The Church of the Society of Jesus, located in Quito’s historic center, is a beautiful example of Spanish Baroque architecture. Construction began in 1605 under the direction of Jesuit architects and was completed over 160 years later.

The church reflects the influence of multiple architects over its long construction, blending different architectural styles, though Baroque dominates. Its interiors are adorned with gold leaf, covering walls, ceilings, the central nave, and domes—an effect that remains visually stunning despite earlier exaggerations of its volume. The main façade is carved entirely from volcanic stone, adding to the building’s grandeur.

Inside, visitors can admire 56 sculptures and 44 oil paintings. Notable works include Nicolás Javier de Goribar’s 16 Prophets, The Four Evangelists, and The Cardinals of the Society of Jesus, alongside sculptures by Bernardo de Legarda. Flanking the main entrance are paintings depicting Hell and the Final Judgment. The church also features representations of native flora and symbols of Ecuador’s ancestral peoples hidden within its pillars, as well as a historic organ dating back to 1889.

The church has been a site of important religious events. Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass here during his 1985 visit to Ecuador, and Pope Francis visited in 2015. Today, it stands as a remarkable testament to Quito’s colonial history, artistry, and religious heritage.

The dominant structure in San Francisco Square is the Church and Convent of San Francisco, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Founded in 1534, it is Quito’s oldest and most significant religious site. Construction began in 1537, and while major portions were completed in the 16th century, work continued for more than 160 years, with the façade finished around 1680.

The vast complex includes three churches, thirteen cloisters for monks, a library containing historical documents, and a museum that holds over 3,500 pieces of religious art. It is regarded as the largest colonial architectural complex in the Americas.

Over the centuries, earthquakes have repeatedly damaged parts of the structure, requiring ongoing maintenance and restoration. In recognition of its cultural and architectural importance, it was included in the 2016 World Monuments Watch to support conservation efforts.

The church’s architecture blends Renaissance and Baroque elements on the exterior, while the interior reflects a fusion of Catholic and Indigenous artistic traditions. Today, the Church and Convent of San Francisco remain a major center of religious life and heritage in Quito, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The Virgin of El Panecillo is a monumental statue located on the top of El Panecillo hill in Quito. The hill's unique shape, resembling a loaf, is a prominent feature in the city's historic center, making it an ideal location for the statue. The monument, also known as the Virgin of Quito, was inspired by a 48-inch-tall wooden sculpture of the same name created by Bernardo de Legarda in 1734.

The statue was designed and constructed by Spanish sculptor Agustín de la Herrán Matorras, who used 7,400 pieces of aluminum in the process. Each piece was numbered, and the statue was built in parts before being shipped to Ecuador and assembled atop its base. The monument was completed on March 28, 1975, and it stands at an impressive 135 feet (41 meters) including its base, making it the tallest statue in Ecuador and one of the tallest in South America. The Virgin of El Panecillo is even taller than the famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The statue's location on El Panecillo hill provides a spectacular panoramic view of Quito, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can climb the stairs to reach the statue's base and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The monument's size and prominent location make it an iconic symbol of Quito, and it is a must-see attraction for those visiting the city.

In addition to its impressive size and location, the Virgin of El Panecillo is also noteworthy for being the tallest aluminum statue in the world. The use of aluminum in the statue's construction was a revolutionary idea at the time, and it set a new standard for monumental sculpture.

The Museum of the City is the first museum in Quito to illustrate everyday life in the city through the centuries. It is housed in the former Old Saint John’s Hospital, a beautiful sixteenth-century building that is part of Quito’s UNESCO World Heritage zone.

In 1998, the historic hospital was transformed into a museum. Its impressive collection and diverse exhibitions explore local traditions, legends, cuisine, clothing, crafts, and daily activities, offering visitors a detailed picture of life in Quito over time.

In addition to pre-Columbian artifacts, the museum features rooms dedicated to the colonial period between 1500 and 1700, highlighting Spanish colonization and the influence of Catholicism on Ecuadorian culture.

A dedicated section explores the history of the Old Saint John’s Hospital, illustrating how diseases were treated and how medical care was provided to the city’s residents in past centuries.

After a day of sightseeing and taking in the city’s architectural sites, head to Round Street, one of the oldest streets in Quito. Here is where the tourists can get a glimpse of real Ecuadorian life. The area was once the home of artists and politicians, then transformed into what it is today: shops, bars, art galleries, cafés, and restaurants.

Round Street is said to be one of the oldest streets in Quito, and it has been nicely restored. There are houses built right next to each other, and inside, there are often small courtyards with gardens.

While strolling Ronda Street, sample the local alcoholic drink, canelazo, and also try authentic Ecuadorian cuisine from any of the elegant, or casual restaurants. For a quick snack, try humitas. Humitas is steamed ground corn wrapped in a corn husk. Have a cup of coffee with a traditional dessert, such as glazed figs or the Ecuadorian quesadilla, which is cheesecake with corn.

