The capital of Ecuador , the city of Quito - is an example of a good combination of the Middle Ages and modernity. Colonial architecture is preserved almost in an ideal state, and the designs of new buildings are created taking into account that they do not violate the overall harmony. Quito is divided into several regions - northern, central and southern. Most of the attractions are concentrated in the historic center of the city, until some will have to travel for several hours. In any interesting place you can go on your own. Exceptions are unless the museums, here the guide guide help does not hurt.
Where to go and what to see?
Every tourist understands something special under the sights. It can be an observation deck, from where the city is visible on the palm, park, museum, ancient buildings. In Quito, there is a lot of this, so any traveler will find a job for himself.
Quito viewing platforms
There are several in the city. The most famous is the Virgin Mary. At its foot, the altitude is 3 km and 106 m above sea level. The observation deck is located on the Panesillo Hill. The review here is magnificent - the snow caps of the volcanoes of Cotopaxi and Kayambe are visible . Bypassing the statue in a circle, you can make a lot of amazing panoramic shots. If you are lucky, and the sun will shine, you can see in a distance the sign sight of Quito - Basilica del Voto Nacional . From the observation platform at the foot of the Virgin Mary can be seen the historical center and the poor quarters of Quito.
Another observation deck is located at an altitude of 4 km and 100 m above sea level. It is located on the top of the hill Cruz Loma. You can get here by cable car - it takes about 20 minutes, the ticket price for an adult is $ 8.5. During the trip, you can make a lot of interesting pictures - here is the slope of the Pichincha volcano, and here is an amusement park that is near the point of departure. From the place where the funicular landed, you need to independently climb to the observation deck. From the hill of Cruz Loma, the rich northern part of Quito is clearly visible. Here you can meet a bright representative of the Ecuadorian fauna - Falcon Karakar. Birds are not afraid, sit quietly on the fence and allow themselves to take pictures.
The Guapolo viewing platform is located slightly away from the city and not far from its historical part, in the valley of the same name. A place in some way unique - hence the cathedral of Guapolo, which is in the north-east of Quito. It was built in 1593 and is one of the most beautiful representatives of the colonial architecture of the city.
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Quito Parks
In each of them a lot of interesting. Not all parks are located directly in Quito , but Ecuador is a small country, so it's not difficult to get to an interesting sights outside the capital. To parks, a must for visiting, you can include:
- La Carolina .
- Metropolitano
- El Ejido.
- La Alameda.
- Cotopaxi .
- Botanical Garden of Pakakun .
Park La Carolina is huge. Here you can relax in the shade of magnolias, inhaling a thick and viscous aroma emanating from flowers, warming up on numerous sports grounds, visiting the exhibition center, a dinosaur museum, a terrarium or a boat ride. In La Carolina, in the south-west, there are Botanical Gardens - an excellent opportunity to walk or go to explore the flora of Ecuador as part of the excursion.
The main attraction of the Metropolitano Park is a real eucalyptus forest. For the convenience of tourists it is divided by walkways. If you get to the eastern part of the park - look at the volcanoes of Antisan , Cotopaxi . From here, the valley of the Guayliabamba River is clearly visible. Park Metropolitano is a nature reserve with an area of about 239 hectares.
In the park of El Ejido (El-Ejido) you need to go on weekends. On Saturday and Sunday, you can buy interesting souvenirs - bedspreads, ponchos and even gold jewelry. Local artists - the attraction of the park. They can buy a copy of almost any picture of famous artists, written very skillfully, and at a very affordable price.
Park La Alameda is interesting because it houses the oldest observatory in South America. There is also a monument to Simon Bolivar. On the territory of the park there is a small lake where you can rent a pleasure boat.
Cotopaxi National Park . It is located 60 km south of the capital. In the park are the two highest volcanoes of Ecuador - Cotopaxi and Rumignyi, there are 6 rivers - Tambo, Tamboiaku, Pita, Pedregal, San Pedro, Kutuchi. The place is ideal for hiking and mountain climbing.
The Pakakun Botanical Garden is a unique place of beauty. It is located at an altitude of 2.78 km above sea level. Here is the diversity of the flora and fauna of Ecuador. Surrounding landscapes are mesmerizing - around the snow capped sleeping volcanoes.
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Museums of Quito
In the city itself and in a certain branch from it a huge number of museums. Be sure to visit:
- Intinyan Solar Museum - is dedicated to the zero point (the equator). Here you can see the subjects of the Indian culture of the pre-Columbian era, there is an art gallery and interesting adaptations showing how the usual things at the equator behave. Next to the museum is the Mitad del Mundo Monument;
- Museum of Butterflies - Maripasario. Located in the village of Mindo, 2.5 hours drive from Quito by bus. Go here if you want to see all the stages of development of this insect - from the pupa to the adult. The museum is located on an area of 29 hectares and became a habitat for more than 1200 species of scaly-winged wings, the size of which varies from 2 to 30 cm (wingspan);
- cultural center Itchimbia. His expositions are constantly updated. Therefore, for a two-week vacation, you can visit several exhibitions at once. Especially memorable is the "Gold of the Incas";
- the museum de la Ciudad. A small two-storey building with two inner courtyards. Its visit is recommended to those who want to get acquainted with the history and culture of Ecuador.
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Other places of interest in the city
Church of San Francisco . It is located in the city center and is its same age. Construction began in 1534 and lasted for 70 years. The interior is magnificent, besides, photos and video are not prohibited here. The church is a model of a peculiar Baroque architecture, in which Spanish, Moorish, Italian and Flemish motifs intermixed.
Independence Square. One of the oldest squares in Quito - the capital of Ecuador. It is surrounded by other landmark attractions: the Presidential Palace , the Cathedral , the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipality. All this is in the center of the old city. Going for a walk, visit the whole complex.
Among other attractions worthy of attention:
- Basilica del Voto Nacional .
- The Church of La Company .
- Cable car.
Going on a trip to Quito , remember - Ecuador is a very small country with a lot of attractions. Therefore, get a ticket for at least 2 weeks. Even during this time, it is impossible to see all the sights of the capital.
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