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Guide to Quito, Ecuador
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Quito
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Quito
Positioned just south of the Equator, Quito, Ecuador's capital city, is both visually and atmospherically spectacular, Year-round, locals enjoy an ideal warmth with just the right sun and rain that keeps the earth teeming with fresh life still offer an abundance of days perfect for outings on the town and in the wilderness. Though high-rises are in existence within Quito, the skyline is dominated instead by snowcapped mountains - some being dormant volcanic formations. Apart from ordinary homes, the museums and churches of Quito seem to have the upper hand. Indeed there are so many, it requires sophisticated planning just to make time for each one. However, such thoroughness is not necessary to experience the city 'in full'; a few choice selections will offer a very pleasing experience. One of the city's main pedestrian boulevards, Avenida Amazonas, is where most of its caf culture resides, Caffeine is undoubtedly the main attraction of this strip, but it's also a good area to window-shop.Quito provides an irresistible mixture of sights and sensations to please almost any palate. The only aspect keeping you from enjoying the city as well is the sea, so book your flight and try out the tastes of South America for yourself!
When to go:
It seems Mother Nature has an affinity for numbers with concern for the South American and the Caribbean. Ecuador and its neighbors periodically see the effects of Il Nino each decade during the season of winter. This usually causes an interruption in the general flow of things in Quito, and the tourism sector requires a 'bounce back' to return to its thriving self. For the most part, however, Quito remains undisturbed, and a visit any time of year will have you basking in beautiful weather the entire length of your stay. (Tip: Keeping the news of your trip under wraps is a good way to save Quito from an influx of travelers aching for an alternative to the conventional.)
Getting there and around:
Finding your way to Quito from international locations is one of the easiest tasks to accomplish, but a little scheduling and negotiation may have to take place before all links are found and secured. When all is said and done, and once you arrive at one of the international airports in the area (Quito International [10km/6mi], Guayaquil Airport [5km/3mi]) you'll have a short distance to travel to get to your hotel. Most Ecuadorians get around their cities via public transportation, but if sight-seeing in the unpopulated areas around Quito sounds intriguing, you can rent a vehicle in town and travel to the unpaved trails where exotic birds and mammals come out from hiding once the engine(s) is silenced.
Attractions:
Quito itself is extraordinarily appealing, and once you've grown accustomed to the way of life here (which will be almost instantaneous, if we may say so ourselves) it's difficult to pull yourself away from the hubbub, but if you have your sights focused on the mountains, may we suggest a visit to the volcanoes first? The contrasts between forestry and lava rock are awe-inducing and will have you captivated long after the adventure. The Old Town is still the place to delve into authentic South American cuisine, and with the views atop El Panecillo (the famous hill overlooking the Old Town) you can enjoy the perfect setting with your meals.
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