Quito Travel Guide
Ecuador's capital city and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site
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Ecuador's capital city has a setting that few cities can match. In the 13th century it was the prosperous center of the Kingdom of Quitus and later became the northern capital of the Inca Empire. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Colonial architects built formidable temples, monasteries and mansions, creating an urban jewel designated by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Quito’s artistic creativity awaits the visitor in cosmopolitan galleries and boutiques filled with contemporary paintings, sculptures and exquisite traditional crafts. Enjoy scenic, Colonial and artistic Quito, then stand with a foot on each hemisphere at the ‘center of the world’ at Mitad del Mundo.
Quito’s historic centre is the largest, most-intact and best-restored colonial old town in the Americas.
Quito’s spectacular old town extends over 320 hectares – the largest historic centre in the Americas. Host to 40 churches and chapels, 16 convents and monasteries with their respective cloisters, 17 plazas, 12 chapter rooms and refectories, 12 museums and countless courtyards, Quito’s historical heritage is only equalled by the energy and vibrancy of its thousands of residents. The city’s diverse cultures have generated a treasure trove of artistic, cultural and historic wealth, safe-guarded down the centuries to the present. UNESCO recognised this fact in November 1978 when it declared Quito the first World Heritage Site.
Quito is a city which combines both old and new: modern sectors to the north include embassies, businesses, banking services, restaurants, shopping centres, hotels, parks and tourist agencies. The southern area or Old Quito, in contrast, houses various museums, churches and galleries, colonial buildings, balcony furbished homes and outdoor markets within narrow cobbled streets. Much has been done in recent years to rejuvenate the colonial centre and its hillside streets and several of the most impressive old houses have been turned into beautiful places to stay.
Attractions in Quito
There are many places to visit whilst exploring the colonial centre, which is justifiably an important UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Archaeology Museum and a visit to several churches are a must, whilse the Jacchigua Folklore Ballet Show is also popular.
Getting out of town, the Teleferiqo Cable Car offers striking views over the city, the Equatorial Monument and its Ethnography Museum allows an opportunity to step over the equatorial line and the nearby Pululahua Crater is a beautiful natural formation located very close to the city.
Activities in Quito
At an altitude of just under 3000 metres, visitors should take things easy for the first couple of days and not over exert themselves. Once fully acclimatised, there are many possibilities for filling your time with excursions and activities in and around the city.
Relaxing
Head out to eat in the Plaza El Quinde, in the lively Mariscal district at Foch y Reina Victoria. There are dozens of restaurants, eateries, bar and internet cafes here and the evening buzz is vibrant and entertaining.
Getting Around
Transport by taxi in Quito is easy and inexpensive. Public Transportation by Trole (electric cars) is available.
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