Historic Quito & the Andean Chocó: Heritage Between Domes and Forests

The journey begins in the heart of the city, at Tienda Quito, a space that showcases the best of local talent: crafts, contemporary design, coffee, and creations that capture the essence of Quito’s identity. It also serves as a tourist information point, offering free
guidance to help plan your adventure through the city.

The itinerary continues to Plaza Grande and the domes of the Metropolitan Cathedral, the epicenter of colonial Quito. From here, the views are as majestic as the legends that accompany them — the famous “Rooster of the Cathedral” still watches over the city
with its metallic gleam.

Next is the Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía de Jesús), a masterpiece of American Baroque architecture. Its gold-leaf-covered walls tell centuries of devotion and artistry from the Quito School of Art. Every carving, every shimmer, every detail
invites awe.

The story unfolds further at San Francisco Square, where the grandeur of the convent and its volcanic stone towers mingle with the site’s brewing tradition — it was here that Quito’s first artisanal beer was crafted.

At the City Museum, visitors embark on a sensory journey through Quito’s memory — from ancient trades and daily customs to the festive traditions that still fill the streets with color.

For lunch, local flavors await at Claroscuro or Casa de los Geranios, where traditional recipes are preserved and reimagined in beautifully restored heritage spaces.

In the afternoon, a stroll through La Ronda Street reveals Quito’s most bohemian side. Flowered balconies, artisan workshops, chocolatiers, and luthiers open their doors to share their craft with travelers.

From there, the ascent to the El Panecillo Viewpoint offers one of the city’s most iconic vistas: the Virgin of Quito, the only winged Madonna in the world, stands atop the hill that divides north and south, offering breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding
volcanoes.

To close the day with cultural flair, the National Folkloric Ballet Jacchigua presents a dazzling show of color, dance, and live music — a vibrant reflection of Ecuador’s diversity and spirit.

The second day invites travelers to leave behind the bustle of the city and venture into the landscapes of the Andean Chocó, a natural treasure recognized by UNESCO.

The first stop is the Temple of the Sun Museum, created by artist Cristóbal Ortega Maila, where art, spirituality, and ancestral medicine merge in a space dedicated to the energy of the sun and moon.

Next, at the Ventanillas del Pululahua Viewpoint, nature takes center stage: this long-extinct volcano shelters one of the few inhabited craters on Earth. Its mist-covered green landscape inspires silence and contemplation.

Science and culture meet at the Intiñán Museum, located precisely on the equator. Interactive experiments reveal the wonder of standing at latitude 0°, while archaeological exhibits connect visitors with the pre-Columbian civilizations that once worshiped the sun.

At Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, visitors can literally stand with one foot in each hemisphere. The monument, museums, planetarium, and cultural performances make this an experience that is both educational and entertaining.

Lunch takes place at Santana Brewing Company, where Quito’s craft beer becomes a form of liquid art. The visit includes tastings, pairings, and a behind-the-scenes look at local production in a modern, welcoming setting.

The day concludes at Casa del Ágave, a living museum that celebrates Andean heritage through the production of miske, an ancestral distilled spirit. Tastings, workshops, and interpretive tours allow visitors to connect deeply with Ecuador’s agricultural and
spiritual roots.