With the help of our travel guides, organizing a trip to Quito, Ecuador, is a breeze. Make the most of your vacation time in Quito, Ecuador, we have compiled a list of our favorite things to do in Quito, Ecuador. Explore the top attractions and activities in the best places to go in Quito, Ecuador, by scrolling down! Wondrous Drifter, a Web 3.0 travel startup, hopes to have a significant impact on the world.
Table Of Content
- Antisana Volcano, Quito
- Baños
- Basílica del Voto Nacional
- Calle La Ronda
- Cotopaxi National Park
- El Panecillo
- Garcia Moreno Prison Museum
- La Capilla Del Hombre
- Lagunas de Mojanda
- Mitad del Mundo Monument
- Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve
- Otavalo Market
- Papallacta Hot Springs
- Plaza Fotch
- Parque Carolina
- Parque Itchimbia
- Quilotoa Crater
- San Francisco Church
- Teleferico
- Templo del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila
- Explore South America
Antisana Volcano, Quito
An incredible journey begins the moment you decide to embark on it.
Make way to another exciting location in Quito.
Fuel your energy by hiking up to see the Antisana Volcano.
The volcano is much smaller than those you will find in the country. This place is trendy due to its stunning view of the bird species, Condors.
Condors are the largest flying land birds in the Western Hemisphere. It has sharp eyes, large black wings, and a very clever bird. Its size is comparable to an eagle.
These birds can be seen soaring above Antisana Volcano, which is covered in glaciers.
Indeed a marvelous moment to witness when you are here.
Make time to this place as you will be hiking for an hour to enjoy the scenery and bird watching.
A skilled guide will accompany you through this fantastic journey.
Backpackers and thrill-seekers will both find this location ideal.
Create your travel plan now and include this place.
Address: Antisana Volcano, Quito, Ecuador
Baños
Not everyone who wanders is lost.
Travel to Baños, the adventure capital of Quito, Ecuador.
Baños is a quiet village located outside of the bustling capital of Ecuador.
The Devil’s Cauldron waterfall is located here, a picturesque and spectacular fall.
The Devil’s Cauldron waterfalls are 80 meters tall with 1410 meters feet above sea level.
Like its name, it is the most thrilling fall you will ever see.
There are two ways to visit the falls. You can travel to the original staircase to reach the falls or walk along the long suspension bridge that gives a panoramic view of the entire falls.
Get yourself refreshed by spending a relaxing dip in the falls.
Prepare your hiking shoes in advance, as the terrain may be slippery and muddy during the trek.
Make sure to take many photos and make the most out of it. You’ll surely be in awe of everything you see.
This is an excellent adventure for all. Visit now!
Address: Baños, Quito, Ecuador
Basílica del Voto Nacional
“The city will vanish once this sanctuary is completed.”
The Basilica del Voto Nacional was constructed with stone, and it boasts a Neo-Gothic style. The construction began in 1873 to commemorate the sacredness of Jesus’s Heart.
Many devotees made financial contributions to the project to engrave their names into the structure.
It was in 1985 when Pope Juan Pablo II blessed the church.
The Basilica’s decoration represents Ecuador’s fauna, surrounded by rose windows.
With 377 feet in height, it comprises 24 chapels, and 21 of them represent Ecuador provinces.
Even after this incredible construction, the sanctuary still has a long way to go. According to legend, Quito will vanish once the Basilica is completed.
However, the actual reason for its disappearance is that Basilica and the rest of the country cannot withstand an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.
You can obtain a wonderful nostalgic sense of feeling and peace when visiting this place.
The place allows visitors to meditate and is amused by its unique structures that you need to capture with your own eyes.
Travel to this place now!
Address: QFPV+328, Quito 170130, Ecuador
Calle La Ronda
The lovely old street of La Roda
Calle La Ronda will give you a glimpse of the culture and Spanish heritage of the country.
The streets are lined with ancient buildings, stores, and other establishments.
Here you can watch and enjoy the talented local artworks and get a chance to purchase them as your souvenir.
Endless colorful Spanish-built houses will welcome you as you walk along the streets.
Balconies are brimming with vivid flowers and a glimpse of the patio area.
It is no surprise that this area is brimming with artistic sensibility because of the many artisans who dwell here.
The stroll will be even more lovely at night as you hear romantic jazz music.
You can also taste some local delicacies such as fresh quesadillas, a flour corn tortilla filled with cheese.
Calle La Ronda usually is calm during the day, but it comes to life as the sun goes down.
Visit this vibrant and lovely place now!
Address: C. de la Rda.Quito 170130, Ecuador
Cotopaxi National Park
A real picturesque destination you should not miss out on.
Enjoy a day trip to Cotopaxi National Park, which is an ideal park for anyone looking for a picture-perfect location to take photography in.
