When I woke up on my first morning in Quito, the first thing I felt was a slight dizziness, shortness of breath, and a lingering tiredness after a long, jet-lagged walk through La Carolina Park. It wasn’t the city’s beauty that caused it—though Quito is stunning—but the fact that it’s one of the world’s highest-altitude capitals, second only to La Paz, Bolivia, which sits about 790 meters higher.
The second thing I noticed was how nature is everywhere in Quito. Volcanoes rise on every horizon, and parks filled with lush greenery are scattered throughout the city.
But the third, and perhaps most striking, thing was the incredible architecture. For my first few nights, I stayed in an apartment in the Iqon building, a 32-story tower in La Carolina designed by Bjarke Ingels. Its curved facade features cascading concrete balconies, and from the rooftop pool, I could see landmarks by world-renowned architects. Just down the street was Moshe Safdie’s Qorner building, with its stacked terraces, and across the park, the Unique building by Carlos Zapata, known for its open-air midsection.
These architectural marvels exist largely thanks to Uribe Schwarzkopf, a local family-run developer that has brought ambitious projects by star architects to Quito, inspiring a new generation of local designers. Joseph Schwarzkopf, son of the company’s founder, Tommy, noted, “I don’t know any other South American capital with as many buildings by famous architects as Quito.” He added that it’s heartening to see young people taking photos with these structures, building a sense of community and pride.
On my first morning, I visited their latest project, Epiq—another Ingels design. This 24-story “vertical neighborhood” combines pink cement tiles and floor-to-ceiling glass, with terraces overflowing with palms and succulents. It reflects how affluent, design-minded Quiteños live: with amenities like a rooftop pool, gym, shops, and even a music room all under one roof. Given the city’s notorious traffic—due partly to its long, narrow layout in a valley—it makes sense to have everything close by. And if residents want fresh air, La Carolina Park is just steps away, like many green spaces throughout the city.
After taking in the modern architecture, I was ready to explore Quito’s historic design treasures, starting with a ride on the new underground metro.Stepping out of the metro into the bright sunlight, I passed bustling food stalls and crossed the stunning Plaza de San Francisco, where the Basilica and Convent stood against the dramatic backdrop of Pichincha volcano. As clouds rolled in and rain began to pour—a common occurrence in Quito, where the high altitude and equatorial location make the weather famously changeable—I took shelter in the Jesuit church of La Compañía, marveling at its glittering gold interior before climbing to the roof for a view over the Old Town’s uneven rooftops. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in the 1970s, this is one of the best-preserved and most atmospheric historic centers in the Americas. When the rain eased, sunset light set the clouds aglow, and the distant silhouette of the Virgin Mary statue atop El Panecillo hill made it feel as if I’d stepped centuries back in time.
But it wasn’t long before the present day called me back. The next morning, I visited Casa Kohn, a modernist home designed in 1951 by Czech immigrant architect Karl Kohn—a beautifully preserved mid-century masterpiece. A highlight was meeting its current owner, Kohn’s niece Katya Bernasconi, who shared captivating stories of Quito’s past and present. From there, I wandered into La Floresta, the vibrant heart of the city’s art scene. I stumbled upon Villa Fauna, a boutique store and studio run by ceramicist Natalia Espinosa, and picked up a leaflet guiding me through artists’ studios tucked among the neighborhood’s brightly painted houses. My walk ended at Impaqto, a former blues bar transformed into a maze-like coworking space, with the popular restaurant Clara next door. There, I chatted with architect María Isabel Paz, who was collaborating with rug makers from Guano on a project for the Venice Biennale.
It was a reminder that while Quito’s striking new buildings signal its rise as a design capital, the real depth of its creative scene is best experienced on a human scale. My most fascinating visit was to the offices of Diez + Muller, located on the top floor of their own mixed-use building, Natura, in the green neighborhood of Tumbaco. Surrounded by acacia and jacaranda trees, the building features a light-filled atrium with a diagonal walkway and balconies overflowing with plants. In their studio, co-founder Gonzalo Diez spoke about the challenges and rewards of staying rooted in Quito, even as their growing practice attracts international projects. “Our work always engages with Ecuadorian design traditions,” he said. “There’s nowhere more inspiring than here.”
