Créé par Romane, le 7 mai 2026
Votre guide Ryo
© Shutterstock
There are cities we dream of visiting around the world. We think particularly of Los Angeles in southern California, and even New York which is the most populated urban area in the United States. But this time, let Ryo take you to a completely different city, which we rarely hear about, and which is located in the Republic of Ecuador. It's Quito, more commonly called San Francisco de Quito. Yes, that's also what traveling is about, going to places that were totally unknown to us until then and which turn out to be wonderful surprises! Stretching 50 km from north to south, on the slopes of the Guagua Pichincha volcano (but don't panic, don't run away), Quito has been inhabited for nearly 2500 years and was initially founded by Spanish colonists. Discover below the six activities to do there.
What to do in Quito?
1. San Francisco Square and Church
Image-Creative-Commons
Category: Free/Cultural
Description: Every place has its must-sees. For Quito, the square accompanied by the mythical San Francisco church is undoubtedly THE place to see first once you arrive in the city. When you stroll around, it's impossible for you to miss one of the oldest San Francisco churches, whose history turns out to be fascinating and tumultuous. It's actually the work of a Franciscan founder and its construction began in 1550, only sixteen years after the foundation of the city of Quito itself. What visitors appreciated most? Impossible not to be charmed by the sublime carved Inca representations of the sun, to encourage indigenous peoples to adopt the Catholic religion. The building, certainly old, is very well preserved and is considered THE jewel of the city's inhabitants. A real pride. Don't forget to bring your camera to immortalize this moment!
2. Museo Templo Del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila
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Category: €/Cultural
Description: Here's a pleasant place to visit that doesn't even resemble the usual museums we tend to visit. The Museo Templo Del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila (temple of the sun) is a festive place where learning and fun are the rule. Visitors, young and old, greatly appreciated the proposed activities as well as the exhibitions they describe as "beautiful surprises". The place was designed by painter Ortega Maila, who was inspired by his various travels to create a true architectural and artistic temple. Interesting little info to keep in mind when you're there: the museum offers a tea tasting based on soca leaves. A culinary discovery that will remain forever engraved in your mind! The visit ends with a tandem aromatherapy session which consists among other things of installing background music and which has the effect of relaxing while providing revitalizing energies to everyone in the room.
3. Mitad del Mundo
Category: Free/Cultural
Description: Have you ever dreamed of going to the end of the world? In the city of Quito, it's possible to get halfway there ^^. Indeed, very frequented by tourists, Mitad del Mundo (middle of the world) offers a completely unique place: since it's possible to put one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and another foot in the Southern Hemisphere. This is a monument located right on the imaginary line of the equator, so you set foot on two different territories! You can find many shops and restaurants there (which according to rumors, are the best in the city) serving local cuisine, as well as a fake colonial village that can be visited. You'll be immersed in a fascinating history, mixed with extraordinary culture and geography. Ready to live an incredible experience at the center of the world? After all, it's not given to everyone!
4. Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesús
Category: €/Cultural
Description: Watch out! The Company Church is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places you'll have the opportunity to visit in your life. Symbol of the Latin American baroque movement, the building was built between 1605 and 1765. And since then, it has been a high reference point in terms of art in the city of Quito. It must be said that when you enter, you are irremediably attracted by the center of the room which sparkles and illuminates the walls. Built by indigenous hands and decorated by those of artists from one of the city's schools, every detail has been carefully crafted with fine 23-carat gold leaves. Yes, you read correctly 23 carats ^^. A precious cultural heritage, it's a Catholic clerical complex whose main facade which is entirely made from volcanic stone (original) is today considered one of the most important baroque-inspired buildings in the American territory.
5. A Day in the Mindo Cloud Forest
Category: €€€/Cultural/Unusual
Description: Quito is a city surrounded by sublime vegetation and a day in the Mindo cloud forest (with such a cute name) is more than necessary. Nature is one of the most beautiful riches that exists on this earth, and sometimes we tend to forget it. Especially when we're in big cities and the closest tree we might encounter is kilometers away. Quito offers you an excursion to discover the most resplendent fauna and flora. During a cable car ride, you'll have a perfect view of the entire forest and don't forget your camera: you'll encounter rare bird species, and many insects and other animals that swarm around tree branches. Your guide will make you explore a natural reserve of 22,000 hectares of primary forest, which will dazzle young and old!
6. El Panecillo Hill and the Virgin of Quito
Category: Free/Cultural
Description: We finish this ranking with El Panecillo Hill and the Virgin of Quito. This place has the particularity of dividing the center and south of the city, while offering a beautiful viewpoint over it. It's a nice walk to do at the end of the day or early evening, to be able to admire the last rays of sun taking their bow. The hill, with a height of 3035 meters, is above sea level and this is where you can admire up close the statue of the Virgin of Quito built between 1955 and 1975. It's also one of the most recent monuments in the city of Quito. Equipped with wings, it was designed by Augustín de la Herrán Matorras, a Spanish artist. It measures nearly 41 meters high including its base. A bit intimidating, because yes it seems to scrutinize us with its eyes and watch us, it's made of more than 7000 aluminum pieces.