Quito (pronounced "key-toe"), is the capital of Ecuador, and home to approximately 1.6 million people.  The city stands at breathtaking 2,850 meters, or about 10,000 feet. It is rich in culture, art, food and entertainment. 

In Quito, there is something for everyone.  Whether you are an artist, adventurer, businessman, or sports enthusiast, you are sure find an activity that will please you.  And while you're there, make sure you try the traditional dishes, which include: cuy, pronounced "ku-we,"  (guinea pig), fritadas (deep fried pork served with mote - a type of corn), hornado (split pork rotisserie style, served with salad and mote), ceviche (cold seafood soup prepared with limes *extremely tasty), encocados (coconut salsa with your choice of seafood) and encebollado (seafood soup with onions and other savory flavors).    While visiting Quito, these are the top 10 activities that you should visit/see/do.   

 

 

1. El Centro Colonial (Colonial Center-Old Town).
   It is listed as a world heritage site and happens to be the least altered and finest preserved colonial site in Latin America.  During the day it is quite bustling, with vendors selling food, entrepreneurs offering to shine shoes, and plenty of locals strolling about.  At night it turns into a scene from out of a novel; quiet, mysterious, and glowing, sometimes with the clouds rolling into the street.  An absolute must while in Quito. 
    
2. Las Iglesias (Churches of Old Town).
   La Basilica de Voto Nacional, La Catedral and La Campañia are constructions which represent the Ecuadorian commitment to the Roman Catholic faith.  Inside, they are ornately decorated with figurines of saints as well as intricate wall carvings; creating a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and Indigenous art.
    
3. Intinan Museum (The Real Middle of the World - Mitad del Mundo).
   This is an awesome, hands on kind of museum.  Here, you can experiment with the conflicting gravitational pulls from the north and south.  In between the two pulls, you can balance an egg on the head of a nail.  One exciting observation is that of a mobile sink.  When the sink is filled with water and placed in the northern hemisphere, the water appears to drain clockwise, when placed in the southern hemisphere, it will appear to drain counterclockwise!
     
4. Museo Guayasamín.
   This museum depicts works of art from Oswaldo Guayasamín, a famous Ecuadorian born painter and sculptor.  His work is primarily expressionist, reflecting the pain and suffering of humanity during the 20th century.  He gathered much of this inspiration from events such as the world wars, civil wars, genocides, concentration camps and dictators.  Although it may sound depressing, his work is truly beautiful, and with reflection we can contemplate how we have changed as a society.
    
5. Pululahua
   This is one of the world's largest volcano craters and is located close to the Intinan Museum.  Depending on the time of day you decide to go, you may end up driving through the clouds to reach this destination.  It is a listed as a geobotanical reserve and is free to all those willing to make the trip to marvel at its grandeur.  Definitely worth the side trip if you are going to Intinan Museum. 
    
6. El Teleférico
   This is a great introduction to the city of Quito.  The cable cars allow you to see a panoramic view of the entirety of Quito and the Andes mountains that surround the city.  It’s less than $10 and with that, you get to ride in the cable cars, enjoy a spectacular view, and take short walks at an altitude of 4,100m (13,450ft)!!  A great experience for everyone, but make sure to bring sunscreen!
    
7. El Parque Metropolitano
   This is a great place to get some fresh air without straying far from the city.  It’s about 2890m (9480ft) in altitude, so if you’re just arriving to the city, take  your time walking around and bring plenty of water.  There are several walking and biking trails with modern sculptures lining the path.  If you’re an outdoorsy kind of person, this is the place for you.
    
8. Seseribo
   If you are visiting Quito and enjoy the nightlife, then you must experience a little bit of the Latin American night life.  This means SALSA!!  Here at this bar/club you can witness world class dancers showing off their skills to live salsa bands.  Have a few drinks and it becomes fun and seductive!  If you don’t know how to dance, or don’t want to dance, this is a place will change your mind and turn you into a salsero/a in no time!! 
    
9. Plaza Foch
   This is literally a plaza that has everything.  Just tell any taxi driver to drop you off here and spend the evening walking around.  You will find several cafés, restaurants, bars, clubs and shops.  Some of the recommended places are: Strawberry fields (for classic rock/pop music and a sensational atmosphere), Aladdin’s (for a hookah and shawarma), bungalow (for dancing). 
    
10. Mercado Artesenal (Artisan Market).  This is within walking distance from the Plaza Foch and is an outside (but covered) market.  It is full of handicrafts from textiles to jewelry to ceramics for the house.  If you want to bring back cultural souvenirs, this is the place to buy them!