Quito, Ecuador
Quito sprawls through an Andean valley at 2,850 meters, its colonial old town—the first UNESCO World Heritage Site—surrounded by volcanic peaks and snow-capped mountains. Ecuador's capital offers perhaps South America's best-preserved historic center, where baroque churches, monasteries, and plazas create a living museum of colonial architecture. The equator line lies just north of the city, offering the iconic photo opportunity of straddling hemispheres. Quito serves as gateway to the Galápagos Islands, Amazon rainforest, and cloud forests, making it an essential hub for one of the world's most biodiverse nations.
Top Attractions in Quito
- Historic Center — Quito's UNESCO-listed old town is South America's largest and best-preserved colonial center. Over 40 churches and 6,000 registered historic buildings fill the compact area, including the ornate Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús—often called the most beautiful church in the Americas. Wandering the steep streets reveals architectural treasures around every corner.
- La Compañía de Jesús — The Jesuit church took 160 years to build and features an interior covered in gold leaf so lavish that legends claim it used seven tons of gold. The baroque facade and even more elaborate interior represent colonial religious art at its most excessive—overwhelming yet undeniably impressive. Photography is prohibited, demanding your full attention.
- Mitad del Mundo — The monument marking the equator line 26 kilometers north of Quito is Ecuador's most visited site. While the original monument misses the actual equator by 240 meters, the nearby Intiñan Solar Museum sits on the GPS-verified line and offers hands-on experiments—balancing eggs, watching water drain differently on each side.
- TelefériQo — The gondola ride to Cruz Loma (4,050m) on the slopes of Volcán Pichincha offers stunning views over Quito and surrounding peaks on clear days. At the top, hiking trails reach even higher viewpoints, while the thin air reminds visitors of the extraordinary altitude. The best visibility occurs in morning before clouds build.
- Basilica del Voto Nacional — The largest neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas features gargoyles in the form of Ecuadorian animals—turtles, iguanas, armadillos—instead of traditional European creatures. Climbing the steep towers (including rickety ladders) rewards with panoramic views over the old town and surrounding mountains. Not for those afraid of heights.
Travel Info
- Best time to visit: June to September
- Average temperature: 15°C (59°F) annual average
- Currency: USD (Dollar)
Typical Costs
- Quick Lunch (Almuerzo): $3 – $5
- Dinner (Mid-range Restaurant): $15 – $30
- Coffee (Café con Leche): $2 – $4
- Trolebus (Single Ride): $0.25
- Airport Transfer (UIO to Centro): $25 – $35