La guía de Gabriela _Quito
Lugares de interés
The Middle of the World City (Ciudad Mitad del Mundo in Spanish) is probably the most famous Ecuador’s tourist attraction, right after or at the same level as Galapagos Island. This prefecture-owned land is located at San Antonio parish of the canton of Quito, 26 km north of the centre of Quito. (Note: it is not actually a city, it is a museum park).
It comprises the Monument to the Equator (Monumento del Ecuador), the Ethnographic Museum Middle of the Earth (Museo Etnográfico Mitad del Mundo), a planetarium, a miniature model of Quito, handcraft stores, cafes and restaurants serving local food (helados de paila, humitas, quimbolitos) and a colonial small town.
Additionally, just 240 metres apart there is a local private museum knows as Itiñan Solar Museum, which claims to have a more accurate Equatorial line, as we explain below. Most people enjoy Itiñan more; however, my suggestion is to visit both.
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Mitad Del Mundo
The Middle of the World City (Ciudad Mitad del Mundo in Spanish) is probably the most famous Ecuador’s tourist attraction, right after or at the same level as Galapagos Island. This prefecture-owned land is located at San Antonio parish of the canton of Quito, 26 km north of the centre of Quito. (Note: it is not actually a city, it is a museum park).
It comprises the Monument to the Equator (Monumento del Ecuador), the Ethnographic Museum Middle of the Earth (Museo Etnográfico Mitad del Mundo), a planetarium, a miniature model of Quito, handcraft stores, cafes and restaurants serving local food (helados de paila, humitas, quimbolitos) and a colonial small town.
Additionally, just 240 metres apart there is a local private museum knows as Itiñan Solar Museum, which claims to have a more accurate Equatorial line, as we explain below. Most people enjoy Itiñan more; however, my suggestion is to visit both.
La Compañía de Jesús is Quito’s most ornate church and a standout among the baroque splendors of the Old Town. Including its Moorish elements, perfect symmetry (right down to the trompe l’oeil staircase at the rear), symbolic elements (bright-red walls are a reminder of Christ’s blood) and its syncretism (Ecuadorian plants and indigenous faces are hidden along the pillars).
Construction on this marvelously gilded Jesuit church began in 1605 but wasn't completed for another 160 years; the main altarpiece alone took 20 years (former president Gabriel García Moreno is buried here). The made-in-the-USA organ is circa 1889. Check out the chiaroscuro-style series of paintings called the 16 Prophets by Nicolás Javier de Goríbar and the large canvas Hell and Final Judgement from 1879 – it's still a mystery what happened to the original, painted by Hermano Hernando de la Cruz in 1620. Quiteños proudly call it the most beautiful church in the country, and it’s easy to see why.
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Church of the Jesuits
N10-43 García Moreno La Compañía de Jesús is Quito’s most ornate church and a standout among the baroque splendors of the Old Town. Including its Moorish elements, perfect symmetry (right down to the trompe l’oeil staircase at the rear), symbolic elements (bright-red walls are a reminder of Christ’s blood) and its syncretism (Ecuadorian plants and indigenous faces are hidden along the pillars).
Construction on this marvelously gilded Jesuit church began in 1605 but wasn't completed for another 160 years; the main altarpiece alone took 20 years (former president Gabriel García Moreno is buried here). The made-in-the-USA organ is circa 1889. Check out the chiaroscuro-style series of paintings called the 16 Prophets by Nicolás Javier de Goríbar and the large canvas Hell and Final Judgement from 1879 – it's still a mystery what happened to the original, painted by Hermano Hernando de la Cruz in 1620. Quiteños proudly call it the most beautiful church in the country, and it’s easy to see why.
Drink Canelazo on Calle La Ronda
Speaking of drinking in Quito, La Ronda street is another good place to do that. This quaint pedestrian walkway slices right through Quito Old Town. With its balcony-lined cobblestone street, La Ronda may just be one of the most scenic stretches of Quito's historic center.
A few shops and many cafés line this picturesque cobblestone alleyway. These buildings actually date way back to the 1600s. So La Ronda makes for a particularly inviting setting in Quito to stop in for a drink. Find an empty table at any one of these second-level balconies and order the specialty here: a canelazo.