For entertainment, check out the street performers, such as the jugglers or musicians. Looking to dance? There is plenty of live Latin American music in Ronda Street's clubs and bars. For those who enjoy shopping, there are clothes and unique craftwork made by local artisans.

Casa de Sucre is a must-visit cultural institution located in the heart of Quito, dedicated to preserving the memory of one of Latin America's most prominent independence heroes, the Venezuelan marshal Antonio José de Sucre, and his wife, the Quito lady Mariana Carcelén, Marquise of Solanda y Villarocha. This museum is a unique opportunity to learn about the life and legacy of these historical figures and the struggles of the people of Latin America during the independence period.

The museum is located in a historic mansion with an Andalusian-style central patio, which adds to the charm of the place. Visitors to the museum can see the couple's personal belongings, including original furniture that was used in the different rooms of the mansion, everyday items, and even maps and documents from the time of independence. The museum also has thirteen rooms open to the public, which showcase important paintings of the time. These paintings depict the Carcelén family, the Mariscal de Ayacucho, and other heroes and heroines of Ecuadorian Independence.

The first floor of the mansion was originally intended for garages, warehouses, and employee rooms, while the second floor was exclusively for the family's use. Visitors can explore both levels of the mansion and gain an understanding of the daily lives of the people who lived there.

In addition to the museum, the mansion houses restaurant rooms and offices, and there are many other rooms that serve as museum warehouses. This means that the museum's collection is extensive and varied, and there is always something new to discover.

At an altitude of 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, surpassed only by La Paz, Bolivia. Yet even at this height, visitors will be tempted to climb to the top of the Basilica of the National Vow to take in its stunning panoramic views.

The idea for Quito’s most impressive Roman Catholic church was conceived in 1883, when congressman Father Julio Matovelle proposed building a monument to commemorate Ecuador’s consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the nation’s patron and protector. Construction began a year later, and the first stone was laid in 1892.

It took 30 years to build the Basilica, but it has not officially been completed. According to local legend, the world will end once the structure is finished. Located in the San Juan neighborhood, the Basilica stands 377 feet tall, making it the highest church in South America.

Designed in the Neo-Gothic style, the project was overseen by French architect Emilio Tarlier, who drew inspiration from Notre Dame in Paris and the Cathedral of Burgos in Spain. Ecuador’s Congress allocated 12,000 pesos for its construction. Surrounding the central nave are 24 chapels, each representing one of Ecuador’s provinces. Beneath the church lies an underground crypt and a pantheon where four Heads of State are buried.

Visiting the Basilica is an experience in itself. Guests can explore its intricate architecture on a self-guided tour and ascend even higher—by elevator or stairs—to the top floors, where a museum and café await. The real highlight, however, is the breathtaking view of Quito’s rooftops and surrounding Andean peaks from the tower, an unforgettable sight that captures the city’s grandeur.

If you’re looking for the heart of Quito, Independence Square captures it. Established in the 18th century as a central meeting place, the square is surrounded by historic landmarks including the Carondelet Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Municipal Palace. While the square itself is pedestrian-friendly, streets around it are open to vehicles.

Visitors can stroll along tree-lined paths, admire the fountains and the Independence Monument, or pause to take in the architecture around the Carondelet Palace. The Municipal Palace houses an Information Center where travelers can learn about the area’s history and available tours. Despite its modern design, the building complements the colonial architecture nearby.

Street vendors offer snacks and souvenirs, while side streets host cafés and Ecuadorian restaurants where visitors can sample local cuisine. The square’s atmosphere blends the city’s history, civic life, and everyday energy, providing a vivid glimpse of Quito’s social and cultural heart.

Located in Independence Square, the Carondelet Palace, also known as the Presidential Palace, serves as the seat of the Government of the Republic of Ecuador. The palace was formed by combining several buildings purchased by the Spanish crown. Its name, “Carondelet Palace,” was given by Simón Bolívar in 1822, who admired the elegance and austerity of the building during his visit.

Spanish architect Antonio García oversaw renovations under the direction of Barón Francisco de Carondelet, who also contributed to restoring other landmarks in the city, including the Cathedral. The work on the palace was officially completed in 1803.

Inside, a mural by the Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, titled La Patria (The Homeland), depicts the struggles and resilience of the Ecuadorian and Latin American people.

During Rafael Correa’s presidency, the government declared the Carondelet Palace an Ecuadorian cultural heritage site and opened parts of the palace to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the interior, view its decorative rooms, and see gifts presented to Ecuadorian presidents over the years. The experience offers a rich glimpse into Ecuador’s political history, architecture, and cultural heritage.

Tours of the palace typically last around 45 minutes. Tickets can often be obtained on the day of the visit, though reserving online in advance can help avoid lines, especially during busy periods.