Historic Center of Quito
Centro Histórico de Quito
A highland historic city that was among the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the same year as the Galápagos, with well-preserved Spanish colonial churches, plazas, and streets.
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, sits at about 2,850 m. Its historic center is one of the best-preserved colonial city centers in Latin America, and it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, among the first. Highlights include the Carondelet Palace, the presidential palace on Plaza Grande (free visits can be booked), the Archbishop's Palace, and the Cathedral; La Compañía Jesuit church, whose interior is covered in gold leaf (about USD 5 admission); the San Francisco Monastery and its square; the neo-Gothic Basílica del Voto Nacional, where you can climb the towers for views over the city and whose gargoyles are native animals such as armadillos and sea turtles; and La Ronda street, lively at night. You can ride the TelefériQo cable car up the slopes of Pichincha volcano (about 4,000 m) for views over the city, or travel 26 km north to the Mitad del Mundo monument and stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Plan 1 to 2 days before or after your Galápagos trip, which also helps you acclimatize to the altitude. Note: the tourist areas of the old town are safe during the day, but at night and on quiet streets watch out for pickpockets. Use official ride-hailing apps for taxis.
Opening hours
Open all day (church approx. 09:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Plaza Grande & Metropolitan Cathedral
- Centro Cultural Metropolitano
- Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía)
- Basilica and Convent of San Francisco
- Casa del Alabado Museum
- Museo de la Ciudad
- Santo Domingo Church & Plaza
- La Ronda