Ecuador is currently open to American tourists. However, you need a negative PCR covid test to enter the country. So, I went. Although there are many incredible places in Ecuador, I decided to see Quito and Guayaquil.
Considering the times, many things are shut. Restaurants can only operate at a percentage of what they used to. However, I felt very safe while here.
It’s currently illegal to walk around without a mask on your face. Upon entering a restaurant or shop, you are greeted with hand sanitizer and sanitizer for your shoes (just like in Mexico.) Even at the airport, you have to place your luggage in a sterile vacuum for a minute. I felt like I was about to enter a space ship or decontaminant chamber. It’s pretty cool to see the measures they’re taking.
Ok. Anyway, you’re here because you want to see what quick and unique things you can do if you’re pressed for time. I personally saw these sites myself. Some of these you can do in one evening. Or you can do them all in one day.
So, let’s get to it!
Old Town Quito
Old Town Quito is cute and colonial. The buildings have beautiful colors, and the streets wind up and down a hill.
Old Town Quito has many restaurants, coffee shops, stores, and massive squares where people congregate and enjoy the day.
On the weekends (primarily Sundays), many streets are blocked to vehicular traffic and made into pedestrian-only walkways. It makes it easy to stroll around, check out the sites, and stop to take that perfect picture.
Old Town Quito has a lot of things you can do. Besides walking around and looking at the lovely architecture (which is beautiful), you can also check out one of the many museums along the boulevards. However, they were all closed due to covid when I was here. Hopefully, once the world reopens, you can check them out and let me know what you think.
Check out San Francisco Square as you walk around. It’s a large area surrounded by governmental-looking buildings. This is where large events occur.
Plaza de la Independencia is another beautiful square surrounded by beautiful statues and nice trees. It has many restaurants with tasty food.
Tip: If you speak Spanish like me, you should be aware that a torta is not a sandwich in Ecuador. A sandwich is a sanguche. A torta is a type of sweet bread (pan dulce) here.
I learned my lesson after people didn’t understand I wanted a sandwich.
If you’re feeling very adventurous and need a good workout, you can climb the many (and I do mean many) flights of stairs to see the Virgen del Panecillo or the Virgin of Quito.
Although you can see this statue from anywhere in the city, you can walk right up to it. It’s a beautiful sight, and I’m surprised I’ve never heard of it before.
If you’re walking around Old Town Quito, turn your walk into a hunt by finding fun street art, stickers, or graffiti around town. It’s one thing I love to do in every city. There’s plenty in Quito.
Basilica del Voto Nacional
If you’re walking around Old Town Quito, something that might take you an hour of your time is the Basilica del Voto Nacional. To be clear, there are many beautiful churches in Old Town Quito. However, this is the most well know and most beautiful.
There’s a small entrance fee, but it’s worth it. Keep in mind that this church is open to residents as a place of worship. Therefore it’s vital to stay respectful and quiet as you tour the place.
The Basilica del Voto Nacional is grand. Definitely check it out.
Teleferico
The Teleferico is about 15 minutes from town. However, taxis are cheap.
Tip: Ecuador is very inexpensive. They use the US dollar, but many times they give you change in Ecuadorian coins.
The Teleferico is worth it. It’s a cable car that climbs about 3,000 feet in elevation up one of the nearby mountains. Keep in mind that Quito is already at 9,000 feet in elevation, which means when you’re up here, you’ll be at 12,000 feet.
I became super light headed and could barely take a few steps without feeling like I was running a marathon.
I also saw several locals taking multiple breaks. It’s hard to breathe up here, but the views are incredible. The photo ops are great.
There’s a coffee shop and store to stay hydrated and caffeinated, which is vital.
This area has parks, trails, views, and locals selling souvenirs.
Several locals brought their bikes for some extreme mountain biking.
The Teleferico, although amazing, can be done in a couple of hours. It also depends on how much you want to hike. So, if you’re pressed for time, keep the Teleferico in mind.
Mitad Del Mundo
Check out the Earth’s equatorial line at Mitad Del Mundo (Middle of the Earth.) Mitad Del Mundo is about 45 minutes from Old Town Quito.
There are two different areas you can visit. There is an area that’s free. It has giant letters that spell out Mitad Del Mundo. You can tour it on your own and take some pictures. It takes a few minutes for you to see it all.
Or, you can take a guided tour which is next door to this area.
I did both. The guided tour takes about an hour or so. It’s fun and educational. They teach you about the indigenous population in Ecuador. You learn fun facts like how they make shrunken heads, burial rituals, and their way of life.
The tour also gives you a fun physics lesson. They show you how the water spins depending on which side of the equator you’re on, and they make you walk the line between both hemispheres.
The tour guides are fun and energetic, which makes time go by fast. It’s also very inexpensive. So, if you’re up for supporting the locals, make sure to do this tour.
Tip: The guided tour is considered a museum, and it’s not open on Mondays.
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Let me break it down for you:
Quito, Ecuador is beautiful, but if you’re only here a day or two, check out these sites below.
- Old Town Quito
- Basilica del Voto Nacional
- Teleferico
- Mitad Del Mundo
I did all of these while I was here. Although I was here for a total of seven days, I felt seven days was too long. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy my time here. It was great to getaway. Nevertheless, each of these sites can be done quickly and perhaps all in one day.