Quito, Ecuador Top 5 sites
the best attactions in Ecuador's capital city
The second highest capital city in the world has much more than altitude. There's mountains, culture, and history that has caught the eye of everyone, even UNESCO.
Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is one of the understated gems of large South American cities. It sits at 2,800 meters (9,200 feet), making it the highest capital in the world, and stretching 22 miles long and 2-3 miles wide.
1. Capilla del Hombre - The chapel is considered to be the masterpiece of Andean artist Guayasamín and one of the most important artistic creations in modern Latin America. The 4,000 meter museum was built to resemble a Pre-Colombian temple. It’s a very dramatic setting on top of a hill overlooking the city with lovely gardens. The project began in 1995, but it was finished after his death at the insistence of his heirs. The collection includes paintings and sculptures, as well as an eternal flame in honor of peace and human rights. There’s an onsite café and gift shop where you can buy prints of Guayasamín’s work.
Address: Pasaje Lorenzo Chávez y Mariano Calvache in Bellavista
Tel: 244 8492,
Hours: Tue - Sun 10am–5pm
Admission: $3
2. Teleferiqo - Quito’s new modern attraction, the Teleferiqo, transports visitors from the base of the Pichincha Volcano via cable cars to Cruz Loma at 14,000 feet. Views over Quito’s urban sprawl and the nearby mountains are incomparable. If you have want to make a day of it, you can hike to the summit of Rucu Pichincha in about 5-6 hours (return). Even though you’re not far from the equator, it can become quite cold and the altitude can leave you breathless. Preparation is key. At the base of the lift, the Volcano park has several restaurants, a disco, gift shops, and a small amusement parks. At the top of the lift are more restaurants and shops, even an Oxygen bar. Free tourist buses circle the city and head to the site, but a taxi ride there is fairly inexpensive.”
Admission: $4/$7 for the Express line
For more info: www.teleferiqo.com
3. Iglesia La Compañía de Jesús- Many consider this to be the most beautiful church in South America. Work began on this Jesuit church in 1605, although significant renovations and reconstructions have occurred since. Gold work is very elaborate and decorations cover every single inch of the inside of the church. The church is considered by UNESCO as one of the 100 most important monuments in the world.
Address: García Moreno near Sucre, Old Town
Open: Mon-Fri 10am-1pm and 2-5pm; Sat 10am-1pm
Admission: $2
4. Parque La Alameda and Parque El Ejido- All walks of life can be found strolling through these parks set between the old and new cities. Quito residents and tourists alike can be found relaxing on benches, doing tai chi, playing futbol, selling crafts or eating a meal or snack. There are statues, monuments, a few small ponds, and an astronomical observatory, the oldest in South America.
5. Plaza de la Independencia and the Colonial Center - Named a UNESCO “World Heritage” sites in 1978, Quito’s colonial center is one of the most preserved in South America and recent restorations have added to the charm. Plaza de la Independencia is at the very heart of the colonial center and where some of the most important events in the city’s history have taken place. One of the best restaurants (Mea Culpa) and hotels (Hotel Plaza Grande) can be found here
