Ecuador Things To Do

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Things To Do

Ecuador’s wide variety of terrain – everything from cities to rainforests to mountainous peaks – translates to an equally wide variety of activities. Visitors come to scale volcanoes, spot wildlife in the rainforest, peruse the wares of brightly dressed Quichua women, and to receive … more a spiritual cleansing from a traditional shaman. History buffs are just as satisfied as outdoor enthusiasts thanks to Quito’s 25 glorious churches and convents as well as more than 40 museums.

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This enormous museum covers art from prehistoric times to the present. Don't miss the Sala de Arqueologia, an exhibit with pieces dating back to 11,000 BC, including pottery reproductions of shrunken heads, and tools and furniture used by pre-Incan people. Plaques throughout the museum describe the displays in English.

Ave. Patria (between 6 de Diciembre and 12 de Octubre Aves.); Quito; Quito; 011-593-2-222-3259; www.museos-ecuador.com (Spanish only)

The three buildings that comprise the Fundación Guayasamín are filled with artworks by Oswaldo Guayasamin (1919–1999), Ecuador’s most beloved artist. Replicas of his political protest art – such as mountains aflame and haunting skeletal figures – pop up in shops and markets throughout the country.

Calle Jose Bosmediano 543; Quito; Quito; 011-593-2-244-6455; www.guayasamin.com (Spanish only)

For a bird’s-eye view of Quito's Old Town, climb the 380-foot-high spires of this church, which is perched on a hill northeast of Plaza de la Indepencia. Modeled after Nôtre-Dame, the massive neo-gothic edifice is decorated with stained glass and elaborate, monkey-shaped gargoyles.

At the corner of Carchi and Venezuela Sts.; Quito; Quito; 011-593-2-228-9428

Consider it mandatory to take a taxi up to this enormous, 148-foot-high, winged statue, which sits on top of El Panecillo hill overlooking Quito. The steel statue, which was completed in 1976, is the masterpiece of Spanish artist Agustin de la Herran Matorras.

El Panecillo Hill; Quito; Quito

This white-washed monastery and citadel dates back to 1579. Guided tours of the nuns quarters and the monastery are available in English and explain of the mysticism surrounding the nunnery, including the many miracles believed to have been performed here by Sister Ana de los Angeles de Monteagudo. The cloistered nuns are also well-known for the amazing handmade cosmetic potions, health elixirs, and sweets that they sell.

Burgos St.; Quito; Quito; 011-593-3-295-9632; www.santacatalina.org.pe

It’s touristy, but as long as you’re in Ecuador you might as well visit the Equatorial monument, which is located about 8 miles north of Quito. Here, you can have your photo taken with one foot in the Southern Hemisphere and one in the North. (Never mind that that’s not quite true – the actual equator is a few hundred feet away.)

8 miles north of Quito on Ave. Manuel Córdova Galarza; San Antonio de Pichincha; 011-593-3-295-9632; www.equaguia.com/mitaddelmundo

This gimmicky, yet amusing sky tram takes adventurous visitors to the top of Volcán Pichincha for panoramic views of Quito as well as the opportunity to peer into the crater of the volcano. Pichincha has erupted periodically since 1999, when it covered the city with ash, but don’t let that keep you from going to see it – vocanologists monitor it closely and close off the area when volcanic activity seems imminent.

Entrance on Ave. Occidental; Quito; Quito; www.teleferiqo.com

The Hungarian artist who owns this shop works with indigenous artisans to bridge folk art with traditional fine art. Check out the hand-woven rugs, tapestries, and clothing as well as the locally crafted pottery. When you’re finished, relax with a hot tea in the charming garden restaurant.

Colon Ave. E10-53 (at Caamaño St.); Quito; Quito; 011-593-2-254-1315; www.olgafisch.com

A trip to Ecuador is not complete without a horseback ride through Andean terrain. Hosteria Hacienda Pinsaqui arranges journeys that include stops at Incan ruins and at the emerald-hued crater lake, Laguna Cuicocha.

Hosteria Hacienda Pinsaqui; Panamericana Norte km. 5, Otavalo; Otavalo; 011-593-6-294-6116; www.haciendapinsaqui.com

This tiny village just up the hill from Hacienda Pinsaqui is known for its shaman population. For an authentic evil-spirit cleansing, ask the hacienda’s staff to arrange a visit. There’s a tiny old lady, Luce Otavalo, who is said to be particularly powerful.

Hosteria Hacienda Pinsaqui; Panamericana Norte km. 5; Otavalo; 011-593-6-294-6116; www.haciendapinsaqui.com

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