What to see in Quito

Quito is the capital of Ecuador. Besides Cuenca it is one of the cultural centers. Therefore there is a lot of art places to see. But of course one of the highlights is the proximity to the equator and the Teleférico for the good view.

Companía de Jesus

This is probably the most rich and beautiful church of all Ecuador. Unfortunately there is an entrance fee of 5$. The church is covered in gold in its inside.

Capilla del Hombre

This is a complex of Chapel and musuem that contributes to the Ecuadorian artist Guayasamin, probably the most well known artist of Ecuador.

Centro de Arte Contemporaneo

The place for contemporary art and contemporary social topics. It is a big complex where they have space for about three exhibitions at once, so plan enough time.

Centro Cultural Metropolitano

This museum is situated in one corner of the main plaza and next to the Compania de Jesus. The have a nice cafe in the patio and the exhibitions are spread on the ground floor and the first floor of the building.

Teleférico

To get to the teleférico it’s best to take a taxi (5$). It’s also possible to hike it. The teleférico itself costs 8.50$ two ways. From the top it is also possible to climb Rucu Pichincha. On clear days it is possible to see Cotopaxi and even Chimborazo and all the other volcanoes. It does not make much sense to get there, when the weather is bad. You also have a nice view over Quito. Other places to have a view over Quito are El Panecillo and Itchimbia.

Mitad del mundo

For the mitad del mundo it is advisable to plan a whole day. You can also do it on your way to Mindo.

The place itself is a small Disneyworld like theme park. But as your not happen to be at the equator every day it is worth the 5$ of entrance fee. Some people claim that the line is not the correct equator and the real one lies some hundred meters up north. But they are just to stubborn with their image of the equator being a fix line. In fact it is constantly changing its position, within 5 km, due to the rotation of the earth. For the actual position you can use your phones GPS.

To get there take the bus at the crossing of Av. America and 18 de Septiembre (-0.20470/-78.50233), which says Mitad del Mundo (yellow sign). Its a slow bus, but it’s a cheap one (0.40$ one way). Be aware that when returning it will take a slightly different route within Quito. And you end up more or less uphill of the historic center (depending, where you hop off).

If you want to continue to Mindo on the same day, just wait opposite of the entrance for a bus in that direction (Esmeraldas or Santo Domingo). Ask if you are not sure.

Most of the vegan restaurants are situated in Mariscal and the new part of the city. I recommend to stay in a place that is between the historic center and the mariscal.

The Jose Antepara, where the Secret Garden Hostel lies, has a lot of restaurants with vegan options.

I stayed in the Minka Hostel, but did not really like it. Like the Secret Garden it is a place for slightly younger customers (party hostel). The Community Hostel, the Rebel Hostel and the Hostel Revolution Quito are probably more recommendable.

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