Things to do in Mindo
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Top 10 attractions in Mindo
Quito Old Town
Quito Old Town is the historic core of the capital of Ecuador, situated on a plateau in the Andes at an altitude of 2850 m. It was once a key northern stronghold of the Inca Empire. In the 16th century, the Spanish rebuilt Quito on the ruins of the old city, and most of the churches, monasteries, and plazas built over the following centuries remain today, blending Spanish, Italian, Moorish, and indigenous Andean art to form a unique "Quito Baroque" style. The highlights are highly concentrated within the streets and alleys. The Church and Convent of St. Francis sits on the site of an old Inca palace, its main altar is covered in gold leaf, its courtyards and cloisters unfold in layers, and it houses thousands of colonial-era artworks, marking the birthplace of the Quito School of art. The Baroque facade of the Church of the Society of Jesus is carved from volcanic rock, and its interior is extensively gilded, earning it the name "the Golden Church." For a panoramic view, you can climb El Panecillo hill next to the old town, where red-tiled roofs and church spires undulate across the valley, and on clear days, you can even see snow-capped volcanoes in the distance. The old town is at a high altitude, and the cobblestone streets are uneven, so first-time visitors should slow down and take their time to admire the carved doors, windows, and old balconies along the streets.Quito · 33.6km from Mindo
Carondelet Palace
Carondelet Palace, also known as the Carondelet Palace, is the seat of government in Ecuador, formerly the royal palace during the Spanish colonial period. Carondelet Palace’s facade stretching along the square is quite striking. A row of small shops with triangular pediments on the ground floor have been rented out for business since the colonial era, and souvenir shops still occupy them today. Climbing the steps, there is a colonnade supported by Doric columns, and the top-floor balcony faces the Independence Monument in the center of the square, where the president stands to greet the public during national celebrations. Inside, visitors can see portraits of past presidents and works by local artists in the Yellow Hall. The North Wing Banquet Hall sets the tone for state occasions with its precious wood floors, ceilings, and sets of antique furniture.Quito · 33.6km from Mindo
Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve & Lodge
Distrito Metropolitano de Quito · 10.7km from Mindo
Nambilla Cascadas
Mindo · 2.7km from downtown
Basilica and Convent of San Francisco
San Francisco Church is a historic religious building that was built in the 16th century. As one of the older churches in Quito, it is a model of Spanish colonial architecture, combining Baroque and Moorish styles. The exterior is a pure white giant tower, and the interior is ornately decorated with exquisite carvings, attracting many tourists and believers. The front of the church is built of stone and is magnificent. After entering the church, visitors can enjoy exquisite altars and rich religious art works. San Francisco Church is not only a religious site, but also part of Quito's Historic Center and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Tourists can visit the church freely inside and outside. It is recommended to leave enough time to appreciate its architectural details and artistic treasures. There are many cafes and small shops around the church, where tourists can enjoy local food or buy souvenirs after the visit. San Francisco Church is located in the center of Quito, with convenient public transportation and other major attractions within walking distance. It is recommended to dress appropriately when visiting to respect the atmosphere of religious places.Quito · 33.4km from Mindo
Alambi Reserve
Distrito Metropolitano de Quito · 13.6km from Mindo
Independence Square
Independencia Square is the center of Quito City. Around this square square, there are buildings full of artistic features of the late Italian Renaissance. Most of these buildings are two storeys with stone gates intricately carved. The Catholic Church at the southern end of the square, built in 1550 and completed in the 18th century, has a green tile dome and a gray and white column supporting the porch. It is a mixture of Arabic, Persian and Moorish architectural styles. The name of the founder of Quito City is inlaid with gold leaves on the outer wall, and there is the tomb of General Sucre in the courtyard. Opposite the church is the main palace, and the northwest corner of the square is the majestic government palace.Quito · 33.7km from Mindo
Virgin of the Panecillo
