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Quito: A Journey through History and Nature

paula Echeverri

17 Dec 2023

0

Embark on an 8-day adventure in Quito, Ecuador, exploring ancient marvels and immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. Discover fascinating museums, breathtaking viewpoints, and vibrant parks. From the historic city center to the Middle of the World, this itinerary has it all!

Trip to Quito

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Viator

Day 1Unveiling the Secrets of Quito's Heroines

+

$43

·

$ 1

Manuela Sáenz Museum

Paintings, weapons & documents unpacking the dramatic story of a 19th-century revolutionary heroine.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$8

8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Museum of the City

Small museum in a 1565 hospital featuring exhibits about Quito's history & a tranquil courtyard.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

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$8

5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Alberto Mena Caamaño Museum

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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$8

14 - 17 min

~

Directions

TelefériQo Cable Car

Attraction with a cablecar lift to the top of a mountain for high-altitude hikes & panoramic views.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$20

Day 2Captivating Sights and Cultural Wonders

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$0

·

$ 2

Virgin of the Panecillo

Hilltop statue of a winged Virgin Mary made of aluminum, on a pedestal & standing 30 m. tall.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Independence Square

Grand plaza & park in the heart of old Quito, lined with monumental government & church buildings.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

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Free

5 - 6 min

~

Directions

Parque La Alameda

City park with an astronomical observatory, a statue of Simón Bolívar & a lake with boat rentals.

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

20 - 29 min

~

Directions

Parque Itchimbía

Forested park with hiking trails & an ornate, 19th-century glasshouse full of rare trees & orchids.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 3Immersing in Nature's Majesty at Cotopaxi

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$35

·

$ 1

Parque Nacional Cotopaxi

Expansive national park offering sweeping mountain views, a variety of trails, campsites & lodges.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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$25

131 - 158 min

~

Directions

Yaku Water Museum

Contemporary museum with exhibits highlighting the scientific & social significance of water.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$10

Day 4Palaces, Basilicas, and Cultural Delights

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$8

·

$ 1

Carondelet Palace

1801 palace housing government offices & presidential quarters, with areas open to the public.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Basílica del Voto Nacional

Monumental 19th-century church featuring ornate neo-Gothic styling & city views from its towers.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$8

8 - 10 min

~

Directions

House of Ecuadorian Culture

Part of Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana, auditorium hosting diverse concerts & artistic performances.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 5From Tranquil Parks to Wildlife Encounters

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$13

·

$ 2

Parque Guápulo

Sprawling green area with 2 lagoons, sports courts & a playground, plus palm & eucalyptus groves.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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Free

16 - 20 min

~

Directions

Parque La Carolina

Biking, soccer & basketball are popular in this vast park featuring a pond with paddle boats.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

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Free

49 - 59 min

~

Directions

Zoológico de Quito

Zoo with a wildlife trail of native species including monkeys, tapirs & turtles, plus night safaris.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$13

Day 6Exploring Botanical Gardens and Metropolitan Parks

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$8

·

$ 2

Parque El Ejido

Large, tree-filled park with paths, weekend art exhibitions & vendors selling food & crafts.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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Free

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Quito Botanical Gardens

Sprawling green space with Japanese gardens, a bonsai collection & a boating lagoon with fountains.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

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$8

14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua

Elevated nature area with wooded trails & viewing decks overlooking the city, plus native alpacas.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 7Uncovering Ancient Mysteries and Natural Wonders

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$10

·

$ 2

Parque Bicentenario

Expanse of tree-lined walkways, sports facilities & ornamental gardens across a disused airport.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

35 - 42 min

~

Directions

Intiñan Site Museum

Museum showcasing exhibits from places on the equator, plus equator-related science experiments.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

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$10

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve

Ecological reserve spanning across the mountainous landscape surrounding the Pululahua volcano.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 8Journey to the Center of the World and Artisan Treasures

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$18

·

$ 1

Middle of the World City

Stone monument along the equator & a plaza where visitors can stand with a foot in each hemisphere.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$18

42 - 51 min

~

Directions

La Mariscal Artisan Market

Lively covered market with vendors selling Ecuadorian textiles, jewelry & other traditional crafts.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $141 In total

Activities & Food:$133

Transport:$9