Quito Hotels

Hold on tight and hitch a ride on the world’s second-highest cable car, the terrifying (in a good way) Telefrico, affording extraordinary views of the entire city and half a dozen volcanoes. For some serenity, delve into Ecuador’s expansive ecosystem at the Botanical Gardens, or just take a stroll through the shops and enjoy a robust South American coffee on the patio along the romantic, cobblestoned Calle de la Ronda.

Quito’s Top 10

Quito History

• Conjunto Monumental San Francisco – This church was devoted to Saint Frances and dates to the 1500s.
• Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesus – Considered by many to be the most beautiful in the Western Hemisphere.
• Quito Old Town – Explore this area of Quito with an amazing mix of colonial and republican era architecture.
• Historic Center – Wonderful place for a walking tour.
• Plaza Grande – With the Presidential Palace on one side and a cathedral on another, there is a lot to enjoy.

Quito Art & Culture

• Museo del Banco Central – Includes many famous pieces and gold works of art from the pre-Columbine and colonial time periods.
• Museo de la Ciudad – A wonderful museum in Quito that surrounds two quiet courtyards and offers the country’s social history with re-enacted scenes.
• Museo Mindalae – An original place that gives an ethno-historical view of the country’s rich cultural diversity.
• Museo Guayasamin – Home to the collection of Oswaldo Guayasamin that includes a fine collection of pre-Columbine and colonial art.
• Museo de Arte Colonial – Housed in a restored building from the 1600s and the best collection of colonial art with famous sculptures and paintings.

Quito Shopping

• Centro Commercial Quicentro – One of the main shopping areas in Quito with many well-known international brands and shops.
• Zapytal – Features handmade shoes.
• Maqui – Offers well-made and stylish hats.
• Guitarras Guacan – A quaint guitar workshop that makes wonderful guitars.
• Centro Artistico Don Bosco – The retail outlet for some of the local woodwork with lovely boxes, wall hangings, frames and more.

Gay & Lesbian Quito

• Bohemio – Popular hangout with great dance tunes and a party environment.
• La Boca del Lobo – Friendly bar and restaurant, trendy place, décor and music.
• Matrioshka – One of the best bars in Quito and a popular spot with a great party vibe.
• La Cafeta Cultural – Popular cafe and car with forums, art exhibits and films.
• Dionisios – Bar and disco area with a drag queen show on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Quito Events

For a uniquely Quito celebration, go in February for Carnival and dance among the flowers.

Easter’s Sacred Music Festival is the largest of its kind in South America.

The national Independence Day celebrations in August put the whole country in a mood for a party.

November’s Day of the Dead sounds morbid, but the amount of food and drink on offer will have you feeling alive.

Salsa your way over to the Fiestas de Quito each December and join in the merriment.

When To Go

Because Quito is both elevated and close to the Equator, it enjoys spring-like temperatures all year round.

Summer in Quito is decidedly mild, with average highs struggling to top 20ºC (68ºF).

The wet season lasts from October to May.

Getting Around

For a super-cheap and super-easy way to get around, Quito’s buses will take you wherever you need to go.

Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced. Make sure you grab an official yellow one with a meter.

The best way to explore Quito and its surrounds is to rent a motorbike or scooter and zoom your way around the sights.

Quito, Ecuador

Quito Attractions

Quito Activities

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