Planning your trip to Quito can be very exciting. It is a big city with many attractions to visit. In this article, we will give you a brief summary of 6 tourist attractions in Quito that you cannot miss on your trip to the Ecuadorian capital.
1. The historic center of Quito: The best preserved historic center of the continent.
The historic center of Quito is a mandatory place, where you will see buildings with a colonial architecture. The Ecuadorian capital has the best historical case of the continent, its buildings are impressive and its beautiful squares.
La Ronda is the oldest and best preserved street in Quito. Its streets are decorated with beautiful mansions, flags and small balconies. In La Ronda you can experience the culture of the ancient city and spend a wonderful time in some of its cafes, shops, restaurants and street vendors.
In the old city, you will also find beautiful squares such as Plaza San Francisco and Plaza Independencia. You will also find the Tianguez craft market.
2. Mitad del Mundo: The place where the northern and southern hemispheres meet.
The Middle of the World is the place where the Northern and Southern hemispheres meet, just at the latitude of the equator. Visitors love taking photos on the yellow line that places them in two hemispheres at the same time.
It is without a doubt, the most popular attraction in Quito. However, where this attraction is located is not really half the world, since zero latitude is located a few meters north of this monument, in the Intiñan Museum. And although some say that neither site is half the world, the latter is closer.
3. Cable car: The attraction where you can see the city from 4,100 feet.
The cable car is the best way to see Quito, taking you at a height of 4,100 meters above the city. It is the highest gondola trip in South America, and one of the highest air travel in the world. If the sky is clear, you will have spectacular views of the city and the surroundings of the city.
The recommendation to visit the cable car is to go early in the morning, since the fog usually appears later. Be sure to wear a sweater or a good coat, because there is usually wind and cold weather.
At the base of the Cable Car is the Vulqano amusement park. If you have young children, it may be a good idea to book a little time after your trip to Pichincha Volcano.
4. City Museum: The place where you will learn the history of the city.
When visiting the museum of the city you will enter the history of Quito, taking a tour from the initial indigenous traditions, passing through the Incas, the time of the conquerors and until the 19th century.
This museum is a UNESCO world heritage site, located in a beautiful 16th century building, which was the San Juan de Dios Hospital.
5. Artisan Market La Mariscal: The largest artisan market in Quito, with a great variety of artisan products.
This is the largest craft market in Quito. If you are looking for souvenirs and gifts at attractive prices, then La Mariscal should definitely be on your list of tourist attractions in Quito. Some tourists say that it is a small Otavalo market within the city.
6. Itchimbia Park: The park with beautiful views and a cultural center.
Quito has many beautiful parks, but if you only have time to visit one, it should be the Itchimbia. This park is situated on a hill and offers incredible views of the city.
Its main attraction is the Itchimbia Cultural Center. It is a beautiful building made of iron and glass, there you can see art exhibitions and cultural events.
Other parks in Quito that you have to visit are Parque El Ejido and Parque La Carolina.
Which tourist attractions in Quito will you visit?
We hope you liked this article and add several of Quito’s tourist attractions to your itinerary for your next trip.
Also, we would love to know what are the attractions you plan to visit in Quito and what other places in Ecuador you are going to go.
At Hotel Antinea we wait for you to spend a wonderful holiday, that is your resting place for your next business trip.