Honestly, when I first landed in Quito, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Friends had given me a heads-up about the charm and history of the city, but there's something different about hearing it secondhand versus staring at the Andes from an airplane window. The altitude hit me like a ton of bricks—one minute, I was feeling fine, and the next, I was out of breath just walking to the baggage claim. The altitude's no joke! But as I wandered through the vibrant streets, it all turned into this beautiful chaos that I couldn't help but get swept away in. If you're curious about the best things to do in Quito, let me unpack the experience a little.
This spot? Total surprise.
So, I stumbled upon La Ronda, this charming little street crammed with color and life. The plan had been to visit the famous basilica—it's one of the coolest sights around—but I took the wrong turn. I mean, who can be blamed? There's like a million little side streets, and they all look amazing. Instead of panicking, I found myself wandering into this cozy space filled with locals playing music and making artisan crafts.
I mean, who knew? I ended up chatting with an elderly man who was crafting miniature musical instruments. He showed me how to make a charango, which is like this cute little guitar made from an armadillo shell. I don't know why I ended up there, but I left with a tiny guitar that still serenades me long after. Sometimes, those spontaneous moments mean so much more than the must-see attractions.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Now, let's talk about food. Oh, my goodness! I checked out this hole-in-the-wall place called El Huequito. If you're looking for the best things to do in Quito, food is definitely high on the list. And boy, did my expectations skyrocket. When I walked in, I almost turned around and left—like, it was so unassuming. But something nudged me to stay.
I ordered a plate of encebollado, which is this fish dish with a kick, served with yuca and a tomato salsa that I could seriously bathe in. As I took that first bite, it felt like a whole new world opened up. Everything just clicked; the warm flavors wrapping around me like a blanket on a chilly rainy day. I didn't want to rush it. I just sat there, people-watching, letting the city's energy seep in, feeling like I was part of something larger, you know?
What was wild is how the waiter seemed to sense my contentment; he brought me an extra shot of a local moonshine, chicha, that made the moment just right. I think we ended up talking about our families and dreams—just the kind of real connection you sometimes remember weeks later.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Then there was that day when I got hopelessly lost on my way to the Teleférico. I mean, how did I manage to turn a 15-minute walk into an hour-long detour? I'm quite sure I was heading in the right general direction at some point, but Quito streets can weave and wind like they have a consciousness of their own.
But hey, I stumbled onto this really cool local market. I was trying to ask for directions, and instead, I found myself drawn into the aroma of fresh bread and delicious tropical fruits. I met a woman selling all these bright, exotic fruits that I had never even heard of. She handed me a small yellow one, like a mini mango, and when I bit into it, it was like sunshine wrapped in sweetness. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much from a detour, but this ended up being one of my most cherished moments.
And I learned that “lost” often leads to some of the most magical experiences.
A view that took my breath away
As I finally got to the Teleférico, riding that cable car to the top of Pichincha was nothing short of breathtaking. The views felt entirely unmatched. It's hard to capture how surreal it was, standing at an elevation of almost 4,000 meters with the world sprawling beneath me. I mean, you could see Volcán Cotopaxi in the distance, and the sky felt like it was just a breath away.
There was this moment where I stood up there with a bunch of people—total strangers—and we shared a laugh about all being winded from the altitude. Everyone seemed mesmerized, like we were forming this silent bond in awe of nature's beauty.
But here's the kicker, I had all these grand visions of hiking the trails at the top, but my legs were not ready for it. So instead, I plopped myself down on a bench to just take it all in. I spent a good hour just sitting there, reflecting on life. It's funny how a place can draw out those kinds of contemplations, right?
A little chaos goes a long way
By now, I feel like I've meandered around quite a few nooks and crannies of Quito. And sure, there were small mishaps here and there—like that time I thought I'd order a simple coffee and ended up with something named “torre de café” that looked like a dessert but didn't taste anything like one. But those detours make the journey worth it.
Before I left, someone had told me that sometimes the best things to do in Quito aren't even on some official list, you know? It's all those unexpected encounters, the random conversations, and even getting lost. Maybe it sounds cliché, but it's true! I mean, isn't that what travel is about? Learning and connecting through our unplanned adventures?
So here I am, sipping on my last bit of coffee and still processing it all—the surreal beauty, the lovely locals, and those moments when everything just clicked. I'm already missing it, the chaos, the colors, and that one little guitar. I can't help but wonder how quickly I can get back.
