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Quito is one of the beautiful city and capital of Ecuador, its full name is Villa de San Francisco de Quito and is situated in the lower slopes of Pichincha volcano. Quito is considered to be one of the oldest South American capitals and is popular for its well-preserved old town. This city is the country’s political and cultural center and it will remain to be the focal point of national affairs. Quito never misses any chance to astonish whoever pays a visit to this city with its unique attractions and many people don’t know the fact that Quito is the very first UNESCO World Heritage site in the world.
From a wide variety of museums, attractions, dozen historic churches to developing foodie culture paying tribute to traditional ingredients this city forms a great corner in tourist’s hearts. An equatorial climate that will make you feel very comfortable and a huge array of hotels that fit your budget might become your new favorite city. Let’s take a small tour and explore our list of best things to do in Quito.
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Ciudad Mitad del Mundo
– One Of The Best Places To Visit In Quito
If you have a keen interest in getting information about a city and its people then this place is definitely worth paying a visit to. One can get a sneak peek at the history of Ecuador and its people. You will get to know about several statues, an old-school museum, and a charming small village. Where else can you get the chance of experiencing to be at the equator? Ciudad Mitad del Mundo is combined with the adjacent middle of the earth and surely one of the best things to do in Quito.
La Compania Church
– One Of The Best Places To Visit In Quito
Although many of the churches are very close to each other that you can even hop from one church to another just by walking, but if you are planning to visit a single church during your stay then La Compañia must be the one. The church looks extraordinary from the outside, however, its interior will leave you in a jaw-dropping situation. All the surfaces of the house of worship are covered by seven tons of gold leaf. This place never leaves its visitor with disappointment rather one is left amazed and is often called Quito’s Sistene Chapel. The church is considered the finest example of Spanish Baroque architecture in South America and is famously known for its decorative and expensive central nave.
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El Panecillo
El Panecillo is one of the city’s top attractions and situated on the hill overlooking Quito. If you get a chance to visit this place on a clear day then the views of Quito and the volcanoes are epic. A luminous Madonna statue constructed in 1976 wholly of aluminum by Spanish artist, Agustin de la Herran Matorras is a famous tourist attraction. To have a perfect and memorable time with your loved ones then this place is best to visit in the morning before the clouds roll in.
The Crystal Palace
Itchimbia sits high above the old town and is surrounded by the Guayas River. To take a break from busy sightseeing then this place will give you all you need, a serene grassy park. In Itchimbia you will get to see landmarks from the past and one of them is The Crystal Palace. The structure was brought over from Belgium piece by piece and rebuilt. This place is impressive and a must-see for tourists who admire amazing architectural designs.
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Teleferico
– One Of The Best Things To Do In Quito
If you are a person who enjoys some nail-biting thrilling and breath-taking ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat then Teleferico is for you. This sky tram is considered to be one of the highest aerial lifts in the world. The view from the tram over Quito is marvelous, as it climbs up the side of volcano Pichincha and comes to rest on the top of Cruz Loma, which will make your moment just perfect. This place is adventurous as one can cycle, hike, or enjoy the rides at the amusement park, Vulcano park.
La Ronda
La Ronda is colorful and full of activity, it is considered to be one of the best-preserved streets in colonial Old Town. The streets are lined up with galleries, cafes, and the best traditional artisans invited by the government to share their craftsmanship. Some of the vendors are tucked in the back of shops, they represent the best local Quito and are amazing spots to find souvenirs and keep traditional crafts alive. This place will surely leave you to amaze.
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Plaza Grande
Plaza Grande offers you to soak up the popular culture of the place and you get to see how locals meet and greet. It is Quito’s popular Crowd-gathering plazas and a one must time visiting place for you. During your part of the activity, you get to see street food vendors and buskers which can enhance your experience even more. Plaza Grande also is known as Independence square is surrounded by Presidential Palace, a Cathedral, City Hall, and the Archbishop’s Palace. This spot gathers multi-generation attractions with the central statues being favorite spots for photos. Enjoy this place’s environment and the ambiance with your family, friends, and loved ones.
Casa del Alabado Museo
This place holds all the historical things that you might don’t want to miss. Casa del Alabado Museo is located at a short distance from the main square of Plaza San Francisco, and the place offers you a sneak peek into the pre-Columbian world of indigenous American people. Sightseers after taking a tour gather information about the rituals, communication, and nature of that period. The objects are intertwined and are decorated with images from the underworld, celestial, and middle Earth.
The center courtyard offers the visitors a light bite, a shaded spot, and a bit of rest. Make your plans to visit this place at least once in a lifetime.
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La Forest Street Art Tour
This place offers you to take the city tour by foot from one of the locals. You will get the chance to learn about Ecuador’s colorful history with a way through historic houses and even more about its colorful prolific graffiti art scene. When you explore this place you will also head to the famous independent cinema Ocho Y Medio with one-of-a-kind movies. A tour of Quito is incomplete without delicious coffee and local treats. After visiting this place you will have more ideas about the vibrant culture and warm people who build up Quito’s population.
Basilica del Voto Nacional
If you want to have an overview of the city then visit Basilica. From the twin bell towers, you will get to see a 360-degree view of the city. If possible plan your tour in the early morning or late afternoon for a better experience. On the exterior, the sculptures have skillfully carved indigenous animals of Ecuador. The gargoyles on the exterior grab tourist attention. This place will surely enhance your experience.
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Chapel of Man (Capilla del Hombre)
This powerful Museum has everything you need to know about the story of the indigenous population. This museum features the work of Oswaldo Guayasamin, he was a sculptor of Quechua and Mestizo heritage, and the Ecuadorian master painter who championed the story of the underprivileged.
The museum was completed in 2002 shortly after the artist’s death. This place is dedicated to the struggles of the indigenous people before and after the arrival of the Spanish explorers. This place makes your time even more memorable with a quiet and dramatic setting.
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