# QUITO OLD TOWN 7 
Quito Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a well-preserved historic center with narrow cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant plazas.
Highlights include Plaza Grande, La Ronda Street, and numerous churches and museums reflecting Ecuador's cultural heritage.
City District 🌎 World Heritage Site: since 1978
by Cayambe / CC BY-SA 3.0
# BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL VOW 6
BASILICA DEL VOTO NACIONAL
The Basilica del Voto Nacional, the largest neo-Gothic church in the Americas, features intricate gargoyle designs representing Ecuadorian animals.
Visitors can climb to its towers for breathtaking views of Quito and the surrounding Andes.
Church 🌎 World Heritage Site: since 1978
by Michael Shade / CC BY-SA 3.0
# The Church of the Society of Jesus 6
Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus (La Compañía)
Known as La Compañía, this church is renowned for its stunning baroque architecture and gold-covered interior. Its ornate design includes intricate carvings, gilded altars, and detailed paintings, showcasing Quito's colonial artistry.
Often called the most beautiful church in Ecuador, it leaves visitors awestruck.
by Diego Delso/ CC BY-SA 4.0
# Church and Monastery of St. Francis 6
Iglesia de San Francisco
The Church and Monastery of St. Francis, Quito’s oldest church, boasts a mix of baroque and Moorish styles, with an elaborate altar and centuries-old artworks.
Its expansive plaza hosts festivals and markets, making it a lively community space. The complex symbolizes Quito's deep religious heritage.
by Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0
# TelefériQo 5 
One of the highest cable cars in the world, the TelefériQo ascends Pichincha Volcano, offering panoramic views of Quito, its surrounding valleys, and snow-capped Andean peaks—a breathtaking experience for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
by diego_cue / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Independence Square 5
Plaza de la Independencia (or colloquially "Plaza Grande")
The political and cultural heart of Quito, this historic plaza is framed by grand colonial edifices, including the Presidential Palace and Quito Cathedral, epitomizing Ecuador’s rich colonial and republican history.
by Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Calle La Ronda 5
This historic, cobblestone street in Quito's Old Town brims with colonial charm, offering vibrant artisan workshops, traditional Ecuadorian eateries, and a lively evening ambiance steeped in centuries-old heritage.
by Martini / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Chapel of Man 5
La Capilla Del Hombre
The Chapel of Man, designed by renowned Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, is a striking cultural complex that honors the struggles, resilience, and spirit of humanity through evocative paintings, sculptures, and murals.
Situated on a hilltop in Bellavista, the site offers sweeping views of Quito, complementing its thematic focus on human suffering and hope within the context of Latin America's history.
by Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 3.0
El Panecillo 5
Crowned by the Virgin of Quito statue, this hill provides sweeping views of the city and is a historic site, blending pre-Columbian significance with colonial-era religious symbolism.
by David Adam Kess / CC BY-SA 4.0
#10 | Museum Temple of the Sun Painter Ortega Maila 5
Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Cristobal Ortega Maila
This interesting museum showcases the vibrant works of indigenous artist Ortega Maila, interwoven with Andean cosmology, ancient traditions, and architectural harmony within the dramatic Andean landscape.
by Museotemplodelsol / CC BY-SA 4.0
#11 | Guayasamin Museum 5
Casa Museo Guayasamin
This cultural treasure houses the works and personal collections of Ecuador's most renowned modern artist, Oswaldo Guayasamín, and serves as a poignant homage to human suffering and resilience through its emotional art and architecture.
by Dr.bb8 / CC BY-SA 4.0
#12 | La Carolina Park 5
Parque La Carolina
A sprawling urban oasis in the heart of Quito, La Carolina offers lush greenery, sports facilities, and attractions like the botanical garden and reptile exhibit, making it a vibrant recreational hub for locals and visitors alike.
by H3kt0r / CC BY-SA 4.0
Cotopaxi National Park 6
Cotopaxi National Park lies approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Quito, offering a breathtaking escape into Ecuador's Andean wilderness.
Dominated by the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the world's highest active volcanoes at 5,897 meters (19,347 feet), the park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Visitors can explore its unique páramo ecosystem, home to wild horses, Andean foxes, and an array of bird species, including the majestic Andean condor.
National Park Distance from Quito: 50 km
by camilogaleano.com / CC BY-SA 4.0
Middle of the World City 5
Mitad Del Mundo
Located just 26 km outside of Quito, this iconic landmark marks the equatorial line, featuring an impressive monument, an ethnographic museum, and interactive exhibits celebrating Ecuador's geographical and cultural significance.
Landmark Distance from Quito: 26 km
by Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0
Quilotoa Lake 5
El Quilotoa
Quilotoa Lake, a breathtaking crater lake formed by a collapsed volcano, lies approximately 178 kilometers (111 miles) south of Quito, making it a popular day trip or overnight destination. Renowned for its striking turquoise waters, the lake sits at an altitude of 3,914 meters (12,841 feet) and offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding Andean landscape.
Adventurers can hike the rim, descend to the lake for kayaking, or explore nearby indigenous villages, immersing themselves in the region's natural beauty and cultural richness.
Landmark Distance from Quito: 178 km
by Annom / CC BY-SA 4.0