All roads lead to Quito… and I have and will pass it many times during my trip around Ecuador. I flew into the city from Lima, Peru during the Easter period, and thus didn’t see much. I looked forward to do some actual exploring after our return from the Galapagos.
Considering we apparently couldn’t get enough of each other; it was Pete, Angela, Scott and myself that explored Quito (Marc was out conquering Cotopaxi). We took a taxi and dropped me off at the place I was staying for bag drop off and then went out on foot.
We didn’t get very far before we hit a police blockade on our way to Plaza Independencia-all access to the Plaza was closed off by police. We then found out there would be a motorcade in a few minutes- so we waited. It turned out that a large South Korean contingency inclusive of President were on their way, and drove right past us. There were special forces, police, body guards, presidential guards, army and snipers around everywhere. After to formalities though the police allowed us to enter the plaza. This was great as the Plaza was empty… no people in our way!!! Yay!!
The Casa Cultural was also not very busy, so we step inside and walked around the building- it turned out there were great views from the upper floors.
Once we had enough of exploring the center we took a cab to TeleferiQo- which takes you from 3,100m to 4,000m. The temperature changed accordingly and you could feel the thinner air. Pete and I walked up to the swing and had a good view from there. We got back to the cable car just before the weather turned nastier and wetter.
We went back into the city, direct to the Basilica of the National Vow. Scott and Angela had already seen it and thus went back to the hotel. Pete and I went exploring. The building is absolutely magnificent, and it is unique in that the gargoyles are not your usual gothic style, but are actually birds and animals endemic to Ecuador. We first walk around the outside, then hold our breath to go up to the very top viewing tower. The way is through a wobbly wooden bridge across the very top ceilings of the basilica. Then up a series of mighty steep and narrow stairways. It doesn’t help that we both have a fear of heights… but hey… it was well worth the effort for the view!
The inside of the Basilica was very dramatic yet simple at the same time. Many of the stainless glass windows were being restored. The others are fabulous and host a great level of detail.
That evening we were meeting for drinks and dinner at Plaza Foch- the modern part of the city. I got an Uber pick up from a lovely lady who spoke English… and the first thing she asked me was why I was staying where I was. She said that the street was well known for prostitution…oh well!! Oops! The old city center is a place where you do not go out at night…and so I didn’t plan to- just as well!
2 replies on “Quito”
Piekne miasto z fajna atmosfera, taka troche miniaturka Buenos Aires. Katedra podobna do Wroclawskiej.
Looks amazing, so many fabulous buildings and different from what I have seen in other countries