Quito Travel Guide
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The city is divided into two areas: the Old Town, declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, with its history and the architectural influence of the Spanish evident in the red-tiled roofs and balconies of the houses lining steep, cobblestone streets; and the New Town with its shopping centres, hotels, embassies and travel agencies.
Quito is also the cultural centre of the country. Indígenas make up a large proportion of the population and evidence of their culture is all over the city, from the handicrafts displayed on street corners and ramshackle shops selling traditional everyday goods, to the women in thick woollen clothing and felt hats queuing for bus tickets; the Quechuan language pervades the streets and central plazas (squares) throughout the city. It is also a city rich in historical churches, monasteries, convents and museums containing a wealth of religious paintings and sculpture dating back to the 16th century.
Also a popular base for learning the Spanish language, Quito has over 60 language schools dotted about the city.
Resorts
See our separate guides to the following Quito holiday resorts: Banos
Attractions
El Mitad del Mundo
El Mitad del Mundo (The Middle of the World) is a purpose-built complex of museums and shops that was constructed to mark the equator, the line that gives the country its name. The 96-foot (30m) high Equator Monument is the focus of the... see full details
Museo del Banco Central
One of the few sights in the New City is the round walled Casa de la Cultura. It houses a theatre, a cinema and two museums, the more impressive being the Museo del Banco Central. Ecuador's premiere museum, it contains an astonishing collection... see full details
Plaza de la Independencia
The square, also known as Plaza Grande, has always been the heart of the city, and as the hub of the old centre it is the best place to sit and people-watch. Around the square are the Cathedral, the City Hall, the Government... see full details
Plaza San Francisco
The plaza is a large cobbled square with the western side completely dominated by the enormous façade of the Iglesia de San Francisco and its belltower, and the Monastery of the same name. It is a peaceful place, without the shady benches full... see full details
Excursions
Cotopaxi National Park
Parque Nacional Cotopaxi is Ecuador’s most visited National Park with the highest active volcano in the world at its centre. Volcán Cotopaxi, at 19,350ft (5,900m) above sea level, offers excellent hiking and climbing opportunities along with a small museum, a llama herd and camping... see full detailsCuenca
The Spanish founded the pretty colonial city of Cuenca in 1557. Despite being Ecuador's third largest city, it is quaint and colonial, and a favourite for photographers with its cobblestone streets and 16th-century buildings in the old centre. It is a good place to... see full detailsOtavalo
Ecuador is famous for its colourful, indigenous markets, and the best known of these is market day at Otavalo. It dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products were brought up from the lowlands to be traded for highland goods. Every Saturday is... see full detailsEvents
Holy Week
Semana Santa (Holy Week) begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. Processions take place across the country and the faithful celebrate, with many other Catholics around the world, with colourful processions throughout the main streets.Date: 16-23 March 2008 (Easter Week)
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