Family-Friendly Things to Do in Quito, Ecuador

You may not think it at first, but Quito, Ecuador, is quite a family-friendly city. Not only is it a much shorter flight away than European destinations (because, let’s face it, sitting on a plane for eight hours with little ones can be quite stressful), but it’s also affordable, walkable, and rich in activities and experiences for the whole family.

Virgin of El Panecillo © Aoife O’Riordan

Step into Old Town

Also known as La Ronda, this is the old part of Quito, featuring narrow, pedestrian-only streets (so you don’t need to worry about cars around little wandering kids), artisan shops, restaurants and cafés, and more. Teens will enjoy browsing for handmade gifts, and little ones will find the traditional hot chocolate sold here more than tasty.

Ascend El Panecillo

You’ll have to take a taxi to get here, but it’s well worth it. You’ll find a massive statue of the Virgin of El Panecillo atop a hill of the same name. It’s the highest statue in Ecuador and the tallest aluminum statue in the world. The hill also features vendors selling sweet treats, and you and the family can snap some pretty unbeatable pictures of the city below. Pull up a map on your phone and point out the many volcanoes surrounding the hill, and see how many your kids can spot.

Casa del Alabado © Aoife O’Riordan

Visit a Museum of Pre-Columbian Art

Casa del Alabado is a great museum for older kids who appreciate history and art. The museum is unique in that it features hundreds of archaeological pieces not chronologically but thematically, covering various pre-Columbian cultures and peoples through their relationships with nature, their rituals, their relationships with their ancestors and their religions. There’s also a lovely little gift shop, too.

© Aoife O’Riordan

Try a Hands-On Chocolate-Tasting Class

Most kids love chocolate, so why not take a family class to educate them on the creation and production of chocolate? Families can take part in an experience at any number of chocolatiers, including Yumbos Chocolate Artesanal, where kids can roast, peel and grind cacao beans; taste different types of chocolate; and even make their own custom chocolate bar.

Some Precautions and Tips

The city is high up, as in 9,350 feet above sea level. Take it easy on your first day in the city as you adjust to the altitude. Drink lots of bottled water to avoid altitude sickness, and stick to less strenuous activities to start. Stick to bottled water and filtered water stations, and avoid eating produce beyond restaurants and hotels because of bacterial or parasitic contamination from local tap water.

Many of these experiences (and more) can be booked and planned with Metropolitan Touring.