Near the Mirador de Ventanillas you’ll pass the castle-like Templo del Sol, a re-creation of an Incan temple, complete with pre-Columbian relics and stone carvings. The guided tour (in Spanish) is a bit gimmicky, led by a heavily decorated ‘Incan prince’ who touches on presumed ancient beliefs and rituals. The tour ends with a painting demonstration by Ecuadorian artist Cristóbal Ortega Maila, who paints rapidly and adroitly using only his hands (no brushes). There are fine rooftop views.
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions
Iglesia de la CompañÃa de Jesús
16.98 MILES
Capped by green-and-gold domes, La CompañÃa de Jesús is Quito’s most ornate church and a standout among the baroque splendors of the Old Town. Free guided…
15.09 MILES
For spectacular views over Quito’s mountainous landscape, hop aboard this sky tram, one of the world's highest aerial lifts, that takes passengers on a 2…
14.8 MILES
In the former home of the legendary painter Oswaldo GuayasamÃn (1919–99), this wonderful museum houses the most complete collection of the artist's work…
14.8 MILES
One of the most important works of art in South America, Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo GuayasamÃn’s Capilla del Hombre stands next to the Casa Museo…
16.9 MILES
The low white building on the northwestern side of Plaza Grande is the seat of the Ecuadorian presidency. Visitors can enter by joining a free guided tour…
Museos Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana
16.1 MILES
Newly reopened following a full-scale makeover, Museos Casa de la Cultura encompasses three museums in a single bright, modern space. The expansive Museo…
21.99 MILES
Get an up-close view of Andean condors, as well as eagles, owls, falcons and hawks, at this Dutch-owned foundation, which rehabilitates these and other…
20.78 MILES
Plaza de Ponchos, the nucleus of the crafts market, is filled every day with vendors selling woolen goods, such as rugs, tapestries, blankets, ponchos,…
Nearby Ecuador attractions
0.12 MILES
Just inside the entrance of Reserva Geobotánica Pululahua, this is the starting point for the trail that leads down into the crater of the extinct Volcán…
2. Reserva Geobotánica Pululahua
0.12 MILES
The crater of extinct Volcán Pululahua can be entered on foot via a steep trail from the Mirador de Ventanillas viewpoint just inside the Reserva…
2.57 MILES
At the center of the Mitad del Mundo stands the centerpiece of the park: a 30m-high, stone trapezoidal monument topped by a brass globe containing a…
2.61 MILES
A few hundred meters north of the entrance to the main Mitad del Mundo complex, this amusing museum has meandering outdoor exhibits of astronomical…
11.25 MILES
Near the small town of Guayllabamba, 35km northeast of La Mariscal, is Quito Zoo. There are a few African and Asian species but the highlight is the…
13.81 MILES
Features great monthly exhibits of Mexican artists and other cultural events celebrating Mexican culture.
14.44 MILES
Provide fodder for your jungle fears with a visit to the Vivarium, home to 40 species of reptiles and amphibians including snakes, iguanas, turtles, frogs…
8. Museo de Ciencias Naturales
14.45 MILES
To further acquaint yourself with Ecuador’s flora and fauna, head to the curious natural-history museum inside the Instituto Nacional de Bioversidad in…