Quito, the capital of Ecuador

Quito, the main city in the Ecuadorian Andes , contrasts between the colonial old city and the modern new city. It is located between its fertile green valleys and the snowcapped volcanoes overhead. In 1979 UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) named Quito a world heritage site, becoming a City of Cultural Patrimony of Mankind by the Organization of United Nations.

Located at 2.850 mts, the temperatures in Quito tend to be more mild then one would image. The average temperatures range from 7ºC at night, to 26ºC at noon.

OLD CITY

Old-town Quito recounts the history of Quito in its colonial feel and charm. The oldest and the best preserved South America capital it was settled in the first millennium severed as capital for the Shyris culture in the 12th century, the Quitus culture in the 15th century, and Inca Kingdom in the 16th century.

After the death of Atahualpa the Inca warriors continued to fight the Spanish. Inca General Rumiñahui with help of the Cañari continued the struggle against the Spanish. After being defeated near Cotopaxi and fleeing north, Rumiñahui it would not be long before the Spanish would conquer Quito. Rather than surrender the Inca capital, he set it on fire destroying their city. Quito was re-founded by the Spanish on December 6, 1534 a date that is still celebrated with bullfights, dances and parades.

The Spanish patterned old-town Quito in traditional fashion. The Cathedral, the Archbishop's, Presidential and Municipal Palaces encircle the Plaza de Independencia (the main square). Radiating from this core are assorted adobe whitewashed buildings bordering the narrow cobblestone streets and lovely parks. The city became the government center for the region known as "The Most Royal and Noble City San Francisco de Quito" and the capital of the "Presidency of Quito", a territory that would become modern day Ecuador.

Built between 1562 and 1567 the Cathedral of Quito is considered to be the oldest Cathedral in South America. San Francisco or the "Escorial of the Andes" was one of the first religious monuments to be constructed in the Americas. San Francisco is over 30,000 square meters and consists of a main plaza, the main church, the chapels of Cantuña and Villacis and a large convent.

Colonial Quito was home to the Quito School of Art a Baroque style mixing of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and native art. This style is illustrated in the rich interiors of the beautiful churches of San Francisco, Santo Domingo and La Compañia in old-town. Quito's old city is the least changed of any of the Latin American capital's and the churches there are both places of worship and art museums. High above old-town is the cities guardian, poised alone on Panecillo Hill, this Winged Virgin keeps a watchful eye on both old and new Quito.

NORTH QUITO

To the north of old-town stretching through the valley and up the slopes of Pichincha is new Quito a lively, modern city. The new town is a bustling city with most modern conveniences. The skyline is filled with towering apartments, hotels, embassies and offices. Restaurants, cafes, discos, stores and palm trees align the broad avenues. Modern works of art celebrating Ecuadorian life are displayed at the roundabouts and main streets.

In both old and new town rich culture can be found. The melody of Latin music blends with rooster crows and car horns. Bright colors and textures of traditional clothing and handicrafts are as common as the business suits.

Running north to south through North Quito is the Avenida Amazonas , the backbone of new Quito. The street begins at El Ejido Park then runs north past the airport crossing most major streets and businesses along the way. By orienting yourself with the Avenida Amazonas you will quickly be able to navigate Quito.

Busses and taxis pass along the street bringing travelers from one end of the city to the other. The city's trolley system operates a few blocks to the west of Amazonas and a new trolley line is being constructed a few blocks to the east, offering a fast and easy alternative for traveling into the Old City and North Quito.

Many of Quito's hotels can be found along the Avenida Amazonas as well as shops, malls, movie theatres, banks, and exchange houses. Almost anything you may want in North Quito can be found on or within a few blocks of Amazonas. On weekdays indigenous people from the highland towns bring their handicraft goods to sell on the sidewalks creating an impromptu handicraft market and a souvenir hunters dream.

MARISCAL DISTRICT

One of the most picturesque streets in the new city, Avenida Calama is the heart of the Mariscal District. Mariscal, was once "the place" to live in Quito (running along Juan Leon Mera between Veintimilla and Wilson). The large homes were built with outrageous imagination reflecting Ecuador's view of the world in the 1950's and 60's.

As Quito continued growing to the north, many of the families who once lived in Mariscal moved to newer sections or to the valleys below. Business began moving in and Mariscal became the tourist center of Quito with a selection of hotels, restaurants, Internet cafes, discos and shops.

