Quito
Quito, the main city in the Ecuadorian Andes, is two cities in one. Contrasts between
the colonial old city and the modern new city to the north are as visible as between those
of 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 9600 ft (3000 m) the temperatures in Quito tend to be more mild then
one would image. The average temperatures range from 55º F (7º C) at night,
to 78º F (26º C) at noon, averaging 64ºF (15º C).
Old CityOld-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.
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.
The Parque La Carolina at Avenidas Amazonas and Republica is a large
recreational park where Quito goes to relax outdoors. On weekends the
park is buzzing with soccer matches, volleyball games, skateboarding,
outdoor aerobic classes, paddleboats, family games and picnics. A
botanical garden and dinosaur museum have also been recently added to
the park.
Quito's police force has made great strides in making La Carolina
safe for visitors. Bicycle Police patrol the park's interior during the
day making it safe again for daytime visits.
Several of Quito's major shopping centers surround La Carolina
including the Plaza de Las Americas, Quicentro and El Jardin.
These shopping malls offer a variety of both local and imported goods as
well as supermarkets.
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