The majestic Ecuadorian capital Quito shines with a new glow on the international tourist horizon. The prestigious travel guides Lonely Planet and TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice have highlighted this Andean jewel among the must-visit destinations in 2025, recognizing its extraordinary fusion of living history and vibrant modernity.
What makes Quito unique? Imagine waking up in a city where winter and summer coexist in the same day, where colonial past harmoniously dialogues with the present, and where Andean nature embraces the urban landscape. This city, guardian of ancient traditions and witness to sustainable innovation, invites you to discover its secrets.
Quito’s commitment to sustainable tourism is reflected in every corner: from its recently inaugurated metro system to the active preservation of its cultural heritage. The city offers you authentic experiences that respect and celebrate its natural and cultural heritage.
1. Explore the Historic Center of Quito: Living heritage and culture
The Historic Center of Quito invites you to immerse yourself in the largest and best-preserved colonial area in South America. This architectural treasure, declared UNESCO World Heritage since 1978, breathes history in every corner while maintaining its essence as a lively and dynamic space.
Discover the Plaza de la Independencia and its colonial architecture
The majestic Plaza de la Independencia, locally known as Plaza Grande, stands as the vibrant heart of the historic center. Here you will find the Palacio de Carondelet, the seat of the Presidency of Ecuador, and the emblematic building of the Quito City Hall, surrounded by colonial architecture that will transport you back centuries.
Amaze yourself with the colonial churches
The colonial churches display a unique visual spectacle:
- The Catedral de Quito: architectural jewel of the 16th century
- Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco: impressive religious complex with its iconic square
- Iglesia de La Compañía: dazzling with its interiors covered in gold leaf
- Basílica del Voto Nacional: masterpiece of Ecuadorian neo-Gothic style
Dive into the vibrant culture of the colonial neighborhood
The living colonial neighborhood will surprise you with its cobblestone streets where local artisans keep centuries-old crafts alive. Discover traditional shops, historic cafes, and colorful markets that preserve Quito’s authenticity while mingling with the daily life of its inhabitants.
2. Cultural tourist routes and museums in Quito
Immerse yourself in a fascinating journey through time in the most emblematic museums of Quito. The National Museum of Ecuador will captivate you with its extensive collection of pre-Columbian, colonial, and republican art. Its rooms house unique archaeological pieces that reveal the rich cultural heritage of Ecuadorian ancestral civilizations.
The City Museum, located in the former San Juan de Dios Hospital, transports you to different eras of Quito’s history. Its interactive exhibits recreate scenes from everyday life from the pre-Inca period to the present day. Here you can:
- Explore recreations of traditional artisanal workshops
- Discover the urban development of Quito
- Learn about local customs and traditions
- Participate in educational and cultural workshops
The cultural routes of Quito connect these museum spaces with other points of historical interest. The Casa del Alabado Museum stands out for its collection of pre-Columbian art, while the Numismatic Museum allows you to trace the economic history of Ecuador through its collection of coins and banknotes.
For a complete cultural experience, visit the Contemporary Art Center, where local and international artists exhibit works that engage with the contemporary identity of the city.
3. Discover Ecuadorian flavors: typical cuisine and traditional markets
The Central Market of Quito invites you to immerse yourself in a feast of authentically Ecuadorian flavors. This gastronomic epicenter houses dozens of stalls where huecas – small local restaurants – serve traditional dishes prepared with recipes passed down through generations.
Unmissable delights from the Central Market:
- Locro de papa: A creamy potato soup with avocado and fresh cheese
- Hornado: Roasted pork served with hominy and potato tortillas
- Yahuarlocro: Traditional soup prepared with lamb intestines and blood
- Ceviche de chocho: Highland version of ceviche with Andean grains
The fresh juices deserve special mention – try unique combinations like naranjilla, tomate de árbol, or guanábana.
Highlighted culinary experiences:
- Have a brewed coffee for breakfast with humitas or tamales
- Try the hen broth prepared in clay pots
- Discover homemade ají on every table, made with family recipes
- Enjoy quimbolitos – sweet treats wrapped in achira leaves
The market vendors, affectionately known as “caseras”, will guide you through the most representative flavors of Quito’s cuisine, sharing stories and culinary secrets that make each dish a memorable experience.
4. La Ronda and bohemian areas: art, coffee, and alternative cultural life
Dive into the bohemian charm of La Ronda, a cobblestone street from the 16th century that comes alive at sunset. This magical corner of the Historic Center is home to:
- Local art galleries
- Coppercraft workshops
- Shops selling traditional hats
- Cafés with live music
- Small bars serving artisanal cocktails
The neighborhood La Mariscal, known as “La Zona”, invites you to explore contemporary Quito art. The Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal showcases a colorful selection of:
- Handmade Andean textiles
- Silver jewelry
- Paintings by local artists
- Tagua and wood crafts
- Premium Ecuadorian chocolates
In La Floresta, the hipster neighborhood of Quito, you will discover:
- Cafés with specialty coffee made from local beans
- Independent galleries
- Urban murals that transform the streets into canvases
- Vintage shops and local design
- Alternative cultural spaces
The nights in these neighborhoods take on a special glow, where street artists, musicians, and performers create a unique atmosphere that blends the traditional with the contemporary.