Unlike other streets in the area, Avenida Calama is well preserved with many of the original houses remaining. Beginning at Avenida Amazonas there are a number of cafes and bars normally bustling with people. Avenida Calama is a great place to meet other travelers, have a cup of coffee and enjoy a book during the day, or dance the night away.

PLAZA DE INDEPENDENCIA

The center of old-town, the Plaza de Independencia is a fascinating place to start a tour of historical Quito. Built between 1550 and 1562 the Cathedral boarders one side of the plaza. The outer walls feature plaques of the founding fathers. Inside this elaborately decorated church are examples of the Quito School of Art and the independence hero, General Antonio Jose de Sucre's tomb. Visiting hours are 8am-10am and 2pm-4pm daily.

Just around the corner from the Cathedral are the golden doors of El Sagrario. Originally built in the 17th century as a cathedral chapel it has been completely renovated.

Next to the Cathedral is the Presidential Palace. Guarded by officers in traditional 19th century red, blue and gold costume, this has been the site of much of Ecuador's political history. Visitors are welcome to view the inner courtyard featuring a fountain, columns, iron balconies and the Guyasamin mosaic mural of the journey to explorer the Amazon. Hours are 9am-12pm and 3pm-6pm.

LA RONDA

One of the oldest streets in the Old City, La Ronda is a fall back to days gone by its buildings painted bright white with blue windows frames and doors and touched by pots of red geraniums. This is a reminder of a decade ago when all buildings in "Old Quito" were required to be painted a specific color.

The area, though beautiful, is not one of the safest areas in town. Take extra precautions when traveling in this area and make sure to keep an eye on all of your belongings.

SAN FRANCISCO CHURCH

Constructed between 1535-1605 the San Francisco Church and Monastery with its 104 Doric columns is the largest structure in colonial Quito. Built on an Incan holy site this complex took 59 years to construct, it is the oldest church in South America and considered a great masterpiece of baroque art.

Located just off the busy Plaza de San Francisco the walls and ceiling are covered in gold leaf. Inside is Bernard de Legarda's sculpture of the Winged Virgin, whose facial features resembles the indigenous peoples. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm and Sundays 9am-12noon.

LA COMPAÑIA DE JESUS

This ornate 18th century Jesuit church took 163 years to finish. A blend of Baroque and Quiteño art nearly every inch is covered with gold leaf. More than 1 ton of gold was used in its construction.

The ceilings is frequently referred to as the Sistine Chapel of Quito. Some say it is the most splendid church in Latin America. Located at Calle Garcia Moreno 1 block from the Plaza de Independencia.

SANTO DOMINGO

Travel east on Calle Bolivar to the Plaza Santa Domingo. On one side of the plaza is the church and church museum. The church houses a statue of the virgin that was a gift from King Charles V of Spain. The Museum is home to a large collection of art from the Quito School. Open daily located at the junction of Rocaforte, Flores, Bolivar and Guayaquil.

Leaving the Santo Domingo travel to the Southeast where the houses were carved with stone arches connecting the houses.

CASA DE CULTURA

At the junction of the "new city" and the "old town" behind El Ejido park at the corner of 12 de Octubre and Avenida Patria is the Casa de Cultura. Offering a huge selection of art from Ecuador's different periods. The museum winds it way around the building the different rooms and floors being dedicated to specific periods. The impressive collection seems overwhelming as it tells the country's history through the eyes of various artists.

Permanent exhibits include the Museum of Modern Art with paintings and sculptures created since 1830. The Museum of Indigenous Work features traditional dress and adornments from Ecuador's many Indigenous groups. The Museum of Musical Instruments is known as being one of the best musical instrument collections in the world. The museum also has an extraordinary collection of Pre-Colombian and Colonial Art. Open Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm.

MUSEUM GUYASAMIN

Located in the Northeast section of Quito at Bosmediano 543 Bellavista the Guyasmin Museum exhibits a selection posters, signed prints and other work of Oswaldo Guyasamin, many of which are available for sale.

Son of an indigenous carpenter the artist's works always portrayed the native's cause with great passion. A staunch defender of their cause Guyasimn's art depicted various aspects of life in Ecuador. He divided his work into three categories Huacaynam (the road of tears, in Quechua), the age of wrath, and the age of tenderness.

The museum also houses the artist's personal collection of pre-Colombian and Colonial art and a studio selling his daughter's jewelry designs. Set high on a hill above Quito offering great views of Quito's red tile roofs in a peaceful setting, the Guyasamin museum is an excellent place to enjoy a picnic lunch. Open Monday to Friday 9am-12:30pm and 3pm-6:30pm and Sundays 9am-2:30pm.