To further acquaint yourself with Ecuador’s flora and fauna, head to the curious natural-history museum inside the Instituto Nacional de Bioversidad in Parque La Carolina. Contemplating the thousands of dead insects and arachnids on display is a good way to rile your nerves before a trip to the Oriente.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
3.08 MILES
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
2.15 MILES
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
1.19 MILES
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
1.16 MILES
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…
Mitad del Mundo
12.8 MILES
At the center of the Mitad del Mundo stands the centerpiece of the park: a 30m-high, stone trapezoidal monument topped by a brass globe containing a…
Museo Nacional
1.79 MILES
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…
Catedral Metropolitana
3.01 MILES
On Plaza Grande's southwest side stands Quito's cathedral. Although not the most ornate of the Old Town’s churches, it has some fascinating works by…
Museo Franciscano
3.11 MILES
To the right of the Iglesia de San Francisco’s main entrance, and within the Convent of St Francis, this museum contains some of the church’s finest…
Nearby Quito attractions
1. Jardín Botánico
0.05 MILES
Parque La Carolina’s most popular attraction is this peacefully set botanical garden with native habitats covering páramo (high-altitude Andean grasslands…
2. Vivarium
0.1 MILES
Provide fodder for your jungle fears with a visit to the Vivarium, home to 40 species of reptiles and amphibians including snakes, iguanas, turtles, frogs…
3. Parque La Carolina
0.18 MILES
North of Mariscal Sucre lies expansive Parque La Carolina. The attractively landscaped park fills on weekends with families who come out for paddleboats,…
4. Mundo Juvenil
0.18 MILES
An interactive museum featuring life-size animatronic dinosaurs, a planetarium, a library and a theater as well as temporary exhibitions are among the…
5. Centro Cultural Mexicano
0.85 MILES
Features great monthly exhibits of Mexican artists and other cultural events celebrating Mexican culture.
6. Mindalae – Museo Etnográfico de Artesanía de Ecuador
0.9 MILES
Just north of Mariscal Sucre, this worthwhile museum has displays on the spiritual beliefs and practices, artwork, clothing and utensils of Ecuador’s…
7. Mirador de Guápulo
1.15 MILES
The views from the lookout platform are magnificent: on a clear day, you can see Volcán Cayambe and Cerro Puntas as well as the upscale suburb of Cumbayá …
8. Capilla del Hombre
1.16 MILES
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…