Canelazo is a warm alcoholic drink found throughout the Ecuadorian highlands. This distinctly Ecuadorian beverage is made from hot cinnamon-sugar water that’s usually flavored with local fruit, most commonly naranjilla. Aguardiente (sugarcane alcohol) is added to give canelazo its kick. Know that the strength of canelazo can vary drastically based on how much aguardiente is used
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La Ronda
N24-96 Av. Río Amazonas Drink Canelazo on Calle La Ronda
Speaking of drinking in Quito, La Ronda street is another good place to do that. This quaint pedestrian walkway slices right through Quito Old Town. With its balcony-lined cobblestone street, La Ronda may just be one of the most scenic stretches of Quito's historic center.
A few shops and many cafés line this picturesque cobblestone alleyway. These buildings actually date way back to the 1600s. So La Ronda makes for a particularly inviting setting in Quito to stop in for a drink. Find an empty table at any one of these second-level balconies and order the specialty here: a canelazo.
Canelazo is a warm alcoholic drink found throughout the Ecuadorian highlands. This distinctly Ecuadorian beverage is made from hot cinnamon-sugar water that’s usually flavored with local fruit, most commonly naranjilla. Aguardiente (sugarcane alcohol) is added to give canelazo its kick. Know that the strength of canelazo can vary drastically based on how much aguardiente is used
Cotopaxi
CotopaxiCotopaxi is a magestic active Volcano
This packed market in Quito’s Mariscal region holds some of the best souvenirs of Ecuador, and is just down the street from the tourist hotbed, Plaza Foch. Trinkets and clothes, line the booths from floor to ceiling. Alpaca blankets, pan flutes, Ecuadorian chocolate, bright paintings, woven bracelets, sun hats and leather bags are just some of what this market has to offer. The inundation of color and sheer volume of items can be dizzying in such a small area, but it would be hard to leave empty-handed. The vendors expect bargaining so don’t be afraid to shoot for a lower price than originally offered.
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Tržnica umjetnina La Mariscal
611 Jorge WashingtonThis packed market in Quito’s Mariscal region holds some of the best souvenirs of Ecuador, and is just down the street from the tourist hotbed, Plaza Foch. Trinkets and clothes, line the booths from floor to ceiling. Alpaca blankets, pan flutes, Ecuadorian chocolate, bright paintings, woven bracelets, sun hats and leather bags are just some of what this market has to offer. The inundation of color and sheer volume of items can be dizzying in such a small area, but it would be hard to leave empty-handed. The vendors expect bargaining so don’t be afraid to shoot for a lower price than originally offered.
Cultura
In the city of Quito, there is an architectural church of Neo-Gothic style. It is located in the neighborhood of San Juan, between Carchi and Venezuela Streets. This church is called “Basílica del Voto Nacional” or Basilica of the National Vow, and it is one of the attractive entrances to the Historic Center of the city.
Basilica of the National Vow began to be built in the nineteenth century and is considered unfinished. It has gargoyles on its facade, as well as endemic animals of the country, such as: alligators, turtles, blue-footed booby, monkeys, among others.
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Bazilika Nacionalnog glasanja
11-263 y CarchiIn the city of Quito, there is an architectural church of Neo-Gothic style. It is located in the neighborhood of San Juan, between Carchi and Venezuela Streets. This church is called “Basílica del Voto Nacional” or Basilica of the National Vow, and it is one of the attractive entrances to the Historic Center of the city.
Basilica of the National Vow began to be built in the nineteenth century and is considered unfinished. It has gargoyles on its facade, as well as endemic animals of the country, such as: alligators, turtles, blue-footed booby, monkeys, among others.
Muzej Alberta Mene Camaña
Eugenio EspejoOtavalo Market is the largest market in Ecuador, and is a great place to get to learn about the people of the Andes. Located in a valley in Imbabura, Otavalo is also a great base to visit the surrounding lakes, mountains, and villages. The market is open every day but if you can make it on a Saturday, you get a chance to visit the livestock market too. It is normal to haggle prices here, but keep in mind that you’re probably more well off then the people who live from selling goods at the market
Taste the delicious “chirimoyas” typical fruit of the area
Photograph the beautiful valleys and snowcapped that enclose
Visit the beautiful Lake of San Pablo
Meet the legendary culture of the “Otavaleños”
Otavalo
OtavaloOtavalo Market is the largest market in Ecuador, and is a great place to get to learn about the people of the Andes. Located in a valley in Imbabura, Otavalo is also a great base to visit the surrounding lakes, mountains, and villages. The market is open every day but if you can make it on a Saturday, you get a chance to visit the livestock market too. It is normal to haggle prices here, but keep in mind that you’re probably more well off then the people who live from selling goods at the market
Taste the delicious “chirimoyas” typical fruit of the area
Photograph the beautiful valleys and snowcapped that enclose
Visit the beautiful Lake of San Pablo
Meet the legendary culture of the “Otavaleños”
Wander Quito’s Historic Center:
Plaza Grande is Quito’s main central square and is a great place to start. Surrounding Plaza Grande is:
Presidential Palace: also known as Carondelet Palace, this is where Ecuador’s president lives and works.
