Quito Ecuador: The Ultimate Travel Destination

Nestled in the Andean foothills, Quito is the capital city of Ecuador and is a city that has managed to preserve its rich history and cultural heritage, while also embracing modernization and progress. With its rich history, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful natural surroundings, Quito is a travel destination that truly has something for everyone.

A Rich Cultural Heritage

Quito is home to many historic and cultural landmarks, such as the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the best-preserved historic city centers in Latin America. This historic district is filled with cobblestone streets, colonial-style architecture, and is a great place to explore on foot.

One of the must-visit attractions in Quito is the Basílica del Voto Nacional, which is the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas. This magnificent church is a true architectural marvel, with its intricate details and stunning stained glass windows.

Another historic site that should not be missed is the Casa del Alabado Museum, which is dedicated to the preservation of the ancient indigenous culture of Ecuador. The museum showcases a collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including ceramics, textiles, and jewelry, and provides visitors with a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Ecuador.

Stunning Natural Surroundings

In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Quito is also surrounded by stunning natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for those who love the outdoors. The city is located near the equator, meaning that it has a unique climate that is perfect for exploring the surrounding areas.

One of the must-visit attractions in Quito is the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, which is an extinct volcano that has been transformed into a lush, green landscape. The reserve is a popular destination for hiking, bird watching, and picnicking, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Another nearby attraction is the Cotopaxi National Park, which is home to the active Cotopaxi volcano, as well as a variety of other natural wonders, including glaciers, lakes, and wildlife. The park is a popular destination for trekking and mountaineering, and is considered one of the most beautiful national parks in South America.

Delicious Cuisine

Quito is also known for its delicious cuisine, which is a fusion of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. One of the must-try dishes in Quito is ceviche, which is a seafood dish made with fresh fish, citrus juices, and spices. Other popular dishes in Quito include ají de gallina, which is a creamy chicken stew, and locro de papas, which is a hearty potato stew.

In addition to traditional Ecuadorian dishes, Quito is also home to a variety of international cuisine options, including Italian, Chinese, and Japanese. No matter what type of cuisine you prefer, you are sure to find something to suit your taste buds in Quito.

A City of Progress

While Quito is a city steeped in history and culture, it is also a city that is embracing progress and modernization. The city is home to a thriving business community, and is considered one of the fastest-growing economies in South America.

In addition to its strong economy, Quito is also a city that is committed to sustainability and environmental conservation. The city has implemented a variety of green initiatives, including a public transportation system that is powered by renewable energy, and a number of parks and public spaces that are dedicated to preserving the city’s natural beauty.

Whether you are a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or just someone looking for a new travel destination, Quito is the perfect place for you. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural surroundings, delicious cuisine, and progressive spirit, Quito is a city that truly has something for everyone. So why wait? Book your trip to Quito today and discover why this city is the ultimate travel destination!

Some of the must see sites in Quito are:

Old Town: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Old Town: UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunningly beautiful part of Quito Ecuador. Nestled in the Andes Mountains, Old Town has retained its colonial architecture and is one of the most well-preserved historical centres in all of Latin America. Its cobblestone streets, colorful markets and impressive plazas make it an essential destination for anyone visiting Quito. This area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 due to its immense cultural significance, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city.

Within Old Town’s maze of streets and alleyways, visitors will find grand churches such as La Compañía de Jesús with its exquisite gold-leaf interior and towering dome; The Metropolitan Cathedral; and San Francisco Church which is home to notable artwork from renowned European painters such as Rubens and Van Dyck.

Panecillo Hill: Virgin Mary Statue

Panecillo Hill is one of the top tourist attractions in Quito, Ecuador. Located at the heart of the city, this hill offers remarkable views of downtown and a unique sight to behold – a 30-meter Virgin Mary statue standing atop it. The ceramic and fiberglass sculpture depicting the Queen of Heaven was built in 1976 to celebrate Quito’s 400th anniversary. It was designed by local artist Eduardo Kingman who took his inspiration from pre-Columbian art and Inca mythology. Visitors can climb Panecillo Hill by foot or take a cable car up to get closer to the beautiful statue that adorns it. From there they can admire stunning 360 degree views of Quito’s historical old town and Moderno areas; as well as snow capped volcanoes in Cotopaxi National Park which lies just outside the city limits.

Teleferico Cable Car Ride

Travelers to Quito, Ecuador should not miss the opportunity to take a ride on the Teleferico cable car – one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. This cable car system is located at Cruz Loma – an area which sits 3,945 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The two-mile journey takes visitors up over 4,050 meters and across Pichincha Volcano where they can take in incredible views of Quito below.

The entire trip lasts around 35 minutes and provides riders with a unique perspective of the city from far above. On clear days, visitors can see all the way out to Cotopaxi Volcano and even across into Colombia! The cars are built for comfort and feature large glass windows so passengers don’t have to worry about missing any incredible sights along their journey.

Historic Churches and Monasteries

Quito Ecuador is home to some of the most spectacular historic churches and monasteries in Latin America. Visitors can explore the remarkable architecture, learn about the history behind them, and marvel at their unique beauty. From the iconic La Compañía de Jesús church to El Monasterio de San Francisco, these sites are must-sees for tourists looking to take in some of Quito’s rich past.

Start your exploration with La Compañía de Jesús which was built from 1605-1768 by Jesuit priests. Its Baroque style features intricate patterns and designs that will astound visitors. Inside lies a gold altar that has been said to be one of the largest in Latin America! El Monasterio de San Francisco is another must-see destination as part of your tour.

Museums and Cultural Centers

Museums and cultural centers are a great way to explore the history, culture, and people of Quito, Ecuador. From the city’s many museums to its vibrant cultural centers, these attractions offer visitors an in-depth look into this South American country.

The most popular museum in Quito is the Museum of Anthropology and Contemporary Art (MAC). This museum showcases artifacts from around Ecuador as well as international works of art. The National Art Gallery is also worth checking out; it’s home to hundreds of paintings and sculptures from some of the nation’s best known artists. Visitors can also learn about the city’s colonial past at Casa del Alabado Museum or explore modern Ecuadorian culture at Fundacion Guayasamin.

Photos from Quito, Ecuador

Quito, Ecuador is a vibrant city full of beautiful sights and attractions. From the stunning churches to the colonial architecture, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this captivating city. Take a look at these incredible photos I took many years ago and get ready to plan your trip to Quito!

The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive in Quito is its gorgeous colonial architecture. Everywhere you turn, old buildings line the narrow cobblestone streets, giving visitors a glimpse into the city’s history. Stroll around Plaza Grande – one of Quito’s main squares – and take in all of its impressive Baroque-style monuments before heading up El Panecillo hill for magnificent views of the city skyline.