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Tourist Areas of Quito: A Heritage City That Always Surprises

December 1, 2025

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Historic Center of Quito: The Heritage Heart of Ecuador
The Historic Center of Quito is considered the best preserved in Latin America and was
declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, a recognition that places it among the most
valuable treasures on the planet. Its origins date back to the Spanish foundation in 1534, built
on ancient indigenous settlements that already had a deep social, cultural, and religious
organization. Since then, the city has transformed into the political, religious, and social
nucleus of Ecuador.
Among its squares, the Plaza Grande stands out, with the Carondelet Palace and the
Cathedral; Plaza San Francisco, with its imposing convent; and Plaza Santo Domingo, always
vibrant. Churches such as La Compañía de Jesús, San Francisco, the Basilica of the National
Vow, and the Metropolitan Cathedral are majestic examples of colonial and republican
architecture.
The area also features iconic museums such as the Museum of the City, the House of Alabado,
and the Metropolitan Cultural Center, which narrate the history and art of Quito. Daily life can
be felt in its streets with artisans, markets, and iconic corners like La Ronda. Here, traditional
cuisine takes center stage with empanadas, paila ice cream, and colada morada in season. At
night, La Ronda offers music, dance, and social gatherings, making the Historic Center a
vibrant and authentic cultural experience.
La Mariscal: Modernity, urban culture, and nightlife
Located north of the Historic Center, La Mariscal is one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan
neighborhoods in Quito. Known for its modern and multicultural atmosphere, it combines
contemporary architecture with restored republican mansions that now function as hotels,
bars, or restaurants. It serves as a meeting point for locals and national and international
tourists alike and is an epicenter of urban tourism.
Plaza Foch is the heart of nightlife, where nightclubs, cafes, and restaurants converge offering
everything from Ecuadorian cuisine to international flavors. Its vibrant atmosphere makes it a
perfect space for concerts, festivals, and social gatherings.
Beyond fun, La Mariscal is also a space for urban art and alternative culture: colorful murals,
independent galleries, and cultural proposals enrich the identity of the neighborhood. Here
you can feel the young and creative spirit of the city.
The area concentrates a wide range of hotels and hostels focused on international tourism. Its
artisan fairs, such as the La Mariscal Handicraft Market, complement the experience with
textiles, jewelry, and traditional souvenirs. When visiting this area, it is advisable to take basic
safety precautions, especially at night. With these considerations, La Mariscal reveals itself as
a destination that combines modernity, urban culture, and nightlife, being a must-visit on the
tourist map of Quito.
Nature areas close to the city
Quito is a privileged capital due to its natural surroundings, as parks, mountains, and
viewpoints that invite contemplation and adventure are located just a few minutes from the
urban center. Itchimbía Park combines green areas with an unparalleled panoramic view of the
Historic Center and also serves as a cultural space with events and fairs.
The Metropolitan Park Guangüiltagua, considered the green lung of the city, offers ideal trails
for walking, cycling, and picnicking in the midst of an Andean forest. El Panecillo, crowned by
the Virgin of Quito, is one of the most visited urban icons and provides a unique perspective
of the city stretched between mountains.
For those seeking adrenaline, the Cable Car takes you to over 4,000 meters above sea level, a
starting point for ascending Rucu Pichincha, a high-altitude adventure experience.
Neighborhoods with cultural identity and bohemian atmosphere
Quito is a city where history and contemporary creativity interact in its neighborhoods.
Guápulo preserves its colonial essence with cobblestone streets, a 17th-century church, and a
viewpoint overlooking the Cumbayá valley; it is a place that combines spirituality, tradition,
and bohemia.
In La Floresta, urban art can be felt in every corner: colorful murals, independent cinema, fairs,
and cafés that become spaces for cultural gathering. It is the favorite neighborhood of artists
and young creators.

The traditional neighborhood of San Marcos is a heritage treasure with restored houses, art
galleries, craft workshops, and a vibrant cultural life that rescues the memory of the Historic
Center in an intimate atmosphere.
On its part, Itchimbía has transformed into a gastronomic and leisure point, with restaurants
and rooftops that allow you to enjoy the city from above, especially at sunset. Together, these
neighborhoods reflect the diverse and creative spirit of Quito, where tradition, innovation, and
a unique cultural identity coexist.

