Quito

Go to Mitad del Mundo

A giant letter N and letter S are formed on the ground, falling either side of a yellow line. Each represents a hemisphere of the earth, alerting visitors to the fact that they are straddling the equator! With the country’s official name translating to The Republic of the Equator, it’s geographic position plays an important role in Ecuador’s history and culture. Mitad del Mundo isn’t just about stepping over a line for a photo, you can visit an ethnographic museum and learn of the country’s natural history as well as the obscure physical phenomena associated with being on the middle of the earth. Mitad del Mundo is an essential element of Quito travel.

Visit the Virgin of El Panecillo

Once home to a temple in which Indians worshiped the sun, the 200-metre hill of El Panecillo has history and spiritual significance that dates well before the stone Madonna statue was built there in 1976. Visiting the monument offers extensive views across Quito, as well as the chance to shop local arts and crafts on sale in the area. Not surprisingly this is one of the most popular things to do in Quito.

Cheer in Atahualpa Olympic Stadium

Capable of hosting more than 35,000 sports enthusiasts, Atahualpa Olympic Stadium was built in 1948 and opened in 1951, named after an Incan prince. Located just 7-kilometres from Quito’s historic centre, it is an easy day out that should feature on any visit to the city, particularly if there’s a chance to catch a football match. It is currently used for home matches by Deportivo Quito, El Nacional and Universidad Católica, and is a regular playing field of the Ecuadorian national football team.

Take Pichincha Teleférico

The gondola lift of Quito, coined the TelefériQo, takes those without acrophobia along the edges of the city, nudging past the active stratovolcano of Pichincha. It finally arrives at Cruz Loma lookout after ascending some 800-metres over nearly 20-minutes, making it one of the highest air cable cars in the world, reaching almost 4,000 metres above sea level. The reward is breathtaking views at a little cafe to enjoy it from. A glass of water and carb loaded meal may be in order to beat of the altitude sickness.

Explore La Floresta

Enchanting boutique art galleries, bustling cafes and streets filled with statement graffiti - this is just some of what you’ll find tucked in Quito’s urban parish of La Floresta. Neoclassical mansions and wild flowers make the area distinctly different from other parts of the city, owing to the reputation it is gaining both locally and abroad. Catch a foreign film in the area cinema or waste a night in a moody jazz bar, this district is sure to cement your love affair with Quito.

Visit the Artisan Market in Plaza Foch

The brightly coloured woven works of Ecuador have become adored across the globe, and nowhere will you find them in more abundance than here at the markets of Plaza Foch. From hammocks to bags, blankets to beanies, you can expect the insides of your backpack to look a lot brighter after a trip here. Many other local goods can be picked up here such as jewellery, paintings, and leather goods, as well as many snacks to keep your inner shopperholick fuelled.

Day of the Dead

Known locally as Día de los Difuntos or “Day of the Deceased”, Ecuadorians honour their ancestors on this special day with plenty of sweet food and drinks as well as a trip to their local cemetery to cover their beloved's graves and tombstones in flowers, photos and trinkets. Employ the skills of a Quito guide to truly understand this festival.

Fiestas de Quito

Opera and theatre performances, flamenco dancing, and bull running are just some of the cultural activities that bring Quito to life during Fiestas de Quito. Honouring the foundations of Quito as a city, the celebrations last for one week commencing at the end of November. The open party busses that roam the city with live bands on board are not to be missed.

Festival Internacional Quito Jazz

Global, contemporary jazz music lifts the city of Quito to new heights during Festival Internacional Quito Jazz. Films, music and discussions on the topic of jazz fill 11 energetic days, with unique ancestral sounds overlaying traditional beats, inspiring interest from thousands of Ecuadorians.

Festival de Cine Planeta Azul

Ocean conservationists take note: this is a festival worth flying to Ecuador to attend. The Blue Planet Marine Film Festival or ‘Festival de Cine Planeta Azul’ celebrates films about the ocean, simultaneously focusing on its conservation.

Festival Encuentro Intercolegial de Danza

The talent of Ecuadorian youth is front and centre at Festival Encuentro Intercolegial de Danza, an intercollege dance festival held at Capitol Theatre in Quito. Brightly coloured costumes, performance and movement nod to the country’s current culture and the bright future that sits ahead.

La Capilla del Hombre

Though the subject of human suffering and violence in Latin America doesn’t sound too uplifting, visiting La Capilla del Hombre offers a wealth of insight into the culture and politics of the region. The building itself is found in Bellavista and offers impressive views over the city of Quito, making it one of the most popular Quito attractions.

City Museum

Spearmint ceilings and delicate arches mark the City Museum found in Quito’s historic colonial centre. From 1565 to 1974 the building operated as a hospital, a history now told by the exhibits of the museum.

Ciudad Mitad del Mundo

Just 13 countries in the world sit over the equator, with Quito being the nearest capital city to the important geographic line. Not surprisingly important museums and monuments mark its presence, at Ciudad Mitad del Mundo you’ll find a terraced museum and a yellow line which allows you to skip from one hemisphere to the other in a matter of seconds.

Museo Casa del Alabado

Ancient mythology and artistic history run deep in Quito’s Museo Casa del Alabado, where a privately owned collection of pre-Columbian era art and relics feature throughout the 8 rooms of a 17th Century colonial house. With a quaint courtyard and an elegant interior Alabado is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Ecuador for art lovers.

Intiñán museum

Jump from northern to southern hemisphere in a matter of seconds at Intinan Solar Museum, the so-called home of the “true equator.” Here at latitude 0° you can take the equator water test to discover which way will it drain down a sink, and stroll around dioramas and interactive demonstrations portraying Ecuadorian life.

Choclo

Cuy (Guinea Pig)

Langostinos

Librillo

Arroz con Pollo (or Camarones)