Fall in Love With Quito

Quito, Ecuador is a unique city full of rich culture, engaging history, and beautiful scenery. Sadly, it is often overlooked, as many think of it as nothing more than a jumping off point for a trip to the Galapagos Islands. If this has been your mindset, then you’ve been missing out. Quito has a lot to offer visitors in its own right. It’s about time you experienced Quito!
 
Fall in Love With Quito
 
Quito is one of those cities that you cannot help falling in love with. Once you get to know it, you will find yourself falling head over heels for its charming culture. It has a lot of distinct attributes, including…
 
History: Quito’s Old City was founded in 1534 by Spanish conquistadors, who constructed it on top of the ruins of a pre-Incan city. As a result, Quito is jam-packed with history. In the Old City, you will find narrow cobblestone streets, gorgeous churches, and Spanish colonial architecture. Travel back in time with a visit to the colonial center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has remained largely untouched.
 
Art: Quito’s art scene is incredibly vibrant. While you are visiting, you will be immersed in a world of vibrant colors and unparalleled creativity, evident everywhere, from the streets to the marvelous art museums. As you explore the city, you will encounter murals, street performers, art galleries, and art workshops of all varieties. There’s art everywhere you look!
 
Adventure: Quito is perched 9,350 feet above sea level. It is the world’s second highest capital city behind La Paz, Bolivia. A visit to Quito will give you access to cloud forests, volcanic peaks, and other exhilarating attractions. The views are unbelievable. All across the landscape, you will find opportunities to enjoy outdoors experiences.
 
Food: Quito is a dream for foodies. From its world-class restaurants to its hearty street food, there’s plenty to savor while you are here. If you’ve never had Ecuadorian cuisine before, then you are in for a real treat. You can expect hot empanadas, exotic fruit, single-origin chocolate, and many other delicious dishes.
 
It is easy to see why CN Traveler named Quito as one of the 24 best places to go in 2024. Calling it “a city on the rise,” they highlight Quito’s blend of colonial history and modernization (as well as its up-and-coming food scene). They love it - and you will too!
 
Explore Quito
 
If you are looking for the perfect way to discover Quito, then you might want to consider our classic Quito City Tour. This guided walking tour includes a visit to El Panecillo (a 200-meter-high hill of volcanic origin) and ample time to explore the historic city’s colonial center. And best of all: this tour is customizable. When you book it, you can easily add activities that match your interests.
 
Consider adding the Middle of the World Tour, where you will get to experience the thrills of the equatorial divide. You will visit the Equatorial City Complex, which boasts monuments and museums dedicated to Latitude Zero. You will also get to spend time in the fascinating Intiñan Museum, which invites guests to get to know the equator from a different perspective. You will find ancient solar calendars, gravity experiments, cultural displays, and more. You can even stand on the real equatorial line while you are here!
 
If you are a history buff, then you might want to add stops at Casa del Alabado and Museo de la Ciudad in the historical center. Casa del Alabado is a museum focused on pre-columbian art and history. Located in a 17th century colonial house, this museum harbors a collection of more than 5000 amazing archaeological pieces. Museo de la Ciudad is a museum that covers the history of Quito, from pre-history to modern times. The impressive and thought-provoking collection of historic artifacts is housed in the former San Juan de Dios Hospital, which operated from 1565 to 1974. Both of these marvelous museums are sure to challenge you to think about history in new ways.
 
If you are an art aficionado, then you might want to add on a visit to Fundacion Guayasamin. This museum honors Ecuadorian sculptor and painter Oswaldo Guayasamin and his achievements. It displays a variety of archaeological pieces, colonial art, and contemporary art, all in Guayasamin’s former hillside home. This addition is sure to inspire your creativity.
 
Looking for an adventure? Customize your tour to include a ride on the Teleferico. This cable car runs along the edge of the city center, up Pichincha Volcano to lookout Cruz Loma. It is one of the highest cable cars in the world. If you are after awe-inspiring views and stunning scenery, then this is the ideal excursion for you.
 
For a different type of experience, you can take a food tour. Foodies will appreciate the chance to dive into the local food scene by taking a guided tour. You have a few options in this arena. The Quito History & Food Tour will take you around the old colonial center so you can witness the sights and sounds of the Old City. It will also take you to a market and give you a chance to taste all sorts of tasty things. Want to get hands-on? Try a Quito Cooking Experience. During this excursion, you will get to enjoy an interactive cooking workshop led by a talented local chef. You will get to prepare and then eat a flavorful Ecuadorian meal. These food tours will open your mind to new flavors and techniques.
 
This year, get to know Quito! Book a trip with a customized tour and find yourself hooked on this outstanding, overlooked city.