Metropolitan Cathedral: Catholic church completed in 1565 and now the archdiocese. Has tour & museum ($3).
La Compañía de Jesus: a 17th-century Jesuit church a few blocks away from Plaza Grande, known for its gold-covered interior.
Plaza San Francisco: Quito plaza that contains the city’s oldest church (St Francis), street vendors, a chapel, a museum with religious art, and cafes. But it’s the Andes views here that provide a beautiful natural backdrop during a clear day.
La Merced: White, domed Catholic Church (1736) that contains important artworks and library.
San Agustin: Historical convent (1617), where Ecuador’s Independence Act was signed and houses many paintings from 17th-century artist Miguel de Santiago. Hourlong tours of the halls and interior courtyard are $2.
City Museum: Learn all about the history of Quito through the chronological exhibits in this former hospital building.
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Centro Historico Quito
García MorenoWander Quito’s Historic Center:
Plaza Grande is Quito’s main central square and is a great place to start. Surrounding Plaza Grande is:
Presidential Palace: also known as Carondelet Palace, this is where Ecuador’s president lives and works.
Metropolitan Cathedral: Catholic church completed in 1565 and now the archdiocese. Has tour & museum ($3).
La Compañía de Jesus: a 17th-century Jesuit church a few blocks away from Plaza Grande, known for its gold-covered interior.
Plaza San Francisco: Quito plaza that contains the city’s oldest church (St Francis), street vendors, a chapel, a museum with religious art, and cafes. But it’s the Andes views here that provide a beautiful natural backdrop during a clear day.
La Merced: White, domed Catholic Church (1736) that contains important artworks and library.
San Agustin: Historical convent (1617), where Ecuador’s Independence Act was signed and houses many paintings from 17th-century artist Miguel de Santiago. Hourlong tours of the halls and interior courtyard are $2.
City Museum: Learn all about the history of Quito through the chronological exhibits in this former hospital building.
Yet perhaps the most popular museum in Quito is the adjoining La Capilla Del Hombre and Museo Guayasamín ($8). If only visiting one museum in Quito, this is likely the best bet. And particularly so for art-lovers.
Oswaldo Guayasamín is arguably Ecuador's most famous painter. Even for those who have never heard of this artist, there's much to learn about Guayasamín at this museum. Most visitors depart with a newfound respect and fascination for Guayasamín.
“The Chapel of the Man” is his masterpiece building. Guayasamín personally designed it before his death (1999) to showcase his masterworks. The neighboring home/museum offers a peek into Guayasamín’s life. It also shows off the artist's prized collections, his bedroom, his working art studio, and more of his art pieces
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Kapela Čovjeka
Lorenzo ChávezYet perhaps the most popular museum in Quito is the adjoining La Capilla Del Hombre and Museo Guayasamín ($8). If only visiting one museum in Quito, this is likely the best bet. And particularly so for art-lovers.
Oswaldo Guayasamín is arguably Ecuador's most famous painter. Even for those who have never heard of this artist, there's much to learn about Guayasamín at this museum. Most visitors depart with a newfound respect and fascination for Guayasamín.
“The Chapel of the Man” is his masterpiece building. Guayasamín personally designed it before his death (1999) to showcase his masterworks. The neighboring home/museum offers a peek into Guayasamín’s life. It also shows off the artist's prized collections, his bedroom, his working art studio, and more of his art pieces
Tour the Government Palace and Meet the President of Ecuador
How cool is this! Every Monday in Quito, there is a big changing of the guard ceremony outside of the Presidential Palace, also known as Carondelet Palace. During this procession, it’s a weekly tradition for the president to come out and wave to the crowd gathering on Plaza Grande down below.
It’s all quite the pomp and circumstance! A marching band parades through. Guards on horses have a choreographed moment. And then everyone in the plaza gets a chance to wave to the President of Ecuador.
It's also possible to tour Quito's presidential palace! This is an interesting opportunity to be able to tour the Ecuadorian equivalent of the White House. And it's yet another free thing to do in Quito.
The grand tour can take up to two hours, visiting the stately interior of offices, banquet rooms, courtyards, and the balcony. Note, there is no longer a ticketing system as there once was. Now advanced reservations are required.
