Quito is the capital of Ecuador and a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It offers travelers an exciting and unforgettable experience.
Here are seven reasons why you should visit it!
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Historical Center
It is a fascinating place and is one of the best preserved and largest historical centers in Latin America and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978.
Half of the world
It is a 30 meter high structure that represents the equatorial line, which is the point where the latitude is 0° and where the planet is divided into the northern and southern hemisphere. It is located in the place where French scientists who measured the shape of the Earth in the 18th century determined that the equinoctial line was located.
The structure of the monument is a truncated conical tower built of steel and reinforced concrete, which has a shape similar to a truncated pyramid. At the top of the structure is a 4.5 meter diameter bronze sphere representing the world, and at the base is an ethnographic museum displaying artifacts and objects from the indigenous cultures of Ecuador.
In addition to the monument, the place has a theme park called Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, which offers various attractions and activities related to culture and science. There is also a second monument called Monumento a la Mitad del Mundo II, which is located a few meters away and which was built more recently to correct the exact location of the equator using GPS technology.
Quito Cable Car
It is a cable car that takes you to the top of Pichincha, a mountain that is 4,100 meters above sea level. It is a very popular tourist attraction that allows you to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city and the nearby volcanoes.
It is 2.5 km long and rises from 2,950 meters above sea level to 4,050 meters at the top of the Pichincha volcano. The trip lasts around 20 minutes and offers spectacular views of the city of Quito and the Andean landscapes. At the upper station, visitors can enjoy various activities, such as mountain walks, bird watching, mountain biking, and visits to the Mica Lagoon, which is about a 30-minute walk from the station.
The Quito cable car is a unique and exciting experience that offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding area. It is a must see for anyone visiting the city of Quito.
La Ronda street
This is one of the oldest and most picturesque streets in the city of Quito, Ecuador. It is located in the historic center of the city and is surrounded by colonial buildings and colorful traditional-style houses. The street has a winding, cobbled shape, and is flanked by wooden balconies and craft shops, restaurants and bars.
La Ronda is known for its rich cultural and artistic history. On the street there are several museums, art galleries and artisan workshops. It is also a popular place to enjoy traditional music and folk dance. In short, La Ronda is a unique street in Quito, which combines colonial architecture with the culture and tradition of Ecuador.
La Carolina Park
It is a 165-hectare park located in the center of the city that has a wide variety of green areas, gardens and paths for walking and running. There are also numerous sports areas, including soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball and baseball fields, as well as skating and cycling rinks.
In addition to its sports areas, Parque La Carolina has several cultural attractions, including the Quito Exhibition Center, which hosts a variety of cultural events and art exhibitions, and the Quito Botanical Garden, which features a wide variety of plants. and native flowers from Ecuador.
The park also has an artificial lake, where you can rent rowboats and kayaks.
Additionally, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the park, as well as picnic areas and children’s play areas.
Metropolitan Park
The Quito Metropolitan Park is a green and recreational area located in the north of the city of Quito, Ecuador. It is one of the largest parks in South America, with an area of more than 1,400 hectares.
The park is located on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano and has a wide variety of natural landscapes, such as forests, meadows, lagoons and mountains. The park is also home to a wealth of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, reptiles and mammals such as foxes and rabbits.
Activities you can do in the Park include hiking, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, photography, and picnics. Also, the park has several recreational areas for children and adults, such as playgrounds, soccer, basketball and tennis courts, as well as walking and jogging trails. Above all, the park offers you a spectacular view of the city of Quito and its surroundings, ideal for taking photographs and enjoying nature in a quiet and relaxing environment.
Yaku Park Water Museum
It offers an educational and recreational experience related to water and is located in the old neighborhood of San Blas, in the historic center of the city.
The park has a variety of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the water cycle, its importance to life and how it is used in different aspects. You can expect to find touch screens, audiovisual projections, and hands-on activities that immerse you in the topic of water.
One of the main attractions is an underground tour that takes you through tunnels and corridors where scenarios related to water are recreated. During the tour, you’ll be able to learn about the history of water in the city and explore how it has been used over time.
In addition to the indoor exhibits, the park has outdoor areas where you can enjoy games and water-related activities. This can include interactive fountains, water jets, waterfalls and other structures designed for fun and cooling. We share the link to the museum’s website so that you have updated information on its hours.
YOU CAN ALSO VISIT…
Cayambe-Coca National Park
It is located 78 km by car and has a great diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. It is notable because it has a wide altitudinal range that goes from icy areas in the glaciers of the Cayambe volcano to the humid piedmont forests, passing through the humid moors, Polylepis forests, scrub forests, high Andean forests and cloud forests. In short, there is a lot to see and enjoy nature.
Otavalo Artisan Market
It is an Otavalo crafts market that takes place every Saturday throughout the city. It is one of the largest open-air craft markets in Latin America. Otavalo is a city located in the province of Imbabura and is located about 110 kilometers north of Quito.
It is famous for its artisan market and for being the home of an indigenous community that has maintained its cultural traditions and typical clothing.
Otavalo is located at an altitude of around 2,550 meters above sea level and is a popular tourist destination in Ecuador.
These are just a few suggestions of places to visit in Quito. The city has a lot to offer, so be sure to explore and discover what interests you most.
All illustrations on this site are courtesy of Pictographic.
