Just 15 minutes south of Quito, in a valley surrounded by mountains, is Lloa, a rural area where nature thrives and the air smells fresh with earth, volcano, and peace.
Many people in Quito know its name, but few have seen its beautiful landscapes or met its friendly people.
Spending a day in Lloa means reconnecting with simple things: walking by rivers and meadows, tasting homemade food, and enjoying the quiet of the Andes.
Lloa is part of Quito’s Metropolitan District and sits 2,800 meters above sea level at the base of Guagua Pichincha volcano, which watches over the city. It’s easy to get there: from La Mena 2 neighborhood, a winding road passes through green hills to the peaceful center of the parish.
A city that shares its story through cultural spaces
In Quito, culture goes beyond museums. Vibrant cultural centers, community houses, alternative cinemas, and lively libraries create a rich public cultural scene. The Municipality highlights many places—museums, archaeological parks, and cultural centers—spread throughout the District.
This blog invites you to explore some of Quito’s important cultural spots: from well-known places like Casa de la Cultura and the Metropolitan Cultural Center to local favorites like Ochoymedio and Casa Égüez. Discover special cultural routes that highlight the city’s offerings, often with free or low-cost entry.
Top Cultural Spots in Quito
Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana: A Famous Cultural Center in Quito
The Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana Benjamín Carrión (CCE) is one of the most important cultural places in Ecuador. It was started in 1944 by writer and thinker Benjamín Carrión, with the idea that culture could help boost Ecuador’s pride and show it to the world.
Its main building in Quito, called Palacio Benjamín Carrión, has theaters, exhibition rooms, libraries, the National Cinematheque, and several museums. Its goal is to support and share Ecuadorian culture. Here, you can enjoy symphony concerts, film festivals, book fairs, performances, talks, and art shows featuring colonial, modern, and contemporary works.
This is a great place to get a broad view of Ecuador’s cultural life—from big exhibitions of national artists to special film series and events for young people.
Metropolitan Cultural Center Quito: history, art, and memory in the heart of the Historic Center
The Metropolitan Cultural Center (CCM) is housed in one of the country’s most historic buildings. It used to be home to the San Gregorio Magno Jesuit University, the Royal University of Santo Tomás, and the Central University. It was also an important place for meetings before Ecuador’s First Cry of Independence and its separation from Gran Colombia.
Today, it is a city-run institution under the Secretariat of Culture, managing the CCM, the Itchimbía Cultural Center, and the La Ronda Arts House. Its main building, located across from Plaza Grande, features temporary exhibition rooms, historic libraries, and the Alberto Mena Caamaño Museum (also called the Wax Museum), which shows independence scenes with life-size figures.
This center is a great starting point for exploring culture in the Historic Center. Nearby, you can also visit the Museum of the City, Carmen Alto Museum, or the House of Bands—all just a few blocks away.
Contemporary Art Center: A Modern Cultural Space in Quito
Located in the San Juan neighborhood, known as “the balcony of the city,” the Contemporary Art Center (CAC) is housed in a former Military Hospital. This early 20th-century building features simple design focused on natural light and airflow.
Since 2009, CAC has focused on contemporary culture and encouraging community participation through exhibitions, artist residencies, workshops, fairs, and local projects. It is part of the Museums of the City Foundation, which also runs the City Museum, MIC, and Yaku. Admission is free, and it’s open Wednesday to Sunday with extended hours.
If you enjoy contemporary art, installations, or experimental work, this is a great place to visit. Plus, its terrace and patios offer some of the best views of Quito.
Benjamín Carrión Cultural Center: the house of words
Opened in 1994, the Benjamín Carrión Cultural Center (with locations in La Mariscal and Bellavista) is run by the Municipality of Quito and the Secretariat of Culture. It focuses on literature, critical thinking, and the arts.
The La Mariscal site is a place where “art, knowledge, and words come together,” hosting book launches, poetry festivals, reading groups, talks, exhibitions, as well as film and music events. The Bellavista location supports this with various exhibitions, small concerts, and activities for different audiences.
If you enjoy reading or are interested in modern Ecuadorian literature, this center is definitely worth visiting.
Cultural centers in Quito and local community spaces: culture up close
Besides the big buildings, Quito has cultural centers and neighborhood spots where people experience culture more personally: small cinemas, reading rooms, renovated houses hosting workshops, music, theater, and thoughtful discussions.
Ochoymedio La Floresta: Independent Cinema & Cultural Center in Quito
Located in La Floresta, one of the city’s most creative neighborhoods, Ochoymedio is known as “the cinema of La Floresta” and is seen as the cultural hub of the area.
Started in 2001 by filmmakers and artists, it is a cultural space focused on promoting Ecuadorian and independent films from around the world. It has two screening rooms where movies are shown, festivals take place, new national films premiere, retrospectives happen, talks are held, stage performances occur, and small concerts are hosted.
Besides its cultural role, Ochoymedio is also a social spot with a café, patio, outdoor seating, and programs that often lead conversations about cinema and audiovisual arts.
Casa Égüez Cultural Center: a place for reading and thinking
The Casa Égüez Cultural Center, located at Juan Larrea Street and Rio de Janeiro, is run by the Eugenio Espejo Corporation, a community group working to encourage reading among Ecuadorians.
It doesn’t get government funding and is supported through its own efforts and partnerships. It offers a unique space for book launches, theater shows, readings, workshops, film clubs, and talks. The center is actually a house transformed into a cultural spot with rooms set up for exhibitions, reading groups, and meetings between writers and readers.
It’s an ideal place if you enjoy literature, idea discussions, and smaller, more personal events than those in large auditoriums.
Neighborhood Cultural Houses and Centers: A lively network across the city
Quito has many cultural houses and centers spread across different neighborhoods:
- Casa de Artes La Ronda: supports emerging and mid-career artists in the artistic La Ronda neighborhood.
- Zonal cultural centers and Casas Somos: offer art, sports, and craft workshops in both city and rural areas like Guápulo, Conocoto, Calderón, and San Marcos.
- Neighborhood projects in La Tola and La Floresta: local groups work with the Culture Secretariat to create community programs and preserve the area’s character.
Together, these places bring Quito’s culture to all parts of the city, from the Historic Center to the surrounding valleys.
Main Cultural Routes:
- Historic Center: Metropolitan Cultural Center + City Museum + House of Bands.
- La Mariscal and Bellavista: Contemporary Art Center + Benjamín Carrión Cultural Center + cafes.
- La Floresta: Ochoymedio + murals + local food spots.
- La Tola: Casa Égüez + community art schools.
- The Valley of Chillos: Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana Pichincha branch + El Espejo Cultural Space + traditional workshops.
- San Marcos: City Museum + Intiñan Plaza + artisan fairs.
These routes let you discover different sides of Quito’s culture—from history in the Historic Center to modern art in La Floresta. Take a trip through Quito and enjoy its rich artistic heritage.
