Things to see in 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."

Temples & religious sites

Basilica of La Merced

A Catholic church in the historic center of Quito, Ecuador, it was the first house founded in the country by the Mercedarian order. It's a great stop while wandering through the historic old town.

Nature

Ilaló

This eroded stratovolcano lies southeast of Quito, offering a close-up look at the distinctive terrain it has shaped, away from the city. It's a good destination when you want to spend time in nature.

Parks & gardens

Parque El Ejido

This park in Quito's old town is the city's third largest. On weekends it hosts a variety of exhibitions, making it a nice stop for a stroll.

Museums & galleries

La Capilla del Hombre

An art museum overlooking Quito from Bellavista hill, built by painter Oswaldo Guayasamín to honor the people of Latin America. Construction began in 1995 and was completed in 2002, after his death.

Museums & galleries

City Museum

A museum located on García Moreno Street, right in the heart of Quito's old town. It's an easy stop while strolling past the colonial-style buildings lining the streets.

Museums & galleries

Sucre House

This museum in Quito's old town opened in 1977 to honor Venezuelan independence hero Antonio José de Sucre and his wife, Mariana Carcelén. It offers a chance to trace the couple's story.

Temples & religious sites

Iglesia de Santo Domingo

A colonial-era church in Quito's historic center, notable for its storied architecture and richly decorated interior. A worthwhile stop on a walking tour of the old town.

Museums & galleries

Gustavo Orcés V. Natural History Museum

This natural history museum in Quito opened in 2005. It features exhibits on Ecuador's natural history.

Zoos & aquariums

Quito Botanical Gardens

A botanical garden covering about 18,600 square meters in Quito, home to a wide variety of plants from across Ecuador. With greenhouses and an arboretum, it's a lovely place for a nature walk.

Culture & venues

Sucre National Theater

This is Ecuador's largest theater, built in Quito in the 19th century in the Italian Neoclassical style. Funded by citizen donations, it boasts a grand façade and interior worth admiring.

Castles & palaces

Palacio Gangotena

A historic mansion facing Plaza San Francisco in Quito's old town, known for its elegant architecture. It now operates as a hotel, letting visitors explore its old-world interior.

Museums & galleries

National Museum of Ecuador

This national museum covers Ecuador's archaeological and artistic heritage. Its exhibits on the country's cultural heritage and identity offer a broad understanding of Ecuadorian history.

Parks & gardens

Parque La Carolina

A large park in Quito's central business district, conveniently located near a metro station. It's a great place to take a relaxing walk in the middle of the city.

Temples & religious sites

Iglesia de El Sagrario

This Renaissance-style Catholic church stands in Quito's old town, Ecuador. Though connected to the cathedral, it reads as a separate church and holds an important place in the history of Quito's religious art.

Heritage & monuments

Virgin of El Panecillo

A statue of the Virgin Mary standing atop El Panecillo hill in the heart of Quito. It's a popular viewpoint offering sweeping views of the city with Quito's old town in the backdrop.

Temples & religious sites

Church of San Agustín

This Augustinian church and monastery sits in Quito's old town, between Calle Guayaquil and Calle Flores. Tucked among the historic district's streets, it fits well into a walking route of the area's churches.

Temples & religious sites

Church of Our Lady of Guápulo

This 17th-century church in Quito's Guápulo neighborhood was built as part of a monastery complex. Amid the quiet hillside village setting, you can take in the old church's timeless atmosphere.

Temples & religious sites

Quito Ecuador Temple

A temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located in the Cumbayá area east of Quito, the second to be built in Ecuador after the Guayaquil Temple. Its peaceful setting makes it a pleasant place to admire the temple's architecture.

Museums & galleries

Museo Camilo Egas

An art museum in Quito devoted to the work of Ecuadorian modernist painter Camilo Egas. Opened in 1980, it focuses entirely on showcasing his art.

Culture & venues

Teatro Bolívar

This historic theater in Quito's old town opened in 1933. Though it once suffered a fire, it has since been restored and remains in use as a performance venue today.

Temples & religious sites

El Carmen Alto church

A 17th-century Carmelite convent church in Quito's historic center, notable for its white exterior walls. A good stop for a quiet moment while wandering the surrounding streets.

Museums & galleries

Alberto Mena Caamaño Museum

This museum sits in Quito's historic center, close to the Presidential Palace. Travel guidebooks often rate it among the old town's top attractions, thanks to its wide range of exhibits.

Parks & gardens

Parque Bicentenario

An urban park in northern Quito, built on the site of the city's former airport. Its wide green spaces are perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Parks & gardens

Parque La Alameda

This is Quito's oldest park, home to an observatory built in the 19th century. It's a great place to enjoy a relaxed moment downtown while strolling along its paths.

Castles & palaces

Palacio Arzobispal

The former archbishop's residence on Quito's main square, now home to a gallery of shops and restaurants. A pleasant place to browse, grab a bite, and rest.

Museums & galleries

Casa del Alabado Pre-Columbian Art Museum

This museum occupies a 17th-century colonial-era mansion. Of its more than 5,000 pre-Columbian artifacts, about 500 are on permanent display.

Heritage & monuments

Monument to Independence

A tall monument in the central square of Quito's old town, commemorating the independence movement of 1809. With the presidential palace as its backdrop, it forms one of the city's iconic views.