"A Day of Wandering in Quito" Quito by travelmad478

Quito Travel Guide: 1,035 reviews and 2,710 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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Reviews (16)

Comments (14)

  • toonsarah's Profile Photo
    Apr 18, 2008 at 1:31 AM

    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
    Apr 12, 2006 at 10:39 AM

    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
    Dec 30, 2005 at 11:41 AM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    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
    Sep 30, 2004 at 10:48 AM

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

travelmad478

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