5. Urban Nature and Modern Infrastructure for Active Tourism
Quito invites you to discover its most active and natural side in the heart of the city. La Carolina Park, a green lung of 67 hectares, offers you an ideal urban oasis to:
- Practice outdoor sports in its multifunctional courts
- Row in the artificial lake
- Explore bike trails
- Enjoy free exercise areas
- Participate in outdoor yoga and aerobics classes
Adventure Awaits with the Teleférico de Quito
The adventure literally rises with the Teleférico de Quito, an unmissable experience that transports you from 2,950 meters to 4,050 meters in height. This modern transportation system allows you to:
- Admire 360° panoramic views of the city
- Capture the contrast between colonial and modern Quito
- Access hiking trails on the Pichincha volcano
- Indulge in restaurants and cafes with spectacular views
- Experience the temperature change and Andean microclimate
The ascent takes approximately 20 minutes, just enough time to appreciate how the city unfolds beneath you as you approach the clouds. The upper station of the cable car becomes a natural viewpoint where the fresh mountain air and endless vistas create a unique experience in the middle of the world.
6. Nearby rural tourism to Quito: Ruta Escondida and Andean experiences
A few kilometers from the bustling capital lies a natural and cultural treasure: The Hidden Route. This magical circuit connects five rural parishes that will transport you to the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes:
- Puéllaro: Famous for its fruit orchards and artisanal production
- Perucho: Land of Andean vineyards and ancestral traditions
- Chavezpamba: Home to cloud forests and exotic birds
- Atahualpa: Known for its typical cuisine and local handicrafts
- San José de Minas: Recognized for its high-altitude coffee and community hospitality
The route allows you to immerse yourself in pristine Andean landscapes where cloud forests blend with traditional crops. Here you can:
- Taste typical dishes prepared by local communities
- Participate in high-altitude coffee harvesting
- Observe endemic birds in their natural habitat
- Learn ancestral agricultural techniques
- Stay in authentic community accommodations
The well-marked trails invite you to explore on foot or by bike, allowing you to discover hidden waterfalls and natural viewpoints. The hospitality of the locals and the slow pace of rural life create a unique experience that perfectly contrasts with the urban energy of Quito.
7. Iconic monuments outside the historic center
A few kilometers from the bustling city lies the Monument to the Middle of the World, an icon that marks the exact point where the planet is divided between the northern and southern hemispheres. This impressive 30-meter-high obelisk invites you to have a unique experience: literally standing on the equatorial line.
Within the tourist complex, you will discover:
- An ethnographic museum that showcases the cultural diversity of Ecuador
- Interactive pavilions where you can experience unique physical phenomena of the equator
- Restaurants offering traditional Ecuadorian cuisine
- Shops selling indigenous crafts and souvenirs
The scientific demonstrations will allow you to observe fascinating effects such as:
- Water swirling in different directions depending on the hemisphere
- The balance of an egg on a nail
- The apparent loss of weight at the equatorial line
The complex also houses the Inti Ñan Solar Museum, where you can delve into the astronomical knowledge of ancestral cultures and their relationship with Ecuador’s privileged geographical location.
The visit to the monument is complemented by cultural shows and temporary exhibitions that celebrate the rich heritage of indigenous peoples, making this site a must-visit destination to understand the historical and geographical importance of Quito.
Accessible and innovative tourist transportation in Quito
The Quito Metro has been revolutionizing the tourist experience in the Ecuadorian capital since 2023. This modern transportation system connects the main points of interest along 22 kilometers between the north and south of the city.
The 15 strategically located stations facilitate access to iconic destinations:
- Quitumbe: Connection with interprovincial bus terminals
- El Recreo: Access to the shopping center and dining area
- San Francisco: Direct entry to the Historic Center
- Universidad Central: Cultural and educational area
- El Labrador: Link with the airport
The metro operates from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM, with trains every 3-4 minutes during peak hours. The air-conditioned, spacious carriages equipped with free WiFi provide a comfortable journey while you admire the Quito urban landscape through their panoramic windows.
The affordable fare of $0.45 per trip allows you to explore the city in an economical and sustainable way, significantly reducing travel times between tourist attractions.
Conclusion: Why choose Quito for your next trip according to Lonely Planet
Quito offers you a unique experience where the past and present intertwine perfectly. The capital of Ecuador shines as a tourist destination in Latin America, recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the places you can’t miss in 2025.
Discover a city where:
- The largest historic center in South America keeps its traditions alive
- The local cuisine connects you with ancestral flavors in authentic markets
- Art and culture flourish in bohemian neighborhoods like La Ronda
- The Andean nature embraces you from the Cable Car to the Hidden Route
The UNESCO distinction as a World Cultural Heritage reflects Quito’s commitment to preserving its historical legacy. Your responsible visit helps keep this cultural treasure alive for future generations.
Get ready to experience unforgettable moments in a city where every street tells a story, every square holds a secret, and every corner invites you to be part of its magic.