It was no surprise to learn that Diez + Muller’s success is partly thanks to the support of Uribe Schwarzkopf, whose mission includes not only bringing global architects to Quito but also nurturing a new generation of local talent. “Young architects began visiting our projects, raising the bar,” he noted.”The bar was set higher,” says Schwarzkopf. “Now the architects here are world-class because they had to compete with all these impressive buildings. It all happened very quickly.” That ambitious spirit has spread to other fields as well: “Architecture, design, food, fashion—everything except music,” Schwarzkopf adds with a laugh. “To be honest, we Ecuadorians have never been particularly talented in music—not like the Colombians, for example. But maybe I’m just not up to date with what’s happening in the local music scene.”
A common theme among the many creative professionals and artisans I met during my time in Quito was the challenge of actually attracting visitors. It’s not that Ecuador lacks a strong tourism industry: over the past 30 years, the number of foreign visitors has surged, rising from 440,000 in 1995 to nearly 1.3 million in 2024. (Last year’s figure was slightly affected by a period of civil unrest, which has since calmed down.) The issue, however, is that most tourists only stop in Quito overnight on their way to the Galápagos Islands, which have long been the country’s main attraction. So how can the city encourage more travelers—especially the curious, creative types who might otherwise head to Mexico City or São Paulo—to give Quito a real chance?
If my week in Quito taught me anything, it’s that there are plenty of reasons to spend several days here. You can sample the imaginative local cuisine, explore impressive museums, or take on high-altitude hikes along the slopes of its volcanoes. And for design enthusiasts, there’s a wealth of outstanding architecture to discover, from dizzying skyscrapers and mid-century modern homes to the grand colonial houses and churches spread across the Old Town. “We have talented young people, talented architects, and talented entrepreneurs,” says Schwarzkopf. “We should show the world what we can do.” If you build it, they will come—and it likely won’t be long before design-savvy tourists start arriving in greater numbers.
Eight Places to Visit in Quito
Casa Kohn
Tucked away on a side street off the busy Avenida 12 de Octubre, Casa Kohn is a remarkable private home once owned by the celebrated Jewish architect Karl Kohn. He fled Prague for Quito just before World War II and played a key role in introducing European modernism to Ecuador. Today, the house is home to Katya Bernasconi, the daughter of Kohn and his wife, Dr. Vera Schiller—a devoted Zen Buddhist whose meditation space remains in the basement. Katya’s enthusiasm for the house is contagious, from its sleek built-in wooden furniture to its seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Pez Bela
This excellent cevicheria and oyster bar, located in the upscale Gonzales Suarez neighborhood, is a favorite lunch spot among locals—and for good reason. Under chef Isabella Chiriboga’s direction, the focus is on incredibly fresh seafood, with creative takes on classic ceviches. Try the tender tuna cubes topped with crispy quinoa and pickled beetroot, or the pleasantly spicy octopus in leche de tigre sauce with avocado and crunchy onions. Be sure to book an outdoor table to enjoy some of Quito’s best food while watching the world go by.
Olga Fisch
In the late 1930s, Hungarian Jewish artist, rug maker, and gallerist Olga Fisch emigrated to Ecuador with her husband. Within a few years, she opened Olga Fisch Folklore, a gallery showcasing her own Bauhaus-inspired designs.She designs alongside folk art, rugs, tapestries, and jewelry sourced from artisan communities across the country. Today, the store is run by Fisch’s niece, Margara Anhalzer, who is revitalizing the brand with the help of young designer Martín Across. Together, they reinterpret the extensive archive of prints and patterns into sleek denim pieces and charming quilted jackets. (Respect for the past remains—be sure to visit the small museum upstairs dedicated to traditional Ecuadorian crafts.)
