Welcome to the enchanting city of Quito, Ecuador, where adventure and culture intertwine to create a truly unforgettable experience. Set amidst the majestic Andean peaks, Quito invites travelers to live amongst its rich history, awe-inspiring landscapes, and vibrant local charm.
This blog will be your guide to the best activities that Quito has to offer. So, get ready to embark on a journey that will awaken your senses, ignite your spirit of adventure, and immerse you in the captivating beauty of Quito, Ecuador.
Mitad del Mundo
Mitad del Mundo, which translates to “Middle of the World,” is a significant attraction located just outside of Quito, Ecuador. It earns its name due to its location precisely on the equator line, marking the division between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres of the Earth. The Equator passes through 13 countries, but Ecuador is one country that takes exceptional pride in its geological location.
When you head to the Mitad Del Mundo, you will most likely get dropped off at the Mitad Del Mundo Museum/City, which is a lovely place to explore. However, the real archeological site, where you can find the equator at 0° latitude, is located on Catequilla Hill. From here, you can see all the archaeological sites of the region. The best way to set To Catequilla Hill is via a tour guide. I recommend Chaupi Mundo Viajes y Turismo, which is linked here but there are tons of other options as well.
Either way, both the Mitad Del Mundo Museum and the Archeological site are worth visiting. I checked out the archeological site first then headed to the museum to spend the rest of the day there!
At The Ciudad Mitad del Mundo you will see a large monument shaped like a massive globe, symbolizing the equator line. This is where most visitors will take their photos straddling the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The monument itself offers observation decks where you can take in panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The site also hosts a range of handicraft markets where you can browse and purchase authentic Ecuadorian souvenirs. These markets offer an opportunity to support local artisans and take home unique crafts, textiles, and artwork as mementos of your visit.
In addition to the museum and monument, the area around Mitad del Mundo offers additional attractions to explore. This includes gardens, parks, llamas, views of volcanoes, and recreational areas where you can relax, and enjoy nature.
Climbing Cotopaxi to the Basecamp:
Cotopaxi is an iconic stratovolcano situated near Quito. It is the 2nd highest peak in Ecuador, followed by Chimborazo (which is also the closest point to the sun due to its location near the equator). But, we’re here to talk about Cotopaxi!!
Reaching an impressive height of 5,897 meters (19,347 feet), Cotopaxi ranks as the 3rd highest active volcano in the world. Due to its recent activity, hiking to the summit is prohibited, but hiking to the basecamp is still permitted!
While the hike to basecamp is about 1-1.5 hours, it is quite challenging. This is largely due to the elevation gain making it difficult to catch your breath. Coca tea is recommended by guides to help with altitude sickness.
I recommend taking time to acclimatize to the high altitude before attempting to hike Cotopaxi. Spend a few days in Quito to allow your body to adjust to the thinner air.
Ensure you have the appropriate gear: including good hiking shoes, layers (tshirt, sweater, coat), a waterproof jacket, gloves, hat, sunglasses, all of course backed in your backpack. And don’t forget your water and sunscreen.
Once you’ve got your gear and guide, it’s time to start the climb. The trail winds through rocky terrain, steep slopes, and glacier-covered sections. Prepare yourself for a thrilling hike that rewards you with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. If your group is up for it, you can even climb a little higher to see the glaciers. I highly recommend this, as this was the most beautiful part of the hike for me! The ice formations against the volcanic landscape are surreal.
If you’re interested in the same experience, you can book yours through Viator by clicking this link.
TelefériQo:
The Teleferico is another popular attraction near Quito, where it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
The Teleferico is a cable car system that takes you on a scenic ride up the slopes of Pichincha Volcano. Once you are safely secured in your cable car ,you can expect about a 10 minute ride to the top, during which you’ll ascend to an elevation of around 4,050 meters (13,287 feet).
Upon exiting the Teleferico, you are greeted by stunning views, and numerous hiking and nature trails, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure.
If you’re interested in hiking, you can choose between these 3 hiking routes that are directly accessible via the Teleferico: Pichincha Summit Hike, Guagua Pichincha Hike, and Rucu Pichincha Hike. The Pichincha Summit hike is the most strenuous and is 6-8 miles out and back. While the Rucu Pichincha Hike is 3-4 miles.
And if you’re not up for hiking no big deal, you’ve got tons of options like enjoying the views or checking out the swings over the mountainside (not to be confused with the “End of the World” swings which are located in Baños).
The Teleferico also has cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a snack or a meal while taking in the stunning views, or as a rest stop after your hike! I highly recommend stopping in for a chocolate covered banana, as chocolate helps with altitude sickness (so they say).
Paragliding with Parapente Ecuador:
I came across Parapente Ecuador on tiktok and I’m so glad I did. Parapante Ecuador offers a few different locations for paragliding. The Teleferico a La Carolina is supposed to be one of the more beautiful paragliding experiences, but if I’m quite honest Lumbisí Quito was significantly cheaper so I opted for that one!
This was my first time paragliding, and all of the instructors were experts! I knew I was in great hands as they ensured a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
The only scary part was that my instructor was using a new parachute for the first time, which made me a little nervous. He reassured me that the parachute undergoes rigorous testing before it is entrusted to the hands of professionals like him.
Once the safety briefing was over, it was time to take off. Taking off is the most difficult part because you have to run with some gear, which is a little uncomfortable. But once you’re in the sky it’s smooooth sailing. It was such a great experience soaring through the sky, while capturing magnificent views of the city and its surroundings. I highly encourage facing your fears, because once you’re flying in the sky, it really is quite relaxing.
Exploring the Centro:
The Centro Historico is the heart of Quito, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The center offers well-preserved colonial architecture, historic plazas, and significant landmarks such as the Basilica del Voto Nacional and the Plaza de la Independencia.
To truly experience the city’s charm, opt for a leisurely stroll around the centro. Wander through narrow streets lined with colonial buildings and explore various museums and cultural centers along the way.
I highly recommend visiting the centro if you want to Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and cultural heritage. And while you’re there, don’t forget to try some authentic Ecuadorian food! I recommend San Ignacio 
I can confidently say that Quito has become one of my favorite cities that I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. Its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality has left an everlasting impression on my heart. I hope you, too, get to experience Quito and all the beauty it has to offer.
As always, thank you for checking out my blog! Stay tuned for more!