Quito Mapping Festival in the Historic Center: Lights, Art, and Heritage at Night
Artists project colorful creations onto Quito’s most iconic colonial buildings.
The streets fill with locals and visitors eager to see the magic unfold.
The festival draws big crowds, growing in popularity over the past five years. Keep your valuables safe and stick to well-lit, busy streets unless you’re with a group.
About downtown Quito: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Quito was the first city named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.
Its historic center boasts well-preserved colonial architecture and grand plazas.
The city offers cobblestone streets, ornate churches, and charming courtyards.
As you stroll through its streets, every corner tells a story from centuries past.
During the festival, these landmarks glow under captivating light projections.
About Fiesta de la Luz, Quito’s Festival of Light
The Quito Mapping Festival, also known as La Fiesta de la Luz or Quito Luz de América, takes place every August in the Historic Center. This vibrant celebration often coincides with August 10th, Ecuador’s Independence Day, honoring the 1809 declaration that earned Quito its title, “The Light of America.” Iconic landmarks like San Francisco Church, Teatro Sucre, Santo Domingo Church, and Plaza Hermano Miguel become illuminated with artistic light projections, laser shows, and themed performances by Ecuadorian and French artists.
Where is Quito’s Festival of Light held?
The Festival of Light in Quito this year will focus on the major areas of the Old Town (Historic Center). In total, up to 18 spaces and facades, each within walking distance of each other, will be lit up and/or incorporate some sort of light exhibition. Some of the iconic buildings and churches that are lit up this year include: the San Francisco Church, the Santo Domingo Church, La Basilica, and the Teatro Nacional Sucre.
Important information
Arrive early to enjoy the Historic Center before the lights begin.
Wander through the plazas and taste traditional Ecuadorian snacks.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking between locations.
The event is free, but expect large crowds.
Combine your visit with other activities in Quito for a complete experience.
You can find great ideas here: Top 7 Things to Do in Quito.
How to get there
Due to the large crowds, trying to go there by car and find parking is a daunting task, so for us what worked was to take the Metro de Quito, that takes you directly from Mall el Jardin or Bicentenario Park to San Francisco Square, and then on the way back the lines to take the Metro were so long that taking an Uber or taxi is worth it.
If you are in South America I would love to see your pictures.
What to bring
The afternoons in Quito can get chilly, so bring a warm jacket, a scarf, and in case of a rainy day it is recommended to bring a waterproof jacket or an umbrella.
Bring good walking shoes too.
Where to stay
We often have friends, family, and also work-related visitors coming to Quito; together with my family, we have our top recommendations here:
Hacienda Jimenita is the place to escape to nature, relax and connect with history near Quito Airport. We tell you all about our visit to this enchanting hacienda and book your stay.
Hotel Las Cuevas Terra Lodge to spend the perfect getaway in a cave hotel near Quito. You can read all about our unique experience here and book your stay.
Hotel Finlandia has a great location in the modern part of Quito, near the main shopping centers and Parque La Carolina. It offers good food, fair prices, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable rooms and the staff is helpful and friendly.
Hotel Vieja Cuba This is a cozy small hotel with comfortable rooms, and friendly and helpful staff. The hotel offers a fresh-made breakfast consisting of eggs, granola, toast, ham, cheese, yogurt, and tea or coffee. The location is also great, not far from Plaza Foch, within walking distance you have one of the nicest areas for locals and tourists alike. Minutes away from shops, restaurants, pubs, bars, and more.
and if you want to go camping but without abandoning some comfort, you can go Glamping at Urkuwayku Organic Farm in Ilalo, it connects you with Nature and is located near Quito.
What to eat
If you have time during the Festival of Light, visit one of Downtown Quito’s most charming streets — Calle La Ronda, alive with music, food, and tradition. Walking down Calle La Ronda is like stepping into Quito’s living history. This charming colonial street comes alive at night with music, artisan shops, and traditional flavors. Warm up with a sweet-and-spicy canelazo, taste traditional colaciones, bite into a giant, airy empanada de viento sprinkled with sugar, and explore more local treats while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Conclusion:
The Quito Mapping Festival in the Historic Center offers a blend of history, art, and celebration.
It’s the perfect event for culture lovers and night photography fans.
Experience the magic of Quito’s Fiesta de la Luz next August.
This spectacular tradition will leave you with glowing memories.
There are many other activities to enjoy while in Quito, here is our list of Top activites in and around Quito
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If you want more in-depth information and also a guide that you can bring along during your trip, I recommend the travel guide Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
This is a great source of information and tips, maps, and all you need if you plan on visiting Ecuador. I personally like the option of having a hard copy version where I can take notes and have it at hand.
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