Try the free La Floresta's Street Art Tour if you want to learn about the city from a native how to navigate it on foot. Like many other cities across the world, Quito has a unique area covered in street art. Three hours will be spent making your way through ancient homes while you discover more about Ecuador's colorful past, as well as its vibrant murals and thriving graffiti art culture. You will visit the renowned Ocho Y Medio, a unique independent cinema, as part of the excursion.

La Floresta's Street Art offers a more stylish, affluent atmosphere that has an emphasis on conceptual art rather than traditional art, in contrast to the bohemian ambience of La Ronda. This is also known as "the region of the snobbish artists," if you ask a local. La Floresta's Street Art is where the distinctive graffiti murals may be found on walls, entire buildings, and even light poles. But perhaps what gives this street its edge are the historically significant homes that have been vividly painted and the tree-lined streets that wind around cutting-edge art studios.

Without sampling some of the mouthwatering coffee and regional delights, no visit of Quito would be complete. This activity is happy to accommodate a break at a nearby coffee shop to be refreshed. You will have a better grasp of Quito's lively culture and friendly residents after taking this tour.

Location: Quito, Ecuador

Phone: +593 98 996 7689

Opening hours: 10:30 am - 5:30 pm

Rating: 5.0/5.0, 234 Tripadvisor reviews

Website: quitofreewalkingtour.com

The capital of Ecuador is one of several significant cities along the Ring of Fire, and it perfectly contrasts the craziness of the city center with the life on the volcano. The Teleferico, a glass gondola that travels 10 minutes from downtown Quito to the Andean mountains' wildest regions, is where Quito's adventure epicenter is located. Please take note, acrophobics.

Visit the Quito Teleferico for breath-taking scenery and a thrilling journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat. One of the world's tallest aerial lifts is this sky tram. Even though the journey only lasts for ten minutes, you'll be amazed by the vistas of Quito as it ascends the slope of Volcan Pichincha and rests on Cruz Loma. Please be aware that the mountain is cooler than the city and prone to fog, especially in the mornings, due to its higher height and the wind that blows there. For some people, the height of the upper station is enough to trigger altitude sickness symptoms.

You can start a five-hour high-altitude climb to the Ruca, one of the volcano's three summits, once you reach the summit of the active but dormant volcano. Or you may just enjoy the breathtaking views of one of the tallest cities in the world. Additionally, a swing is located at the top for the ideal Instagram shot. Teleferico is open every day except holidays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Teleferico is among one of the Best Places To Visit In Quito.

Address: Avenida Mariscal Sucre & Calle Fulgencio Araujo, Quito, Pichincha 170527

Phone: +593 2-222-2996

Opening hours: 8 am - 8 pm

Rating: 4.5/5.0, 4606 Tripadvisor reviews

Website: https://teleferico.com.ec/

Start your tour of Quito's UNESCO heritage at the National Basilica, which dominates the city's skyline - Basilica del Voto Nacional. It rises 377 feet above the historic center and is the largest neo-Gothic church in South America. The architectural marvel's interior, which features 24 different chapels, elaborate stained glasswork, and one-of-a-kind gargoyles that were inspired by Ecuadorian animals, is where it is most appreciated. Technically, the basilica is still "unfinished." According to local lore, the world will end when the Basilica del Voto Nacional is finished.

Don't stop there though. The ancient city is home to at least twenty historic churches and convents. La Compaia de Jess, Quito's version of the Sistine Chapel, and the San Francisco Convent and Monastery, the oldest monastery in South America, are a couple of additional attractions worth visiting.

Although the Basilica del Voto Nacional is tough for the faint of heart, an elevator is also accessible. Furthermore, if you don't mind heights, it's definitely worth the $2 to climb the towers and see Quito from the rooftop. For the finest photography light, schedule your tour for either early morning or late afternoon. Keep an eye out for the gargoyles on the building's facade. Ecuador's native animals have been whimsically etched into the façade by the sculptors. Traditional goblins and religious figures are replaced by armadillos, tortoises, birds, and dolphins.

Address: Carchi 122 y Venezuela., Quito 170150 Ecuador

Phone: +593 2-228-9428

Opening hours: 9 am - 5 pm

Rating: 4.5/5.0, 3916 Tripadvisor reviews

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/escolaniabvn/

One of the colonial Old Town's best-preserved streets is La Ronda. A must-see view of contemporary Quito may be seen on Calle La Ronda, where an old city and a modern metropolis coexist. A colonial town was progressively developed up and around the Inca-made gateway that served as a connection between Quito and Cusco.

The cobbled street is vibrant and bustling, dotted with cafes, art galleries, and the best traditional craftspeople who have been invited by the government to exhibit their work in public. Early in the day, when the neighborhood is still sleeping, is a fantastic time to have a peaceful cup of coffee. Later, both shoppers and tourists fill the street, which is bustling with activity.

Over time, Calle La Ronda unintentionally rose to prominence as a destination for artists, musicians, priests, poets, and travelers. And it continues to be Quito's center of bohemia today. You can stroll along cobblestone alleyways, browse charming galleries, and catch a glimpse of craftsmen working intently on their crafts there. However, it is also home to a variety of micropubs, fine-dining spots, and adorable small churches. Keep an eye out for some of the merchants hidden in the backs of stores or little passageways. They are excellent locations to find souvenirs and preserve traditional crafts, and they showcase the finest of Quito's local culture.

