Quito Things to Do Tips by calcaf38

This imaginative and apparently well-funded museum is located in an old hospital building, the former Hospital San Juan de Dios. A visit will help you understand the ancient history of Quito, the brief Inca juggernaut, the Spanish conquest, and the "modern" times. Everything is presented with imagination and verve. Photography is prohibited in the exhibit rooms.

Considering that only 1% of Ecuador's GDP goes to education (shame, only Equatorial Guinea fares worse according to my Economist Pocket World in Figures) this museum is an amazing resource.

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Phone: 228 3882 / 228 3883
Address: García Moreno 572 & Rocafuerte
Website: http://www.museociudadquito.gov.ec/
Other Contact: Closed on Mondays

Plaza San Francisco is the most attractive square in Quito. The architecture all around the square is enchanting and the proportions are perfect. The square is dominated by the Monastery of San Francisco, and the rear of the Compañia de Jesús church (see respective tips).

For such an attractive space, it is untouristy. There are no souvenir shops or postcard vendors.

I was there at night too, and I didn't feel unsafe because it was quite busy. It was early, however, since night falls early in Ecuador.

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This large complex is the oldest church in Ecuador, and it dates from the early days of Quito (completed around 1600). The inside of the church, and some museum rooms, can be visited. Indoor photography is prohibited.

The monastery dominates the vast and impressive Plaza San Francisco.

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This very interesting church has multiple personalities. From the back (on the Plaza San Francisco), it is all white walls and domes. The facade, however, is austere and dark. Inside, it is one of the most gold laden churches I have ever been into. Allegedly, 7 tons of gold were used, and it seems like a low estimate to me. This church was completed in 1768.

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This is one of the main squares in the historic district of Quito. Because it is a stop of the trole (trolley), it is somewhat noisy - rather than lively. The architecture all around the square is very attractive, half white, and half peach. The Church of Santo Domingo is very distinctive, and it is pleasantly illuminated at night. However, I have read that the Plaza is not so safe at night. The best spot to enjoy the sight might therefore be the restaurant of the Hotel Real Audiencia (see accommodation tip).

To the right of the church is a chunky Arco. A short downhill walk from the arco (but not going through the arco) will get you to the bus station.

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Directions: This square represents the Southern edge of the historically significant district. To the South of it, you will find traditional neighborhoods, but few monuments.

The Plaza de la Independencia is the heart of Quito, and that is where the Presidential Palace is (Palacio del Gobierno). This square is different from the others: there is some landscaping in the middle, and it is busier and faster paced. In other words, the Plaza de la Independencia is attractive but more urban and more modern feeling than the other great squares of Quito.

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I stumbled upon a peaceful, almost placid demonstration while strolling in the Plaza de la Independencia. If the man in white was wearing a cause related t-shirt, I guess the demonstration was about artisanal fishing. Surely not the stuff of tear gas and rubber bullets.

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Only one photo, here, because cameras are prohibited inside. But this is a very interesting museum / residence. Mrs. Urrutía was a pious and wealthy philanthropist. Her house has been kept exactly as it was when she was alive.

Most interesting and pleasing is the amount of indoor - outdoor space in old fashioned Quito houses. For instance, the bathroom opens on a corridor which is, basically, open to the elements. Also, appliances and fixtures in mid-twentieth century Quito were far behind "Western" standards, even for the very rich.

Since there are a lot of valuables and breakables, the visit is guided. But it is not excessively slow or detailed. This is a recommended stop when you're in Quito.

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Address: Garcia Moreno 760, near Sucre Street
Website: http://www.uio-guided.com/casamuseomau/

Although much of the architectural appeal of Quito is colonial, there are also beautiful examples of 1900s buildings. If you were transported to such spots blindfolded, you might believe you are in some Mediterranean city. Quito is one of the jewels of the Andes, of course, but it has a pervasive yet faded European feel as well.

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The Ipiales market is one of those tight, partially indoor markets where you can really feel you're "not in Kansas anymore." Of course, there's little there for a traveler to buy, but the smells, sights, noises and memories come free. If I lived in a city like Quito, I'd be in such a market every day, for a battery, a spoon, socks...

There's actually more than one level to this market, and it looks like the hybrid between a souk and a mall. There is much police presence and, right or wrong, I felt safe.

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Directions: The market in in the block between Imbabura, Mideros, Cuenca, and Chile Street, near the Church of La Merced.