Top 6 things to do in Quito

There are some cities in the world that you dream of visiting. Los Angeles in the southern state of California springs to mind, as does New York, the most populous urban area in the United States. But this time, let Navaway take you to a completely different city, one that you don’t hear much about, and which is located in the Republic of Ecuador. It’s Quito, more commonly known as San Francisco de Quito. Yes, that’s what travelling is all about, going to places that were previously totally unknown to us, but which in the end turn out to be wonderful surprises! Stretching 50 km from north to south, on the slopes of the Guagua Pichincha volcano (but don’t panic, don’t run away), Quito has been inhabited for almost 2,500 years and was originally founded by Spanish colonists. Discover the six things to do in Quito below.

What to do in Quito

1. San Francisco Square and Church

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Category: Free/Cultural

Description: Every place has its must-sees. In Quito, the square with the mythical San Francisco church is undoubtedly THE place to see first when you arrive in town. As you stroll around, it’s impossible to miss one of San Francisco’s oldest churches, with its fascinating and tumultuous history. It was built by a Franciscan founder in 1550, just sixteen years after the city of Quito itself was founded. What did visitors like best? It was impossible not to melt in front of the sublime Inca representations of the sun, sculpted to encourage the indigenous peoples to adopt the Catholic religion. The building, although old, is very well preserved and is considered THE jewel of the town’s inhabitants. A real source of pride. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the moment!

2. Museo Templo Del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila

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Category: €/Cultural

Description: Here’s a pleasant place to visit that doesn’t even resemble the usual museums we tend to visit. The Museo Templo Del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila (Temple of the Sun) is a festive place where learning and fun are the order of the day. Visitors, both young and old, really enjoy the activities on offer, as well as the exhibitions, which they describe as “wonderful surprises”. The venue was designed by painter Ortega Maila, who drew inspiration from his travels to create a veritable architectural and artistic temple. A little tidbit to keep in mind when you’re there: the museum offers a tea tasting using soca leaves. A culinary experience you’ll never forget! The visit ends with a tandem aromatherapy session, which includes background music to relax and energise everyone in the room.

3. La Mitad del Mundo

Category: Free/Cultural

Description: Have you ever dreamt of travelling to the end of the world? In the city of Quito, it’s possible to go halfway ^^. Popular with tourists, the Mitad del Mundo (Half of the World) is a unique place: you can put one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a monument located right on the imaginary line of the equator, so you’re setting foot on two different territories! You’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants (rumoured to be the best in town) serving local cuisine, as well as a fake colonial village that you can visit. You’ll be immersed in a fascinating history, mixed with an extraordinary culture and geography. Are you ready for an incredible experience at the centre of the world? After all, it’s not for everyone!

4. Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesús

Category: €/Cultural

Description: Watch out! The Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesús is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit. A symbol of the Latin American Baroque movement, the building was constructed between 1605 and 1765. Since then, it has become one of Quito’s leading art centres. It has to be said that when you enter, you are irresistibly drawn to the centre of the room, which sparkles and lights up the walls. Built by local hands and decorated by artists from one of the city’s schools, every detail has been meticulously crafted using fine 23-carat gold leaf. Yes, you read that right, 23 carats ^^. A precious cultural heritage, this is a Catholic clerical complex whose main façade, made entirely from volcanic stone (original), is now considered one of the most important Baroque-inspired buildings in the United States.

5. A day in the Mindo cloud forest

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Description: Quito is a city surrounded by sublime vegetation and a day in the cloud forest of Mindo (with its cute name) is more than necessary. Nature is one of the most beautiful riches that exists on this earth, and sometimes we tend to forget about it. Especially when we’re in big cities and the nearest tree we’re likely to come across is miles away. Quito offers you an excursion to discover the most resplendent flora and fauna. During a cable car ride, you’ll have a perfect view of the whole forest, and don’t forget your camera: you’ll come across rare species of birds, and many insects and other animals that swarm around the branches of the trees. Your guide will take you on an exploration of a 22,000-hectare nature reserve of primary forest that will dazzle young and old alike!

6. El Panecillo Hill and the Virgin of Quito

Category: Free/Cultural

Description: We end this ranking with El Panecillo Hill and the Virgin of Quito. This place has the particularity of dividing the centre and the south of the city, while offering a beautiful view of it. It’s a lovely walk to take at the end of the day or in the early evening, to admire the last rays of sunshine as they draw in. The hill, 3035 metres high, is above sea level and it is here that you can admire the statue of the Virgin of Quito, built between 1955 and 1975. It is one of Quito’s most recent monuments. Equipped with wings, it was designed by Augustín de la Herrán Matorras, a Spanish artist. It is no less than 41 metres high, including its base. A little intimidating, because yes, it does seem to be scrutinising us with its eyes and watching over us. It is made of more than 7,000 aluminium parts.