Traveling in Ecuador and not visiting Quito is next to impossible. Quito, the Capital of Ecuador was founded in 1534. The city was established on the ruins of an ancient Inca city. Today, the city with all its old charms alive has become one of the most popular Tourist Destinations in Ecuador. Because of its beautifully preserved old architectures and buildings Quito was the first city to be entitled a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.
Location of Quito
Quito is situated between two mountain ranges in Ecuador. It lies at an altitude of 2,800 meters or nearly 10,000 feet. As you reach Quito you will need a couple of days to get used to it, with the atmosphere at this height.
Quito in Ecuador
Quito can be divided into three major areas, the Old City, modern Quito and southern districts. The Old City is located at the center surrounded by southern districts and new Quito in the north. Quito's Old City is the largest heritage site in the Americas. It has undergone several renovations over the past few years. The Old City of Quito houses about 40 churches and convents,16 monasteries, 17 squares and several museums. Because of its quaint streets and age-old colonial buildings the place is popularly called as 'Reliquary of the Americas'. The old city is an ideal place to stroll around and enjoying local food and drinks at the restaurant and terrace cafes while sightseeing.
The northern part of the city is actually known as modern Quito. You can find most of the modern entertainment and fun at northern Quito. New Quito attracts tourists with plenty of museums and nicely landscaped urban parks as well as upscale restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. The working class inhabits the southern district of Quito, which is not a tourist site.
Sightseeing in Quito
While Sightseeing in Ecuador, your first destination should be the capital city, Quito. Sightseeing in Quito is a lengthy affair for which you need atleast three to four days. The city has several museums, which display a good collection of items and documents depicting the history and culture of the region. Some of the museums are :
Museo del Banco Central: Located beside Parque El Ejido, this museum is perhaps Ecuador's most popular museum. The museum has different Salas, or rooms, dedicated to gold works of art, among other topics, from pre-Colombian and Colonial era in Ecuador.
Museo de le Ciudad. This museum is located in the old city on Garcia Moreno, right across the Carmen Alto monastery. The museum with two floors surrounding two courtyards, tells the social history of Ecuador.
Museo Mindalae houses outstanding collections focusing on 'ethno-historical' view of Ecuador's amazingly rich and diverse culture.
Museo Guayasamin is devoted to one of Ecuador's most renowned contemporary artists, Oswaldo Guayasamin.
Botanical Gardens in Quito is an ideal option for a wonderful excursion from the city. The Botanical Garden represents Ecuador's ecosystem, rich with a wide variety of flora.
Apart from the museums and gardens, other attractions in Quito include Teleferiqo, the World's highest cable car ride; the church of La Iglesia de la Compaņia de Jesus; Itchimbia cultural complex and park and the cobbled streets of Calle de la Ronda. As you complete your Quito travel, set out for other Ecuador Tourist Destinations such as the Galapagos Islands, port city of Guayaquil, heritage city of Cuenco and so on.
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