DESTINATIONS IN ECUADOR - HIGHLAND / QUITO

some information - places of interest - leisure time - destinations in the surrounding area

The capital of Ecuador is situated in the middle of the Andes at a height of 9,187 ft. Surrounded by the mountain Pichincha and the foothills, here around 2 million people live.

Journey:
Most visitors are arriving in the international airport of Quito (Mariscal Sucre). If you are landing in Guayaquil, you take a 30 minutes flight to Quito.

Travel season:
In the summer months from June to September and by the end of the year, the nights are cool and clear whereas during the days it can be very hot and the sun burns down without grace. A typical summer day will be following this schedule: in the morning blue sky and temperatures as in springtime that will rise until mid-day as a result of the direct insolation. By the end of the day, it will cool down and the nights are cold.
In the rainy months (from January to May) it could happen that there are days of only fog and coldness. Besides, there is continuous drizzle and hailstorms with temperatures about 41°F. November is also characterized by the climate of the rainy season.

When you visit the capital, always think about the changing weather conditions during one day. Do not miss to bring rain protection but also sun glasses, shade and cream.

Accomodation:

Holidays:

• March, 21th: Fiesta del Equinoccio near the Equator monument.
• May, 13th: Day of foundation of the Republic
• May, 24th: Batalla del Pichincha
• August, 10th: Primer Grito de la Independecia de Quito
• September, 08th - 09th: Sangolquí; traditional corrida and music; half an hour away from Quito
• September, 23th - 24th and November, 03rd: Fiesta de la Mama Negra, Latacunga
• December, 06th: Fundación de Quito (Day of foundation)

Further information about the holidays in Quito and the surounding area:

Viernes Santo im April:
Die Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one of the maxima of the sacral year. Good Friday, thousands of pilgrims, tourists and visitors swarm on the Plaza de la Independencia and in the streets of the Centro Histórico to follow the hours of processions.

Fiesta de la Mamá Negra:
The town of Latacunga is situated about 53 miles from Quito. Indian and Catholic elements melt together in the celebrations, which take place twice a year. Up on a horseback, the Mamá Negra - played by a black-coloured rider with wig and baby - is acclaimed. Both are accompanied by dressed up people. Up until nowadays, the origin is unclear but sure is the excessive consume of alcohol and the exhilarating celebration.

Fundación de Quito:
Quito was founded the 6th of December 1534. The festivities start already the last days of November, followed by the election of the beauty queen, a ceremonial act on the Plaza de San Francisco and a colourful parade along the Av. Los Shyris as well as many multicultural events (corridas, Live concerts with bands from neighbouring countries, nightly dances on the street of Avenida Río Amazonas). Quito celebratest - and this not little! This will continue until christmas and New Year's eve.

Links:
For more information about the Ecuadorian capital please visit the official homepage of Quito. On the homapage Quitoforum.com you will find an information service and dates for visitors of the Ecuadorian capital.
In our newsletter (August 2005) you can read more about the old town or visit the homepage of the ECH.

TOP

Old town:
In 1979, the historical old town from Quito has been declared as world cultural heritage and it is known as a place with the biggest accumulation of important art treasures of South America.
The historical centre of the city with colonial buildings, many museums and places is the opposite of the new part of Quito in the north.

Plaza de la Independencia:
The place of independece is surrounded by the cathedral, the seat of government, a palace of the archbishop and the town hall. It is the centre of the old town.

Palacio Arzobispal (Seat of the Bishop):
Recommendable patios with walls of up to 78 inches. The construction was started in Spanish style but enlarged with classicistical elements in the 19th century. On the first floor you can find a nice cafeteria.

Palacio de Gobierno (Palace of Governance):
In the colonade of columns ancient armed guarding soldiers patrol but also armed forces. You are not allowed to take pitures of them but after asking the guarding soldiers they might be willing.

The Palace of Governance has opened his doors in 2007. Tourists can visit the Palace from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm.

There are also guided tours in English and Spanish available: 10am/11.30am/14.30pm/16pm.

In order to visit the palace, it is requested to show your passport (original document) at the entrance.

La Catedral:
In 1667, the cathedral was completed, but a earth quake in 1755 destroyed the building. Some years after the catastrophe, she was rebuilt.

Iglesia San Fransisco:
Directly at the lively Plaza de San Fransisco the church with accompanied abbey is situated. The impressive complex is one of the oldest and biggest in Quito. Between 1536 and 1550 the construction started. As a result of numerous earthquakes, the destroyed parts must be reconstructed over the years, the last renovation of both towers in 1893. The church combines many styles: Baroque, Renaissance, Late Gothic and Classicism but also some Indian elements which are hardly to see. The interior of the church is made of gold and therefore shines in a special light.

Basílica La Merced:
1737 the building was finished. The speciality is the tower that is 154 ft. high and from where you have a wonderful view over the old town.

Iglesia La Compania de Jesús:
The famous domes over the cross section and the chancel make this church one of the most beautiful ones in Latin America. She fascinates with the first step inside.
In 1605 the construction was started and only 162 years later finished.

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday, 09.30am to 5.30pm
Saturday, 09.30am to 4.30pm
Sunday, 01.30pm-4.30pm

Guided tours:
Monday to Friday, 2 pm to 5.30 pm: Englisch/German/Spanish
Saturday/Sunday, whole day: English/Spanish

Museo Nacional de Arte Colonial:
Here you can find huge paintings and pictures, sculptures and chattels from the 16th, 17th and 18th century.

Panecillo:
Famous landmark of the city is the hill of the Old Town called the Panecillo, with the iron construction of the Virgen de Legarda and its viewpoint.

Teleférico:
Since June 2005, Quito has another attraction. Visitors can have a nice view over Quito and the surrounding area in the new built cablecar "Teleférico"

La Mariscal:
The quarter of La Mariscal Sucre is well-known for its nightlife and its many entertainment opportunities like bars and restaurants. There everybody will find something for his or her liking. Quito is a modern and pulsating city that can offer a lot to its visitors.

TOP

back to traveling in the highlands