Things to Do in Centro Histórico

Quiteños watching a street performance from the cathedral. Photo by Andrea Davoust

By Margaret Rode

You will need more than one afternoon to see and do all that Quito’s Centro Histórico has to offer. The hilly cobblestone streets take you back to the era of the Spanish Empire, with large central plazas, sprawling green parks, beautiful colonial buildings and elaborate Catholic churches. With so much to gaze at, you might find yourself just wandering through the pleasant neighborhood without setting foot inside one of the historic buildings. When you do, however, you will be instantly amazed. Check out the gold ornamented Iglesia de La Compañia, or wander through the President’s Palace in Plaza Grande. Pay a visit one of Centro Histórico’s many interesting museums, with exhibits on colonial and indigenous art, military memorabilia and relics that chart the country’s checkered history from pre-Inca times to the present. Even if you are sleeping in another part of Quito, it is worth your while to spend time embracing one of Ecuador's most historic locales.

All Activities in Centro Histórico

Great V!VA Travel Guides Books about Centro Histórico

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V!VA List Latin America, 333 Places and Experiences that People Love Packed with tales of travels from Tijuana to Tierra del Fuego, this compilation provides firsthand knowledge about places to visit, things to do, and where to stay, as well as insight into local cultures and customs. Get it from Amazon, Barnes&Noble or direct from V!VA. Download free chapters from this book. Download free Google Earth version chapters.