Quito Travel Guide
Tucked between the green, misty peaks of the Andes and blessed with a warm, welcoming character, the lively city of Quito brings rich history together with modern energy. Those who visit will find everything from overflowing market stands and shamanistic healers to a nightlife that features, among other things, upscale clubs, charming lounges and salsa dancing.
History buffs will enjoy the Old Town, where the architectural influence of Spanish colonisation shows in the red-tiled roofs lining steep, cobblestoned streets. The area is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and visitors will relish seeing its ornate buildings and vibrant plazas. Bustling New Town has a more eclectic, business-oriented atmosphere, with its clubs, cafe-lined streets, hotels, offices and shopping centres. The diverse food scene features everything from local Ecuadorian dishes to international fare, and the area has a variety of art galleries and live music venues.
Quito is the cultural centre of the country and Indigenas make up a large proportion of the population. Evidence of their culture is all over the city, from the handicrafts displayed on street corners and ramshackle shops selling traditional everyday goods to the women in thick woollen clothing and felt hats queuing for bus tickets. The Quechuan language rings through streets and central plazas throughout the city.
The destination is rich in historical churches, monasteries and convents, many of which house religious paintings and sculptures dating back to the 16th century. There are also a few museums worth visiting in Quito. Among them, the Museo del Banco Central (beautiful pre-Colombian artefacts), the ethno-historical Museo Mindalae, and the contemporary art museum Museo Guayasamin stand out.