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Carondelet Palace
García MorenoTour the Government Palace and Meet the President of Ecuador
How cool is this! Every Monday in Quito, there is a big changing of the guard ceremony outside of the Presidential Palace, also known as Carondelet Palace. During this procession, it’s a weekly tradition for the president to come out and wave to the crowd gathering on Plaza Grande down below.
It’s all quite the pomp and circumstance! A marching band parades through. Guards on horses have a choreographed moment. And then everyone in the plaza gets a chance to wave to the President of Ecuador.
It's also possible to tour Quito's presidential palace! This is an interesting opportunity to be able to tour the Ecuadorian equivalent of the White House. And it's yet another free thing to do in Quito.
The grand tour can take up to two hours, visiting the stately interior of offices, banquet rooms, courtyards, and the balcony. Note, there is no longer a ticketing system as there once was. Now advanced reservations are required.
Sightseeing
El Panecillo
The Virgin that takes care of Quito
High in the Andes, a gondola ride carries visitors up, up, up the side of the volcano that looms over the city of Quito. It's called a teleférico (cable car), and it's one of the things Ecuador's capital city is known for. The Quito cable car is one of the city's most popular attractions. When you take a ride, you'll see why. It's a fairly cheap way to get access to incredible views, but dedicated hikers can also use the teleférico to get to the starting point for a trek they'll never forget.
for more info visit: https://teleferico.com.ec
TARIFAS ÚNICAS
Menores de 18 años………………$7.00
Adultos…………………………………..$8.50
Tercera Edad – discapacitados $6.50
Fast Pass (aplica fin de semana y feriado) $11.00
**Los niños ingresan a partir de 18 meses
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Teleférico de Quito
High in the Andes, a gondola ride carries visitors up, up, up the side of the volcano that looms over the city of Quito. It's called a teleférico (cable car), and it's one of the things Ecuador's capital city is known for. The Quito cable car is one of the city's most popular attractions. When you take a ride, you'll see why. It's a fairly cheap way to get access to incredible views, but dedicated hikers can also use the teleférico to get to the starting point for a trek they'll never forget.
for more info visit: https://teleferico.com.ec
TARIFAS ÚNICAS
Menores de 18 años………………$7.00
Adultos…………………………………..$8.50
Tercera Edad – discapacitados $6.50
Fast Pass (aplica fin de semana y feriado) $11.00
**Los niños ingresan a partir de 18 meses
Climb the Steps to Itchimbía for Views and the Crystal Palace
It's a healthy climb up the many flights of stairs on the eastern side of Quito’s Old Town to reach the area known as Itchimbía. Itchimbía is where that big orange Quito sign makes for great photo ops overlooking the city. So after catching your breath from climbing the stairs, go check out the sign and pose for a selfie.
Itchimbia is also home to Quito’s Crystal Palace. This massive structure of iron flanked with glass walls was shipped over from Germany over 100 years ago. It's said to resemble the Las Halles market in Paris, and as such, has served as a market itself.
Visit some cafes in the area like Cafe Mosaico or Vista Hermosa and, there view is incredible and don't forget to drink hot chocolate with cheese
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Park Itchimbía
Climb the Steps to Itchimbía for Views and the Crystal Palace
It's a healthy climb up the many flights of stairs on the eastern side of Quito’s Old Town to reach the area known as Itchimbía. Itchimbía is where that big orange Quito sign makes for great photo ops overlooking the city. So after catching your breath from climbing the stairs, go check out the sign and pose for a selfie.
Itchimbia is also home to Quito’s Crystal Palace. This massive structure of iron flanked with glass walls was shipped over from Germany over 100 years ago. It's said to resemble the Las Halles market in Paris, and as such, has served as a market itself.
Visit some cafes in the area like Cafe Mosaico or Vista Hermosa and, there view is incredible and don't forget to drink hot chocolate with cheese
Vecindarios
La Floresta is a trendy Quito neighborhood in New Town with some excellent restaurants. Big historic hacienda-style houses help to define this Quito enclave. Yet it's the flourishing street art scene that's really beginning to make this neighborhood stand out.
Dozens of intricate murals and tasteful graffiti can be found all throughout La Floresta. It can be like walking through an outdoor art museum! But to see the best works, you must know where to look.
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La Floresta
La Floresta is a trendy Quito neighborhood in New Town with some excellent restaurants. Big historic hacienda-style houses help to define this Quito enclave. Yet it's the flourishing street art scene that's really beginning to make this neighborhood stand out.
