Quito, Ecuador Travel Guide
San Francisco de Quito is the capital of Ecuador and it sits about 9,000 feet above the sea level. Quito is located in the Andes and on the equatorial line bulge, making it the closest capital to the sun. This city is all about balance as it is a meeting point between two halves.
Quito is intersected by an imaginary line separating the trendy new town from the UNESCO-protected old town, mirroring the present with the past. Take a gondola to the Pichincha Volcano to see both halves at once.
In 1822, a battle took place on these slopes that led to the liberation of Quito from Spain. Declaring victory was Jose de Sucre an independence leader whose statue stands in front of the Santo Domingo Church. You can visit Sucre’s tomb in the Metropolitan Cathedral. Despite being one of South America’s oldest cathedrals, this building still has an impressive interior.
Many of the artworks incorporate the bible’s local interpretations. The cathedral’s blend of Arabic, European, and indigenous styles became known as the Quito School of Art and you can find this style in Basilica de la Merced. Apart from historic treasures, this place has an impressive cloister library.
Plaza Grande is a generous public space which is the civic heart of the city. It houses the Presidential Palace and the Municipal Palace. The former Archbishop’s Palace stands in between, now a restaurant and a cultural center. Have a seat on a patio balcony to sample Ecuadorian food such as deep-fried plantains and a bowl of hearty potato soup.
Take a taxi to Itchimbia Park after lunch. It has a wonderful contemporary Cultural Center but the view here is the main attraction. The Basilica of the National Vow offers everyone who steps inside a peaceful haven. The sunlight filters in through its stained glass window to create an ethereal space. For an unforgettable view of Panecillo hill and its statue of Mary, walk across the cathedral’s spine to climb its highest tower.
The colonial masters depicted sun-like motifs on their church ceilings to lure the sun-worshipping locals. This is still very visible in the Society of Jesus Christ Church. With its volcanic stone façade and dazzling interior, this is truly one of the finest on the continent.
Despite power struggles, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, Quito continues to shine. We don’t always have to choose between science and spirituality or progress and tradition to create a harmonious society. Come and find wisdom and wonder in Quito.