Casa Gangotena
Photo: Courtesy of Casa Gangotena
Overlooking the famous Plaza San Francisco in the heart of Old Town, this five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel is both Quito’s most luxurious stay and a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history. The airy, marble-floored lobby is filled with palm trees, and the stately bedrooms feature French windows that open to the lively square below. Despite its grandeur, the atmosphere is relaxed—the perfect way to spend time here is on the rooftop terrace at sunset with a book and an iced tea, or curled up in the cozy, wood-paneled bar later in the evening with one of their signature Cedrón spritzes. Don’t miss lunch or dinner at the restaurant, which offers creative takes on traditional Ecuadorian dishes, from zesty, fresh ceviches to decadent 72-hour cooked Criollo pork in a rich beer sauce.
Nuema
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If you’ve heard of one restaurant in Quito, it’s likely Nuema—regularly named the best in Ecuador and ranked 11th in Latin America by World’s 50 Best last year. This tasting-menu-only spot in the business district offers a brilliantly inventive culinary experience. From the moment you step into the moodily lit dining room, chef Alejandro Chamorro and his wife, pastry chef Pía Salazar, are on hand to awaken your taste buds and introduce you to the incredible variety of local ingredients. Think delicate huayaipe (longfin yellowtail) with a vibrant taxo (banana passion fruit) and chia seed sauce, or a pre-dessert featuring macambo (a type of white cocoa) presented with whole beans for a culinary show-and-tell—both educational and exquisitely delicious.
Ocho y Medio
This charming retro cinema in La Floresta is a hotspot for the latest arthouse films and classic re-releases, as well as a gathering place for the city’s creative crowd. By day, the café buzzes with friends catching up over herbal teas and barista coffees, while creatives work on laptops. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail on the colorful terrace before catching a late-night movie.
Cumbayá
Spend an afternoon exploring this residential district in the cooler valley below the city center. Locals browse fashion boutiques and galleries or stop for matcha lattes at the cafes around the leafy Plaza Central.
Somos
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Another culinary gem in the more business-oriented part of La Floresta, this relaxed restaurant is rooted in Ecuadorian cuisine but reflects a global influence thanks to chef Alejandra Espinoza, who studied in France. The playful menu includes empanadas made with purple corn dough and filled with goat ragu, while the mains feature an impressive selection of wood-fired seafood, such as Ecuadorian king prawns in a delicate coconut milk sauce.Crispy yucca fries topped it off. But the real standout was the guinea pig dumplings in a pine mushroom broth with chili oil. This dish beautifully blended Latin American and regional Chinese flavors, making it the most unforgettable meal I had in all of Ecuador.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about a South American capital becoming a design hotspot written in a natural and helpful tone
General Beginner Questions
Q Which South American capital is this about
A This is about Buenos Aires Argentina
Q What does it mean to be a design hotspot
A It means the city has a vibrant growing community of designers cool new shops and galleries and is gaining international recognition for its creative energy
Q Why is Buenos Aires getting so much attention for design now
A A combination of its rich cultural history a new generation of talented designers and it being more affordable than other global design centers like New York or Milan
Q What kind of design are we talking about
A Everything Especially furniture lighting home decor fashion and graphic design Theres a strong focus on craftsmanship and unique materials
Q Is it expensive to buy design pieces from there
A For international buyers it can be very affordable due to the exchange rate offering high quality for a great price For locals its a growing luxury market
Deeper Dive Advanced Questions
Q Whats the design style like Is there a Buenos Aires look
A It often blends minimalist Scandinavian influences with warm rustic South American materials like leather wood and woven textiles Its functional elegant and has a handmade feel
Q Besides lower costs what specific advantages does the city offer designers
A A deep pool of skilled artisans renowned design schools and a culture that highly values aesthetics and social life which fuels creativity
Q Where are the best neighborhoods to experience this design scene
A Palermo is the epicenter packed with independent designer boutiques showrooms and cafes San Telmo is also great for more antique and vintage finds
Q Are there any major design events or fairs I should know about
A Yes The Buenos Aires Design Week and Casa FOA are the biggest events that draw international crowds
Q What are some common challenges for designers working there
A Economic instability and inflation can make sourcing materials and