Dozens of intricate murals and tasteful graffiti can be found all throughout La Floresta. It can be like walking through an outdoor art museum! But to see the best works, you must know where to look.
Lokalne preporuke
Kretanje gradom
Use Uber App to take taxis.
Uber works pretty good in Quito, taxis are safer and sometimes cheaper than a yellow cab
Što ne smijete propustiti
Eat Locro de Papa in Quito
This is a creamy and hearty soup that’s quite popular throughout the Ecuadorian Andes. But it is most iconic to Quito to the point that it's sometimes even called Locro Quiteño. It’s a soup made with three of our favorite local ingredients: potato, cheese, and avocado!
This rich & creamy soup is a perfect way to keep warm in these higher elevations. A white mozzarella-like cheese is what’s plunked into the milk-based broth. Locro de papa is further flavored with onion, garlic, cumin, and ground annatto seed (achiote). The soup is completed by being topped with freshly sliced avocado - yum! 🌱
Što ne smijete propustiti
Eat Empanadas de Viento in Quito
Translated to "wind empanadas” because of the airy interior that’s created when it’s fried. Gooey melted cheese is tucked inside the crispy fried dough and a bit of sugar is sprinkled on top. These snacks are often huge and sharable.
Empanadas de viento pair great to pair with a canelazo. They can be found throughout Quito. Empanadas de viento are most commonly found in La Ronda.
Što ne smijete propustiti
Eat Fritada in Quito
Fritada has many local Ecuadorian components, anchored by flavorful pork. That pork is boiled in spiced-up water until it evaporates, when the pork is then fried in its own fat.
This culminates in some tasty pork morsels that are good on their own merit. But one of the best aspects of fritada is the variety of sides it comes with. Here's what you normally get: hominy, toasted corn, avocado, ripe plantain, and llapingachos.
What are Llapingachos? They're fried potato pancakes stuffed with cheese. Often served as a side to many dishes in Quito.
Što možete rezervirati prije odlaska na putovanje
Join Quito’s Sunday Bike Ride: Quito Ciclopaseo
Every Sunday morning beginning at 8:00 am, a 30-kilometer stretch of Quito's streets are closed off to vehicular traffic so that cyclists can enjoy a car-free ride around Quito. It’s a fantastic way to mix with locals and cover a lot of ground across Quito.
The Ciclopaseo has an interesting route that meanders from highways in New Town to the cobblestone streets of Old Town and even passes right through a few of Quito's parks!
Ciclopaseo Sunday Bike Ride in Quito Ecuador is one of the best things to do in Quito on a Sunday
Običaji i kultura
Sundays
Many places in the city tend to be closed on Sunday. So the Ciclopaseo can be one of the best things to do in Quito on Sundays. Take to two wheels and explore Quito from behind the handlebars!
Što trebate ponijeti sa sobom
The Weather
The weather in Quito is crazy! I know you are used to check the weather in your home town but it will not work in Quito. Seriously, don’t bother. It’s usually wrong. The weather in Quito is very unpredictable. The forecasted temperatures can be somewhat trusted. But Quito's sun/cloud/rain forecasts have proven to be consistently wrong
Just bring one rain jacket and an umbrella with you, we never know with this weather
Običaji i kultura
Beware of Quito's altitude
Quito is one of the highest capital cities in the world, with an altitude of 3,000 meters. That’s about two miles high!
you might breathe heavier once you get Quito, this is normal, your body will get used to the altitude. If not, you can always take a pill to control the symptoms
Što trebate ponijeti sa sobom
Sunscreen
n Quito, visitors are hit with a double-whammy of the equatorial sun and altitude. The sun in Quito is no joke. Visitors manage to get burned even on cloudy days.
Pack sunscreen with you. It tends to be much more expensive in Quito compared to your country prices.
Običaji i kultura
Cash and Credit Card Payments
Ecuador uses the US dollar as its currency. While some businesses in Quito do accept credit card, most don’t. Some places that do accept credit cards may add a fee. ATMs are frequent, so it's best to use those and have cash.
Što možete rezervirati prije odlaska na putovanje
Watch out for pickpockets
Keep very vigilant, particularly in crowded places frequented by tourists. There is a threat of pickpockets in touristic areas. This holds particularly true in Old Town and in crowded public transport.
Be very mindful if someone seems to be innocently bumping into you. Keep belongings close in these instances.
Kako možete uštedjeti
SIM Card with Internet and National Calls
You can buy a SIM card with internet and National Calls for 10USD.
It might be better to get the SIM Card outside the airport as prices in airports tent to be higher