On weekend afternoons, you will almost certainly have to wait to dine alongside carloads of Quito day-trippers at this restaurant painted like a black-and-white cowhide. Visitors flock to ‘The Cow Cafe’ for its straight-off-the-farm cheese served with every order. The Ecuadorian dishes and huge variety of breakfast combos (served all day) go down well with a freshly blended fruit juice.
El Café de la Vaca
Central Highlands
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
22.38 MILES
Capped by green-and-gold domes, La Compañía de Jesús is Quito’s most ornate church and a standout among the baroque splendors of the Old Town. Free guided…
24.24 MILES
For spectacular views over Quito’s mountainous landscape, hop aboard this sky tram, one of the world's highest aerial lifts, that takes passengers on a 2…
25.18 MILES
In the former home of the legendary painter Oswaldo Guayasamín (1919–99), this wonderful museum houses the most complete collection of the artist's work…
25.17 MILES
One of the most important works of art in South America, Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín’s Capilla del Hombre stands next to the Casa Museo…
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22.46 MILES
The low white building on the northwestern side of Plaza Grande is the seat of the Ecuadorian presidency. Visitors can enter by joining a free guided tour…
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Museos Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana
23.41 MILES
Newly reopened following a full-scale makeover, Museos Casa de la Cultura encompasses three museums in a single bright, modern space. The expansive Museo…
8.93 MILES
The centerpiece of Ecuador's most popular national park is the snowcapped and downright picture-perfect Volcán Cotopaxi. At 5897m, it's Ecuador's second…
23.39 MILES
Located in the circular, glass-plated, landmark building of the Casa de la Cultura is one of the country’s largest collections of Ecuadorian art, with…
Nearby Central Highlands attractions
8.93 MILES
The centerpiece of Ecuador's most popular national park is the snowcapped and downright picture-perfect Volcán Cotopaxi. At 5897m, it's Ecuador's second…
9.35 MILES
Inside the park, 9km from Control Caspi, this small interpretation center has a few display boards explaining the natural history of the area. Take a…
3. Refugio de Vida Silvestre Pasochoa
10.89 MILES
This small but beautiful wildlife reserve stands on the northern flanks of the extinct Pasochoa volcano, at elevations between 2900m and 4200m. It has one…
16.33 MILES
On the road to the Río Pita, this Inca fort was built around the end of the 15th century. There are several stone walls and a semi-restored circular…
5. Museo Interactivo de Ciencia
21.3 MILES
Housed in a former textile factory, this contemporary, well-designed museum has loads of interactive exhibits to keep toddlers to teenagers engaged. Last…
21.4 MILES
The Thursday morning market in Saquisilí is one of the best in the central highlands. It’s a mostly authentic and fascinating place to observe the array…
21.76 MILES
Topped by a 41m-tall aluminum mosaic statue of La Virgen de Quito (Virgin of Quito; completed in 1976), with a crown of stars, angelic wings and a chained…
21.92 MILES
The Old Town's old bus terminal has been converted into a sparkling covered cultural center and sports complex with a volleyball court, soccer pitch,…