Quito

Nature

Pichincha Volcano

An active volcano rising right beside Quito, with a caldera and a still-smoking crater near its summit. Trekking here lets you take in both sweeping city views and volcanic terrain.

Temples & religious sites

Cathedral of Quito

The cathedral stands southwest of Independence Square in Quito. It has served as a parish church since 1545 and is now the most prestigious Catholic cathedral in Ecuador.

Temples & religious sites

Basilica of the National Vow

This Roman Catholic basilica in Quito's old town, Ecuador, rises 83 meters high. It's a landmark visible from almost anywhere in the historic center, so you're likely to spot it while wandering the streets.

Attraction

Quito Astronomical Observatory

An astronomical research institute affiliated with Quito's National Polytechnic School, focused on astronomy and atmospheric physics. Visitors can tour the historic observatory building and take in traces of scientific history.

Temples & religious sites

Church of Saint Frinci

This Catholic church and monastery stands in front of the main square in Quito's old town. It is considered one of Ecuador's oldest and most important religious sites, with a building scale ranked among the largest in South America's historic districts.

Nature

El Panecillo

A volcanic hill rising 3,016 meters above sea level between southern and central Quito. Originally named Yavirac, it's said that a temple to the sun god once stood at its summit before the Spanish conquest.

Parks & gardens

Plaza de la Independencia

This central square of Quito's old town holds a monument honoring the heroes of the 1809 independence movement. Surrounded by landmarks like the Presidential Palace and the cathedral, it's a good place to take in the city's history at once.

Temples & religious sites

Church of the Society of Jesus

A Catholic church in Quito's historic center, notable for its elaborate facade carved from solid volcanic stone. Its striking appearance has earned it the nickname "the Solomon's Temple of South America."