Things to Do in Quito - page 2

South of Quito, two parallel mountain ranges run from north to south along a 124-mile (200-km) route where more than a dozen of Ecuador’s volcanoes are found. German explorer Alexander von Humboldt called it the Avenue of the Volcanoes in the 18th century, and aptly so. Eight of the 10 highest points in Ecuador are found here. The volcanoes — some active, some dormant — are each unique.

Traveling through the Avenue of the Volcanoes provides wonderful views of the countryside and the opportunity to visit tiny villages high in the Andes and shop at local markets. Deer, llama, Andean fox and puma, and 90 species of birds all call this region home.

Along the way, there are some of the finest outdoor adventures anywhere, including horseback riding, biking, and hiking through mountains, valleys and around volcano craters. Hiking around the lakes in the region is also a beautiful way to see the area.

A short stroll from Plaza Grande, the Museum of Colonial Art (or Museo de Arte Colonial) is in a restored 17th century mansion and includes a fine collection of 16th to 18th century paintings, sculpture and furniture.

Works by renowned ‘Quito School’ artists Miguel de Santiago, Manuel Chili (the indigenous artist known as Caspicara), and Bernardo de Legarda feature along with some of Quito's finest colonial art. The Museo de Arte Colonial is not open on Sunday or Monday.