The Virgin of the Panecillo is an eye-catching landmark statue located atop the Panecillo hill in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Standing approx. 45m tall, the statue was designed by Spanish artist Agustín de la Espinar and completed in 1975. Constructed from aluminum panels, the statue depicts the Virgin Mary holding a rose, standing on a cake-shaped hill. It portrays her standing on the globe, with a snake beneath her feet, symbolizing the triumph over evil. The design was inspired by a 16th-century painting from Quito and is unique for its wings, a rare feature for a statue of the Virgin Mary. We recommend visiting during the day. Due to the high altitude, we suggest bringing sunscreen and water to prevent altitude sickness. The Virgin of the Panecillo is not only a religious and cultural symbol but also an ideal spot to enjoy views of Quito.Quito · 33.6km from Mindo
Vulqano Park
Vulqano Park is a large amusement park located in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. As one of the more popular entertainment destinations in Quito, Vulqano Park offers a wide variety of rides and activities for families and visitors. The park features a variety of rides suitable for all ages, ranging from thrilling roller coasters to gentle and fun carousels, as well as mini trains and bumper cars for children. One of the most popular attractions is the roller coaster, which offers a thrilling experience while allowing visitors to enjoy spectacular views of Quito from high above. For thrill-seekers, the park's drop tower and swing ride are also not to be missed. In addition to rides, Vulqano Park also features an arcade and various interactive games, providing a wealth of entertainment options. Visitors can challenge themselves with various video games and skill games to win prizes.Quito · 31.6km from Mindo
Calle La Ronda
Located in the historic center of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, Ronda Street is a vibrant and cultural street that attracts many tourists. As one of the older streets in Quito, Ronda Street is famous for its narrow cobblestone pavement and colorful colonial buildings. Walking along this street, visitors can admire well-preserved historical buildings and feel the strong traditional atmosphere. Ronda Street is famous for its rich cultural activities and handicraft shops. Visitors can find works by local artists here, including paintings, sculptures and traditional handicrafts, making it an ideal place to buy souvenirs. There are also many restaurants and cafes on both sides of the street, serving authentic Ecuadorian food and drinks, where visitors can taste local specialties. At night, Ronda Street becomes more lively, and street music and performances provide tourists with a rich nightlife experience. Visitors are advised to go there in the evening to enjoy the cultural atmosphere during the day and experience the vitality at night.Quito · 33.7km from Mindo
Experiences you can't miss in Mindo
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Free things to do in Mindo
Quito Old Town
Quito · 33.6km from MindoCarondelet Palace
Quito · 33.6km from MindoBellavista Cloud Forest Reserve & Lodge
Distrito Metropolitano de Quito · 10.7km from MindoNambilla Cascadas
Mindo · 2.7km from downtownBasilica and Convent of San Francisco
Quito · 33.4km from MindoAlambi Reserve
Distrito Metropolitano de Quito · 13.6km from MindoIndependence Square
Quito · 33.7km from MindoVirgin of the Panecillo
Quito · 33.6km from MindoVulqano Park
Quito · 31.6km from MindoCalle La Ronda
Quito · 33.7km from Mindo
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What travellers say about Mindo
zhulei83123019 October 2020
3.0
The old town is pretty good, and the view from the top of a nearby mountain overlooking the entire old town is also very spectacular. It is densely packed with old houses of various colors. The most prominent and spectacular one here is the cathedral, which really gives people a feeling of standing out from the crowd.
Quito Old Town
小凌6019 October 2020
3.0
The building of the Presidential Palace itself is quite ordinary, not tall and magnificent, but this place is indeed a symbol of independence and politics for the entire country, so many people come here to check in, and it is decorated quite well.
Carondelet Palace
翱翔的大鲨鱼29 February 2020
4.0
It is located on one side of the Independence Square in Quito. It is a typical Latin American Baroque-style building. The exterior is very simple and the interior is also very simple. There are many tourists, most of whom are clergy and believers.
Basilica and Convent of San Francisco
_TS***1427 September 2019
5.0
It's so beautiful, with the ancient Inca and Spanish architecture, it's like entering Europe. The square is very comfortable and leisurely, you can bask in the sun and feed pigeons, and maybe even watch the honor guard performance
Independence Square
乖小咪10 August 2019
5.0
Ronda Street is a famous commercial street in Quito. Half of it is a pedestrian street. The business of the whole street is very developed. Many famous buildings and shopping malls are along the street. This place is equivalent to Nanjing Road in Shanghai and Wangfujing in Beijing. It is very lively. You must visit it when you come to Quito.
Calle La Ronda
