Top 10 things to do in Quito
By: Lucas Pillaga
So here is a list of the best 10 activities to do while you're in Quito. I'll try to keep it short because time is money
1.eat tHE FOOD
Quito has a variety of food that you won't find anywhere else. So why not begin to diversify your pallet by trying the food here. A few examples are: Cuy(Fried guinea pig), llapingachos(fried potatoes patties), and mote(corn's white cousin)Plus most of the food is very cheap, but that doesn't make it any less delicious. I, for one, am not going to shy away from genuine good food at a low price.
2. ride tELEFERIQO
What is Teleferiqo? It's a gondola lift in Quito that runs from the edge of the center of the city all the way to the east side of the Pichincha volcano. This is one of the longest aerial lifts in the world. Imagine seeing the entire city from the comfort of a chair. You can visit from the hours of 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Now here comes the price. 7. 50 U.S. dollars. That's the price for foreigners. So, number 2 won't make your bank account go to 0.
3.vISIT Quito's vIRGIN
So this one a state that is made of 7,000 pieces of aluminum. Its located on a hill, Panecillo, overlooking the city. So it might be a long walk, but it'll be worth it. You can experience a view worthy of being on a postcard.
4. Stand at the middle of the earth
You can stand where the coordinates all are 0! The equator lies here, and it's where Ecuador gets its name. Now, apparently, there are two lines that signify the middle of the world. There is a newer museum with the correct line, and there is an older museum with the original line.
Both of these have a fee to enter. The original museum's fees cost more and are filled with more restaurants than attractions geared toward the center of the earth. The newer museum's entrance fee is cheaper and has tours that are in English.
5.exPLORE THE NIGHT
You can learn about a city at night. You can see all the lights at their best during the night. Obviously, I want you to be safe, so don't wander to places that seem sketchy or dangerous. Like any city has. With that said, there are still places you can go at night that are fun. You can visit the virgin and see the entire city's lights from there.
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6.tHE MUSEUMS
There is a handful of museums in Quito, and By handful, I mean over 30. Each has its own theme ranging natural science to important figures in Ecuadorian history. If you are wanting to learn about the background of Quito, number 6 should be your number 1.
7.tHE MARKETPLACE
Personally, I love markets of any kind. Quito has many markets throughout the city. You can find almost anything in them if you look hard enough. Plus if you are good at bargaining you can come from one actually gaining money. Also, you can chat with the locals and get a feel of the way the city works. If you are not a native Spanish speaker you can practice here.
8.climb cOTOpAXI
Located 50km south of Quito, Cotopaxi has attracted hikers and mountain climbers alike. Standing tall at 5,897m, it is Ecuador' second highest summit. It's actually Ecuador's most active Volcano.
Now there are multiple ways to get to Cotopaxi from Quito. There is by bus which cost money and may not get you all they there. Same goes for taxis, and then there are private tours. Watch out for those because, from my research, they may be dangerous. However, the mountain looks stunning and a picture up seems worth it
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9.bIKE RIDEs around the city
There are bike tours that go around the city. Just a simple bike ride guided by a person who is knowledgeable of the city. What a nice way to get a workout in and experience the city at the same time.
10.ALL THE Parks
Enjoy a nice walk around beautiful trees and calm lakes. Play soccer or watch birds. Have a picnic with friends or walk your pet. With Quitos' copious amount of parks, you will always discover something new. You can go to one park and explore there then go to another and do the same.
And BAM we're finished. If you made it this far I want to say thank you for reading and have a good rest of your day.