Most people fly to Quito, Ecuador, when they go to the Galapagos and barely look there. Not so long ago, people who booked a Galapagos cruise completely skipped the city and only explored the small Archipelago off the coast of South America, but fortunately, things have changed.
Quito is a wonderful city to explore. There are so many things to do in Quito that it is not surprising that it was declared the first UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978 (along with the Galapagos Islands). Thanks to its preserved cultural and historical center, it is the best preserved old town in Latin America. If you are planning to visit Ecuador, be sure to spend a few days in the capital to enjoy the magnificent landscapes, fascinating history and welcoming culture.
Quito has many unique characteristics in addition to being the capital of Ecuador. It is the second highest capital in the world, at an altitude of 2850 meters and the closest capital to the Equator. Surrounded by 14 volcanoes, one of which is the only snow-covered place in the whole of Ecuador, the breathtaking natural beauty of Quito will take your breath away. In our humble opinion, Quito is also one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Quito may be close to the equator, but with its high altitude in the Andes, it is cool and comfortable all year round. Known as the city of eternal spring, Quito offers travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history and culture of South America while living many adventures in the mountains and the jungle.
With its strategic position, Quito is the gateway to the Amazon rainforest, cloud forests and the Galápagos Islands, making it a hub for nature lovers and ecotourists. So, are you ready to enjoy Quito, Ecuador?
We visited Quito with Metropolitan Touring, which has more than seven decades of experience in managing tours in Ecuador. Under the guidance of local guides, we learned first-hand about local life, culture and cuisine.
The best things to do in Quito, Ecuador
We have been lucky enough to visit Quito three times and each time we enjoy the city more than last time. In this guide we will help you decide if you should stop for a day or two before or after your adventure in Latin America, or if you should stay in the city for a few days and make it a base to explore the surroundings.
1. visit the historic center
During our last trip to Quito, we stayed in the heart of the city center overlooking the Plaza de San Francisco. Being in the heart of the action really helped us to immerse ourselves in the heartbeat of the city. We started with a walking tour of the old town of Quito with our local Guide from Metropolitan Touring, who guided us through the historic center, where we tasted the local cuisine and enjoyed the old town with its stunning colonial buildings, highlighting the Plaza de la Independencia, The Compañía de Jesús (with its stunning interior
2. Take a free hike
If you want a guided tour but don’t want to splurge with a private guide, free tours of the old Town are offered. You can choose between a local Spanish or English guide to guide you through the historic center of Quito’s colorful streets and the colonial neighborhood.
The free walking tour is carried out by GuruWalk and you can visit the Presidential Palace, Plaza Grande, Plaza de San Francisco and other downtown attractions. It’s a great way to spend a few hours and get to know the city before exploring it on your own. Although the tour is free, we recommend that you give your Guide a few dollars each for his time.
3. Plaza De Las Americas
The emblematic Plaza de San Francisco is a central place in the heart of the Ecuadorian capital. There we also had the privilege of staying in the opulent Casa Gangotena.
This vast square, framed by the majestic church and convent of San Francisco, offers an in-depth overview of the architectural and cultural heritage of the city. In this square you will also find the oldest market in Quito, Ecuador. We saw people queuing up in the morning to buy their fresh products at the Saturday market.