Quito is one of those cities that gets a really bad reputation as an extremely “dangerous” city. However, I found that Ecuador’s capital city is beautiful, full of incredible art and history, and overflowing with kind and helpful people. I spent multiple days in Quito throughout my month in Ecuador. Here are my favorite things to do in the city!
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Visit the “Center of the World”
Ecuador is unique in the fact that the equator runs directly through its capital city. While a bit touristy, visiting Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, or “The Center of the World”, is a must.
Your tour guide will show you the science behind various aspects of the world that change depending on what side of the equator you stand on. Water will circle in different directions, upper body strength works differently, and eggs can balance precariously on nails. Crazy!
There are actually TWO locations dedicated to the equator in and around Quito. The first, Mitad del Mundo, is a massive monument in the location where Charles-Marie de La Condamie pinpointed where the equator lies. However, his estimates were a bit off. By 200 meters in fact! Pretty good for a scientist in the 1700s!
The real equator runs through Museo Intinan. Here is where you will actually experience the interactive displays about the science of the equator. Pretty cool!
Climb the Virgin of Quito
Ok, yes, that sounds weird. Let me explain!
The Virgin of Quito is a massive wooden sculpture that overlooks the city. It can be seen from miles away! Also called the Woman of the Apocolypse, the statue shows a virgin woman “cloaked by the sun” after a battle with the devil posing as a dragon. Pretty cool!
You can pay $1 to climb to the top, and the views of the city beneath you are pretty spectacular. However, be warned if you are claustrophobic. The winding staircase to the top is very tight.
Admire Quito from a Rooftop Terrace
Nearly all hostels and hotels in the area have a rooftop terrace and/or bar. It’s the best way to admire the city! Grab a drink and relax after a long day of walking around the city. The city is especially beautiful at night!
Climb to the Top of the Quito Basilica
The BasÃlica del Voto Nacional is absolutely massive. The stunning church is located in the center of the city, and can be seen towering over every other building, from anywhere you look! Visitors can pay to look around inside and climb to the very top. The views of the city from the highest point of the Basilica are incredible!
Note: Many visitors realize too late that your ticket to go inside the Basilica is separate from your ticket to climb to the top. If you are on a budget, be sure to purchase the correct ticket!
Go on a Chocolate Tasting Tour
Ecuador is famous for its chocolate. What better way to indulge in the culture than to go on a tasting tour?
I did a chocolate tour in the Republica del Cacao, a famous chocolate shop in Quito near Independence Square. Here, they go in-depth on the different kinds of chocolates, how they are made, and where each type is from throughout the country. The shop has a cafe as well, full of some of the most incredible chocolate pastries and drinks you will find in Quito!
Explore Independence Square
Plaza de la Independencia is the central public square in Quito. Public buildings surround the beautiful area, and great food, shopping, and museums are nearby. Independence Square is a great place to begin your day in Quito, as there is so much to do there. People watching with a cup of coffee is always an option as well!
Safety Tips for Quito
To ease your mind, here are some tips to keep safe in this supposedly “dangerous” city.
Listen to your body
I have to mention altitude sickness in Quito before anything else. If you’re from a low land area like me (hello Florida!), the 9,000 feet (2,800m) elevation can literally take your breath away. Go slow walking up and down hills and staircases. Don’t be ashamed if you need to take a few breathers. Altitude sickness is real and can be a bit disorienting the first few days in Quito.
Stick to the touristy areas
Most of Quito is fairly touristy and overall safe. However, I would not wander too far into some solely residential areas, just in case.
Watch for pickpocketers
Every large city in the world has its fair share of pickpocketers, and Quito is no exception. I even caught a woman with her hand in my purse during Quito’s Independence Day! Just keep your bags close and don’t keep cash in your pockets.
Learn some Spanish
I found very few people that spoke fluent English during my time in Quito. Most locals are very nice and will work with you to get you what you need, but learning some basic Spanish and bringing a translator or dictionary will help ease any anxiety! You can practice with a private tutor online with iTalki before you leave as well.
Go easy on the alcohol
I noticed quite quickly that very few people are seen with alcoholic beverages around Quito. The city has a big brewery culture, but I did not see many bars or nightclubs around the city. It was difficult for me to find Quito’s alcohol laws, so just be careful when outside of your hostel!
I stayed at The Secret Garden hostel in Quito. This hostel is great for meeting new people, scheduling day trips outside of Quito, and they have an awesome rooftop bar with happy hour every day!
Get Travel Insurance
As always, I suggest booking travel insurance for any trip abroad. I always use World Nomads, because they cover such a wide variety of issues that can pop up while traveling. Check out what they cover and see if they’re right for you!
Quito is a stunning city full of history, great food, and interesting culture. This list is by far not a complete list of the best things to do in Quito, Ecuador. Feel free to contact me for any other suggestions!
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