Don’t go see the Galápagos Islands without spending some time in Quito
Basílica del Voto Nacional, Quito, Ecuador (ISO 6400, 10 mm, f/11, 1/32 s)
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If you’re headed to the famous Galápagos Islands just (about 900 km) off the coast of Ecuador, you will most likely fly into the capital city of Quito first. If you’re keen to see all the animals and to learn about the evolutionary history and significance of the islands themselves, then you’ve come to the right place. But carve some time out for checking out Quito as well. (Blog post here on seeing the Galápagos Islands)
The city is friendly, easily walkable, and there is much to do. You can find a Google map of the places I will discuss at the end of this post. Also, if you’re coming from teh US or have some american dollars lying around after a visit, feel free to bring them to Ecuador as the american dollar is the national currency.
On the flight into the city, you will notice how VAST Quito is. There are pockets of neighborhoods, at different elevations, strung together around the city center. Perhaps the best view of the entire city (not on an airplane) is by taking The TelefériQo, or the Teleferico Quito (furnicular). Here you are guaranteed to see the wide expanse that is this capital city.
Quito, Ecuador (ISO 800, 10 mm, f/11, 1/125 s)
Since the predominant religion in the entire country is catholicism, you can alwyas expect to see a church or a cathedral in as high a frequency as seeing a Starbucks in any american city. One church of note is the Basilica del Voto Nacional. The vaulted cielings and the stained glass inside makes this church extremely special. It has an aged look to it, without sacrificing aesthetics on design and decor. This church is on the shortlist as one of my favorites.
Quito, Ecuador (ISO 800, 10 mm, f/11, 1/8 s)
La Ronda is located in Quito’s historical district dating back to the time of the Incan Empire, replete with structures built in the Andalusian style. It is considered a ‘bohemian barrio’ and it lives up to its name with artsy stalls and galleries, craft shops, and bars and restaurants. While taking in the sights, be sure to pop into a bar and have the local Canelazo drink. What also makes this place special is the abundance of entertainment in the form of street performers and live music.
Carolina Park is a massive green space that will make you forget that you’re in the middle of this bustling city. The park is about 165 acres filled with botanical gardens, walking and biking paths, tennis courts and a skate park, a library, auditorium, and plenty of food stalls. There is even a printmaking museum there located inside the remnants of a 1940s Douglas DC-6 Ecuadorian Air Force plane.
Iglesia de San Francisco is a 16th Century Roman Catholic church in the city. The interior is absolutely stunning; so full of color which is the complete opposite of what you would expect while looking at the white facade on the building’s exterior. It’s still not my favorite church in the city but it’s worth seeing!
Basílica del Voto Nacional, Quito, Ecuador (ISO 3200, 10 mm, f/11, 1/8 s)
El Panecillo is the location of a hill that overlooks the entire city. If you don’t like heights, or funiculars for that matter, take a walk to this viewpoint which is decorated with a statue of the ‘Virgen of Quito’.
Basílica del Voto Nacional, Quito, Ecuador (ISO 800, 24 mm, f/11, 1/128 s)
La Floresta is a little different than La Ronda and is considered the ‘chic’ neighborhood in the city. The name itself is inspired by the large concentration of wild flowers that are known to flourish in the area. Decades ago, the area became home to incoming artists and writers which gave rise to art galleries. The art then spilled over into city streets as you can also view many large murals on many surrounding buildings. Take some time to check out the farmers market, various cafes, and theaters while you’re at it.
Quito, Ecuador (ISO 3200, 17 mm, f/11, 1/25 s)
The Equator is an imaginary line that we all learn about growing up. Lucky enough for you, you can step foot on this latitude which lies 14 miles North of Quito. You simply take a bus from Ofelia Station (the northern most stop on the bus blue line) that reads “Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World) to reach the Equator. A full trip will take about half a day so I would recommend doing it only if you have the time.
FUN FACT: The Equator actually lies 240 meters north of the line that is highlighted in this area. This is because when the Equator monument was built, they didn’t have the advanced technology yet to precisely determine where the line was.
For food in the city, you should try Quimbolitos. These Ecuadorian treats are a corn-based, steamed sweet cake made from corn flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and milk and are extremely delicious.
Another country that I really enjoyed while in South America was Bolivia. With amazing natural landscapes (Laguna Colorada, Laguna Verde, Isla Incahuasi, Licancabur Volcano, Laguna Hedionda, [Salvador] Dalí Desert, Desert Siloli), including the largest salt flat in the world at the Salar de Uyuni, I cannot recommend visiting enough. You can check out my blog post on my time there here (Post Title: Heading to South America? Don’t leave without seeing Bolivia).
PROTIP: Seeing as how Quito is about 3000 meters above sea level, you may have a hard time your first few days of acclimatization. Acetazolimide is often given to those who are about to travel to high altitude destinations and it therefore may be wise to take some before and during your trip.
