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Anyone who has visited Quito might wonder, « why aren’t there more tourists here? » As a sprawling large city, it’s amazing how overlooked it is by travelers.
Although, it has become increasingly popular for digital nomads to call this stunning South American country home.
Why Ecuador’s capital is considered off the beaten path is a mystery, but it shouldn’t be.
This historic gem is filled with rich culture, heritage, pristine scenery, and incredible cuisine for the foodie traveler.
Ecuadorian cuisine
Ecuador offers a wide variety of delicious food and it is not difficult to find in Quito. Some restaurants have been open for at least 150 years!
While prices have surely changed this then, enjoying an Ecuadorian feast is still very affordable. Many tourists find themselves ordering the infamous dried goatwhich is essentially a goat stew.
Others may find themselves trying another popular dish: Quito locro. This is a soup made with local ingredients like potatoes, cheese, corn, and pork that has been marinated for at least 72 hours.
To top it off, the dish is usually served topped with balsamic vinegar and lavender for a sensational blend of flavors not found anywhere else.
Quito is home to very unique museums
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History buffs will love Quito! The museums are eclectic, offering visitors a glimpse into the timeline of Ecuador as it has now become.
A small but unforgettable museum for tourists to visit is the House of Praised Pre-Museum of Columbian Art.
Dating back to the 1600s, this museum exhibits Andean art, sculptures, and textiles from indigenous communities.
Pastillo Museum it’s more popular with locals, but tourists might find it just as intriguing if they knew of its existence.
Karaoke fans will love it even more! This museum offers a look into Ecuador’s musical history with exhibits of handmade instruments by well-known artists.
Guests can attend a variety of shows by local talent and participate in karaoke nights for those who dare to take the stage!
Perhaps the most unique museum in Quito is the Yaku Water Museum to celebrate our planet’s most needed resource.
Those bringing the kids will love it too as it is split between a museum and a fun water park.
The charm of the old town of Quito
It seems that many cities worth visiting have a district known as Old Town. From Bratislava to San Diego, these are commonly visited areas to get a taste of what life was like in the region.
Quito is no different in this regard, but they are true to the name of Old Town as this historic center dates back to the year 1500!
What makes this particular old town stand out is its timeless preservation. So much so that it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The best way for visitors to immerse themselves here is on foot or by bike. A large part of the day can be spent exploring the various vendors and the main square to get a taste of Ecuadorian life.
Those who wander far enough are sure to come across impressive churches and other architectural wonders.
Nearby is the immaculate Palacio de Carondelet where there is a changing of the guard it can be witnessed on Tuesday mornings.
That’s right, London is not the only place where you can see this event.
English speaking tours
Sometimes it can be intimidating to go to a foreign destination, especially if you don’t speak the local language.
Quito is a great springboard to alleviate travel anxiety with great tour options. Sometimes travelers use Quito as a stopover, although it is worthy of being the highlight of your trip.
Whether you’re here for a day or a week, starting with a walking tour offers visitors an incredible experience.
While there’s nothing wrong with flocking to the city center, the tours offer a glimpse into other sides of the city not normally seen by tourists.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
