Did you ever wonder which is the oldest capital of Latin America? Discover more about Quito, Ecuador's best kept secret.......
Old Quito was among first historical towns to be declared a World Heritage Site, but it was not until recently that it would become a highly valued travel destination. In the 70s the old city heart was dilapidated, and no-one thought that in less than half a century, Quito, the capital of Ecuador would develop into the most splendid capital of the Latin America with great looking ancient alleys and gorgeously restored historical buildings.
While Lima was the administrative center of the Hispanic colonial empire in Latin America, Ecuador's capital Quito was the religious center with many cathedrals, churches and monasteries, most of which have survived the countless temblors and the general wear of the centuries. Now gorgeously restored, Quito has architecturally wonderfully designed plazas that are interconnected by romantic narrow walks, where people of all ages walk unconcerned through this peaceful paradise of majestic monuments, local shops, marvellously restored and redesigned mansions that now serve as restaurants and colonial hotels. What I like so much about Ecuador's capital Quito is that it is a city dominated by its own people. Parents with their children play and picnic on the lawns and in the parks. Visitors are present but not in overwhelming numbers.
To fully enjoy Ecuador's capital Quito, you need 2 days just to get to know its highlights, much more if you ware into the details. It would probably be a good idea to take a half day's city to get oriented, but then you should go explore the city on your own, stroll through the narrow strolls, discover a few cafs, admire Quito at night when so many buildings are illuminated and enjoy the Quitenos who share there city with you. To them, old Quito or "Casco viejo" as Ecuadorians call old town, is a testimony to their history while uniting them with the pleasures of the 21st 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 economical little restaurants where you can rest when you feel tired.
There are more than 30 historical churches and chapels and it is impossible to name them all, but we like to at least mention the most exquisite of all: The Compania Church with its renaissance faade and courtyard. The interior is covered with gold and is rich in renaissance statutes and paintings; Many consider it the prettiest church of the continent.
In 2008, the New York Times published a center story in its travel section, including it in the fiftythree 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, Ecuador's capital 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 lovely Latin American capital.
Nowadays many tours to Latin America initiate in Ecuador, after which travelers continue to Peru and other destinations on the continent, as they can easily be reached from Ecuador's capital.
Old Quito was among first historical towns to be declared a World Heritage Site, but it was not until recently that it would become a highly valued travel destination. In the 70s the old city heart was dilapidated, and no-one thought that in less than half a century, Quito, the capital of Ecuador would develop into the most splendid capital of the Latin America with great looking ancient alleys and gorgeously restored historical buildings.
While Lima was the administrative center of the Hispanic colonial empire in Latin America, Ecuador's capital Quito was the religious center with many cathedrals, churches and monasteries, most of which have survived the countless temblors and the general wear of the centuries. Now gorgeously restored, Quito has architecturally wonderfully designed plazas that are interconnected by romantic narrow walks, where people of all ages walk unconcerned through this peaceful paradise of majestic monuments, local shops, marvellously restored and redesigned mansions that now serve as restaurants and colonial hotels. What I like so much about Ecuador's capital Quito is that it is a city dominated by its own people. Parents with their children play and picnic on the lawns and in the parks. Visitors are present but not in overwhelming numbers.
To fully enjoy Ecuador's capital Quito, you need 2 days just to get to know its highlights, much more if you ware into the details. It would probably be a good idea to take a half day's city to get oriented, but then you should go explore the city on your own, stroll through the narrow strolls, discover a few cafs, admire Quito at night when so many buildings are illuminated and enjoy the Quitenos who share there city with you. To them, old Quito or "Casco viejo" as Ecuadorians call old town, is a testimony to their history while uniting them with the pleasures of the 21st 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 economical little restaurants where you can rest when you feel tired.
There are more than 30 historical churches and chapels and it is impossible to name them all, but we like to at least mention the most exquisite of all: The Compania Church with its renaissance faade and courtyard. The interior is covered with gold and is rich in renaissance statutes and paintings; Many consider it the prettiest church of the continent.
In 2008, the New York Times published a center story in its travel section, including it in the fiftythree 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, Ecuador's capital 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 lovely Latin American capital.
Nowadays many tours to Latin America initiate in Ecuador, after which travelers continue to Peru and other destinations on the continent, as they can easily be reached from Ecuador's capital.
About the Author:
For almost 40 years, Wesly Vanderhill has traveled through the capital of Ecuador and he shares his knowledge and high resolution pictures about great destinations and other delightful places of Ecuador
No comments:
Post a Comment