Quito’s historical centre, also known as Old Quito, is filled with ancient basilicas, plazas, palaces, museums, and monasteries. Spend your time wandering around the maze of cobblestone streets or head to cultural sites such as Museo de la Ciudad, a former 16th-century hospital-turned-museum, Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, a baroque cathedral decorated with gold-coated carvings, Basílica del Voto Nacional, a legendary (and unfinished) Neo-Gothic church and Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco, one of the largest religious complexes in Latin America.

Plaza de la Independencia is the old town’s main square, with presidential buildings, Catedral Metropolitana and a monument dedicated to the heroes of the independence.

Another must-visit area in the old town is Calle la Ronda, an elegant 17th century strip that also acts as the heart of the city’s nightlife. Here, you can enjoy refreshing beverages soundtracked to the contagious beats of Latin, jazz, and Ecuadorian hip-hop.

After visiting the old town and legendary sites, we recommend heading to Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (‘Middle of the World City’), a park which houses the Monument to the Equator, marking the geodesic site and history. And for dinner head to Plaza de San Francisco, where you’ll find traditional Ecuadorian restaurants.  

Ecuador is a melting pot of Andean, Amazonian, Incan and Spanish cultures and cuisines. Being a mountainous city, Quito is renowned for its wholesome, sturdy foods designed to nourish the body, mind and soul. Morocho dulce is a delicious sweet-savoury porridge made with warm milk, corn, cinnamon, and nutmeg, which is ladled into bowls, topped with raisins, and enjoyed throughout the day. Hearty soups and stews are also popular here, with local favourites including encebollado (“fisherman’s soup”), made with tuna, yuca and onions, and locro de papa, a potato-based stew. If you’re feeling thirsty, try Colada Morada, a delicious purple-hued corn drink flavoured with fresh fruits and spices.

We recommend sampling the street food in Quito's bustling central market, Mercado Central, or visiting some of the local eateries and spaces in the old town, such as along Calle la Ronda or in the central courtyard of Palacio Arzobispal, the former Archbishop’s Residence.

Complete your trip with a ride on the Quito cable car, where you can admire the city and its picturesque surroundings. Reaching over 4,000 metres above sea level, the route runs from its base in the neighbourhood of La Comuna to the top of the Pichincha Volcano. From here, you can embark on a scenic hike, bike ride or an adventurous paragliding excursion back towards the city. 

We recommend rounding off your adventures with a stay in Casa Gangotena, a five-star boutique hotel situated on Plaza San Francisco, Old Quito. Of course, you can explore this hotel and more on ASMALLWORLD Collection.