Quito, Ecuador — Activities
Quito Culture
Quito is a cultured city with a bevy of large and small musical venues, theaters and cinemas. For upcoming events check listings in El Commercio or inquire at the reception in your hotel - they might be able to get you tickets. There is a dedicated reservation desk at Café Cultural hotel.
Folklore
La Casa de la Pena
Andean music and dance performances are held in venues known as penas, such as La Casa de la Pena.
Garcia Moreno N11-13
Tel: (02) 243 9073.
Nucanchi
Nucanchi is another venue for folkloric shows.
Avenida Universetaria 496 y Armero
Tel: (502) 254 0967.
Theater
Teatro Bolivar
Theatrical and dance performances are the specialty of Teatro Bolivar.
Espejo
Tel: (02) 258 2487.
Website: www.teatrobolivar.org
Teatro Sucre
Fresh from restoration, the historical Teatro Sucre is the city's main venue for classical and jazz music. It is also where the National Orchestra performs every week.
Manabí N8-131
Tel: (02) 228 2337.
Website: www.teatrosucre.com
Dance
Ritmo Tropical
Those who want to learn dancing salsa, cumbia or meringue should head to dancing schools, such as Ritmo Tropical.
Amazonas N24-155 y Calama
Tel: (02) 255 7094.
Website: www.ritmotropicalsalsa
Quito Tours
Walking tours
One of the best bets for tours in the Old Town is Empresa de Desarrollo del Centro Histórico. The city's main tourist information office offers two types of guided tours, taking in major sights in the historical center. The company Quito Eterno organizes interesting and alternative tours of the Old Town, in the company of actors and actresses playing characters.
Empresa de Desarrollo del Centro Histórico
Ground floor of Palacio Arzobiscal, Plaza Grande
Tel: (02) 258 6591.
Quito Eterno
Tel: (02) 228 9506.
Website: www.quitoeterno.org
Other tours
For city tours and expeditions all around the country, try Positiv Turismo or Safari. Reception desks at most hotels will be happy to put you in touch with other travel agencies.
Positiv Turismo
Jorge Juan 33-38 y Atahualpa
Tel: (02) 600 9401.
Safari
11th floor at Reina Victoria 25-33 y Colon
Tel: (02) 255 2505.
