Quito

Quito combines a long urban history with cultural venues, parks and markets. The city lies at an altitude of 2,850 m and was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city. Historical displays, events, paths along a river, markets and chocolate offer a range of thematic interests; your interests in these can also help structure your search for a holiday apartment in Quito.

Urban History and Culture

Parque del Bicentenario is located on the former site of Mariscal Sucre Airport. Its opening on the former airport grounds provides a more recent historical reference point alongside Quito’s older urban history.

Centro Cultural Itchimbía is a glass-and-steel building. Its programme includes exhibitions, fairs, concerts and international events. The different formats offer a range of cultural highlights; check in advance which dates fall within your travel dates.

Opposite Plaza Grande is a central venue with spaces for temporary exhibitions and historical libraries. Museo Alberto Mena Caamaño, also known as Museo de Cera, depicts episodes from the independence movement with life-size figures. The cultural offerings therefore range from exhibitions and libraries to depictions of historical events using figures.

Paths and Outdoor Activities

Parque Lineal del Río Machángara follows the course of the river and has paths surrounded by vegetation for walking and cycling. Parque Extremo has ramps for skaters and cyclists. For people travelling together with different interests, this contrast makes it easier to choose an activity focus: riverside paths on the one hand, and ramps for wheeled activities on the other.

Markets, Chocolate and Recurring Events

Topics on the Quito Markets Route include medicinal herbs, traditional cleansing rituals, and tastings of herbal water and fruit. The route also features fresh produce from Ecuador, paila ice cream, handicrafts, traditional crafts and pottery. Ask in advance about the current offerings and how it is possible to take part.

At Museo del Cacao Quito, you can watch chocolatiers live as they make handcrafted chocolate bars; check before your visit whether the demonstration is currently taking place. The Ruta García Moreno takes place on the last Friday of every month in Centro Histórico and includes a cultural programme organised by Zonal Manuela Sáenz. Check the date against your travel dates if you plan to follow this route.

Getting Your Bearings in Quito

Four strategically located tourist information points support visitors during their stay in Quito and the surrounding area. They offer tourist information materials, lockers, a handicraft shop and free internet access. As locations and services may change, check the current details in person.

When looking for a holiday apartment, it makes sense to first decide which destinations and topics matter most to your travel group: culture and urban history, walking and cycling paths, market themes or chocolate. You can then compare the location of a specific accommodation with the places you would like to include in your itinerary.

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