Quito is a city that contains a great number of museums and galleries, many of which are filled with colonial art. Although interesting the sheer volume of colonial art can get a bit overwhelming and possibly boring. The work of Oscar Guayasamin provides an interesting alternative.  Born in 1919, Guayasamin is Ecuador’s most famous artist, and as such reproductions of his paintings can be found on sale in many places across Quito, including the artesian market in the Mariscal. If you want to see the originals then you are in luck as Quito contains not one but two Guayasamin museums. 

The Foundation Guayasamin and the Capilla del Hombre can be found in close proximity to each other in the barrio of Bellavista, a short taxi ride from the Mariscal. You can also chose to walk, and if you do by the time you reach the first museum, the Foundation, you will undoubtably need a rest. The long, steep, tiring climb is definitely worthwhile as this museum (entrance $3) contains a huge number of Guayasamin works, that span his entire career.There are also galleries dedicated to the Quito School and Indigenous works.  

The country of Ecuador is named after the imaginary line that divides the planet into the northern and southern hemispheres and a visit to Ecuador would not be complete without a visit to its namesake. Conveniently visiting the equator is an easy and fascinating half day trip from Quito.

The Equator passes just twenty kilometres to the north of Quito where for a short time it exists as a real line. This line runs through the official Equator museum, La Mitad del Mundo. After arriving at the Mitad the official location of the Equator is immediately obvious due to the size of the monument. Completed in 1982 the pyramidal stone construction stands at an impressive 30 metres and is topped with a golden globe.

Inside the park it is possible to climb the monument for a small additional fee, but more important to most visitors is the golden line that passes underneath it. Although amazingly touristy this line is undoubtedly the reason people visit the Mitad and its well worth the short wait to get 'that' photo. As well as the Equatorial line the park contains several other attractions including a planetarium, a mini model of Quito, a recreation of a colonial square and many shops and restaurants. However it does not take much time to complete a visit to the official park.

A visit to Quito would not be complete without a trip up the TeleferiQo. In 2005 Quito added a cable-car to its range of attractions and its one of the best in South America. Visible from all over Quito the peak of Cruz Loma is now easily assessable and provides a convenient location to appreciate Quito’s spectacular position.

From central Quito a three dollar taxi ride takes you to the base of the TeleferiQo and the brand new VulQano theme park. Containing roller coasters, an ejection seat and go-karting, Quito’s largest permanent amusement park is well worth spending some time in after the TeleferiQo.

The round trip on the TeleferiQo costs four dollars, however at the weekends many people flock to this new attraction and on occasion it may be worth paying the extra three dollars for the express line. Queues can easily be avoided by visiting on a week day, or early in the morning. An early start is also recommended to avoid the inevitable clouds that seem to appear every afternoon in Quito.

Sat within a spectacular Andean valley Quito is a city blessed with a spectacular topography. Taking advantage of the city´s location is easy with numerous breathtaking views over Quito to be found in everything from cable cars to monasteries. Arguably the most interesting views can be found at the Basilica Del Voto National.

Visible from all over the old town curiosity alone entices visitors to the largest gothic basilica in all of South America. Began in 1892, and still uncompleted, the Basilica is built to resemble Notre Dame in Paris. Although the Basilica has an interesting history, including being blessed by John Paul II in 1985, undoubtedly the reason most people visit is not to look at the Basilica, but to look out from the Basilica.