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Sunset in Quito, Ecuador

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Overview

A capital city high in the Andes, Quito is dramatically situated, squeezed between mountain peaks whose greenery is concealed by the afternoon mist. Modern apartment buildings and modest concrete homes creep partway up the slopes, and busy commercial thoroughfares lined with shops and choked with traffic turn into peaceful neighborhoods on Sundays. Warm and relaxed, traditional Ecuadorian Sierra culture – overflowing market stands, shamanistic healers, fourth-generation hatmakers – mixes with a vibrant and sophisticated culinary and nightlife scene.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Central nave and altar inside La Compania de Jesus (Church of the Society of Jesus).

    Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

    Quito

    Capped by green-and-gold domes, La Compañía de Jesús is Quito’s most ornate church and a standout among the baroque splendors of the Old Town. Free guided…

  • TelefériQo

    TelefériQo

    Quito

    For spectacular views over Quito’s mountainous landscape, hop aboard this sky tram, one of the world's highest aerial lifts, that takes passengers on a 2…

  • Casa Museo Guayasamín

    Casa Museo Guayasamín

    Quito

    In the former home of the legendary painter Oswaldo Guayasamín (1919–99), this wonderful museum houses the most complete collection of the artist's work…

  • Capilla del Hombre

    Capilla del Hombre

    Quito

    One of the most important works of art in South America, Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín’s Capilla del Hombre stands next to the Casa Museo…

  • Palacio de Gobierno

    Palacio de Gobierno

    Quito

    The low white building on the northwestern side of Plaza Grande is the seat of the Ecuadorian presidency. Visitors can enter by joining a free guided tour…

  • Museos Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana

    Museos Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana

    Quito

    Newly reopened following a full-scale makeover, Museos Casa de la Cultura encompasses three museums in a single bright, modern space. The expansive Museo…

  • QUITO, ECUADOR- MARCH 20, 2015: Inside La Carolina park in Quito, Ecuador. Beautiful green outdoors with some tall office buildings marking the city presence.; Shutterstock ID 320378906; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; GL account no.: 56530; Netsuite department name: Online Design; Full Product or Project name including edition: Digital Content/Sights

    Parque La Carolina

    Quito

    North of Mariscal Sucre lies expansive Parque La Carolina. The attractively landscaped park fills on weekends with families who come out for paddleboats,…

  • UNSPECIFIED - CIRCA 1900: Pre-Columbian civilization, La Tolita culture - Ecuador, 5th century b.C.-5th century A.D. Golden sun mask. From La Tolita Island. (Photo By DEA / G. DAGLI ORTI/De Agostini/Getty Images)

    Museo Nacional

    Quito

    Located in the circular, glass-plated, landmark building of the Casa de la Cultura is one of the country’s largest collections of Ecuadorian art, with…

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Planning Tools

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Best Things to Do

Discover the best things to do in Quito, from exploring historic churches to visiting vibrant markets and stunning viewpoints in Ecuador's capital city.

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