16 essentials: what to see and do in Quito (Ecuador) in 2 or 3 days

I recognize that the expectations I had at the beginning of my trip to Quito en Ecuador were quite high due to the recommendations of a great expert on that country and South America in general, such as friend Sele.

And the truth is that those expectations were more than met.

The first thing was to discover the geographical peculiarities of a country such as Ecuador conditioned by your location In the middle of the world, crossed by the equator line.

In addition to the special sensation during stay in Quito finding yourself at 2.800 meters above sea level, in the middle of the mountain range The Andes.

But, above all, the main attraction of the trip was to see the great cultural heritage which focuses on the Quito's Historic center.

Quito, the first World Heritage city

This is the historic center of the colonial era of larger dimensions Latin America and the one that is preserved in the best condition.

En Quito There are various examples of style churches Quito baroque, some with very sumptuous interior decorations.

This is the reason why in 1978 the city ​​of Quito It was the first place in the world to be declared Heritage awarded by the Unesco privilege that he shared with the Polish city of Krakow.

And to all this we must add the attractions around Quito, with beautiful natural enclaves and exotic places.

On this visit, which will take you a seven-hour day, you will get to know the main corners of the city and take an excursion to the enclave of the Half of the world.

What to see and do in Quito in 2 days

As an incentive to encourage you to travel to Quito, here I am going to highlight the most attractive places that you will find on this trip, with information about the best to see and visit in tourism in the Ecuadorian capital.

Go up to the El Panecillo viewpoint in Quito

The best way to start your visit to the city is, without a doubt, go up to the Panecillo viewpoint, where one of the icons of the city is located, the large silver statue of the Winged Virgin.

From the viewpoint of Panecillo Hill you will get spectacular Panoramic views, not only the historic center, but also the more modern area of ​​the capital of Ecuador that extends to the north.

From there you can also see the popular neighborhoods that are lost from sight on the slopes of the mountains that surround the Ecuadorian capital.

Walk through the historic center of Quito

The main part of your visit should focus on a walk through the historic center of the Ecuadorian capital.

From the center Independence Square, Better known as the big square, until San Francisco square and for the Street of the Seven Crosses.

There, very concentrated, you will find most of the monumental heritage of Quito and you can also experience the great atmosphere of this city.

In order to get to know the historic center, you can sign up for a guided tour of Quito in which for four hours you will discover said monumental heritage.

Church of the Company of Quito

Did you know that only in the Quito's Historic center There are up to 60 churches and religious institutions?

Known as the Great Jewel of America, when you enter the interior of the Church of the company You will not be disappointed at all.

Its impressive baroque decoration that covers all its walls and ceilings with gold leaf is a reflection of the importance that the city had during the colonial era. Jesus company in this area of ​​America.

Church of San Francisco in Quito

La San Francisco church It is another of the great temples of the city, which is located in the other large square of the historic center of the city, also called San Francisco.

Completed in record time in 1620, and run by the Franciscans, today it seems to be the most loved church by the people of Quito.

Quito Cathedral

Apart from the two mentioned above, I am going to tell you more churches worth visiting.

Of course, the Quito cathedral, one of the oldest churches in South America, and which you find in the aforementioned big square.

Next to her is the Tabernacle Church, which was once a chapel of the aforementioned cathedral, and whose interior is decorated in Renaissance style.

National Basilica of Quito

Plus, the Basilica, a large neo-Gothic style temple completed in…1988.

Although you can squeak compared to the colonial architectural style of Quito, it is worth visit the National Basilica of Quito especially for climb the towers from where you have the panoramic views in the opposite direction from those of the Panecillo viewpoint.

Artisan shops on Ronda Street

See the objects that artisans made following the practice of ancient crafts is one of the attractions of a trip to Quito.

A good part of them are concentrated in the recovered round street, on the south side of the historic center.

