"A Day of Wandering in Quito" Quito by travelmad478


Quito Travel Guide: 1,051 reviews and 2,264 photos

On our way back from the Galapagos Islands, we stopped in Quito for a day to explore the city. We spent most of the day wandering in the old section of town, to the south. This part of Quito, much of which dates from the Spanish colonial period from the 1530s onward, has been recognized by UNESCO as a "Cultural Patrimony of Mankind," and it's been very well preserved. The colonial architecture is extraordinarily attractive.

Quito is not particularly large. It took us about 45 minutes to walk from our hotel in the new section of Quito, to the north, down to the edge of the old section in the south. Still, there are so many sights that I wished we'd had at least another day to wander around. I'm still not finished with this town!

The photo here shows the Plaza San Francisco, which spreads in front of the San Francisco monastery complex. In the background is the Panecillo hill topped by the Virgen de Quito statue, which overlooks Quito's old city from the south.

  • Last visit to Quito: Oct 2002
  • Intro Updated Jan 31, 2004
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  • toonsarah's Profile Photo
    toonsarah Apr 18, 2008 at 1:31 AM Report Abuse

    Thanks for some very helpful tips. We're planning an Ecuador trip and I can see we need to spend plenty of time here to see those amazing churches and that museum.

  • deecat's Profile Photo
    deecat Apr 12, 2006 at 10:39 AM Report Abuse

    Found your pages on Quito quite enlightening, especially the description of your friend's "mugging" with a GUN, no doubt! Well written tips that are helpful, interesting, and "eye-opening"!

  • spitball's Profile Photo
    spitball Dec 30, 2005 at 11:41 AM Report Abuse

    Now I think Quito's on my list. But I'll really watch my camera's. Good tips.

  • Helga67's Profile Photo
    Helga67 Oct 8, 2005 at 2:34 AM Report Abuse

    Informative tips about Quito. I hope to see this city too one day.

  • SharrieShaw's Profile Photo
    SharrieShaw Oct 2, 2005 at 7:24 AM Report Abuse

    Ok, I read about the mugging & internet cafes. Just one question... does your cellph work here?

  • wcph's Profile Photo
    wcph Aug 14, 2005 at 8:12 PM Report Abuse

    Very nice page - well-written tips especially the warning one.

  • AlwaysATraveler's Profile Photo
    AlwaysATraveler Aug 5, 2005 at 2:21 PM Report Abuse

    Great page--- thorough and interesting. thanks for the tips.

  • matcrazy1's Profile Photo
    matcrazy1 Jan 8, 2005 at 4:35 PM Report Abuse

    Wonderful page, great resaurants tips, beautiful pictures, very good suggestions!

  • travelgirl3's Profile Photo
    travelgirl3 Dec 7, 2004 at 8:51 AM Report Abuse

    Really excellent page on Quito! Great information nad history with wonderful photos. I feel like I've been there! But I'll know to bring lots of $2, as that's what everything seems to cost - haha!

  • Maillekeul's Profile Photo
    Maillekeul Sep 30, 2004 at 10:48 AM Report Abuse

    Really nice pics of a place I loved to stay in (one month and a half !!!)

travelmad478

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