Where It's Located
The Quito Ecuador Temple is located at Ruta Viva y Escalón Lumbisí, Cumbayá, Quito, Ecuador, in the eastern suburb of Cumbayá. The temple sits at an elevation of approximately 7,864 feet (2,397 meters) on a 3.96-acre (1.6-hectare) property in the Tumbaco Valley.
The beautifully landscaped grounds feature royal palm trees and can be enjoyed by the public. An L-shaped patron housing facility shares the property directly across from the temple entrance. There is no visitors' center or arrival center, and no distribution center is located on the site.
Getting There
Quito is served by Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), located east of the city near Tababela. The temple is in Cumbayá, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring Quito and the surrounding Andes.
For visitors from the United States, Quito can be reached through connecting or nonstop international flights depending on the departure city. From the airport, travelers can reach the temple and Cumbayá by road, with travel times varying considerably depending on traffic.
One thing travelers should remember is Quito's altitude. At more than 9,000 feet above sea level, the Ecuadorian capital is one of the highest national capitals in the world. The temple itself sits somewhat lower, at approximately 7,864 feet.
A Bit of History
The Quito Ecuador Temple was announced by President Thomas S. Monson on April 3, 2016, during the Sunday morning session of the 186th Annual General Conference. It became Ecuador's second temple, following the Guayaquil Ecuador Temple, which was dedicated in 1999.
The announcement was particularly meaningful for Latter-day Saints in and around Quito. Before the temple was announced, members in the capital had to travel approximately 270 miles to Guayaquil to attend the temple. Members in the Imbabura region north of Quito sometimes organized overnight bus trips lasting approximately 13 hours each way, making temple attendance a significant sacrifice of time and resources.
At the time of the announcement, Quito had seven operating stakes and a population of approximately 2.5 million people. The new temple would make temple worship substantially more accessible to Saints throughout the country's highlands.
Groundbreaking and Construction
The official exterior rendering was released on March 7, 2019, in conjunction with the announcement of the groundbreaking.
Groundbreaking and site dedication services were held on May 11, 2019, with Elder Enrique R. Falabella, then president of the South America Northwest Area, presiding. More than 800 people attended the ceremony, which also included government and religious leaders.
During the groundbreaking, Elder Hugo Montoya described the future temple as a place of refuge and peace for members despite the challenges they might face in their lives.
Open House and Dedication
The public open house was held from October 14 through October 29, 2022, giving members of the public an opportunity to tour the interior of the newly completed temple.
The Quito Ecuador Temple was formally dedicated on November 20, 2022, by Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The dedication took place in three sessions.
Interestingly, the Quito Ecuador Temple was dedicated on the same day as the Belém Brazil Temple. The two temples had also been announced on the same day in 2016.
Design and Architecture
The Quito Ecuador Temple contains approximately 36,780 square feet (3,417 square meters) of floor space and rises approximately 97 feet (29.6 meters) above the ground. Its exterior is clad in white Turkish limestone, giving the building a bright and elegant appearance against the dramatic Andean landscape.
The temple features a single attached central spire topped with an angel Moroni statue. Decorative carved limestone panels appear above the windows, adding subtle detail to the otherwise symmetrical exterior.
The surrounding landscape incorporates volcanic andesite stone, including at the base of the temple and around the hardscape areas. A fountain designed in Quito incorporates an Ecuadorian floral pattern into its andesite stonework.
Ecuadorian Design Influences
One of the most interesting aspects of the Quito Ecuador Temple is the way local Ecuadorian influences were incorporated into the design.
The temple's artistic stained-glass windows were designed and manufactured in Ecuador. Their abstract floral patterns use blue, dark green, light green, red, yellow, and white—colors inspired by the flowers found throughout Ecuador.
Inside the temple, a geranium-inspired floral motif appears throughout the design. The geranium is particularly representative of Quito and can be seen throughout the city's gardens, parks, and balconies. The floral theme continues through the temple's rugs and other interior elements.
Inside the Temple
The Quito Ecuador Temple contains two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry. These facilities allow Latter-day Saints to participate in the sacred ordinances performed in temples.
The building's interior design continues the floral theme established on the exterior, creating a visual connection between the temple and its Ecuadorian surroundings.
Visiting Quito
A trip to the Quito Ecuador Temple offers an opportunity to experience both Latter-day Saint history and one of South America's most fascinating cities.
Quito is surrounded by the Andes and is known for its dramatic elevation, historic architecture, and spectacular mountain scenery. The city's historic center, churches, plazas, and colonial-era buildings make it an especially worthwhile destination for travelers interested in history and culture.
The temple itself does not have a public visitors' center, and entrance into the temple is reserved for those who meet the requirements for temple worship. However, the beautifully landscaped grounds can be enjoyed by the public.
Final Thoughts
The Quito Ecuador Temple represents an important milestone in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ecuador. As Ecuador's second temple, it eliminated hundreds of miles of travel for many Saints living in the country's capital and surrounding highlands.
Its setting is particularly memorable. Located in the Andes near Cumbayá, the temple combines elegant white Turkish limestone with Ecuadorian floral motifs, locally produced stained glass, and volcanic andesite stone. The result is a temple that feels distinctly connected to its surroundings while retaining the timeless character of a Latter-day Saint house of the Lord.
For Latter-day Saint travelers visiting Ecuador, the Quito Ecuador Temple provides a memorable opportunity to combine temple worship with an exploration of one of the world's highest capital cities and the remarkable culture and scenery of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
broughmade.com
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