Quito and its charms
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is located at the foot of the majestic Pichincha volcano, bordered by volcanoes and the Andes, you will find architectural treasures, a great colonial history, and a diversity of natural wonders, such as the magical cloud forest of Chocó, and all that can be found within the Metropolitan District of Quito.
Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, with an altitude of 2,850 meters above sea level and its climate can vary from 9 °C to 19 °C in just one day. With breathtaking landscapes and panoramic views of the mountains of this Andean city, you will have the opportunity to appreciate from El Panecillo hill, an excursion to the Pichincha volcano and all its hidden sites of the city.
Place where you will be able to explore the old part of the city and you will have the opportunity to discover and get to know one of the best-preserved and conserved historical centers in Latin America, which is settled on an ancient Inca city. The Historic Center of Quito was named Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 1978, where you can visit the Plaza de la Independencia, a site that constitutes the civic heart of the city, surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito, the Carondelet Palace, and the Archbishop’s Palace. In addition to having spectacular churches, each with its own style and architecture, such as the Church of the Society of Jesus, the Church of San Francisco, the Church of Santo Domingo, the Basilica of the National Vow, and the Church of La Merced, which are very close to the central square.
The recommendation is that the stay should be no less than three days since there is a long list of activities to do in the city, not only in the Historic Center but also in the natural and gastronomic wonders.
Quito is a unique capital, considered the capital of the Center of the World, due to its proximity to the equatorial line, latitude 0°, a city where you can experience all seasons in one day, sunny summer morning, and a cold winter night.
We recommend some places that you cannot miss if you are visiting the Carita de Dios, as mentioned before the Historic Center is a space impossible not to be visited, its streets resemble a chessboard, houses traditional and charming neighborhoods, take a walk, know the history of Quito, and discover hidden relics, features on the baroque style and the illuminating works in wood and stone that decorate the facades and interiors of houses and churches.
In the mid-twentieth century, Quito modernized by changing the focus of art and gastronomy. A new Quito was innovated whose neighborhoods became more modern, with innovative restaurants and cafes and the presence of urban art in the streets. There are different places in the capital where you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of everyday life, including La Mariscal, La Floresta, Guápulo, Cumbayá, among others. In addition, you will have to learn about the heritage of the Andean gastronomy that is shown in its maximum expression in the city’s markets.
On the other hand, if what you want is to appreciate a wonderful panoramic landscape, you should go up to the cable car of the city (TelefériQo), from there you will have the opportunity to appreciate the Andean moor and an incredible view of the city of Quito. This is considered one of the highest places in the world since it is located at 3,945 meters above sea level. Once there you can hike to the Guagua Pichincha (4,784 meters above sea level) and Rucu Pichincha (4,698 meters above sea level).
Mitad del Mundo is located 30 minutes from Quito, you will find the famous Equatorial Monument, which marks the 0º latitude on the planet, you will have the opportunity to place each of your feet in both hemispheres at the same time, discover the energy of the center of the world and be part of a magical and diverse tour, here you can also visit Inti Ñan Museum, Temple to the Sun Museum, Agave House, Carlota Jaramillo Museum (Julio Jaramillo’s sister), Rumicucho Ancestral Ruins, Pululahua Natural Reserve, among others.
Also, you can escape from the city and discover a few kilometers from Quito, nature reserves, and conservation areas. Among these sites are Yunguilla, Maquipucuna Protected Forest, El Pahuma Reserve, Cayambe-Coca National Park, which are some of the places to visit the extensive biodiversity of flora and fauna.
We also find the biosphere reserve of the Andean Chocó, where in its cloud forest, you can find a biological diversity, a place where thousands of species of trees, plants, and orchids live, besides being one of the paradises for bird watching lovers, Quito is the world capital of birds, you will find the most amazing variety of species, colors, beaks, and feathers, with more than 500 species, with a special predominance of quindes.
This December 6, 2021, Quito celebrates 487 years of foundation, where we invite you to visit and get to know the places that make Quito a unique and beautiful city. Delight yourself with its gastronomy, dare to live adventures in the surroundings of Quito, learn about traditions, meet, and celebrate the Carita de Dios.
Write by: Daniela Cifuentes 01.12.2021
