5 Best Performing Arts Venues in Quito, Ecuador

For a fun, intellectual twist on a night out, South American Explorers holds informal lectures in English each Thursday at 6 pm. Topics range from ways to cope with altitude to planning a trip to the Galápagos. Admission is a nominal $2 for nonmembers, with plenty of popcorn included. They're a great way to meet fellow travelers.

Jacchigua, the national folk ballet, performs Wednesday at 7:30 pm in the Casa de la Cultura. Tickets cost $25.

Ecuador's National Symphony Orchestra—as well as many smaller ensembles—frequently performs at the Casa de la Música.

The South American Explorers club holds a lively quiz night (with prizes) the first and third Wednesday of each month at the Reina Victoria Pub. Proceedings get under way at 8:30.

The Teatro Nacional Sucre has an active schedule of concerts and dance and opera performances. (Most of the presentations are in Spanish.) Tickets run $5–$50.