The 10 must-see attractions of Quito, capital of Ecuador

Staying in the middle of the planet

Thanks to its exceptional geographical location, Quito offers an unforgettable experience, that of being able to walk along the imaginary equatorial line and pass from the Northern to the Southern hemisphere in just a few steps. To do this, simply take a bus from Ecuador's capital to the monument called "Mitad del Mundo", and follow the sun-coloured line, a magical moment. This monument also houses a museum where you can learn more about the different Ecuadorian ethnic groups, and all around are charming little craft shops and cafés. There are therefore many reasons to visit Mitad del Mundo, combining a unique experience, culture and relaxation

Strolling through the historic centre of Quito

It is not for nothing that UNESCO has declared Quito a World Heritage Site. Its historic centre has a precious Iberian heritage and its centre with colonial influences is considered the largest and best preserved in Latin America. It is therefore necessary to take the time to stroll through the colourful alleys and discover some of the most beautiful monuments and points of interest. Monasteries, churches, emblematic squares reveal a strong history. We start with the Basilica of the National Vow and its Gothic towers before reaching Independence Square. Then we continue with the most beautiful monasteries, Santo Domingo and San Francisco. The interior decorations are particularly splendid. In Quito, all you have to do is take a look up to get an overview of the beauty and richness of its historic centre, reaching, for example, the El Panecillo hill

Don't miss the local cuisine

It is always nice to take an interest in local cuisine when you are on the other side of the world and Quito offers unforgettable culinary experiences. You have to sit at a table to enjoy some specialities such as ceviche, empanadas with meat or cheese or fritada, pork meat with maduro banana, grilled corn and French fries. We also take the opportunity to try the best drinks, from beer to the sumptuous aroma of coffee and exotic drinks made from fresh fruit, which are a source of refreshment on the hottest days

Escape to the surroundings of Quito

Quito is located in the heart of a beautiful natural setting, between mountains and valleys, a stay in the city is an opportunity to get out of the beaten track and discover the surrounding countryside. By taking the Quito cable car, you reach the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, at an altitude of 4,053 metres. During the ascent, you have the chance to contemplate magnificent landscapes such as the snow-covered peaks of Cotopaxi, Cayambe or Antisana. Once at the top, a beautiful hike awaits the amateurs. It is also necessary to visit the crater of the Pululahua volcano, one of the only ones in the world to be inhabited. From the crater viewpoint, you can observe lava domes, walk surrounded by butterflies and it is also the starting point for hikes that lead to natural baths. Finally, it is interesting to escape to the Maquipucuna reserve to discover the density of the equatorial forest and meet an incredible fauna, dominated by the song of a few rare birds.

Dive into the heart of traditions in La Ronda

La Ronda is one of the oldest streets in Quito, with a picturesque charm and is a must when visiting the city. It houses art galleries and craft workshops that provide a better understanding of ancestral practices such as silversmithing, wax, wood and chocolate. This street was also a landmark for artists of all kinds in the 1930s. Many singers, painters and poets have packed their bags and we still feel the artistic and bohemian character very strongly today, especially in the evening when it comes to life with the musicians in the street and the electric atmosphere in the bars

Discover the many lively districts of Quito

One of the particularities of Quito is that it has many neighbourhoods where it is pleasant to settle and which correspond to all types of travellers. Each time, there is an architectural heritage and exceptional monuments, many cultural sites where you can better understand the history of the city and lively bars and restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine and a vibrant nightlife. The historic centre is undoubtedly the best place for those who wish to enjoy the historical monuments to the full. La Floresta, La Ronda and Guápulo are bohemian districts that delight travellers who want to stroll through art galleries and independent shops. In La Carolina, there are green spaces to rest in the shade of a tree, including the Botanical Garden. La Mariscal appeals to those who wish to enjoy a lively nightlife with many bars and clubs. San Marcos is another area not to be missed during your stay

Quito, a prestigious business centre and event venue

As a city that has grown, both economically and architecturally, Quito is now a leading destination for hosting major events and congresses. It offers choice facilities such as the Centre for Contemporary Art, the New Congress Centre of the Metropolitan District of Quito and the Eugenio Espejo Congress Centre to host major events related to the business world, as well as major national and international exhibitions. In South America, Quito is the most attractive city for business tourism

The Andean Chocó of Pichincha, a great place to hike

Quito offers nature and hiking enthusiasts the opportunity to escape to Choco Andino, a new UNESCO declared biosphere reserve, where visitors enjoy more than 280,000 hectares of natural spaces, where unique fauna and flora can be discovered. 83% of the biosphere is found in the Quito metropolitan district. We then walk in the middle of a dense forest where many species have made their home. Thus, it is pleasant to open your ears, listen to the sounds and be surprised by crossing mammals and colourful birds. Among the animals, we can observe the famous spectacled bear

The surroundings of Quito, an ornithological paradise

The surroundings of Quito are great places for bird watching. There are 3 times more bird species in Ecuador than in Europe, with more than 1,600 species. Around the capital, you must take your backpack and binoculars and reach places like Calacalí, the Santa Lucia reserve or the Maquipucuna reserve to be sure to see many surprising birds. It is no coincidence that Ecuador is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world for ornithologists, many of whom visit it every year to enjoy its diverse ecosystems. Around Quito, the diversity of ecological areas and differences in altitude mean that these areas are home to more than 500 bird species. You can see raptors, Peruvian rock roosters, red-rumped toucanets and a wide variety of hummingbirds including the Anaïs hummingbird, the Lesbie hummingbird and the Sword Carrier hummingbird.

Treat yourself to moments of adventure with themed routes and outdoor escapades

There are many ways to have fun in Quito and the possibilities are varied. In the city, thematic routes can be practiced on foot or by bike and allow you to discover the treasures of the Ecuadorian capital. This gives you the opportunity to focus, as you wish, on the most beautiful palaces, the most beautiful places of worship or the most beautiful architectural works in general. In rural areas, during a camping getaway or simply during long walks, you have the opportunity to explore the northwest of Quito and enjoy all that the rainforest has to offer: between waterfalls, rivers and varied wildlife. To the south of the city, exceptional sites await the adventurous such as the Quilotoa lagoon, an emerald lake formed in the heart of a crater. Still to the south, between Quito and Latacunga, is the active volcano Cotopaxi. It is here, in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes, that we can enjoy a 32,255-hectare protected national park, home to about ten mammals and where we can see the condor. Let us not forget to mention that Quito is the gateway to the four worlds of Ecuador: the coast, the mountains, the Amazon and the Galapagos. All these worlds are even more accessible since the arrival of the AIR FRANCE direct Paris/Quito flight

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