Quito Metro essentials

Quito's UNESCO-listed historic center features the Neo-Gothic Basilica of the National Vow and the 16th-century Church of San Francisco. At Independence Square, the Carondelet Palace serves as the seat of Ecuador's government. The city's high-altitude landscape is visible from the TelefériQo gondola and El Panecillo, a volcanic hill topped by a winged Virgin statue. Cultural highlights include the Chapel of Man, dedicated to artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, and the traditional artisan stalls of the Mariscal Craft Market. The nearby Mitad del Mundo marks the equatorial line.

Quito Essentials — Map

A

Basilica of the National Vow

The Basilica of the National Vow is a Roman Catholic church located in the historic center of Quito, Ecuador.

Francesco Bailo / Public domain

B

Church and Convent of St. Francis

The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, commonly known as el San Francisco, is a Catholic basilica that stands in the middle of the…

H3kt0r / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Palacio de Carondelet

Carondelet Palace is the seat of government of the Republic of Ecuador, located in Quito.

AndrewDressel / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

TelefériQo

The TelefériQo, or TelefériQo Cruz Loma, is a gondola lift in Quito, Ecuador, running from the edge of the city centre up the east side of…

Cayambe / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

El Panecillo

El Panecillo is a 200-metre-high hill of volcanic-origin, with loess soil, located between southern and central Quito.

putneymark / CC BY-SA 2.0

F

Quito Old Town

One of the first city areas that was named a UNESCO heritage. History comes alive in the old neighbourhoods - do not miss!

Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Chapel of Man

The last of architect Guayasamín's works. A tribute to the struggle of man worldwide and a sight like no other - do not miss.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

H

Round Street

A small, atmospheric street lined with restaurants, shops and more. A great place for a walk and near other attractions.

Pablo Ruiz / CC-BY-SA

I

Independence Square

Independence Square is the principal and central public square of Quito, Ecuador.

Mr. Tickle / CC-BY-SA-3.0

J

Museo a la Mitad del Mundo

Located on the equatorial line, this site features a 30-meter monument and an ethnographic museum detailing Ecuador’s diverse indigenous cultures and history.

K

Catedral Metropolitana Quito

One of South America's oldest cathedrals, this 16th-century structure blends Gothic-Mudéjar and Baroque styles. It houses the remains of independence hero Antonio José de Sucre.

L

Mariscal Craft Market

A small but busy market that sells all sorts of beautiful local crafts. Head here for souvenirs and don't forget to bargain.

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