Ecuador Quito Attractions, Part 1

To discover architectonic and artistic jewels of the colonial helmet of Quito, are experiences that the traveler cannot leave a side, because this is the only way he will understand the essence and history of this Andean city, that is very easy to cross, but extremely difficult to forget. Quito, in addition, can be the beginning point of fascinating adventures, that will allow you to know La Mitad del Mundo, the indigenous market of Otavalo, the National park of Cotopaxi, among other places of great interest.

·         In  the city:

Colonial Quito: It has an extension of 348 hectares. It is characterized by its high constructions of adobe, their facades, their narrow streets and the reddish roofing tiles of the ceilings. The old churches, colonial convents and houses that border their streets and squares, constitute a singular attractive. The visitor should visit the following:

1.    Plaza de la Independencia or Plaza Grande

It is the heart of Quito. It is flanked by the Cathedral (constructed in 1565, it shows moriscas influences and it has a great amount of paintings and artistic works made by the best exponents of the School of Quito), the Palace of Government (his antiquity borders the 400 years. In one of its inner patios the mural of the famous Guayasamín (that represents the discovery of the Amazon river) can be appreciated, the Archiepiscopal Palace and the building of the Urban Administration.

2.    Plaza de San Francisco

This architectonic complex - that honors santo patron of Quito - is constituted by a church and a monastery. Its construction - on the rests of an inca palace - was directed by the flamenco missionaryJodocko Ricke. The works began 50 days after the foundation of the city (1534), reason why is considered the oldest of the continent. The complex account with 104 doric columns. It emphasizes the scenery with images of the sun (the Inca God) that is appraised in the ceiling of the church. One of its most valuable jewels is the panel of the Immaculate Virgin of Quito (the only winged virgin of the world), work of the painter Bernardine de Legarda.

3.    Iglesia de La Compañia

By its gold bread altars and their vaulted ceiling covered by fascinating paintings, this church, whose construction delayed more than 160 years, is an exceptional sample of the Quito colonial art and the Baroque style. The temple began to be constructed between 1605 and 1606, but the last section of the work - the facade stone altarpiece carved concluded in 1766, eve of the expulsion of the jesuits of Quito, decreed by King Carlos III.

4.    Iglesia de Santo Domingo

Located in the restlesssquare of the same name, this church is famous for thereligious beauty and excellence of his cupolas and sculptures that adorns the interior of the temple.

5.    Iglesia de La Merced

Its tower of 47 meters is the highest of old Quito. It is considered as one of the last churches constructed in the colonial period (works began in 1700 and concluded in 1734). It has artistic works of great value and the oldest clock in the city.

The mentioned places of interest are only a part of the great number of attractions. Visits to the mentioned places can be organized by individual tourists. It is important to say that most of Quito attractions are also included in guided tours but taking part in such a tour you will not have enough time to experience with your own senses the whole atmosphere there. Another important issue by planning your trip to Quito is the accommodation. You can find many options for accommodation in Quito. The best is to stay in a Quito hotel.