Address: Juan de Dios Morales, Quito, Pichincha 170150

Phone: +593 99 803 6470

Opening hours: all day

Rating: 4.5/5.0, 2565 Tripadvisor reviews

Website: https://www.life-in-ecuador.com/la-ronda-quito.html

The Chapel of Man, a painting by Oswaldo Guayasamn, is located on a hilltop in Bellavista, Ecuador, with a view of Quito. He was a brilliant painter and sculptor from Ecuador who championed the tale of the oppressed. He was of Quechua and Mestizo descent. A specially constructed museum of art devoted to the peoples of Latin America is called The Capilla. Unfortunately, Guayasamn's masterpiece was not finished until 2002, which was after his passing. Construction started in 1995.

Although this chapel has fewer works by Guayasamón than the adjoining foundation and museum, the location offers a setting that is ideal for seeing his paintings. The work of Guayasamón is on display at the Capilla del Hombre as a history of human misery and brutality in Latin America and the rest of the world. Chapel of Man incorporates paintings and sculptures as well as the environment into an artistic depiction of the theme. Oswaldo and Handel Guayasamn collaborated on the design of the structure.

There are many quiet places to pause and consider the thoughts the artist is presenting in the moody, dramatic atmosphere. On the way up to the building, be sure to keep an eye out for all of the street art.

Address: Mariano Calvache E18-94 y Lorenzo Chavez, Quito 170516, Ecuador

Phone: +593 2-244-8492

Opening hours: 10 am - 5 pm

Rating: 4.5/5.0, 1666 Tripadvisor reviews

Website: https://www.pps.org/places/capilla-del-hombre-chapel-of-the-man

El Panecillo, one of the most popular sights in the city, is located on the south side of Old Town, positioned high on the hill overlooking Quito. The La Virgen de Quito, a glowing madonna statue built in 1976 completely of aluminum by Spanish artist Agustin de la Herran Matorras, is housed in this significant Quito landmark. If you can take a trip and catch a peek of Quito and the volcanoes on a clear day, the views are incredible. This can be seen as one of the Best Places To Visit In Quito.

The El Panecillo, also known as the Bread Virgin, is a huge, winged statue of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who bestows her blessing over Quito. The El Panecillo is the world's largest aluminum statue and the tallest statue of Mary. She is named for the loaf-shaped hill she resides on and stands an incredible 135 feet tall—taller than Rio's Christ the Redeemer.

Due to the large concentration of pickpockets known to frequent the area, it is strongly advised that you use a taxi rather than walking there. For the finest perspective, make sure to ascend the stairs to the statue's base. Try to go as early as possible in the morning to avoid the arrival of the clouds. Views of the city are breathtaking from the summit.

Address: Costado del Centro Historico, Quito, Pichincha 170150

Phone: +593 96 890 2961

Opening hours: unknown

Rating: 4.5/5.0, 1602 Tripadvisor reviews

Website: https://es.foursquare.com/v/artesanias-el-panecillo/4eb5b53b991165b7628875e0

Another Best Place To Visit In Quito is The Plaza de la Independencia. The Plaza de la Independencia, which links the downtown area of Montevideo with the Ciudad Vieja, is the city's most significant square. Quito's neighborhood of Plaza de Independencia is what earned this Inca city the UNESCO seal of recognition. It is referred described as "the best-preserved, least changed historic center in Latin America" by the agency. Here you can find the Palacio Salvo and the Teatro Sols, two of the city's most well-known landmarks. The José Artigas Mausoleum, which contains the bones of the man who declared Uruguay's independence from Spain at the start of the 19th century, dominates the formal square's center.

Eloy Alfaro, the president of Ecuador, granted numerous requests from the local government to build a monument in the Plaza to honor the 100th anniversary of the "first cry of freedom" In 1898, it was decided to replace the fountain, which had been relocated to the southwest corner of the square, with a French sculpture. The "Independence Monument" was revealed and the colonial name, "Plaza Grande," was changed to "Plaza de la Independencia" in a public ceremony in 1906.

It is ideal to set aside at least a half-day to explore Plaza de la Independencia, starting with a trip to the Metropolitan Cathedral and finishing with some retail therapy at Palacio Arzobispal. Be sure to pause for the 11 a.m. changing of the guards at the Palacio de Carondelet, the presidential palace, if you're there on Monday. After that, visit the palace and have a meeting with Guillermo Lasso, the current leader. Visitors must spend some time in one of Quito's well-liked plazas where people congregate. Take in the local customs and see how people interact. Buskers and street food sellers are also included in the available activities.

