Discovering Quito, Ecuador - Light of the Americas
Nestled in the Andes Mountains, Quito is the capital city of Ecuador and one of the highest capital cities in the world, standing at an elevation of around 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level. This vibrant city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the perfect place to start your trip through Ecuador.
Highlights of Quito:
- Historic center
Explore Quito's historic heart, the Centro Histórico, with its well-preserved colonial architecture, narrow streets, and beautiful squares. The area is home to numerous churches, including the iconic Iglesia San Francisco, Basílica del Voto Nacional and the Compañía de Jesús. The last one is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the Americas. The intricate baroque facade and the ornate interior, adorned with gold leaf, make it a must-visit.
- Teleférico (Quito's Cable Car):
This amenity provides visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Andes Mountains. It is open Monday to Sunday and pets are allowed to go with you. Special recommendation, go in the afternoon and fall in love with Quito's sunsets and don't forget to bring a good jacket.
- Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World):
This invisible line that divides our planet in a Northern and a Southern hemispheres is what gives the name to Ecuador. 30 minutes drive from Quito's city center you can find a little town named San Antonio de Pichincha or La mitad del mundo (Middle of the World). The centerpiece of the attraction is a large monument marking the precise location of the Equator. The monument features a striking tall tower with a globe on top, and it often serves as a focal point for visitor. Surrounding the monument, there are various interactive exhibits and attractions that educate visitors about the scientific and cultural aspects of the Equator. These may include experiments demonstrating the Coriolis effect, which showcases the influence of the Earth's rotation on the movement of water.
Special recommendation try a dish called Fritada con choclo, you are not gonna regret it.
In the mood for a hike, Quito is the perfect place for that. I am going to write a complete guide about places where to hike, the location and their costs. But briefly I want to mention this places close to the city.
Rucu pichincha, Volcan Ilalo, Cotopaxi National park, Laguna Cuicocha, Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve, Quilotoa, Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve are some of the few that I can mentioned right now.
Quito has this and much more to offer but if you are still not convinced, let the traditional Ecuadorian food make you fall in love with it. Of course, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy your meals with Ecuadorians beers.
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