Fuel your energy as you hike up to Cotopaxi Volcano and observe its breathtaking glacier, which will make your effort even more rewarding.
Feel free to use your camera to capture all of the beauty surrounding you.
After the jaw-dropping hike, you can rest and lay down for a picnic near the Limpiopungo Lagoon.
The lagoon provides a more calm and peaceful environment, allowing you to enjoy meditating while taking in the sights of the area’s diverse flora and fauna.
The one-day tour is not enough. Extend the duration of your vacation to allow you to appreciate the place thoroughly.
This is an excellent place for a family vacation. Take a look at this location right now!
Address:Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, Ecuador
El Panecillo
The view over the mountain top
Make your way to El Panecillo, a hilly terrain that provides a stunning view of the city of Quito.
Make a trip to the summit to enjoy the panoramic view of the south section of the city.
A little fun fact for you, El Panecillo is a Spanish term for a bread roll.
El Panecillo, on the other hand, is referred to as “the Hill of the Heart.”
On the top, you will see the giant statue of the Virgin Mary built with 7,000 pieces of aluminum. It is remarkable as it displays its stunning wings.
Before the Spanish arrived, the Incas used the hill as a place to worship their sun god.
Incas are known for creating fantastic art and impressive architectural stonework with the natural landscape.
El Panecillo is now considered one of the most important tourist attractions in Quito.
See for yourself and visit this location right away!
Address: El Panecillo, Quito, Ecuador
Garcia Moreno Prison Museum
Discover the undiscovered in the city of Quito
The Garcia Moreno Prison Museum is an abandoned prison in Ecuador that was once served to detain the ex-presidents and con artists.
Today, the prison was transformed into a museum.
The museum exhibits some outdated newspapers, old clothes, and more that were preserved.
Upon exploring, you may also see the image of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary on the walls.
Garcia Moreno Prison Museum is 140 years old. It offers a glimpse of a less picturesque side of the country yet a place to visit.
The museum provides night tours which can lead to a more spooky experience.
Note that a guide will accompany you through this unique exploration.
On the 2-hour tour, you will explore old facility rooms, which is the trip’s highlight.
This trip is an ideal location for all the visitors who want to experience and discover something new in the city of Quito.
Don’t miss your chance. Visit and explore Garcia Moreno Prison Museum now.
Address: Garcia Moreno Prison Museum, Quito, Ecuador
La Capilla Del Hombre
Explore, discover, learn and repeat.
La Capilla Del Hombre is an art museum dedicated to the people of Latin America. It is designed by Oswaldo Guyasamin.
Oswaldo Guyasamin is an Ecuadorian artist who was awarded a lifetime prize by the United Nations for his contribution to peace.
The artist’s artworks exhibited the pain and misery of humans against violence in the 20th century.
Nonetheless, the patriotism of the artist was displayed in La Capilla del Hombre.
The museum has a stunning modern-looking structure and an overlooking city view.
The murals and sculptures that were on display in the museum are visually striking and well worth photographing with your camera.
Additionally, the museum contains artworks created by Ecuadorians throughout the colonial period.
The museum is a must-see for anybody who appreciates art and history. Learn more about it and pay a visit to the location.
Address: E18-94 Mariano Calvache, y, Quito 170135, Ecuador
Lagunas de Mojanda
A breathtaking view of the natural wonders of Quito
You will love this location if you find Quito Lake a gorgeous lake.
Lagunas de Mojanda has a breathtaking view of the ruined Dacite Volcano. The rim of the lake is a great place to hike.
Witness the most popular Fuya Fuya, where you will have to walk a steep trail to reach the top of the mountain.
Remember that you will have to ascend 2,000 feet to reach the summit. It’s a heart-pounding journey, but it’s an adventure you should try!
Once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the lake below. The location is a picture-perfect setting.
Explore and get ready to be mesmerized by its endless beauty.
If you are interested, the locals have a full-day plan that you can take advantage of. It is a whole day of fun and excitement that you will not forget.
Now is the time to travel to this location!
Address: Pichincha Pedro moncayo, Tabacundo, Quito, Ecuador
Mitad del Mundo Monument
The place was built by mistake, but it is stunning.
Explore the Mitad del Mundo Monument, translated as “The Equator.”
This small village is built on the site where the Equator is thought to run through in the outer region of Quito.
The construction of this place started in 1736 after the French geodesic expedition team mapped out the area.
However, it was eventually discovered that their calculations were inaccurate and that the Equator was placed far away from the calculated location.
Today, you will witness a monument standing over 98 feet high in the center of Mitad del Mundo Square, representing the false Equator yet has a stunning sight that locals and visitors can resist taking a picture to.
You can also explore the Ethnographic Museum, which displays information about Ecuador’s different tribes and ethnic groups.
Stroll along the area until you come across a variety of musical instruments, boats, and costumes that represent the country’s rich culture.
