Exploring Quito

Plaza Grande, Quito

Trip to Quito and Galapagos

• Photo Review: Turkish Airlines Lounge, Miami Airport Concourse H (MIA)
• Review: Hilton Colon Quito with Executive Lounge Access
• Photo Review: VIP DOM Lounge, Quito Domestic Terminal (UIO)
• Exploring Galapagos
• Photo Review: Hampton by Hilton Quito La Carolina Park
• Exploring Quito
• Photo Review: Sala VIP Internacional, Quito International Terminal (UIO)
• Photo Review: COPA Club, Panama International Terminal 2 (PTY)
• Review: COPA Airlines Business Class, Panama to Miami
• Video Tour: American Airlines Flagship Lounge, Miami Airport Gate D30 (MIA)
• Photo Review: American Airlines Arrivals Lounge, Heathrow T3 (LHR)

Two weeks ago, I traveled to Central America, specifically to Quito the capital of Ecuador and the Galapagos (an Island famous for it´s unique species of plants and animals that you can not find anywhere else in the world). I stayed there for a total of five nights and really had an amazing experience. Quito is famous for being right in the middle of the world, thus the famous attraction Mitad del Mundo. I did a tour of the old town by myself on the first day after returning from the Galapagos and then joined a group for the Old Town Tour and Mitad del Mundo. I was able to meet a few friends and enjoy exploring the city with the help of our very knowledgeable guide, Andres. In case you are traveling to Quito, here are some of my travel tips and as always, feel free to comment on the comment section below of your own travel tips!

Video on YouTube

Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City): If you want to be in the middle of the world literally, then this is the right spot! An experience you will never forget!

There is much less gravitational pull in Ecuador so balancing an egg is much easier 👍

Basilica Voto Nacional: This is the largest Neo-Gothic basilica in South Americas. During my visit, there was some construction going on inside the church.

Plaza Grande: This is the major square with prominent church and buildings around including the Presidential Palace and Catedral Metropolitana de Quito.

Palacio de Carandelet Ecuador: Presidential Palace. It is interesting to see that the there is a barber shop under the palace building.

Catedral Metropolitana de Quito: This is a cathedral located in Plaza Grande. I went up to the tower taking a very narrow stairs (winding) but once at the top, I was rewarded with fantastic views of the square and the surroundings.

Inside the Catedral Metropolitana de Quito

Library inside the catedral.

Small narrow stairs going up to the dome

Lovely views of Plaza Grande, Presidential Palace and the surroundings from the tower 👍

Church of the Society of Jesus: This church is very ornate, so much so that almost everything in the central nave is decorated with gold sheets. It is considered as the pinnacle of the Latin American Baroque art.

Iglesia Catolica San Francisco and St. Francis Square: It is the oldest church in the country.

Inside the Iglesia Catolica San Francisco

A little garden inside the first University in Ecuador.

Church of the Tabernacle: This is actually a chapel and not a church, yet it has been very popular among visitors. The floors are squeaky though so make sure you go very slow 😉

Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy: This is a very large basilica with 5 domes and a square tower. Entrance is free, as well as taking photos. The altarpiece is just beautiful.

Virgin of the Panecillo: An iconic statue (a Virgin Mary with wings instead of the usual angels) on the hilltop. Of course, you get lovely views of Quito. Entrance is 1USD.

Parque El Ejido

Santa Teresita Church: A nice Gothic church near Parque El Ejido.

Enjoying the local food: This one is Fritada which is an Ecuadorian pork dish.

Eating "caca de perro": They certainly do not eat dog poop in Ecuador. Although they look like one, these are actually sweet corn nuts and they are very good 👍