You’ll feel like you’re on the top of the world, but you’re really just in the middle.
Located at 00 00 00 latitudes, Quito sits between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, placing it at the center of the world. Ecuador may be the size of Nevada, but it contains four different eco-systems, making it one of the most diverse biospheres on the planet. Go hiking or mountain biking through the mangrove forests, tropical dry forests, tropical cloud forests or tropical rainforests and snap selfies in these unique terrains.
Much of Ecuador is surrounded by volcanoes in the Andes Mountains, 80 to be exact. Indigenous communities thought that volcanoes held magic and were a good place to settle. They also believed that volcanoes had gender and created love stories about the volcanoes that became part of their cultures.
Begin in Quito, a Spanish Colonial city filled with 500-year-old architecture, captivating history, an outstanding culinary scene, and a sense of possibility that will embrace you. Start at the Plaza Grande to see the Presidential Palace, City Hall, and La Compañía de Jesús, one of the most grandiose churches in South America. Step inside the exquisite church with its gold leaf embellishments, considered “the jewel of America’s Baroque period.” Enjoy magnificent views of the plaza from the two golden domes that rise from the church. On Monday mornings, see the great fanfare and ceremonial “Changing of the Guard.”
Stay at the La Casona de la Ronda, an award-winning heritage Spanish, colonial-style boutique hotel originally built in 1738, but fully renovated with all of the latest amenities. Get immersed in Ecuadorian culture in the heart of the historic center. Rooms are spacious, attractively decorated with hand-carved furniture and feature free Wi-Fi. Relax with afternoon tea and cookies in the lounge area. Complimentary buffet breakfast with made-to-order omelets is the perfect way to get you going for the day. Live music pulsating from the bars at night puts you front and center of all the action.
Quito’s Historic District
Within Quito’s Old Town are hip and trendy neighborhoods waiting to be explored. Visit La Ronda to see artisans at work preserving traditional trades like woodworking, metal and bronze works, local honey products and spinning toys. San Marcos boasts Romanesque and Baroque architecture, but looking for a hat? Watch them being intricately woven at Sombrero la Cuencanita and then take your pick.
Hungry and Thirsty Yet?
Tasting menus are big here…with new chefs blending Quito’s traditional fare and contemporary bold ideas. High on a hill overlooking the city in the Castillo Vista del Angel Hotel is the romantic Restaurante Saguamby. The menu changes daily using locally-sourced ingredients from Ecuador’s four regions with a unique twist. Chef Mijael Proano believes in stimulating all of the senses while dining and prepares your palate with different teas between the 5-12 course meals. He even stops by to explain the dishes and to check that each course is to your liking.
Stop at La Quitena Craft Beer and sample their locally-crafted brews, including sour beers, homemade bratwurst and chorizo, and refreshing ice cream.
Out In the Countryside
Take a day trip to Otavalo for their beautiful craft market, Plaza de Ponchos. At the craft market, you’ll find beautiful fabrics woven into scarves, rugs, blankets, and ponchos, as well as carvings, art, jewelry, and more. Expect to bargain, but the prices are quite reasonable and you’re sure to come home with tons of wonderful gifts.
On your way, stop and taste traditional cakes at Bizcochos San Pedro in Cayambe. In the 16th century, priests taught them the recipe and they’ve been making them ever since. Watch the bizcochos being shaped and baked in the wood-burning oven. Then, savor the treat with a mozzarella stick and hot cocoa or coffee.
Head further north to Cotacachi, recognized as the city of leather, where you will find stores with exquisite jackets, purses, wallets, and boots lining the streets.
Like a secret refuge, La Mirage Garden Hotel and Spa welcomes you to a remote paradise, filled with elegance and grace. Stop for a fabulous lunch in the hotel’s glass pavilions with peacocks strutting by.
Mitad al Mundo – Middle of the World
The Intinan Museum is where all the fun starts, smack dab in the middle of the world. At this interactive, outdoor museum, you can balance an egg on a nail and see the effects of the Coriolis force on how water drains counterclockwise, depending on which hemisphere you’re standing. Of course, there’s an Instagram moment where you can straddle between the two hemispheres like everyone else! Just a few miles away is the Middle of the World monument, which also features museums, dining and handicrafts.
Hummingbird Paradise
Flock to the Alambi Cloud Forest Reserve where 32 species of hummingbirds come to feed every day. Most days, you can spot about 15 of them. Discover plantains, wildlife and unique plant life as you hike along the trails. Alambi offers expert-guided birding tours in the area as well as comfortable accommodations and home-cooked meals.
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Good to know…
Quito is on Central Time, and uses American dollars and the same voltage as the U.S., so leave your converters behind.
Featured Image Credit: Quito Tourism
