Begin Your Journey in Quito
This entry was posted on 4/1/2007 8:33 PM and is filed under Travel Ecuador.
Quito and the
surrounding countryside.
Although Quito is the large and complex Capital city of Ecuador, within
an hour's drive you can experience the tranquility and variety of the
spectacular Ecuadorian countryside. In the north, the barren, rugged
mountains of the equator at Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World, found in 1736)
beckon. Directly to the west of the city lies the active volcano of Pichincha that periodically spews some gases
and ash in to the normally clear sky. To
the north and west there is the tropical cloud forest near the quaint village
of Mindo where you might be able to see some of the 260 plant species including
spectacular orchids. This area is home to the spectacled bear, beautiful
butterflies, rare species of hummingbirds and of course some of the best trout
fishing available. Don't forget Otavalo, where if you want to bargain,
you can get a great deal on the purchase of a wonderful variety of hand-made
Ecuadorian products. A little further
north of Otavalo, about a quarter mile north of Guayllabamba, you'll find the
best zoo in the country. To the east, the
soothing waters of active volcanoes, such as Reventador, Sicholagua and
Antisana, near Banos de Papallacta bring you closer to the tranquil life in the
Andes. The drive is spectacular and is reminiscent of the Scottish
Highlands. South of Quito lies the snow
covered sleeping giant of Cotopaxi, the world's largest active volcano, and the
quaint villages and active markets that make the area a thriving tourist
destination for the adventurous traveler. One of the most widely visited
southern cities is Banos, home to Ecuador's most active volcano, Tungurahua.
This 'Black Giant' awoke in the middle of last year and has been roaring ever
since. This small city is near the gateway to the Oriente. (Tropical Rain
Forrest)
Independent travelers, like Lisa
and myself, should contact the nonprofit South American Explorers Club in
central Quito for advice and more information.
The SAEC also organizes weekly walks of the Old Town as well as
lectures, discussions and information about points of interest throughout the
country. In the U.S. the organization
can be contacted toll-free at (800) 274-0568.
With all these thing to experience, where do we
start? Old town Quito of course.
The
invading Spanish founded this impressive colonial styled city in 1534 on the
site of an important Inca city originally founded in 1460. Quito quickly became the most impressive colonial
center on the entire continent. The
preservation of "Old Town", a UNESCO World Heritage Site 1978, with
its grand and stunning architecture is what makes Quito so special. During the day, the historic area maintains
it's colonial atmosphere with narrow cobblestone streets and colorful markets. At night, however, although the "old
town" is majestic with ambient lighting and a deceptively tranquil
atmosphere, in actuality it is a dangerous place to be after the sun goes down. Street theft against tourists has been on
the rise since the election of the new president. Don't bring much money with you, $20 should suffice for the whole
day, and don't carry anything tempting like a camera or electronic goods. Just
keep your digital camera in your pocket.
Parking is a serious problem in the central historical district. We found it better to park in the newer area
of the city in a secured parking garage.
(Don't forget: Never leave anything visible in the car, and remember to
use your club.) Take a Taxi into the
center of "Old Town", they are plentiful and cheap. It is also possible to take one of the Trolleys
(actually Buses) into the center of the city, but beware of the notorious
pickpockets found on most of the city buses.
As you walk the area, you will
notice an immense statue on top of an extremely large westerly hill overlooking
the city. This hill is known as the
Panecillo (little loaf of bread), and was originally a sacred Inca site for sun
worship. Today the hill lays claim to
the winged statue of the Virgen de Quito, notably the City's most prominent
landmark. However, don't think about
walking to the top of the hill even in the daytime due to the crime rate. If you must go to the top take a cab. The Old Town will mesmerize you with its
charm and colonial beauty. The district
is filled with dazzling churches and museums.
Oh yes, there is an
entrance fee for just about everything. Consider making the highest church in the
country, Basilica del Voto Nacional, your first stop. Take the elevator to the top for an
absolutely breathtaking view of the city.
By the way, the coffee shop on the terrace makes a great cappuccino. Across the way
you can see the Iglesia de San Blas, one of the few churches open to the indians during
colonial times. Exploration of the 17
churches in old town will keep you busy for a while, because one is more
spectacular than the next. Plaza de
la Independencia is spectacular for it's Victorian Style Liberty Monument
surrounded by palm trees and flower beds.
The most spectacular, and the oldest church is located in the Plaza
de San Francisco. Iglesia de San
Francisco is renowned for its exquisite gold leaf and unique carvings. Right next door is a museum that holds a
collection of paintings, statues, carvings and furniture from the beautiful old
cloisters. If you want another good cup
of coffee, or lunch, we recommend Tianguez. It's a charming little bistro at the foot of the church steps and
under the wall.
You will find the shops and the
handcrafts inexpensive, and the small coffee bars friendly. You can even take a horse drawn carriage
ride if you want to step back in time.
Lisa and I truly enjoy the Central Historic District. It is probably one of the more colorful
areas of the city.
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