Quito was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and lies at an altitude of 2,850 m. This, along with the city’s varied themes, offers several ways to plan your trip: history and culture, recurring events, market-related topics, and places to walk and cycle. You can tailor your stay to the interests that matter most to you.

Getting Your Bearings and Culture in Quito

Four strategically located tourist information centers support visitors during their stay in the city and its surroundings. They offer tourist information materials, lockers, a handicrafts shop and free internet. As locations and services may change, it’s best to check the latest information locally.

The Centro Cultural Itchimbía is a glass-and-steel building. Its program includes exhibitions, fairs, concerts and international events. Check the specific dates before planning if you want to attend an event.

At the Museo Alberto Mena Caamaño, also known as the Museo de Cera, episodes from the struggle for independence are depicted with life-size figures. The museum offers a different cultural focus from the event venues: here, the emphasis is on staged portrayals of historical episodes.

A recurring event is the Ruta García Moreno, held on the last Friday of each month in the Centro Histórico. The cultural program is organized by Zonal Manuela Sáenz. If you want to make the route a fixed part of your plans, check the specific date in advance.

Markets and Local Themes

The Quito Markets Route features medicinal herbs, traditional cleansing rituals, herbal water, fruit tastings, fresh produce from Ecuador, paila ice cream, handicrafts, traditional crafts and pottery. These themes bring together culinary and cultural aspects. Before planning, find out which offerings are currently available and how participation works.

The Museo del Cacao Quito offers another way to explore chocolate: there, you can watch chocolatiers make artisanal chocolate bars live. As this is a demonstration, ask in advance whether it will take place during your stay.

Parks and Trails

At Parque Lineal del Río Machángara, the park follows the river, with paths surrounded by vegetation designed for walking and cycling. Parque Extremo offers a different focus, with ramps for skaters and cyclists. The two places therefore differ in the kinds of movement their paths and facilities accommodate.

Parque del Bicentenario opened in 2013 on the former grounds of Mariscal Sucre Airport. This historical detail adds a distinct connection to the city’s history to the selection of parks. Together, these places offer different themes for planning your trip: cultural activities, market offerings, and paths and facilities for exercise.

Finding a Hotel Based on Your Travel Interests

If you’re looking for a hotel in Quito, first decide which interests will shape your stay: culture and history, market-related topics, or walking and cycling routes. These themes can help you organize your own travel plans. You don’t need to fit all of them into a single itinerary.

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Go to the main travel overview: Ecuador.