Ecuador
Culture: Colonial Quito
Situated in a high valley in the Andes, Quito has views to hills and mountains in all directions. The colonial part of Quito is a UNESCO world cultural heritage site, with remarkably well-maintained churches and colonial-era buildings. Modern Quito's history began in 1534, when the Spanish conquistadors marched into the city only to discover that the Inca had destroyed it in their retreat. In the ensuing centuries, Quito was dominated by Catholic religious fervor. The city became a spiritual and artistic center that produced a series of gold-gilded churches decorated by the artists of the Quito School, incorporating indigenous elements into European styles. In particular, La Compañía de Jesús is one church not to be missed. The Mariscal Sucre part of Quito, also called “gringolandia,” has many tourist hotels, restaurants, Internet cafés, and other amenities for travelers.
Quito also has the advantage of being close to the geographic center of Ecuador, making it a good home base for day trips to markets, rafting, or spas, all of which can be extended into overnight outings. In addition to the sights and day trips, Quito and other towns sharing its combination of high elevation (over 9,00 feet) and proximity to the Equator are blessed with year-round spring-like weather.
