Sparkling Andean jewel................. .. (Quito)

Member Name: strangepower

Product:	Quito
Date:	15/06/00 (96 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Many

Disadvantages: Few

The first port of call for most travellers in Ecuador is the picture-perfect capital Quito, one of the most awesome locations for a city you could imagine.

Its altitude (3000m) and proximity to the equator (22km) combines to produce an all round spring-like climate in its distinctly colonial setting. The quality of light at this altitude produces a dreamlike quality to everything, making things sparkly and bright, which results in a permanently intoxicated feeling. The backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes and Andean peaks exacerbates this sensation.

Architecturally it is a treasure trove of colonial churches and buildings, most of which are contained within the cobbled streets of El Ciudad Viejo (the old city). Each has it’s own story, like the solid gold altar made out plundered Incan gold. Even the hardest of travellers would find it difficult not to squeeze of a few shots from beneath the statue of The Virgin Mary, above the old City, which commands the best views of Quito old and new. In recognition of its planetary importance UNESCO made it a world heritage site in 1978.

All of this you’ll probably find in a guide book – but what you may not find is that amongst the traveller network, Quito is party town par excellence. If you want to shake it amongst the beautiful - travellers and locals alike, then head downtown, listen out for the silky salsa or more recently - the drum and the bass, and get ready for a long and eventful evening.

In the days - well there are a plethora of little excursions you can go on. Perhaps a wildlife trip into El Oriente (the Amazon), a little stroll in the Andes or maybe a shopping trip to the old Indian market in nearby Otavalo. Myself, I prefer more sedentary pursuits, such as heading into the old city with my periodico (newspaper) sitting outside a sunny café, watching the world go by, while some goofy little kid cleans the travelling out of my sandals.

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