Attractions and Things to do in Quito, Ecuador

While in Quito, Ecuador, we plan to visit a number of different places to get an idea of what the local culture is like. We will first go visit the Company of Jesus Church, which is a masterpiece of baroque and Quiteno-colonial art with lavish golden altars and gilded columns, making it one of the most ornate structures in Ecuador.

Next, we will visit the world famous, Alegria Farm. The Alegria Farm was Built in 1911, historic Hacienda and 135-hectare Alegria Farm are in the verdant heart of the Avenida de los Volcanoes. These beautiful pasturelands are home to more than 200 cows and calves, 48 horses and foals, dozens of llamas and alpacas, and more. It’s the perfect place to learn about hacienda life, which includes milking cows, riding horses, animal care, and taking carriage and hay rides.

We also plan to visit Old Town while in Quito. Old Town is a historic district was the first city named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is noted for its narrow streets, Spanish colonial architecture and historic attractions.

Another potential activity is backpacking the Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve. This reserve measures more than 6,000 hectares (15,000 acres) containing more than 375 species of birds, 45 species of mammals, 250 species of butterflies, and 1000 species of moths - amongst other species... In addition to hosting more than 2,000 species of plants, Maquipucuna harbors 4% of the world's bird diversity. Visitors can experience a unique community-run in-vitro propagation lab and orchid tour, as well as the only shade-grown, bird-friendly, beyond organic coffee-tour, all in association with neighboring communities in the Alambi river watershed, and Choco-Andean conservation & sustainable development corridor.

While in Quito, we would also like to visit the Iglesia de San Francisco. The Iglesia de San Francisco is the oldest colonial building in Quito is home to a collection of paintings, art, and furniture from the Museo Franciscano (Franciscano museum). Built by the Franciscan priest in 1536, Iglesia de San Francisco is the first church built in America.

These are just a few ideas of activities we can do while visiting Quito, Ecuador. Stay tuned to the blog to find out information about our actual trip! We leave on October 2nd for Quito!

Kevin Burnet