Things to do in Quito and around

Quito, formally San Francisco de Quito, is the capital city of Ecuador, and at an elevation of 9,350 feet (2,800 meters above sea level), it is one of the highest official capital cities in the world. It was founded in 1534 and the population is currently about 2,671,191 – second biggest city after Guayaquil. The city was named after Quitus – pre-Columbian indigenous peoples who were living in this area originally.

In 2008, the city was designated as the headquarters of the Union of South American Nations, UNASUR. The historic center of Quito has one of the largest, least-altered and best-preserved historic centers in the Americas. Quito, along with Kraków, were the first World Cultural Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO in 1978 for the unique landscape and architecture. We are located in the heart of the old town and it is very easy to explore all the main attractions on foot. We can either take you around ourselves or advise a free walking tour run by a fellow hostel.

While you are in Quito

• Explore the old town
• Check out the beautiful churches and interesting museums
• Dance salsa at La Ronda – bohemian neighborhood, all arts and parties were accumulating in this area before and now. The street is full of food stands, buskers, bars, restaurants with live music, the street is packed with locals (and a few tourists) of all classes.
• Try a local hot drink called canelazo. It is juice mixed with cinnamon, sugar and sugarcane liquor – yummy!
• Party at plaza Foch – the nightlife center of Quito
• Experience chichaqui afterwards (Ecuadorian for hangover)
• Cure you’re chuchaqui with a bowl of encebollado (traditional fish soup) at the local market

Things to do in Quito and around

• Take the Teleferico (cable car) to the top of Pichincha mountain
• Step in both the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time at the Equator Line Middle of the World Museum!
• Explore Mindo rain forest
• Visit espectacular Quilotoa Crater Lake   
• Hike up Cotopaxi volcano
• Buy handcrafted clothing, art and keepsakes at the Indigenous market of Otavalo city
• Have fun!

If you have any questions, queries or problems, please let us know immediately. We are happy to help you.