There you can taste artisan chocolates or see artistic objects made of gold, iron, or wood, or even antique toys made of tin.

Recently recovered for tourism, on this street you also find a Great atmosphere, especially on weekends, because in addition to the artisan shops, there are various restaurants and bars with live music.

Traditions in Quito

In other areas of the center you find places where they are still maintained curious traditions of Quito and Ecuador, like the herbal that cures illnesses with its herbs and massages.

You will also see the saints retouchers, who are dedicated to arranging the figures of Saints that Quito residents have in their homes.

Waves saints clothing stores to personalize these figures so revered by the people of Quito.

In your visit of Quito and its surroundings You can also see the tradition of making snacks, typical Quito sweets that combine peanuts, water, sugar and lemon, or the preparation of the popular Paila "icecreams.

Or even the manufacturing of Andean musical instruments.

What to see and do around Quito

Near the capital of Ecuador you also have other interesting visits and experiences.

Middle of the World Monument

To feel that you are truly at your best Ecuador, from Quito you can approach the monument of the Middle of the World located in a tourist area that emulates a Spanish village.

There you can take the typical photo of a tourist crossing the equator and visit a interpretation Center where you will learn about the curious effects that occur in this area of ​​the Earth where the latitude is 0-0´-0´´.

Otavalo indigenous market

It is highly recommended that you make your stay in Quito coincide with a Saturday as this way you will be able to get to know the nearby area at its best. Otavalo artisan market.

On Saturdays, in addition to the artisan market of the Ponchos square, which opens every day, you can visit the early and very curious animal fair, as well as the food market.

This is the largest indigenous market in South America, and on your walk through Otavalo and its different markets you will be able to see the indigenous community of the otavaleños with their typical and colorful clothing.

Tourist train from Liberty to Salinas

Another experience you can live around Quito is to ride on it tourist train that unites the small town of Ibarra with the town of Salinas, and which is known as the Freedom Train.

This is one of the railway sections recovered by Ecuador Train for tourist use, which ends in the small village of Salinas

inhabited by a Afro Ecuadorian community descendant of black slaves from Africa, during the visit of Salinas You will be able to deepen your knowledge of what their arrival in this area of ​​Ecuador with extensive sugar cane plantations entailed.

Inti Llacta Reserve in the Cloud Forest

In the surroundings of Quito you will find a great variety of landscapes, from the driest, to areas of more lush and jungle forests.

In the Inti Llacta reserve you can enjoy the landscapes of the Cloudy forest, of its incredible luxuriance, and you can do adventure activities on circuits of canopy, while you can see a great diversity of fauna and flora.

Roses at Hacienda la Compañía

In my recent trip to Quito I have discovered the economic importance that the rose plantation taking advantage of its geographical location.

In the visit to the Hacienda la Compañía de JesúsIn addition to seeing a French neoclassical style house, you can deepen your knowledge of the floral industry that is developing in that country.

Where to sleep in Quito: charming hotels

When considering where to sleep in Quito you have the option to stay in hotels with charmand La Casona de la Ronda Boutique Hotel, where I stayed, or even in very luxurious hotels like the Gangotena House or Plaza Grande Hotel.

And in the surroundings of Quito you also find charming estates where to stay

Gastronomy: what to eat in Quito

Also you trip to Quito will allow you to discover the specialties of Ecuadorian gastronomy, which is characterized by the use of native products and natural seasonings.

In a country where pope and fruit juices They are the national food and drink, Quito offers you its own gastronomic creations.

Tours and excursions in Quito

Regarding your visit, if you prefer to do it in an organized group and with the advice of a guide in spanish, you can sign up for the guided tour of Quito with a duration of four hours, which will allow you to discover the main attractions of the Ecuadorian capital.

You can also sign up for a Tour to the Otavalo artisan market seven hours long, and in which you will also visit the city of Cotacachi famous for its craftsmanship, or a excursion to the Middle of the World, which will take you three hours.