Mindo
Popular with local families on weekends, this series of cascades is the easiest to access in the area. However, it still entails either a trip on the tarabita (cable car) or a fairly steep path 2km or so past it. A few spots are roped off for swimming (in the dry season) and there's a rudimentary slide that ends several feet above the water, making for a fun and splashy entry, as does a 12-meter jump for the daring.
A taxi from town runs at $6 to $8.
Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
19.5 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…
18.42 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…
21.32 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…
21.29 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…
19.52 MILES
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
20.22 MILES
Newly reopened following a full-scale makeover, Museos Casa de la Cultura encompasses three museums in a single bright, modern space. The expansive Museo…
21.19 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…
20.22 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…
1.25 MILES
This unique, small motor-powered (2002 Nissan!) cable car takes you soaring across a lush river basin over thick cloud forest to the Bosque Protector…
1.27 MILES
Mindo's best butterfly garden is like walking through a paint factory with the fans set to slow – a stunning kaleidoscope. Visit in the warmest part of…
1.97 MILES
Check out the blooms at this impressive collection of more than 200 orchids – many viewable with a handy microscope. Naturally, the garden is also full of…
18.42 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…
18.46 MILES
This theme park on the flanks of Volcán Pichincha has rides for all the family.
18.65 MILES
Up the flanks of Volcán Pichincha, this monument offers one of the finest views of the city. It was built at the site of the May 1822 Batalla de Pichincha…
19.09 MILES
Overlooking the Old Town, this beautiful 17th-century Franciscan convent sits in a quiet courtyard behind thick walls. Inside, you’ll find outstanding…
19.1 MILES
Housed in a stunning modern glass building on the lower slopes of Pichincha, at the site of the city's first water distribution tanks, this museum tells…