What are good places to visit in Quito, Ecuador?

Question

I will be there for 1 week. Looking for nightlife and things to do during the day.

Answer 1

El Panecillo (a little mountain with a big statue of Virgin Mary on top of it) is OK, but it's not the best place. The best place for me is El Teleférico, it's a new place in the mountains where you can be taken to the top, at 4,200 meters of altitude and once there you have beautiful restaurants, an oxygen bar, a breath-taking view of the city and souvenir shops and you can even camp there or do some horseback-riding. There are also great bars at night and a very hip night club where you can find the nicest people (meaning beautiful women and cute guys ;-) hehe!

The middle of the world is another place you can't miss!! once in the city, ask for the buses that can take you there for a couple of bucks, you'll be stepping on the line that divides the north and south hemispheres, and there you can also find nice restaurants, a museum, shops, indigenous dancers (they are awesome!) and mostly, Quito has a very nice weather, when it's sunny, but consider the fact that it can change in a question of minutes. For more info, go to www.vivecuador.com, I bet you'll find even more things to do there!, have a nice trip!!!

Answer 2

I suggest the midle of the world , and next visit the termas de Papallacta for un relax bath hot springs .

If you need more informations about Ecuador visit this web site www.iloveecotourism.com

Answer 3

El Panecillo

Answer 4

History Lies in the Capital

Quito, the provincial of Pichincha and the nation’s capital, is the departure point for Ecuador’s main tourist destinations. Due to its strategic location and well developed tourist infrastructure Quito is an ideal place from which to start a trip and a great place to hold both national and international conventions and other events. The city lies at the foot of the western Andes range and enjoys a spring-like climate, with temperatures ranging from 13 to 24 degrees centigrade. Its Mariscal Sucre Airport, is one of Ecuador’s international terminals.

Apart from its historical capital, Pichincha has an abundance of interesting destination: protected areas with extensive forests and towering volcanoes, archaeological sites, and villages indigenous markets that sell the finest in artisan crafts.

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Quito - Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Situated in an Andean valley at 2,850 m above sea level at the foot of Volcano Pichincha (4,794 m), Quito is a modern city with a living history. One of Latin America’s most historically important cities, Quito has been declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity site by UNESCO. Noteworthy for its architectural beauty, Quito is home to numerous churches and convents built in the colonial period. The Metropolitan Cathedral, located in Independence Plaza, is one of the city’s most impressive historical and architectural sites. Others worthy of mention are the following cathedrals and historical sites: San Francisco, la Compañía de Jesús, San Agustín, Santo Domingo, El Sagrario, La Merced, Carmen Bajo, San Sebastian, Santa Barbara, and San Blas. A large part of their interiors, especially the altars and pulpits, are gilded in gold and house innumerable works of religious art. Some of their museums hold valuable collections of paintings and sculptures belonging to the artistic genre which has been come to known as the Quito School.

Another important building is the Carondelet Palace, the seat of the Central Government. In Quito’s historical center, with its steep, narrow, cobblestone streets, the artistic and architectural influence of Spain can be seen in the general architectural style of the homes, their balconies, their tiled roofs, and their interior patios. Another colonial area, outside the of Old Town, is the suburb Guápulo. Perched on the eastern slopes of the city, Guapalo’s most impressive sight is its famous sanctuary to the Virgin of Guápulo, the oldest sanctuary of its kind in the country.

However, despite its rich living history, Ecuador’s capital is at the same time a modern metropolis with a variety of hotel facilities to chose from, including many of the world’s major hotel chains. Quito also has countless restaurants (serving national and international cuisine, alike), shopping centers, theaters, convention centers, and everything else that the most demanding tourist could possible need.

The city has its annual festival in December, when festivities such as bullfights, the election of the Queen of Quito, national and international concerts, street dances, and fireworks turn Quito into the site of a national gala for an entire week. The celebrations are in honor of founding of Quito on December 6, 1534 by Sebástian de Benalcázar.

Quito's nightlife ranges from serious salsa to raves, from classy English style pubs to horrible karaoke beer troughs. In general, the bars close at 2 or 3 o'clock. Discos are another story. There are several discotecas that stay open until dawn.

Another point to address up front is the difference between the various entrance fees. Bars in Quito handle what you and I know as a "cover" in one of three ways:

1. Cover charge: the one that we know best. You pay a certain amount to get in the door and then you buy all your drinks, or none, it doesn't matter;
2. Consumo minimo: there is no cover charge persay, but you have to spend at least X number of dollars or you pay something when you leave; and
3. Entrada con derecha a una bebida: by far the most popular in Quito. You pay X number of dollars and they give you a ticket or token for a "free" drink.

Some of Quito's better known watering holes...

* La Boca del Lobo (José Calama and Reina Victoria) - the perfect place to start your evening. La Boca del Lobo has delicious international cuisine and great drinks in a cozy, artistic environment.
* Varadero (Reina Victoria 17-51 and La Pinta) - great live music! Varadero is one of the best musica en vivo venues in Quito. A must for anyone that likes Cuban music. A place to hit at least twice a month and definitely the kind of joint where you could stay for a whole evening. The restaurant next door (same owners) is also great! Authentic Cuban cuisine. Yum!
* No Bar (José Calama and Juan León Mera) - gringos unite! The consummate young Gringo (18 to 25) hangout but also popular with young Ecuadorians, at least those that like Gringos. If you want to rage it's a good place to go. By 1:00, the majority of the patrons are thoroughly sloshed. You either love it or you hate.
* Seseribó (Veintimilla and 12 de Octubre) - salsa, salsa, salsa! Far and away Quito's best salsatech. Drinks are slightly expensive and they charge a cover but if you like salsa there is no better place in Ecuador.
* Ghoz Bar (La Niña 425 and Reina Victoria) - a swiss owned pub on the northern fringe of La Mariscal. Ghoz is known for its food, beer, and, above all, its games, which include pinball, darts, pool, and foosball. You almost never have to wait to play because they have plenty - 8 pool and 5 foosball tables.
* El Pobre Diablo (Isabel la Católica and Madrid) - a sedate, cultured bar known for its jazz, finger foods, and atmosphere. The bar moved recently from its longtime home in La Mariscal to a more upscale local behind the Swiss Hotel.
* Turtle's Head (La Niña 626 and Amazonas, between Amazonas and Juan León Mera) - a Scottish-owned pub in Quito's Mariscal district and is the only place in Quito where you can get home-brewed beer. At Turtle's Head you can get delicious hamburgers and snacks along with pool, darts, afuse-ball and on occasions live music.
* Kings Cross Bar (Reina Victoria 1781, between Orellana and La Niña) - after a few beers you'll forget you're in Ecuador. The Canadian run Kings Cross could be in any small town north of Mexico. The owner works the bar every night, serving Labatts Blue, great burgers, and chicken wings. Both the burgers and wings are arguably Quito's best.