Quito - One of South America´s Best Kept Secrets

After a wonderful evening out Jay and I both agreed that Quito, Ecuador´s capital with a population of about 2.5 million people, at an altitude of 2850m reminded us of home, of Ottawa. Sort of strange isn´t it! We enjoyed a Greek stule meal with a gentleman who we´d just met on the plane and his wife. They treated us at one of the most well known resturants in Quito because the view of the city from the terrace is spectacular. Those images of our first night and many other new ones have confirmed our initial reaction. Quito is a great city.

Here are a few of the highlights of the city:

• The old city, as it is affectionately known by tourists, is the heart of the city. It is a labiryth of churches and convents. A local family who has travelled the world bragged that the Notre Dame Cathedral was disappointing compared to what they are used to back home.



• The Basillica has a few old and rickety bell towers, but that doesn´t mean you can´t climb them. Jay braved the poor infrastructure and got to the top anyway.



• We found an English speaking church. We were warmly welcomed in and a later we´ll be volunteering at the youth camp.



• Mariscal Sucre is the party district, sort of like the market downtown. Conviently that is where our hostel is located. There are all sorts of resturants, bar, stores, and travel agencies. They´ve figured out that tourists are a key clients in this area.



• An old Jesuit church is laiden with gold and symbolism that the guide tried to help us understand. When we visited they were celebrating the life of one of the local saints.



• We saw a local indigenous group protesting outside the Governor´s Palace.



• Once again we feel at home in the central park that is bustling with people, vendors, musicians and shoe shine boys. To top it off the park is well manicured and the fountains work.

Those are just a few of the fun things that we took in. We´ve enjoyed the people, the scenery and the weather. It´s worth taking a vacation to!

Visits to Old Quito Buildings