10 captivating Quito excursions during your layover in the Galapagos Islands /

Much more than a starting point for your visit to the famous Galapagos Islands, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito is undoubtedly one of the most popular travel destinations in South America.

Flanked by snow-capped volcanoes and verdant peaks, Quito sits at over 2,800 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest cities in South America. With a rich colonial past and connection to Ecuador’s indigenous heritage, Quito is awash with ethnic markets, historic plazas, narrow old streets, and well-weathered buildings, many of which are now comfortable, luxury hotels. Keep reading to find out as we present our top 10 unique and fun things to do in Quito in a day.

1. Discover the culture of Quito’s “old city”.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito’s “Old City” is certainly the jewel in the capital’s crown, and many believe it to be Latin America’s best-preserved historic center, as well as a fully thriving neighborhood to this day. Today.

Here you will find busy thoroughfares, ethnic eateries and typical Ecuadorian market stalls selling a variety of locally produced goods. Meanwhile, the monasteries of San Francisco, Santo Domingo and the Church of La Compañía are just a few of our favorite examples of the Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous artistic fusion that characterizes this city. With endless sights, plazas, monuments, ancient churches and more, Quito’s enviable backdrop of scenic mountains to all this history makes for a truly unique setting for this experience.

2. Experience Quito’s “Central Park”

While Quito has a surprising number of parks and green spaces, the mother of all of them is Parque Carolina, a huge park towards the center of the city. Known as the ‘Central Park of Quito’, this huge urban space of 165 hectares is constantly filled with locals looking for some greenery, as well as those looking for things to do.

On weekends in particular, the park comes alive with concerts, kite flying, bike trails, playgrounds, impromptu futboll competitions, and much more. There’s even an artificial river, where those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city can rent paddle boats to float through the park at their leisure. So don’t be surprised that Carolina Park is home to the Quito Botanical Garden, a terrarium, multiple greenhouses, the Quito Exhibition Center, and the Museum of Natural Sciences. Incredible!

3. Take a cable car up a volcano

For breathtaking views and a nerve-wracking ride that will have you on the edge of your seat, check out Quito’s TeleferiQo. Starting at an altitude of 3,000 meters and rising to over 4,000 meters above sea level, the TelefériQo cable cars are the highest of their kind anywhere in South America. Quito and its surroundings are known as one of the most beautiful and perfectly located capitals in the world. So, what better way to enjoy the view of the city than from above, in the comfort of a gliding gondola?

The ride is only 10 minutes long, but you’ll be amazed at the views over Quito as it climbs the side of the dormant Pichincha Volcano. This is the gateway to more adventures. At the top, you can walk, bike or enjoy the rides at the Vulqano amusement park. There is also a swing at the top for the ultimate Facebook photo.

4. Straddle the equatorial line at Mitad del Mundo

A trip to Ecuador (which means “equator” in Spanish) wouldn’t be complete without a visit to that imaginary line that divides the planet in two; and since Quito is less than an hour from the equatorial line, such a visit is particularly easy. At this location, located at 0° 0′ 0” latitude, you can straddle the two hemispheres of the planet – a great photo op..!!

On a quick morning or afternoon excursion, experience the equatorial line that runs through the amazing Mitad del Mundo (“Middle of the World”) complex. At the center of this park is the focal point: a 100-foot-tall, stone trapezoidal monument topped by a copper globe with a viewing platform and a museum that offers a great introduction to Ecuador’s indigenous groups through dioramas, clothing displays, and photographs. In addition, you will have the chance to participate in various experiments at the nearby Intiñan Museum, such as watching water flow in a different direction through a drainage hole just centimeters from either side of the equator, or balancing an egg on a nail, or using an old sundial.

5. Party at Plaza Foch (or maybe just people watch?)

The Mariscal section of Quito has become known as Gringolandia due to the number of foreign travelers drawn to this neighborhood known for its friendly hotels, colorful restaurants and vibrant nightlife. At the heart of the Mariscal is Plaza Foch, bustling with cafes, bars and clubs. Here, young Making out and travelers all flock to the area, each looking for the liveliest time as they party the night away.

While Plaza Foch is THE party spot in Quito for younger travelers, this center is more than just loud clubs. You will also find cozy bars, high-end restaurants and even a number of craft beer pubs in this area. Or just grab a table outside; Plaza Foch can be just as good for soaking up the atmosphere and people watching as it is for eating and drinking.

6. Go souvenir shopping at the Mariscal Artisan Market

One of the most popular excursions in Quito is traveling a few hours north to the indigenous mountain town of Otavalo, the most famous craft market in Ecuador and one of the most famous in all of South America. But for those short on time, Quito’s very own Mercado Artesanal de la Mariscal is a fantastic shopping experience.

