Ecuador's capital Quito has been one of the first cities to be nominated by UNESCO declared Quito as one of its first World Heritage Sites, but in spite of that, it had not become known to the travel world for quite some time. In the 70s the old city heart was dilapidated, and no-one thought that in less than half a century, the Quito would develop into the most stunning capital of the continent with great looking ancient alleys and well-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 temblors. 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 restaurants, hotels, museums or private homes. The splendid redesigned plazas and connecting historical streets, 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 restaurants 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 beautifully 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 streets, sample the restaurants, explore beautifully illuminated Quito at night and mingle with the friendly Ecuadorians. They regard the colonial center of Quito 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, strolling from plaza to plaza and cathedral to monastery. Distances are short and there is a great selection of inexpensive little restaurants where you can rest when you feel tired.
There are dozens of historical churches, monasteries and chapels; too many to mention here. One we like to mention though as it is the most graceful of all: The Compania Church. Built in renaissance style. With its main ship interior being gold plated, is has a tremendous wealth of statutes and paintings from the earliest days of the colonization. To many this church is the most beautiful of Latin America.
In 2008, the New York Times published a center story in its travel section, including it in the fifty-three 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, Quito 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 gorgeous and Latin American capital.
Nowadays many tours to South America initiate in Ecuador, after which travelers continue to Peru and other destinations on the continent, as they can easily be reached from Ecuador.
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 temblors. 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 restaurants, hotels, museums or private homes. The splendid redesigned plazas and connecting historical streets, 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 restaurants 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 beautifully 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 streets, sample the restaurants, explore beautifully illuminated Quito at night and mingle with the friendly Ecuadorians. They regard the colonial center of Quito 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, strolling from plaza to plaza and cathedral to monastery. Distances are short and there is a great selection of inexpensive little restaurants where you can rest when you feel tired.
There are dozens of historical churches, monasteries and chapels; too many to mention here. One we like to mention though as it is the most graceful of all: The Compania Church. Built in renaissance style. With its main ship interior being gold plated, is has a tremendous wealth of statutes and paintings from the earliest days of the colonization. To many this church is the most beautiful of Latin America.
In 2008, the New York Times published a center story in its travel section, including it in the fifty-three 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, Quito 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 gorgeous and Latin American capital.
Nowadays many tours to South America initiate in Ecuador, after which travelers continue to Peru and other destinations on the continent, as they can easily be reached from Ecuador.
About the Author:
For more than 30 years, Wesly Vanderhill has lived in Quito, Ecuador's capital and he shares his knowledge and high resolution pictures about churches and monasteries and other delightful monuments of Ecuador
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