Quito – Top Sites to Visit

Visitors to Quito will find that many of the top sites are located along with the variously promoted walking tours, including a high concentration of tourist sites in the “Old Town”. Many of Quito’s most popular tourist attractions are located outdoors, including many natural locations such as botanical gardens and volcanos to be explored. Visitors in search of history will be delighted to find that the city is especially focused on the preservation and restoration of its historical sites, with many dating back to the 1500s or even earlier.

Quito Botanical Garden

Consisting of an area of more than 18,000 square meters, the Quito Botanical Garden opened in 1989. It holds a collection of plants from both Ecuador as well as countries from around the world. Ecuador is considered one of the richest countries with regards to its native botanical species, with many of these species represented here in the garden. Visitors will be able to browse a range of collections that include various streams and waterfalls. Collections include those focused on aquatic plants, orchids, medicinal plants, fruit trees, and more. The park is also home to a wide array of native bird species. The garden is located adjacent to the Museum of Natural Sciences.

Address: Interior Parque, Pasaje # 34, Rumipamba E6-264 Y, Quito 170135
Phone: +593 2-333-2516
Operating Hours:
– Monday 10:00am – 3:00pm
– Tuesday 10:00am – 3:00pm
– Wednesday 10:00am – 3:00pm
– Thursday 10:00am – 3:00pm
– Friday 10:00am – 3:00pm
– Saturday 10:00am – 3:00pm
– Sunday 10:00am – 3:00pm
Admission Cost:
– Adults $3.50
– Children $2.00
– Students $2.00
– Third age $1.75
– Disabled person (card) $0
Website

Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesus (Church of the Society of Jesus)

Also referred to locally as La Compañía, this church includes a façade carved from volcanic stone. It is considered one of the most important designs using baroque architecture in the world. One of Quito’s most popular tourist attractions, the church is valued for its connections to culture, art, and economy. Various Popes have visited the structure, including masses held by Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis. The initial temple construction work began in 1597; the modern building has been in existence for over 160 years. Various works of art as well as an array of sculptures are included inside and outside of the church.

Address: García Moreno N10-43, Quito 170401
Phone: +593 2-258-4175
Operating Hours:
– Monday 9:30am – 6:30pm
– Tuesday 9:30am – 6:30pm
– Wednesday 9:30am – 6:30pm
– Thursday 9:30am – 6:30pm
– Friday 9:30am – 5:30pm
– Saturday 9:30am – 4:15pm
– Sunday 12:30am – 4:15pm
Admission Cost:
– Foreign Adult $5.00
– Foreign Student $2.50
– National Adult $2.50
– National University Student $1.00
– National Secondary Student $0.50
Website (unofficial)

TelefériQo

The TelefériQo is a gondola lift that runs from the city center up the Pichincha Volcano to a lookout point referred to as Cruz Loma. The lift is one of the highest in the world, rising from an elevation of 3,117 meters to 3,945 meters. The total traveling time (one-way) takes approximately 20 minutes. Opened in July of 2005, it is a tourist attraction as well as a gateway to hiking the summit of Pichincha. Visitors who journey to the lookout point will be met with amazing views of Quito and the surrounding mountain ranges. The point also includes a public restroom and a small café with shops. The base of the operation includes an amusement park, several restaurants, a food court, and a go-kart track. Visitors should be aware that the height of the summit may cause altitude sickness.

Address: Fulgencio Araujo, y, Quito 170527
Phone: +593 2-222-2996
Operating Hours:
– Monday 9:30am – 6:00pm
– Tuesday 9:30am – 6:00pm
– Wednesday 9:30am – 6:00pm
– Thursday 9:30am – 6:00pm
– Friday 9:30am – 6:00pm
– Saturday 8:00am – 7:00pm
– Sunday 8:00am – 7:00pm
Admission Cost:
Promotional rates
– Presenting the Ecuadorian identity card
– Under 18 years of age $2.99
– Adults  $4.99
– Seniors – disabled $2.50
– Fast Pass (non-enabled rate) $7.50
Unique rates
– Under 18 years of age $7.00
– Adults  $8.50
– Seniors – disabled $6.50
– Fast Pass (non-enabled rate) $11.00
**Children are admitted from 18 months of age
Special rates
– Bike one climb  $4.99
– Bike all day  $8.50
– Pet  $4.99
Website

Parque La Carolina

The 670,000 square meter Parque La Carolina is located in Quito’s central business district. Opened in 1929, the park has played host to major events in the city including a giant Catholic mass headed by Pope John Paul II in 1985. A large cross has been built in the place to commemorate the event. The park is often busy on weekends as many locals use it to play soccer and basketball. Visitors can enjoy leisurely outdoor activities such as running, aerobics, and kite flying within the park. The southern portion of the park includes a pond with paddle boats that can be rented, as well as a skatepark for skateboarders. The Quito Exhibition Center, Quito Botanical Garden, and Vivarium are located in the Western portion of the park.

Address: Av. de los Shyris, Quito
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours:
– Monday 5:00am – 10:00pm
– Tuesday 5:00am – 10:00pm
– Wednesday 5:00am – 10:00pm
– Thursday 5:00am – 10:00pm
– Friday 5:00am – 10:00pm
– Saturday 5:00am – 10:00pm
– Sunday 5:00am – 10:00pm
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website (unofficial)

Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City)

Located 26 kilometers to the north of Quito’s city center, the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo marks the exact location of the equator. A 30-meter-tall monument in the location also commemorates the mission which fixed the location. The monument grounds include a yellow line that showcases the divide of the northern and southern hemispheres. Other attractions include a planetarium, several restaurants, and a miniature model of Quito. The location also plays host to various musical and cultural events on weekends and public holidays. The Museo Etnográfico Mitad del Mundo is located here and includes exhibits that showcase the indigenous people of Ecuador.

Address: Av. Manuel Córdova Galarza SN, Quito
Phone: +593 2-239-4803
Operating Hours:
– Monday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Tuesday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Wednesday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Thursday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Saturday 9:00am – 6:00pm
– Sunday 9:00am – 6:00pm
Admission Cost:
– Adults $5
– Children from 6 to 11 years old and seniors $2.50
Website

Capilla del Hombre

Located in the Bellavista district that overlooks the city of Quito, La Capilla del Hombre is a purpose-built art structure and museum designed by painter Oswaldo Guayasamin. The structure was initially developed in 1995 but would only be finished after the artists death, in 2002. Visitors to the location will enjoy various artworks by Guayasamin including murals and sculptures. Although it does not contain as many pieces of his art as the nearby museum, the chapel serves as a unique location that gives tone and atmosphere to his pieces. The artwork style produced by Guayasamin focuses on the pain and suffering of many Latin American’s due to the ongoing violence that occurs throughout the region.

Address: E18-94 Mariano Calvache, y, Quito 170135
Phone: +593 2-244-8492
Operating Hours:
– Monday 9:30am – 4:40pm
– Tuesday 9:30am – 4:40pm
– Wednesday 9:30am – 4:40pm
– Thursday 9:30am – 4:40pm
– Friday 9:30am – 4:40pm
– Saturday 9:30am – 4:40pm
– Sunday closed
Admission Cost:
– Adults $ 10.00
– Children from 6 years old, students with ID, seniors, and people with disabilities $ 5.00
Website