La Compañía de Jesús Church
Built by the Jesuits in the 18th century, it is undoubtedly the most representative monument of the Baroque in South America. Its façade, entirely stone-carved, is embellished by precious details corresponding to the iconography of the religious order founded by San Ignacio de Loyola, skillfully mixed up with symbols of the native’s religion.

The breathtaking interior of this church amazes with the beauty and refinement of the carving of its gold covered altar pieces.

Museo de la Ciudad (The City Museum)

Founded as a hospital in 1565, it was remodeled in the 20th century to serve as an interesting museum that recreates the daily life in Quito, from ages before the Inca conquest.

El Panecillo
This natural hill was an adoration site for the Sun before the Spanish conquest. In the 1970’s, the catholic order of the Oblates lobbied to place on the top of the hill a gigantic aluminum copy of the “Virgen de Quito”, originally a master piece of one of the greatest sculptors of the Escuela Quiteña, Bernardo de Legarda.

This is yet another example of the cultural syncretism originated with the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century. From this place you can have a wonderful panoramic view of the city and the mountains that surround it.

Capilla del Hombre
Located in the northern part of the city, this is the last and most important achievement of contemporary painter Oswaldo Guayasamín. This monument and the master pieces in its inside are a testimony of both the greatness and the meanness of the human being. Through a series of mural paintings the history of the South American man is recreated, starting before the Spanish conquest, through Colonial times and into our days.

The main theme of this humanistic exposition reflects the deep social engagement of this renowned Ecuadorian artist whose work has been acknowledged all over America and the world.

La Mariscal

Quito is a city of art and culture, but also of great fun. “La Mariscal” neighborhood, located in the northern side of the city, parties every night at its bars, discos and entertainment lounges.
You will also find a wide variety of restaurants offering specialties from all over the world.

Mitad del Mundo
This 98 ft. monument was built in memory of the French Geodesic Mission that came to Ecuador in the 18th century in order to scientifically prove the shape of planet Earth. Their studies determined the parallel 0 ,or equator line, that imaginarily divides the globe into two hemispheres. Up to then the country was known as Real Audiencia de Quito. After the French expedition people started to call it “land of the equator” giving it the name it has now.
Step simultaneously in both hemispheres and then visit “Ciudad Mitad del Mundo”, a scale built city that recreates a classic colonial town: the major square, the church, the city hall, the bull-fighting ring.

All around you will fin handicrafts shops, restaurants, phone and post offices. It is located 8 miles away from Quito.

Otavalo Indean Market
Heirs of a long standing tradition, the Otavalos have been working on textiles long before the Incas arrived to these lands. During the Spanish Colony they were put to slavery and the economy of the 16th and 17th centuries was based up their work.
Nowadays their handicrafts are exported all over the world and are fully acknowledged for their top quality and the beauty of their designs. Enjoy one of the most colorful native markets in America, just 2 hours away from Quito.
Another main feature of this region are the large rose plantations, one of the top exports of Ecuador.

Thanks to a permanent spring-like weather it is possible to grow unique varieties that have conquered many international markets. You will be able to visit these plantations and be amazed by the natural beauty of our flowers.

Cotopaxi Volcano
Considered the highest active volcano in the world, this Andes snow-caped peak can be seen from Quito in a sunny day. Just 2 hours South from the city, this perfectly cone-shaped mountain is an ideal destination for trekking and climbing.
In the slopes of the Volcano there is an ecological reserve, the Cotopaxi National Park, where most of the region’s biodiversity can be appreciated.