"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.
Reviews (16)
Be very careful with your belongings and...
Warnings Or Dangers
(1)
The street corner shown in this photo doesn't look particularly dangerous, right? My friend Vera didn't think so either.... more travel advice
Old Town
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(2)
The Old Town is the colonial section of Quito, a large and strikingly well-preserved area of buildings dating from the... more travel advice
New Town
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(2)
Quito's New Town is in the northern half of the city. It's where most of the hotels are located, as well as the majority... more travel advice
Basilica de Voto Popular
Things to Do
(8)
This massive cathedral towers over Quito's old town and is a very impressive landmark, with its huge Gothic spires. Up... more travel advice
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Travel Interests
See All Travel Interests (5)Latest Quito hotel reviews
- Hotel San Sebastian
- 55 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 28, 2012 - Swissotel Quito
- 123 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 23, 2012 - Hotel Quito
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Latest: May 23, 2012 - Best Western Plaza Hotel Casino Quito
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Latest: May 6, 2012 - B&B Tumbaco
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Latest: May 22, 2012 - JW Marriott Hotel Quito
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Latest: May 20, 2012 - Nu House Boutique Hotel
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Latest: May 21, 2012 - Republica Hotel Quito
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Latest: May 14, 2012 - Hotel Cayman
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Latest: Mar 16, 2012 - Hosteria San Jorge Quito
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Latest: Apr 10, 2012 - Hotel Plaza Grande Quito
- 31 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 22, 2012 - Sol de Quito Museum Hotel
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Latest: May 9, 2012 - Hotel Rio Amazonas Internacional
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Latest: Apr 23, 2012

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Comments (14)
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.
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"!
Now I think Quito's on my list. But I'll really watch my camera's. Good tips.
Informative tips about Quito. I hope to see this city too one day.
Ok, I read about the mugging & internet cafes. Just one question... does your cellph work here?
Very nice page - well-written tips especially the warning one.
Great page--- thorough and interesting. thanks for the tips.
Wonderful page, great resaurants tips, beautiful pictures, very good suggestions!
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!
Really nice pics of a place I loved to stay in (one month and a half !!!)
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