Quito, midway between past and present

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Quito has its own appeal as it has an essence of both now and yesterday. The modernity of the city and the beauty of ancient structures blend together creating a spectacular ambiance that is definitely worth experiencing.

Going here means being enlightened with the history since the place provides a firsthand experience of witnessing the ruins that once became the flagship of how mighty and monumental the city was, along with its rich history. So what are you waiting for? Get up and go on a cultural trip to one of the most unique cities you’ll ever get to visit.

Location

Quito is Ecuador’s capital. The city has one of the most well preserved historic hubs in the Americas. This is the reason why there are some important spots that UNESCO has classified as heritage sites as they depict the rawness of the ancient past.

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Found in the Guayllabamba river basin, this impressive city is located in the northern highlands of the country. The city covers an approximate land area of 143.78 square meters, while the population is more than 2 million.

Climate

Classified to have subtropical highlands climate, the city is said to experience constantly cool weather. The temperature plays between 9.3 °C to 18.7 °C on average.

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With only two seasons to choose from, tourists can easily plan their trip. The wet season occurs between the months of October until May while dry season happens from June to September.

Transportation

Getting here via air is made possible by booking a flight to Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre. Situated 18 kilometers away from Quito, the city can be accessed through public buses, airport express buses and taxis which are all found outside the said airport.

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For uninterrupted travel, riding an express bus is the best option as it only takes 1 hour of travel time. Getting a taxi doesn’t have to be metered as there is already fixed pricing per destination.

Attractions

Plaza Grande

This place hosts some of the great artistic works of the painters Quito School has reared and produced.

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Erected humbly in the southwest part of the city, get to explore some of its impressive art creations including the ornate tomb of Mariscal Sucre, the Nativity painting and a version of the Last Supper, where Jesus Christ and his disciples share a banquet of roasted guinea pig locally known as cuy asado.

TeleferiQo

This cable car is a must-try as it provides a good view of the hilly environment that Quito is blessed with.

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This attraction was built in 2005 with the primary aim of having tourists get a good glance of the Pichincha Volcano, which is located just behind the colonial city.

Iglesia dela Campania de Jesus

This famous church became popular due to the rich Baroque designs that abundantly outline this destination.

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The splendid architecture provides an exquisite design of Moorish influence that mixes well with other inspirations making this church a must-see sight whenever someone travels within the bounds of this historic city.

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Images:
(1) http://missionhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Quito3.jpg
(2) https://www.goway.com/media/uploads/maps/latin_america/ecuador/ecuador.jpg
(3) http://cdn.mntm.me/e3/40/54/48-Hours-in-Quito-With-Kids-e34054322c72420ebd18aaafda1e55ef.jpg
(4) http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8240/8555683824_fb7ff35b72_b.jpg
(5) http://www.mountainsoftravelphotos.com/Ecuador%20Quito/Old%20Quito/slides/Ecuador%20Quito%2002-06%20Old%20Quito%20Plaza%20Grande%20Presidential%20Palace%20And%20El%20Panecillo.JPG
(6) http://www.mountainsoftravelphotos.com/Ecuador%20Quito/Old%20Quito/slides/Ecuador%20Quito%2002-07%20Old%20Quito%20Plaza%20Grande%20Archbishops%20Palace.JPG
(7) https://mochilanagarupa.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/111510_2113_equador201030.jpg
(8) https://i.ytimg.com/vi/22kw_SuklEE/maxresdefault.jpg
(9) https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TqGAiQ2dDVA/maxresdefault.jpg