Although the sister market in Otavalo is even bigger and more popular, this should not detract from the fact that the Mercado Artesanal also offers a huge range of traditional Ecuadorian handicrafts for all tastes and at comfortable prices, so that the fabrics, embroidery, hats, leather bags, silver, among others, are the most demanded crafts. The market also houses stalls selling beautiful trinkets and souvenirs, such as llama rugs and beautiful – and often very affordable – jewelry. Currently, the Artisan Market has 194 stands where visitors can find an infinite number of handmade products with raw materials that are still prepared using ancestral indigenous techniques. You’ll find yourself spending hours browsing the stalls in this market, and the atmosphere only serves to complement the shopping experience. This is the kind of place you want to get lost.

7. Take a Quito bus tour for a condensed overview of Quito

For a great overview of Quito’s main attractions, exploring the city aboard a double-decker tourist bus is a must-do activity during your visit to the Ecuadorian capital. You are invited to discover the city by traveling from the modern financial center in the north, then through the largest and best-preserved historic district in South America, pausing at the awe-inspiring Guapulo viewpoint and stopping at Plaza Foch in the Mariscal district , considered the heart of the city’s nightlife.

A complete non-stop tour (without getting out of the vehicle) takes approximately three hours. However, Quito bus tours also operate on a system where you can hop on and off the bus (“Hop On – Hop Off”) at set stops where coaches pass at hourly intervals; this allows you to use your bus ticket all day while you stop to explore the city’s main tourist attractions on your own. In just an afternoon or over the course of just one day, you can see many of the sights that make the city of Quito a must-see destination.

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8. Enjoy traditional home cooking and upscale dining

Like most cities in the world, Quito has its own traditional dishes, which is one of the best ways to experience the city through the eyes of a local. The Ecuadorian capital has always been a wonderful place for that comida tipica. Savory dishes such as locro de papas, humitas and helados de paila ice cream are served at places full of character such as La Ronda, Heladeria Pomasqui and Mercado Iñaquito.

However, in recent years Quito’s palette has evolved. Today, traditional Ecuadorian restaurants are complemented by a host of new cuisines that push the boundaries of Ecuadorian cuisine. Venues such as Chez Jerome, El Ventenal and Casa Gangotena embrace fresh flavors, new techniques and modern attitudes as Ecuadorian chefs work with local ingredients in new and exciting ways.

9. Check out Cotopaxi National Park on the outskirts of the capital

A picturesque national park, Cotopaxi is home to one of the continent’s greatest natural wonders: the Cotopaxi Volcano. With its snow-capped peak rising nearly 6,000 meters above sea level, the still-active summit dominates the landscape and skyline. The national park that surrounds Cotopaxi is just as breathtaking, with vast open plains, deep lakes and mountain streams.

Although the park is only 30 miles outside of Quito, you’ll feel a world away when you visit this untamed wilderness, known for its panoramic vistas at every turn, fantastic working haciendas and, of course, the four major volcanoes that dot the landscape. Once here you will discover that there are endless hiking, biking and horseback riding opportunities. All this makes Cotopaxi National Park a perfect day trip from the capital; however, with so much to do and see, you may want to stay overnight in one of the several luxury lodges in the area.

10. Drive up Panecillo Hill to the Virgin of Quito

A good tour of the city concludes with a visit to the monument atop Panecillo Hill, which aptly translates to ‘little sandwich’. The road to the statue winds around the hill to take you to the top.

From the hilltop, which itself looms over the historic cobbled streets of Quito’s Old Town, gaze up at the statue of the Virgin of Quito, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. With a height of 45 meters, including the base, it is the tallest statue in Ecuador, as well as the tallest aluminum statue in the world. You can even climb the statue for an even better panoramic view of the city below and the chance for a panoramic view of “Volcano Avenue” – two parallel mountain ranges that are home to eight of the country’s ten highest peaks… one spectacular sight to behold. Even then you can dine on top of the hill at Pim’s Restaurant for a spectacular view of the city and a dinner you will never forget!

Conclusion: Keep Quito on your radar

Because Quito is often second only to the more famous Galapagos Islands, travelers to the islands are not always aware that the gateway Quito offers its own arsenal of unique attractions. After all, there’s a reason why the entire city of Quito was crowned the world’s first-ever UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Add to that, along with Quito’s many amazing sights, a spring-like equatorial climate that keeps temperatures comfortable and even year-round, and this alluring South American destination could well become your new favorite city.

Alfonso Tandazo is President and CEO of Surtrek Tour Operator. Surtrek Tour Operator is a reputable company, specializing in custom designed luxury tours in Ecuador, the Galapagos and the rest of South America.

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