Modern Quito: Business and Lifestyle
Beyond its heritage richness, Quito is also a modern city that offers first-class urban,
commercial, and cultural experiences. La Carolina Park has established itself as the great lung
of the center-north, surrounded by contemporary buildings and with attractions such as the
Botanical Garden, which showcases the country’s plant diversity, and the Planetarium, where
science and recreation combine.
The development of the city is reflected in megaprojects like Quicentro Shopping, one of the
most exclusive shopping centers in Ecuador, and the Metropolitan Convention Center, which
positions Quito as a destination for large fairs, congresses, and shows.
Contemporary cuisine is also part of this modern face: signature restaurants, fusion cuisine,
and innovative proposals place the capital on the route of international haute cuisine.
In addition, Quito has established itself as a benchmark in business tourism and international
events (MICE), thanks to its infrastructure, air connectivity, and hotel capacity. Thus, the
capital combines a cosmopolitan lifestyle with its Andean tradition, projecting itself as a
metropolis that harmoniously blends heritage and modernity.
Unique experiences by season
Quito is a city that transforms throughout the year, offering experiences that reflect both its
spirituality and its cultural richness. Each season opens a different window into the identity of
the capital.
During Holy Week, the Procession of Jesus of Great Power traverses the Historic Center with
thousands of devotees dressed in purple robes and hoods. It is an event that overwhelms with
its solemnity and combines faith and community memory in a unique heritage setting.
In August, the city fills with color during the Summer of Arts Quito (VAQ), a festival that brings
music, dance, theater, and exhibitions to squares and parks. In December, the Foundation
Festivals of Quito take place from the 1st to the 6th, with parades, announcements, fairs, and
popular concerts that fill the city with joy.
Finally, in November, the gastronomic tradition of colada morada and guaguas de pan
connects families with their ancestral roots. Markets, bakeries, and various restaurants offer
this ephemeral experience that combines unique flavors with the memory of the deceased.
Practical tips for visitors
Traveling to Quito is an enriching experience, and having practical information allows for a
more relaxed enjoyment. Regarding safety and transportation, it is recommended to use
authorized taxis or mobile applications, as well as the Quito Metro and reliable buses, since,
like in any large city, it is important to take care of personal belongings in crowded areas.
The official currency is the United States dollar (USD), which facilitates transactions. The costs
in Quito are affordable compared to other capitals: a typical lunch can cost between 3 and 5
dollars, while dinner at a fine dining restaurant can exceed 25.
The city is located at an altitude of 2,850 meters above sea level, so it is important to
acclimatize on the first day: avoiding intense physical exertion, staying hydrated, and eating
light helps prevent altitude sickness.
The climate of Quito is known as “eternal spring,” but it can vary within the same day: sunny
mornings, rainy afternoons, and cold nights. It is recommended to wear layered clothing, a
light waterproof jacket, and sunscreen.
Quito has the Mariscal Sucre International Airport, one of the most modern in the region, with
direct flights to destinations in America and Europe. There are also land terminals that
connect the capital with other provinces.
Mitad del Mundo: the place where the hemisphere meets
A visit to Quito is not complete without a stop at the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, located 30
minutes north of the city center. This tourist area is situated on latitude 0°0’0″, which marks
the equatorial line that divides the planet into northern and southern hemispheres. The central
monument, with its bronze sphere on top, is the perfect spot for a classic photo with one foot
in each hemisphere.

In addition to its symbolic appeal, Ciudad Mitad del Mundo offers interactive museums that tell
the story of the French geodesic expedition and Quito’s scientific importance in the 18th
century. You can also find cultural presentations, handicraft shops, and a varied gastronomic
offer.
For those seeking a more authentic experience, the nearby Intiñán Museum offers experiments
related to gravity and magnetism, as well as exhibits on ancestral cultures of Ecuador, making
it an educational and fun space for both families and curious travelers.

Quito Cable Car: a window to the Andean sky
The Quito Cable Car is one of the most impressive attractions in the city and an experience
that combines adventure and nature. Located in the western sector, it transports visitors from
2,950 to 4,050 meters above sea level in just a few minutes, offering spectacular views of the
capital and its surroundings.
The ascent in modern cabins allows you to observe the elongated expanse of Quito and, on
clear days, volcanoes such as Cotopaxi, Cayambe, and Antisana. Once at the top, at the Cruz
Loma station, visitors can enjoy trails, photo viewpoints, and cafes with unique panoramic
views.
For the more adventurous ones, the Cable Car is also the starting point for climbing Rucu
Pichincha, a mountain hike that takes you to over 4,600 meters above sea level and offers
landscapes of the Andean paramo.
La Carolina Park: urban lung and recreational space
In the heart of the city, La Carolina Park is a large green space that combines sports, culture,
and recreation. With more than 60 hectares, it is considered the urban lung of Quito and a
meeting point for residents and visitors.
The park offers areas for walking, jogging, or cycling, as well as sports fields, artificial lakes,
and playgrounds. Among its main attractions are the Botanical Garden, which houses an
exceptional collection of orchids, and the Vivarium, where reptiles and amphibians from
various regions of the country can be observed.
In addition, the park hosts cultural events, food fairs, and outdoor concerts, becoming a
dynamic place throughout the year. Its location, surrounded by shopping centers and modern
buildings, makes it easily accessible and positions it as a key point within contemporary
Quito.

Luis Fernando Fuertes

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