ECUADOR ATTRACTIONS

Discover the architectural and artistic jewels of colonial center of Quito is an experience that travelers can not avoid, because only in this way understand the essence and history of this Andean city, which is very easy to navigate, but extremely difficult to forget.
Quito also can be the starting point for exciting adventures, which disclose the Mitad del Mundo, Otavalo Indian market and Cotopaxi National Park, among other places of interest.
In the city
Colonial Quito: It covers an area of 348 hectares. It is characterized by its adobe buildings, its whitewashed walls, narrow streets and red tiled ceilings. The old churches, convents and colonial houses that line its streets and squares, are unique attractions. The visitor must visit the following places:
Independence Square or Plaza Grande: This is the heart of Quito. It is flanked by the Cathedral (Built in 1565, shows Moorish influence and has a lot of paintings and artwork produced by the best exponents of the School of Quito), the Government Palace (its old borders 400 years. In one of its courtyards can appreciate the mural of the famous Guayasamín, which represents the discovery of the Amazon River), the Archbishop’s Palace and the Town Administration Building.
Plaza de San Francisco: This architectural complex that honors the patron saint of Quito – is constituted by a church and a monastery. Construction-on the ruins of an Inca palace, was led by the missionary Ricke Jodocko flamenco. Work started 50 days after the founding of the city (1534), so it is considered the oldest on the continent. The resort features 104 Doric columns. Highlights decorated with images of the sun (the Inca God) that can be seen on the roof of the church. One of his “jewels” most valuable, is the picture of the Immaculate Virgin of Quito (the only winged virgin of the world), work painter Bernardo de Legarda.
Church of the Company: For its gold-leaf altars and vaulted ceiling covered with fascinating paintings, this church, whose construction took more than 160 years, is an outstanding example of colonial art and Baroque Quito. The temple was begun between 1605 and 1606, but the last section of the work, the altarpiece carved in stone facade, completed in 1766, the eve of the expulsion of the Jesuits from Quito, ordered by King Carlos III.
Santo Domingo Church: Located in the greatest disquietude square of the same name, is famous for the beauty and excellence of its domes and religious statues that adorn the interior of the temple.
Church of La Merced: The tower of 47 meters is the highest of old Quito. It is considered as one of the last churches built in the colonial period (the work began in 1700 and completed in 1734). It has high artistic value and the oldest clock in the city.
Monasterio de San Agustin: It was called the Convento de Oro because of its ornate decoration. In one of its rooms (called the Chapter House) was signed the first Declaration of Independence (1809), while in its catacombs, are the remains of the Ecuadorian patriots executed by the royalist troops (Spanish).
The Basilica: Blessed by Pope John Paul II, 30 January 1985, this impressive Basilica was built as a perpetual memorial of the Consecration of Ecuador to the Sacred Heart. The idea to build it was promoted by the father Julio Matovelle in 1883. The first stone was laid on July 10, 1892.
Bun Viewpoint: A good alternative to realize the dimensions and layout of the old city. The Bun-hill in Inca times was a temple to worship the sun called Yavirac-has on its top a giant image of the Virgin of the Americas.
The Modern Quito: attractions are the park The Alameda (where you can see a series of busts of famous American and a huge monument to Simon Bolivar, also is an astronomical observatory and the discrete church El Belén), the Legislative Palace the park El Ejido, the House of Ecuadorian Culture, the Museum and the Museum Guayasamín Amazon, among other places.
Middle of the World: Just 15 kilometers from Quito, this is a small town, which owes its name to the fact found at latitude 0 °, so that has erected a monument in recognition of 30 meters. At its top, stands a globe to 5 tons. One of the attractions and mysteries of the city Mitad del Mundo, is that during the equinoxes (March 21 and September 21) persons and objects do not cast the faintest shadow.
Book Geobotánica Pululahua: Ranges around Crater largest of Latin America. A variety of vegetation, numerous birds and the spectacular view of the crater, makes the place-located less than five kilometers from the Middle of the World, an attraction of exceptional beauty.
Otavalo: Every Saturday, this small town Imbabura province (100 km north of Quito), is full of colors and drowning of turmoil, when the natives begin to exhibit in the Poncho Plaza, carpets, blankets, belts and a wide variety of objects, created with skill their hands and the creative impulses of their inspiration.
Cotopaxi National Park: Named after the highest active volcano in the world (5897 meters). The park is located in the province of Cotopaxi, 50 kilometers from Quito. The path is the Pan American Highway, which runs north to south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes. The fierce Cotopaxi, crowned with tufts of snow, seems to challenge the Rumiñahui, another giant ripping the clouds. A small pond, Limpiopungo (3800 m) reflects the silhouette of the mountains and given a cold welcome to the “brave” they are willing to step on the summit.