Ten Things To Do In Quito Ecuador

Ten Things To Do In Quito Ecuador
americasquarterly.org/ Brendan O’Boyle
Ecuador has embarked on a strategic campaign to draw international visitors, spending a record $60 million on tourism in 2014. Rising from the remains of the Inca empire, with a newly opened airport and a subway in the works, Ecuador’s capital blends colonial history, Andean culture and contemporary infrastructure.

1. Go colonial

Quito’s historic center, one of the Americas’ most well-preserved colonial city centers, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Climb the Basílica del Voto Nacional stairs before having lunc in Casa Gangotena, a boutique hotel overlooking the San Francisco Plaza. ($2 admission to La Basílica)

2. Visit the Chapel of Man

Overlooking Quito, La Capilla del Hombre is equal parts monument, museum and work of art. Created by Oswaldo Guayasamín, it pays tribute to the suffering and resilience of Latin America’s indigenous peoples. ($8 admission).

3. Dine with a view

No stay in Quito is complete without dinner at Pim’s Restaurant atop El Panecillo — the hilly neighborhood rising 656 feet above the city. ($19.50 for filet mignon)

4. Break a sweat

Bike, run or rollerblade the Ciclopaseo, a 19-mile route down Quito thoroughfares, closed off to cars each Sunday. The event is a fun — and healthy — way to see some of Quito’s top destinations. (Free)

5. Find your inner Kubrick

Fans of Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange will feel at home in La Naranjilla Mecánica, an eccentric art gallery and LGBT-friendly restaurant designed in homage to the U.S. filmmaker. ($5) Read All Ten Here

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