Maybe you have considered vacationing in the most amazing capital of Latin America?Read why you definitely want to get to know Quito.
Old Quito was among first historical towns to be declared a World Heritage Site, but it was not until recently that it would become a highly valued travel destination. In the 70s the old city heart was dilapidated, and no-one thought that in less than half a century, the capital of Ecuador would develop into the most graceful capital of the the continent with great looking ancient alleys and gorgeously restored historical buildings.
As Lima developed as the administrative center of the Southern colonies of the Spanish crown, Quito became the epicenter of religion with dozens of churches and monasteries, many of which somehow made it through significant earthquakes. But times were hard on Ecuador and many buildings had fallen in disarray, but with the UNESCO nomination, all historical buildings became full protected and now most buildings have returned to their old glory albeit with new functions, like cafs, hotels, museums or private homes. The well redesigned plazas and connecting historical walks, are heavily protected by police and visitors of all ages pass casually through this peaceable heaven of colonial history, little shops, gorgeous residences many of which having been transformed into cafs and posadas (inns). What makes Quito so special, is that it primarily frequented by its Ecuadorians. families play and picnic in the parks and the plazas. While there are tourists there numbers are not overpowering.
Whenever you go to Ecuador, please do yourself a favor and take at least 2 days to fall in love with this gorgeously restored city. If you like, you can take a half day's guided tour but after that, go out on your own, walk through the narrow streets, sample the restaurants, explore well illuminated Ecuador's capital at night and mingle with the friendly Ecuadorians. They regard the colonial center of the capital of Ecuador or "Casco viejo" as the Quitenos call their old town, as their cultural heritage, the place that unites their rich history with the pleasures of twenty-first century.
With many pedestrians-only streets, the colonial center should be enjoyed, walking from plaza to plaza and cathedral to monastery. Distances are short and there is a great selection of very effordable little cafs where you can rest when you feel tired.
With so many exquisite old churches one can't name them all, but one really stands out: The Compania Church is the most beautiful and oldest colonial monument of the capital of Ecuador. The interior of the church is covered with real gold and is full of statutes and late medieval paintings. Arguably, it the could be considered the most lovely church of the Americas.
In 2008, the New York Times published a center story in its travel section, including it in the fiftythree greatest cities in the world for American travelers. Its the "Passport to Latin America" said Samantha Brown and named it the ideal hub from where to explore South America. Ever since, the capital of Ecuador has been receiving attention on television (e.g. CBN and NBC), and over the last few years, the city has seen many articles in many international magazines and newspapers, raving about the most splendid Latin American capital.
It is not surprising that more and more tours start out in Ecuador's capital Quito to to then continue to destinations like Peru and other destinations that can be easily reached from Ecuador.
Old Quito was among first historical towns to be declared a World Heritage Site, but it was not until recently that it would become a highly valued travel destination. In the 70s the old city heart was dilapidated, and no-one thought that in less than half a century, the capital of Ecuador would develop into the most graceful capital of the the continent with great looking ancient alleys and gorgeously restored historical buildings.
As Lima developed as the administrative center of the Southern colonies of the Spanish crown, Quito became the epicenter of religion with dozens of churches and monasteries, many of which somehow made it through significant earthquakes. But times were hard on Ecuador and many buildings had fallen in disarray, but with the UNESCO nomination, all historical buildings became full protected and now most buildings have returned to their old glory albeit with new functions, like cafs, hotels, museums or private homes. The well redesigned plazas and connecting historical walks, are heavily protected by police and visitors of all ages pass casually through this peaceable heaven of colonial history, little shops, gorgeous residences many of which having been transformed into cafs and posadas (inns). What makes Quito so special, is that it primarily frequented by its Ecuadorians. families play and picnic in the parks and the plazas. While there are tourists there numbers are not overpowering.
Whenever you go to Ecuador, please do yourself a favor and take at least 2 days to fall in love with this gorgeously restored city. If you like, you can take a half day's guided tour but after that, go out on your own, walk through the narrow streets, sample the restaurants, explore well illuminated Ecuador's capital at night and mingle with the friendly Ecuadorians. They regard the colonial center of the capital of Ecuador or "Casco viejo" as the Quitenos call their old town, as their cultural heritage, the place that unites their rich history with the pleasures of twenty-first century.
With many pedestrians-only streets, the colonial center should be enjoyed, walking from plaza to plaza and cathedral to monastery. Distances are short and there is a great selection of very effordable little cafs where you can rest when you feel tired.
With so many exquisite old churches one can't name them all, but one really stands out: The Compania Church is the most beautiful and oldest colonial monument of the capital of Ecuador. The interior of the church is covered with real gold and is full of statutes and late medieval paintings. Arguably, it the could be considered the most lovely church of the Americas.
In 2008, the New York Times published a center story in its travel section, including it in the fiftythree greatest cities in the world for American travelers. Its the "Passport to Latin America" said Samantha Brown and named it the ideal hub from where to explore South America. Ever since, the capital of Ecuador has been receiving attention on television (e.g. CBN and NBC), and over the last few years, the city has seen many articles in many international magazines and newspapers, raving about the most splendid Latin American capital.
It is not surprising that more and more tours start out in Ecuador's capital Quito to to then continue to destinations like Peru and other destinations that can be easily reached from Ecuador.
About the Author:
For almost 40 years, Wesly Vanderhill has lived in Ecuador's capital and he shares his knowledge and high resolution pictures about churches and monasteries and other splendid monuments of Ecuador
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