Address: Calle Venezuela, Quito, Pichincha
Phone: +593 2-257-0123
Opening hours: unknown
Rating: 4.5/5.0, 1495 Tripadvisor reviews
Website: http://www.quito.com.ec/que-visitar/centro-historico/plaza-grande-y-sus-alrededores

Pre-Columbian art is the focus of the Ecuadorian museum Museo Casa del Alabado, which is situated in Quito's old district. Since it prioritizes the aesthetics of the object over the historical topic of Ecuadorian archaeology, despite dealing with the social processes of pre-Hispanic Ecuador, the museum is not only dedicated to archaeology. It might be argued that the museological script draws inspiration from the idea of human divinization as a result of his interaction with the forces of nature, or apus.

The Museo Casa del Alabado, which is close to Plaza San Francisco's central square, showcases the pre-Columbian existence of native Americans. The rooms are divided up into digestible, tiny bites of related items for visitors. The museum features two rooms for the creation of educational activities, two patios, one café, and 14 permanent exhibition rooms. Additionally, there is a service and customer support department.

Visitors can learn about the interaction between communication, rituals, and nature by taking the tour at Museo Casa del Alabado. The connected things are embellished with images from the heavens, underworld, and middle earth, showing how they are all intertwined. You can get a quick snack, take a little break, and plan your next round of touring in the main courtyard. It is considered as one of the Best Places To Visit In Quito.

Address: Cuenca N 1-41, Bolívar, Near Plaza San Francisco, Quito 170150
Phone: +593 2-228-0940
Opening hours: 9 am - 5 pm
Rating: 4.5/5.0, 811 Tripadvisor reviews
Website: https://alabado.org/inicio/

The Quito Botanical Garden is a park, botanical garden, arboretum, and greenhouse with a total area of 18,600 square meters. It is located in the Ecuadorian capital city of Quito and is where species of the nation's flora are kept. An recent assessment on the classified Ecuadorian flora found that there are 17,000 species, placing Ecuador among the top 17 countries in the world for native botanical species.

Some refer to it as the Eden of Quito, and if so, such designation is likely deserving given that 1,200 different types of orchids grow on 200,000 square feet in four different habitats. It's the ideal setting for a rainy day spent admiring the magnificent world of plants. The Ecuadorian roses and local medicinal plants are featured in unique exhibitions in the Quito Botanical Garden, which is situated inside Parque La Carolina.

There are also plans for a hydroponic greenhouse with a variety of rose varieties and their hybrids, as well as for the planting of several native and introduced fruit trees in cooperation with nearby schools. You may spend an hour or an entire day here, depending on how much you enjoy greens.

Address: Parque la Carolina, Quito, Pichincha 170506

Phone: +593 2-333-2516

Opening hours: 8 am - 4:45 pm

Rating: 4.5/5.0, 201 Tripadvisor reviews

Website: https://www.jardinbotanicoquito.com/es/

If you enjoy being outside, Quito will suit you just fine. The city includes more than a dozen authorized parks with endless miles of pathways and substantial forested areas. South of Quito, in the neighborhood of El Troje, on Av. Simón Bolvar, is where you'll find the Parque Metropolitano del Sur. Its 750 hectares are regarded as a Safe Point (SS), enabling locals to stay there in the event of potential natural calamities. In addition to providing a wonderful lung for the entire city of Quito, and particularly for the south of the DMQ and the neighboring valleys, the park also revives the city's historical past.

Amounts between 2700 and 3150 meters above sea level have been measured in this region. The park's flora and animals can flourish due to the favorable conditions provided by the heights. The Parque Metropolitano del Sur is home to meandering meadows, eucalyptus forests, and more than 80 different species of birds, all of which are teeming with local wildflowers and orchids. About 80 species of the region's native flora have been identified thus far, including the Santa Maria grass and the pumamaqui tree, which is found in the Andes. A number of wooden playgrounds, tough exercise equipment, and 7 miles of tough paths are interspersed with that.

Address: MF5H+9HG, Quito, Ecuador
Phone: +593 2-252-9231
Opening hours: unknown
Rating: 4.5/5.0, 6 Tripadvisor reviews
Website: http://cmmetropolitano.com/

The equatorial city of Quito is well known for its depiction of the earth's center. The Mitatad del Mundo, a science center, historical landmark, and local pride-sake all rolled into one, floats on the outskirts of the city. You will have the chance to adjust your compass to 00°00'00 there. or to join hands with someone who is located in a different hemisphere. There is a yellow line that purports to be the equator, however the exact location of the equator is thought to be 660 feet (200 meters) away.

Don't let the museum's small size fool you; it contains historical displays about Highland and Amazonian cultures as well as a cozy collection of clothing, textiles, musical instruments, and other items. This is one of the nicest sights to see in Quito when combined with the nearby Middle of the Earth. Make sure to attempt some of the available experiments, where you can even balance an egg on top of a nail and discover a new normal for gravity. Where else is it possible to cross the equator?

Allow enough time to browse the gift shop, which features items made by regional craftsmen. As with the majority of things to do in Quito, starting early is preferable. Additionally, you can buy, eat, and drink all without ever leaving. And don't forget to obtain the coveted equator stamp for your passport in Ciudad Mitad del Mundo.

Address: San Francisco de la Pita OE4-11, San Antonio, Pichincha

Phone: +593 2-239-4803

Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Rating: 4.0/5.0, 3714 Tripadvisor reviews

Website: https://www.mundodelruliman.com/