Things To Do
Basilica del Voto Nacional
A must during your stay! It is the largest neo-Gothic Basilica in the Americas and located in the heart of Old Quito. The area around the Basilica has beautiful European-inspired architecture and safe to walk around. You can climb to the top for amazing views of the city and even stop for a beer/snack on your way up!
Itchimbia Park
For those looking for a perfect Instagram pic! This park sits atop of the city and has a "Quito" sign with a great view behind it. It is also on the same road as Enma's grandparents house :) We will have the Welcome Dinner at this park so feel free to get there early to take in the views and snap some pics!
Carondelet Palace
The Carondelet Palace is the seat of the government of the Republic of Ecuador. The palace was completed in 1801 and has housed almost all presidents in the Republican Era. It was declared an Ecuadorian Cultural Heritage site and turned into a museum open to the public. It is located at Plaza Grande, a beautiful plaza at the city center.
Café Plaza Grande
Enma's family eats at this restaurant at least once every time they visit! It's a fam favorite in a great location. The menu is full of traditional Ecuadorian dishes like "Locro de Papa", "Ceviche", and "Fritada". If you dine here, you MUST order the icecream or "Helado de Paila". It is served by the "Cucurucho", a religious symbol in Ecuador. Don't be scared!!
Plaza San Francisco
One of the oldest and most beautiful sights there are in the city! Behind it towers the striking white Monastery of San Francisco, which is also worth a peak inside. There are cafe's where you can eat/sit along the plaza. It also is a great view because it is situated on an incline as it was built atop an Incan temple!
Restaurante Casa Gangotena
Amazing restaurant in the heart of Plaza de San Francisco - this restaurant is also inside a Boutique Hotel. You can sit inside or out on the roof, walk through their garden, or get a drink at their bar. The concept behind the menu is what is referred to as "cocina mestiza": a culinary tribute to the mix of cultures that comprise Ecuador. Dishes offered on the menu are a mix of local indigenous traditions and European influences. This is Enma's dad's favorite restaurant!
Cacao & Cacao
Our favorite place to buy Ecuadorian Chocolate! Ecuador is famous for their chocolate, so we recommend making a stop here for yourself or to bring gifts back home. They let you do tastings too which is important ;)
Bandido Brewing
Great local, beer spot located in Old Town :) Last we went, they had $3 pints during Happy Hour (4-7pm) and they also serve pizza!
La Ronda
Make sure to head to La Ronda for an evening! La Ronda is a famous street packed with bars, restaurants, live music and local artists. Be sure to try one of Ecuador's signature drinks: Canelazo...a hot, spiced alcoholic drink to keep you warm when the night cools down. Also, keep an eye out for karaoke bars ;)
El Panecillo
Another location for gorgeous views of the city as "La Virgen" is a statue you can climb atop a small volcanic peak. Tip: it is recommended to visit in the morning/early afternoon by taxi.
Plaza Foch
This is the party area in Quito! Tons of restaurants and bars here. Would recommend going later afternoon/early evening for drinks/dinner and to walk around. It *can* get a little sketchy later at night due to the scene so be careful!
Ciudad Mitad del Mundo
Ecuador derives it's name from the word "Equator"...duh! If you are interested in visiting the Equator, there is a museum where you can take a tour at Mitad del Mundo. This is very touristy attraction. Fair warning: it is about a 45 minute drive from the hotel.
Pichincha Volcano
For the more adventurous of the bunch, Pichincha is an active stratovolcano with a popular hiking trail called Ruka. To get to the hiking trail, you'll take the TeleferiQo ($8.50) up to 12,943 ft (3,945 meters). From there, the hike takes about 3-4 hours. You can also ride horses, see llamas, and swing over Quito! Be warned: the drive to Pichincha takes about 1.5 hours so plan ahead!
Cotopaxi National Park
For the extremely adventurous! If you are extending your stay in Ecuador and love to hike, definitely recommend doing a trip out to Cotopaxi. It is one of the tallest active volcanos in the world. Strenuous hiking trails to go up but you are able to bike back down :) This is the furthest activity we recommend: about a 2-hour drive from Quito.