The best things to do in Quito
The best things to do in Quito
If you are looking for the best things to do in Quito, here are some fun activities. There are plenty of places and activities to do in the city. The capital is surrounded by volcanoes, mountains, and valleys, making the city amazing for adventure, walking, and relaxing excitement.
Adventure
Quito has irregular lands and a wide biodiversity; therefore, for adventurers who are looking to admire the landscapes, the capital is the best spot. You should visit!
Pichincha Volcano: It is the nearest volcano to Quito. You take the cable car – Teleferico up to the volcano, and then you can walk through the trail. You can see a path for walking yourself for about 30 minutes. But if you would like a long trek, I recommend a specialized guide. Pichincha Volcano is located 10 minutes north of Quito.
Nayon Xtreme Valley: It is a jungle recreation area with a hanging bridge, two different extreme swings, and a zip line. You can also go rappelling and walking around the canyon. It is located 10 minutes north of Quito.
Sangolqui´s waterfalls: Sangolqui is located 30 minutes from Quito city in Valle de los Chillos. Around the area, there are some beautiful waterfalls, such as Pita, Condor Machay, and Escondida. The waterfalls take around one, two, or three hours, depending on which one you would like to hike. Each of them is in different areas of the valley. I recommend going by car or booking through a travel agency. This is the travel agency that can help you get to the waterfalls: https://www.cloudforestecuador.com/, they know the area well. You can do it for a half day or a full day, combining it with tasting food and a market tour in the Valle de los Chillos.
The best things to do in Quito
Walking
Mitad del Mundo: There are two museums. The Intinan Museum is the real one. They have different experiments you can do while you are on the Equator line, such as balancing an egg, water drainage, and Ecuadorian tribe examples: shrunken heads, totem poles, and the dead body of a giant snake. The second one is Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, it has an ethnographic museum and some exhibitions about Ecuadorian cacao, artisanal craft beer, and a planetarium.
Food tour in Old Town: Besides walking around the historic center and knowing the churches and museums, you taste typical snacks, some of which you find only in the Old Town. Perhaps you have had the chance to try Ecuadorian coffee and chocolate and know how you get from the locals to the cup and bar. For lunch, you flavor a real Ecuadorian dish. It is a great-tasting adventure!
Relaxing
Papallacta: The best place to relax after traveling or hiking is Papallacta Hot Springs. It has many pools, some of which are warm, hot, and cold.
Massage: In Quito, there are many spas where you can go for a day or hours to have a great massage.
Cooking class: Yes! Cooking is a relaxing activity to do while you are in Quito. It is a fun way to spend time with local people and learn how to make Ecuadorian meals in a family kitchen. You learn something you would like to be able to do at home as well. During your time cooking, you relax at the dining table and enjoy talking with the home cook. For more information: Quito Cooking Class.