Quito's Historic Center Walking Tour

I had to look this up before I wrote it. Everyone told me Quito was a UNESCO heritage site. I confirmed that Quito, because of its large the historic center, was the first declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic downtown is over 40 square blocks. We might have walked only 10 blocks this day. 

On our first full day in Quito, Andre's sister took us around downtown. She is an art history teacher. She was THE BEST tour guide I could ever had. She explained to us all of the styles of the "Quiteño" art and the history of all the churches that we visited. She really should be a tour guide for anyone going to Quito. Thanks Michelle!!  

We were still feeling sick from the altitude. Some of the streets were a little steep, but they felt like walking up a big hill because of the lack of oxygen. 

We started the walking tour at the plaza de la independecia and walked towards the cathedral, down the Garcia Moreno Street. We walked into the Sagrario, towards La Compañia de Jesus which was closed until 1:00 PM. We continued walking on Avenida Jose de Sucre towards the San Francisco church. There is a museum here but it was Sunday and they were closing so we couldn't get in.

Plaza de la Independencia

Plaza de la Independecia - Cathedral right across and the Presidential Palace on the right

President's home

El Panecillo is a hill visible from most of the City. A monument to the Virgin Mary is located on top of El Panecillo. I tried to take as many pictures as I could with this landmark.

The cathedral with the Virgen of the Panecillo in the back

Ecuador's flag - looks almost the same as the Colombian flag. The difference is the symbol in the middle. The Venezuelan flag has stars

Beautiful hotel at the Plaza de la Independencia

La Compañia de Jesus

It was Sunday and there was live Ecuadorian music while we were walking around the main plazas. I loved how people were dancing in the streets and just being happy. I made a short video to remember this moment.

Coca Tea is the best remedy for high altitude sickness

San Francisco

San Francisco - inside

San Francisco Church

We walked back towards La Compañia de Jesus church. This was the only church that had a fee to get in ($2 dollars). We were not allowed to take pictures inside this church, but I used my phone to take a few. This was the most impressive church with everything covered in gold and extreme carving details everywhere. 

We decided to take a break and have some ecuadorian ceviche. We went to "Los cebiches de la Rumiñahui".  I love peruvian ceviches and this was my first ecuadorian ceviche. It was good but I still think the peruvian is better. The mix with pop corn was a little weird but the shrimp was good.

After lunch, we walked towards the Santo Domingo church and then back towards la plaza de la independecia. There was a great store across from la plaza de la independencia for souvenirs and local products located in the City building.

Santo Domingo

Plaza de la independecia from Venezuela street

La Basilica - we couldn't walk any more at this time