We arrived Quito late on Tuesday evening, transferred to our hotel for check in then off to bed.
Our hotel: Hilton Colon, Quito. The rooms are spacious and bright with large windows over looking the park and historical city. The beds are very comfortable and the buffet breakfast exceptional. I highly recommend this hotel.
Wednesday morning we started with a walking tour of the historic city of Quito. We visited the colonial centre of one of South America’s oldest capitals with it’s narrow streets and hanging balconies. Our tour including Independence Plaza, La Compania Church. The outside of the church is adorned with gargoyles that are animals from the Galapagos. We strolled through the main square which was bustling with life as locals went about their daily tasks. Gentlemen are read the paper while they have their shoes shined, beautiful girls carrying babies are selling scarf’s and artists paint masterpieces. Peruvians are selling coca candy and tea which helps alleviate the effects of the high altitude. People watching is very interesting in this colourful city. The locals are very friendly.
We visited one of Quito’s most beautiful religious buildings and San Francisco Church with its monastery, the first great colonial building. This church has to be one of the most spectacular churches I’ve seen. We weren’t allowed to take photos which is such a shame, the carvings and art work are spectacular. There is so much gold its almost blinding.
In 1978, UNESCO declared Quito’s city centre a World Heritage site. The historic downtown lies at an elevation of approximately 9,350 feet and covers around 790 acres. Here you will find narrow streets and squares made from volcanic stone, as well as serene convents, elegant buildings with smooth white façades and Gothic and Baroque churches filled with gold. However, the historic centre is more than just an open-air museum; it is the vibrant heart of the city where you can watch and enjoy the local life both day and night.
After shopping for Panama hats and fine silver jewellery we enjoyed a delicious traditional lunch of empinadas, potato soup and nachos with guacamole. Delicious!
Afterwards we boarded the bus and drove to the centre of the earth 0.00 degrees latitude at the equator. We enjoyed a great tour to learn about the various tribal people of Ecuador. Cathy tried her hand at balancing an egg at 0 degrees. She did it! We ended the tour with a demonstration on chocolate making and a tasting of fine chocolate.
This evening we enjoyed a welcome dinner at Theatrum Restaurant located in Quito’s Historic Center on the second floor of the National Theater. We enjoyed delicous Ecuadorian food. I had sea bass, a delicious green salad and a delectable dessert. Vino and her friends Pino and Bubbles joined us.
