Things to do in Quito
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Magic Bean
Long the epicenter of the Mariscal, the Magic Bean serves a variety of well-prepared breakfasts, lunches, juices and snacks for the ever-present crowd of hungry travelers.
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Gulliver Tours
Well regarded operator offering trekking, climbing, mountain-biking and horseback-riding trips in the Andes. Excellent prices, daily departures. Does Cotopaxi, Ilinizas, Quilotoa and more. Most daytrips cost around US$30 to around US$45 per person. Five- to seven-day Cotopaxi trips with acclimatization programs are based out of its Hostería PapaGayo.
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Old Town
If you're short on time head straight to the old town. It's here that Quito distinguishes itself from all other cities in the world. Be certain to see the Plaza and Monastery of San Francisco, the Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande), La Compañía de Jesús and the Museo de Arte Colonial.
With its narrow streets, restored colonial architecture and lively plazas, Quito's Centro Histórico (aka the old town) is a marvel to wander. Built centuries ago by indigenous artisans and laborers, Quito's churches, convents, chapels and monasteries are cast in legend and steeped in history. It's a bustling area, full of yelling street vendors, ambling pedestrians, tooting taxis, b…
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Museo Guayasamín
In the former home of world-famous painter Oswaldo Guayasamín (1919–99), this wonderful museum houses the most complete collection of his work. Guayasamín was also an avid collector, and the museum displays his outstanding collection of more than 4500 pre-Colombian ceramic, bone and metal pieces from throughout Ecuador. The pieces are arranged by theme – bowls, fertility figurines, burial masks etc – rather than by era or cultural group, and the result is one of the most beautifully displayed archaeological collections in the country.
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ChaCha
This cheap Argentine eatery serves pizza, pasta and empanadas at outdoor tables. Readers and travelers continually recommend it.
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Museo Etnográfico de Artesanía de Ecuador
Just north of the Mariscal, the small but worthwhile Museo Etnográfico de Artesanía de Ecuador exhibits the artwork, clothing and utensils of Ecuador’s indigenous people, with special emphasis on the peoples of the Oriente. It’s run by the outstanding Fundación Sinchi Sacha, and there’s a pleasant café on-site.
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Centro Comercial Quicentro
Centro Comercial Quicentro Centros comerciales (shopping malls) are nearly identical to their North American counterparts and sell international brands. This mall is open every day (from about 10:00 to 20:30) and has fast-food restaurants inside.
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Pim’s
Inside the Parque Itchimbia, this new outpost of the Pim’s chain offers fantastic views over the city. Enjoy tasty traditional Ecuadorian fare, plus sandwiches and cocktails in the elegant, if somewhat stuffy, dining room, or on the outside patio.
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Maqui
If you're interested in a finer 'panama' hat than those you see all over the Mariscal, visit the store of Miriam Kelz, who puts the finishing touches on some of Quito's most stylish straw hats.
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Hasta La Vuelta, Señor
Ecuadorian cuisine is prepared with panache at this excellent restaurant with balcony seating. Reliable favorites include ceviche, secos de chivo, tilapia and sea bass.
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Adam's Rib
Adam's has been grilling up US-style ribs and barbecued meats since 1986. And with a bar, pool table and satellite TV, it's no wonder there's a faithful stream of expats.
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La Briciola
This longtime favorite has an outstanding and varied menu. The portions are large and the wine is fairly priced. Make a reservation if you hope to eat before 9:30pm.
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Aladdin’s
This extremely popular souk-themed restaurant serves great falafel and shawarma sandwiches, as well as main courses. Giant hookahs attract the hipsters.
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Sake
This is Quito’s premier sushi restaurant, a trendy, upscale place with outstanding food. Reservations are a must on weekends.
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chiQuito
This intimate and artsy café makes for a perfect lunch or coffee break during a leisurely walk down to Guápulo.
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Siam
Siam cooks up delicious Thai food, served in a cozy upstairs dining room amid Eastern art and relaxing music.
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Tatoo
This is Ecuador's top brand of outdoor-wear, and the prices are as high as the quality.
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Language Courses
Studying Spanish is the perfect excuse for a prolonged stay in Quito. There are more than 80 Spanish schools in Quito, with classes for all levels. Courses can last anywhere from a couple of days to months or more. Most schools offer one-on-one instruction and can arrange accommodations with local families. Make sure you get what you want by visiting several schools before deciding. Rates for private lessons vary. Some charge an inscription fee.
Recommended schools include: Beraca, Bipo & Toni's, Ecole Idiomas, Guayasamín Spanish School, San Francisco Language Institute and Vida Verde.
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Uncle Ho’s
Sleek and slender, Uncle Ho’s whips up tasty bowls of pho (noodle soup), sea bass with chili and lime over rice noodles, glazed spare ribs and other Vietnamese hits. Eat at the counter or grab an outdoor table on the quiet street in front.
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Zócalo
Zócalo is a popular, buzzy place, with a prime, 2nd-floor location, situated right in the hub of the Mariscal Sucre. The atmosphere is fun and the food (snacks, Mexican-style dishes etc) is decent.
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Parque La Alameda
From the northeast edge of the old town the long, triangular Parque La Alameda begins its grassy crawl toward the new town. At the southern apex of the park stands the Simón Bolívar monument. Toward the middle of the park are statues of the members of the 1736-44 French Académie des Sciences expedition that surveyed Ecuador and made the equatorial measurements that gave rise to the metric system.
Nearby, the Quito Observatory, which was opened by President García Moreno in 1864, is the oldest observatory on the continent.
At the north end of La Alameda - an area popular with picnickers on weekends - is a pair of ornamental lakes, where rowboats can be hired.
Nearby, bet…
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Monastery of San Francisco
Walking from the old town's narrow colonial streets into the open Plaza San Francisco reveals one of the finest sights in all of Ecuador - a sweeping cobblestone plaza backed by the long whitewashed walls and twin bell towers of Ecuador's oldest church, the Monastery of San Francisco. With its giant plaza and its mountainous backdrop of Volcán Pichincha this is surely one of Quito's highlights.
Construction of the monastery began only a few weeks after the founding of Quito in 1534, but the building was not finished until 70 years later. It is the city's largest colonial structure. The founder was the Franciscan missionary Joedco Ricke, who is credited with being the fir…
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Ecuador Eco Lodge
6 days (ex Quito)
by Intrepid
Wander the backstreets of Quito's Old Town, Fall in love with the lush Amazon Jungle , Mingle with friendly locals, Visit an exotic butterfly farm, Canoe down t…Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,000 -
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Plaza Grande
While wandering around colonial Quito, you'll probably pass through the Plaza Grande (formally known as Plaza de la Independencia) several times. The austere white building on the northwest side of the plaza (between Chile and Espejo) with the national flag flying atop is the Palacio del Gobierno (Presidential Palace; García Moreno). The president does indeed carry out business in this building, so sightseeing is limited to the entrance. Inside, a mural depicts Francisco de Orellana's descent of the Amazon. The guard at the gate may allow you in to take a look.
On the southwest side of the plaza stands Quito's recently painted cathedral with religious paintings by severa…
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