Things to do in Quito
Grand colonial churches such as The Company of Jesus Church, and 19th-century residences of the rich like María Augusta Urrutia House-Museum line the streets of Quito's historic Old Town. The Virgin of Quito statue looks protectively across the city from Panecillo hill. In the New Town, there's bloodthirsty colonial art and Incan masks at the Ministry of Tourism National Museum and a Cable Car that travels up the Pichincha Volcano, offering panoramic views of the city.
Museums and Galleries
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1. Department of Culture National Museum - Museums and Galleries
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The Central Bank National Museum in Modern Quito displays rich artefacts from Ecuador's past. Several hours and a tour are needed to see the Archaeological Room's pre-Columbian artefacts, exquisit masks in the Golden Court, and the collections in the Colonial, Republican and Contemporary Art Rooms.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
US$2; concessions US$1
Opening hours
Tue-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat & Sun 10am-4pm
Address
Avenida Patria (between Avenida 6 de Diciembre and Avenida 12 de Octubre), Modern Quito, Quito
Telephone
+593 (0) 2 222 3258
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2. City Museum - Museums and Galleries
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The City Museum in the Old Town is located in the former San Juan de Dios Hospital. Visitors are taken on a thrilling journey through Quito's past with displays recreating daily life from pre-history to the 19th century. Each period is brought to life with wax figures and sound effects.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
US$3; concessions US$2; 3-11 yrs US$1
Opening hours
Tue-Sun 9.30am-4.30pm
Address
E1-47, García Moreno and Rocafuerte, Old Town, Quito
Telephone
+593 (0) 2 228 3882
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3. Guayasamín Foundation Museum - Museums and Galleries
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Guayasamín Foundation Museum in the New Town is dedicated to Ecuador's best-known painter. The mansion with sculpture garden contains Guayasamín's collections of pre-Columbian and Colonial art, along with pieces of his own work. Look out for the portrait of Pinochet.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
US$4; concessions US$2-US$3
Opening hours
Mon-Fri 10am-5pm
Address
543, José Bosmediano, Bellavista Alto, El Batán, Quito
Telephone
+593 (0) 2 2465 265
Attractions
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4. María Augusta Urrutia House-Museum - Attractions
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Located in the heart of the Old Town, the María Augusta Urrutia House-Museum showcases the lifestyle of wealthy 19th-century Quito and in particular of philanthropist Doña María who lived here with 24 servants. Enchanting patios lead to a mansion packed with priceless antiques.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
US$2; concessions US$0.50-US$1
Opening hours
Tue-Sun 10am-5pm
Address
N2-60, García Moreno (between Sucre & Bolívar), Old Town, Quito
Telephone
+593 (0) 2 2580 103
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5. Basilica of the National Vow - Attractions
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This striking neo-Gothic Basilica of the National Vow in the Old Town is a must-see for its unique gargoyles of Amazonian animals. Aside from beautiful stain-glass windows, the interior is quite austere. Climb the towers' narrow staircases for a panoramic view of the Panecillo district.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free; US$2 (towers)
Opening hours
Daily 9am-4pm
Address
122 , Carchi and Venezuela, Old Town, Quito
Telephone
+593 (0) 2 228 9428
Transport
Taxi
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6. The Company of Jesus Church - Attractions
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The Company of Jesus Church in Quito's Old Town is a glittering colonial masterpiece built by Jesuits in the 17th century. The elaborate Baroque façade is surpassed by the restored gold interior, Moorish detail and sculptures by Bernardo de Legardo.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Visitors US$2; locals & international students US$1; local students US$0.50
Opening hours
Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm; Sat 9am-4pm; Sun 1pm-4pm
Address
Corner of García Moreno and Sucre Streets, Old Town, Quito
Telephone
+593 (0) 2 258 4175
Special things to do
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7. Cable Car - Special things to do
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The Cable Car travels 1km from Quito up the side of Pichincha Volcano to 4,000m, a dizzying height that offers breathtaking views of the city. There are also other attractions here, including the Disney-style Vulqano fun-park, short walks and several café-bars.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
US$8; concessions US$6; children US$5
Opening hours
Daily 8am-6pm
Address
Avenida Occidental and Arnulfo Araujo, Quito
Telephone
+573 (0) 2 222 2996
Transport
Shuttle from Avenida Occidental
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8. Plaza de la Independencia & Old Town - Special things to do
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Quito's bustling Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with architecture reflecting its colonial legacy. Come in the evening when the churches and civic buildings are lit. On Sundays, Plaza de la Independencia becomes the hub of Ecuadorian society.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening hours
24 hours daily
Address
Old Town, Quito
Transport
On foot
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9. Virgin of Quito - Special things to do
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Towering over Old Quito on Panecillo hill is the colossal 45m-tall Virgin of Quito statue with a serpent at her feet. The Virgin is both the patron and emblem of the city. Take in the sweeping views of the city from the esplanade or ascend to the top of the viewing platform.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening hours
Daily all day
Address
Panecillo Hill, Old Town, Quito
Transport
Taxi
