One of the world's first cities to become a UNESCO World Heritage site, Quito has been flying under the travelers' radar for a long time. When we lived in Quito in the 1970s, we could never imagine that one day we would stroll through Latin America's most beautiful capital with all the historical streets and monuments being beautifully restored, peaceful and safe.
As Lima developed as the administrative center of the Southern colonies of the Spanish crown, Quito became the epicenter of religion with dozens of churches and monasteries, many of which somehow made it through significant temblors. But times were hard on Ecuador and many buildings had fallen in disarray, but with the UNESCO nomination, all historical buildings became full protected and now most buildings have returned to their old glory albeit with new functions, like restaurants, hotels, museums or private homes. The splendid redesigned plazas and connecting historical streets, are heavily protected by police and visitors of all ages pass casually through this peaceable heaven of colonial history, little shops, gorgeous residences many of which having been transformed into restaurants and posadas (inns). What makes Quito so special, is that it primarily frequented by its Ecuadorians. families play and picnic in the parks and the plazas. While there are tourists there numbers are not overpowering.
Whenever you go to Ecuador, please do yourself a favor and take at least 2 days to fall in love with this beautifully restored city. If you like, you can take a half day's guided tour but after that, go out on your own, walk through the streets, sample the restaurants, explore beautifully illuminated Quito at night and mingle with the friendly Ecuadorians. They regard the colonial center of Quito or "Casco viejo" as the Quitenos call their old town, as their cultural heritage, the place that unites their rich history with the pleasures of twenty-first century.
Cars are banned from of the nicest streets and plazas, the colonial center can best be enjoyed on foot, as one hangs out on the different squares and visits the many monuments. All highlights are within walking distance and you can find many moderately priced little cafes everywhere when you feel tired.
There are dozens of historical churches, monasteries and chapels; too many to mention here. One we like to mention though as it is the most graceful of all: The Compania Church. Built in renaissance style. With its main ship interior being gold plated, is has a tremendous wealth of statutes and paintings from the earliest days of the colonization. To many this church is the most beautiful of Latin America.
In 2008, Quito was highlighted in the travel section of the New York times, listing Quito as one of the 53 most interesting cities in the world for Americans to visit. Samantha Brown called Quito "Passport to Latin America" being the perfect place from where to initiate travel to discover Latin America. Since then, Quito has been highlighted in television programs of CBN and NBC, while many other magazines and newspapers have dedicated center fold sections to this previously undervalued most beautiful colonial capital of all the Americas.
In fact, the most impressive destinations in Latin America starts with Ecuador, followed by Peru and the other Southern destinations, that can all conveniently be reached from Quito.
As Lima developed as the administrative center of the Southern colonies of the Spanish crown, Quito became the epicenter of religion with dozens of churches and monasteries, many of which somehow made it through significant temblors. But times were hard on Ecuador and many buildings had fallen in disarray, but with the UNESCO nomination, all historical buildings became full protected and now most buildings have returned to their old glory albeit with new functions, like restaurants, hotels, museums or private homes. The splendid redesigned plazas and connecting historical streets, are heavily protected by police and visitors of all ages pass casually through this peaceable heaven of colonial history, little shops, gorgeous residences many of which having been transformed into restaurants and posadas (inns). What makes Quito so special, is that it primarily frequented by its Ecuadorians. families play and picnic in the parks and the plazas. While there are tourists there numbers are not overpowering.
Whenever you go to Ecuador, please do yourself a favor and take at least 2 days to fall in love with this beautifully restored city. If you like, you can take a half day's guided tour but after that, go out on your own, walk through the streets, sample the restaurants, explore beautifully illuminated Quito at night and mingle with the friendly Ecuadorians. They regard the colonial center of Quito or "Casco viejo" as the Quitenos call their old town, as their cultural heritage, the place that unites their rich history with the pleasures of twenty-first century.
Cars are banned from of the nicest streets and plazas, the colonial center can best be enjoyed on foot, as one hangs out on the different squares and visits the many monuments. All highlights are within walking distance and you can find many moderately priced little cafes everywhere when you feel tired.
There are dozens of historical churches, monasteries and chapels; too many to mention here. One we like to mention though as it is the most graceful of all: The Compania Church. Built in renaissance style. With its main ship interior being gold plated, is has a tremendous wealth of statutes and paintings from the earliest days of the colonization. To many this church is the most beautiful of Latin America.
In 2008, Quito was highlighted in the travel section of the New York times, listing Quito as one of the 53 most interesting cities in the world for Americans to visit. Samantha Brown called Quito "Passport to Latin America" being the perfect place from where to initiate travel to discover Latin America. Since then, Quito has been highlighted in television programs of CBN and NBC, while many other magazines and newspapers have dedicated center fold sections to this previously undervalued most beautiful colonial capital of all the Americas.
In fact, the most impressive destinations in Latin America starts with Ecuador, followed by Peru and the other Southern destinations, that can all conveniently be reached from Quito.
About the Author:
For almost 40 years, Wesly Vanderhill has lived in the capital of Ecuador and he shares his knowledge and high resolution pictures about churches and monasteries and other gorgeous monuments of Ecuador
No comments:
Post a Comment