Despite all of the mistakes, the location is far more gorgeous than any other location in Ecuador.
Pay a visit to the location and learn more about it!
Address: Av. Manuel Córdova Galarza SN, Quito, Ecuador
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Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve
A vacation wonderland that is calling your name
Visit Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve, a paradise for all the bird and wildlife enthusiasts.
The reserve, which covers an area of 19,200 hectares, is located in the tiny village of Mindo and is home to the world’s greatest concentration of biodiversity.
Here you can do fun activities such as hiking, bird watching, tubing, biking, and more.
When exploring, you can sightsee colorful hummingbirds flying in the area.
Get up close to another beautiful creature by visiting the Butterfly farm called Mariposario. Your experience will be more magical when the butterfly rests in your body.
Moreover, the reserve also holds historical and cultural significance.
The cloud forest is home to Yumbio Nigua. This great merchant provides links between the coast and highland before the Spanish colonization.
Today, the area displays a long legacy of cultural and historical value. It is all reflected in the village of Mindo, which was later regarded as one of the oldest villages in the area.
Make your vacation more magical. Check this place now!
Address: Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve, Quito, Ecuador
Otavalo Market
A colorful souvenir that will last a lifetime
When visiting a new place, don’t forget to do some souvenir shopping.
Make time to stop by Otavalo Market.
Otavalo Market is the most famous market in all of Ecuador. Here you can explore and buy authentic Ecuadorian crafts and fabrics.
Ecuador is well-known for its high-quality textiles and the distinctive design found in its products.
Otavalo Market offers a diverse range of products ranging from clothing to home items and a variety of other things.
Almost all of these things are available in various vibrant colors that perfectly represent the country’s distinct culture and tradition.
After you’ve finished shopping, consider taking a boat journey to see the Cuicocha Lagoon and make the most of your time.
Just a short distance to the lagoon, you may do a short hike to a beautiful forest until you reach the scenic waterfall.
Everything you need is right here.
Make sure to visit the place when you are in Quito!
Address: Otavalo Market, Quito, Ecuador
Papallacta Hot Springs
Shifting your travel plan to the hottest yet refreshing vacation ever
One of the best hot springs in the city of Quito. Visit the Papallacta Hot Springs, where you can relax and meditate in beautiful surroundings.
The place is a dream. Imagine staying in a nice hotel, world-class spa, and dozens of hot pools surrounded by the lush cloud forest.
Well, your imagination will come true soon by visiting this place. It is located in the small village of Papallacta.
Reward yourself with a relaxing dip in the hot springs where you can choose, depending on your temperature of choice.
After a refreshing bath in the hot spring, take time to walk in the garden rich in tropical flowers, and if you are lucky, you might see hummingbirds in the area.
You should also keep in mind that you have a good chance of encountering little bunnies.
A lovely and peaceful vacation to describe.
This place is a must-see when visiting Quito. Go and see now!
Address: km. 65 via Quito – Baeza, Papallacta, Ecuador
Plaza Fotch
Vacation is seeing places for the first time and meeting new people at the same time.
Stroll at the Plaza Fotch, the best place to unwind and mingle with locals at night.
Plaza Fotch is well known as the party district in Quito. On both day and night, the plaza has a distinct appeal.
In daylight, you can unwind and take a snap photo of The Fotch Yeah sign located in the center of the plaza. This will be a great and memorable souvenir for all.
At night, you can explore numerous bars and restaurants that surround the area. But the most popular among the bars is the Bandidos Del Paramo.
Bandidos Del Paramo has a great and fun atmosphere for socializing and eating. Here you can enjoy a variety of beer of your choice and pair it with snacks like pizza or bacon-wrapped jalapenos for a little bit of kick and spice.
Aside from this, the bar has a great architectural design that makes it more classic and unique.
Stop by when visiting Quito, explore and make new friends!
Address: Whymper N 29-02, Quito 170150 Ecuador
Parque Carolina
The New York Central Park but make it in Ecuador.
Spend some time wandering through the massive Parque Carolina, located in the heart of Quito’s historic district.
This massive Park includes a green space that spans 165 acres and is a great place to visit if you are searching for a tranquil environment to relax.
You can participate in a variety of entertaining activities. Several playgrounds and a few food carts are within walking distance to keep you occupied.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the massive skatepark in the vicinity and watch the fantastic local skaters do tricks.
If you prefer a more serene experience, you can rent paddle boats and kayaks to cruise around the gorgeous artificial river.
The Park was frequently compared to New York Central Park because of its large green space and trees similar to those in Central Park.
Parque Carolina is a beautiful spot to unwind; merely going around in this area will provide you with enough time to feel at peace.
This place is ideal for a vacation with the family.
Travel now and make memories here together with your family.
