Cultural and Social Activities

There will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy Quito’s cultural life. In the past, we have organized tours to the historic part of the city, named by UNESCO a World Heritage Trust site, and one of the best preserved colonial centers in Latin America. But don’t be mistaken: Old Quito can be seen as a giant outdoor museum, but it is also a vibrant, lively part of the city.

Among other places of interest, we have visited the Palace of Government, site of the National Government and where the president lives and works; the Congress, with its fantastic murals by the famous contemporary Ecuadorian painter, Oswaldo Guayasamín; a number of museums, including the Fundación Guayasamín and his Museo del Hombre; the Museo del Banco Central, where you can learn of the history of peoples who inhabited the area, from Neolithic settlers to Quitu, and from Inca to Spaniards. Also, we have attended folkloric ballets, plays, and concerts.

As part of the social activities sponsored by the program, you may want to participate in Latin dance classes, or play intramural sport competitions with USFQ´s students. Take advantage of it and meet native students in their home turf.