Ecuadorian culture and history. My family visited Quito in 2022 for a couple of days before our trip to the Galapagos Islands. From wandering the cobblestone streets of UNESCO-listed Old Town to standing atop the equator, here are my 5 must-do experiences in this Andean gem.
1. Stand on the Equator
No visit to Quito is complete without a trip to the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World). This iconic site marks where the equator intersects Ecuador, allowing you to stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere.
My kids insisted I take them to the Four Corners Monument when they were younger, so they could stand in four states simultaneously. So, of course, standing on the equator was another must-do.
There are two different sites to visit, one with a monument and the other with exhibits about Ecuadorian culture.
I hope I don’t disappoint you too much by telling you that it looks like neither location was determined to be perfectly accurate, but they are close. Even so, it was a very memorable experience that I recommend.
2. Tour Old Town Quito
Quito’s historic center is a feast for the senses, with colorful colonial architecture, towering cathedrals, and bustling plazas around every corner. It’s no wonder that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A professional tour guide will help you make the most of your visit.
Our tour guide started our tour at the Church and Convent of San Francisco, one of the oldest and most impressive religious complexes in Quito. Constructed in the 16th century, the church features a magnificent façade of local volcanic stone and an interior adorned with gilded altars, intricate woodcarvings, and breathtaking murals.
The adjoining convent houses a museum that showcases the site’s rich history and religious art collection.
One of the highlights of visiting the Church of San Francisco is the opportunity to climb up the bell tower.
The tower offers panoramic views over the Old Town Quito and the surrounding Andes mountains. The climb is well worth the effort, providing a unique vantage point to appreciate the grandeur of this historic landmark.
And you get to see the bells up close.
Another must-see landmark in Quito’s Old Town is the Church of La Compañía de Jesús.
This Jesuit church is renowned for its incredibly ornate and gilded interior, which took over 160 years to complete. From the intricately carved wooden altars to the dazzling gold-leaf decorations that cover nearly every surface, the church is a true masterpiece of Baroque architecture. We were awestruck by the sheer scale and opulence of this stunning sacred space. Unfortunately, visitors aren’t allowed to take photos inside the church, but I found one on Wikimedia Commons to show you.
We also visited Independence Square, home to the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the stunning Metropolitan Cathedral.
Once again, we weren’t allowed to take photos, but I found a photo to show you what it looks like.
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As we ambled through the narrow streets and alleyways, we admired the meticulously restored 16th and 17th-century buildings that line the way. Just steps away from the Metropolitan Cathedral was the Iglesia de El Sagrario, a smaller but impressive colonial church.
We didn’t have enough time to visit any of the museums, but if I’d had more time, I would have liked to see those too.
3. Shop at Mercado Artesenal La Mariscal
No visit to Quito would be complete without a browse through the vibrant Mercado Artesenal La Mariscal. This bustling artisanal market is the perfect place to shop for authentic Ecuadorian handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and more. My husband thought it was the best market we’ve visited. When I told him I was writing this article, he fondly recalled the many souvenirs we purchased there.
We wandered the stalls, enjoying the lively atmosphere. We saw everything from colorful alpaca wool scarves and ponchos to intricate wood carvings, handmade ceramics, bags, and traditional Panamanian hats.
Did you know that “Panama” hats are actually from Ecuador? The woman working at one of the stalls was kind enough to sew on a strap for my hat so that it wouldn’t fly off in a gust of wind (which happened to a different hat earlier in the trip in Peru).
4. Ride the Teleferiqo
For panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding Andean peaks, hop aboard the Teleferiqo, a gondola lift that carries passengers up to an elevation of 4,100 meters (13,450 feet).
The 2.5-mile ride offers breathtaking vistas of the city skyline, towering volcanoes, and lush green valleys.
At the top station, we were happy to find a coffee shop where we enjoyed the view while sipping on a warm beverage and adjusting to the altitude.
Then we went out to the observation decks to take in the sheer scale and natural beauty of the Andes Mountains that frame Quito.
5. Swing in the Clouds
For a unique experience, after you get to the top of the Teleferiqo, hike up to Columpio en las Nubes (literally, Swing in the Clouds). This iconic swing set is perched atop a cliffside, offering adventurous visitors an unforgettable swing ride with the Andes as a backdrop.
Once you swing high enough, it feels like jumping off would land you far below in the city of Quito. Hiking at that altitude is not easy, but I felt it was absolutely worth it for this unique experience.
After that, we ventured a little further and higher. My husband and son hiked up past 15,000 feet. At that point, they were completely in the clouds and didn’t have a view of anything!
Would you like to visit Quito?
I hope this helped you gain an appreciation for the charm and diversity of Ecuador’s capital city. If you’re ready to start planning your Ecuadorian adventure, please consider hiring me to help plan your trip. Read about how my services work and then get in touch.