Address: RG98+F75, Av. de los Shyris, Quito 170135, Ecuador
Parque Itchimbia
Leveling your way up to the most stunning view of the city
Take a stroll in Parque Itchimbia, a beautiful park that offers a spectacular view of the city of Quito.
The pond in the Park is a sight to behold, and you must see it for yourself.
Reflections of the blue sky and clouds may be seen in the crystal water of the pond in the afternoon.
Because medium-sized stones surrounded it, it looked even more stunning. Take a snapshot of it and put it in your camera roll.
Additionally, this Park provides a panoramic view of the city of Quito from a distance, allowing visitors to observe buildings and other structures.
Aside from all the fantastic views, the Park also is home to 400 different flowers and 40 species of birds. Make it an ideal place to plant and animal exploration.
While here, explore the Palacio de Cristal and marvel at its architecture and structure.
Palacio de Cristal originated in Germany and was shipped to Ecuador 100 years ago. Here you can take a photo with a Quito sign.
Learn more about the place and create your own stories there!
Address: QGH2+39C, Quito 170136, Ecuador
Quilotoa Crater
Adventure awaits at the Quilotoa Crater.
Quilotoa is home to a spectacular volcanic crater lake that is worth visiting.
Hike your way up to the Quilotoa Crater part of the Quilotoa Loop.
The journey to Quilotoa Volcano’s turquoise lake will take you three to five days, but it will be all worth it.
The viewpoint will give you a very picturesque view of the crater.
Get a chance to kayak in the stunning blue lake with a depth of 250 meters.
The lake’s color is due to the volcanic minerals left behind by the volcano interruption. It’s almost as if it’s a blessing in disguise.
It is not just Quilotoa Lake itself that is stunningly beautiful, but the surrounding environment is equally beautiful.
A knowledgeable guide will escort you throughout the entire tour, and you will have the opportunity to learn more about the area.
Many backpackers and hikers are attracted to this beautiful crater.
Make your travel arrangement now to this place and see the beauty in front of your eyes.
Address: Pujilí Canton, Cotopaxi Province, Ecuador
San Francisco Church
A church that will take you back in time
San Francisco Church was built back in the 1570s.
The church was constructed in a mixture of Mannerist, Mujedar, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles.
The church was named after the patron, Saint Francis.
Its chapel, altar, and nave are all decorated in gold, which adds to the overall splendor of the building.
The nearby museum allows access to the choir, which has stunning 16th-century Moorish décor.
San Francisco Church allows the visitors to meditate and be mesmerized by the place that will give you a nostalgic feeling of the past.
This is yet another fantastic expedition you should take part in while in Quito.
This is also a perfect, perfect spot place. Prepare your camera. Make sure to catch every angle you will see within the cathedral.
There are so many things to see and do that your to-do list is starting to overflow. Now is the perfect time to stop by!
Address: Cuenca 477, Quito 170401, Ecuador
Teleferico
Another breathtaking site in Quito that should not be missed
Head to Teleferico, a place where you can see a glimpse of the panoramic view of Quito via cable car.
Yes, you read it correctly. This is a favorite activity here in Teleferico.
Riding a cable car will take you 3,600 feet above the ground and provide you with a panoramic view of hillsides bursting with brilliant wildflowers and a glimpse of a cow.
It is an incredible moment to experience while here.
Aside from taking the cable car, you can also attempt to climb higher than the volcano’s summit in the Andean mountains if you have the time.
Don’t let your fear be the stumbling block on trying something new.
After the exciting activity, you may stroll along the area where you can find many pubs and small shops for souvenirs.
This is where your exciting Quito journey will begin. Check out this location now!
Address: Teleférico Quito, Ecuador
Templo del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila
The legacy is longer than its name.
Make your discovery more exciting by visiting Templo del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila.
The museum was called “The Temple of the Sun.” Cristobal Ortega, an indigenous sculptor, and painter, was behind its construction.
Ortega is an indigenous painter and sculptor that revolutionized the art of finger paint. He created the museum after deep and extensive research.
Today, the museum has perfectly embodied the art and culture of the artist and the preservation of its traditional architecture and design.
Templo del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila displays fascinating collections ranging from paintings, artworks, and sculptures. It exhibits the great diversity of all races all over the world.
A tour guide will escort visitors to understand the history of all artworks displayed in the gallery.
Visitors who are interested in art will undoubtedly enjoy their time here. This is an excellent option for anyone interested in seeing Quito’s rich culture and tradition.
Visit the location to find out more!
You haven’t made up your mind to go to Quito, Ecuador, yet, have you? Check out reasons to visit Quito, Ecuador, at least once in your lifetime here.
Address: Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila, Calle Eduardo Kingman Oe12-174 Av. Manuel Cordova Galarza, Mirador Volcan Pululahua, Quito 022 Ecuador
