
The Centro Histórico is an extensive colonial center built over the ashes of what was once a major part of the Inca empire.
The first area named a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1978, Quito's Centro Histórico will transport you back and forth between centuries as you meander down its cobblestone streets and pedestrian walkways, passing by vendors selling everything from choclo (Andean corn) to DVDs. At the beginning of the 20th century, Quito fit within the boundaries of Old Town. Today, it is just a small slice of Quito, though undoubtedly the sector richest with history. Some of Ecuador's most famous battles and executions took place in the plazas that now peacefully bustle with tourists, beggars, protestors and locals out for a stroll.Veer off from the guided tour and spend some quality time in the plazas and side streets that feature exquisite colonial architecture and winding pathways which open up into lovely courtyards.
Other neighborhoods in Quito: Checa, Cumbayá, Plaza Foch, La Mariscal, Calderón, San Marcos, Pululahua Volcanic Crater, La Floresta, Guápulo and Northern Quito - the "New Town".


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A relatively new addition to the Quito skyline, and now one of its most striking landmarks, is the Basilica del Voto Nacional, or simply ‘the Basilica’. Consecrated in 1988 (though still
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El Panecillo, or to use the Inca name, Yavirac, is a lush green hill visible from many different points in Quito. La Virgen del Panecillo, the winged virgin sitting atop the hill, is essentially the
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The cobbled Plaza de San Francisco is one of Quito’s oldest and most impressive sights, including, as it does, views of the magnificently white Monastery of San Francisco and, in the distance, the
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Parting from Calle Benalcázar, the downhill walk along Calle La Ronda is a short journey through a very significant representation of colonial life in Quito. The term ronda refers to a small
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The Banco Central\'s Museo Numismático has just what you\'d expect a bank to showcase: coins. The impressive, extensive collection has monetary units from pre-Columbian eras, through the Colonial
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The Iglesia de Santo Domingo may at first seem like one of those churches that is far more impressive from the outside. However, step into its dimly lit, moody interior and you’ll find some
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Towards the south of the city, the wide open Plaza de Santo Domingo is dominated by the Iglesia de Santo Domingo on the southeastern edge, and statue of marshal Mariscal Sucre in the centre, his arm
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Between the old and new towns, the small triangular Parque Alameda is the closest open space to the Centro Historico, and therefore one of the busiest in the city. The grassy banks of the boating
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The building on the northwestern side of the plaza above the row of arched, hole-in-the-wall shops, is the Palacio del Gobierno (Presidential Palace), also called Carondelet. The palace is open to
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As you wonder around the Centro Histórico, you’ll probably find yourself walking into the majestic Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande), at some point, even if you haven\'t been looking for
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Opposite the cathedral in the Plaza Grande, the former Palacio Arzobispal (Archbishop’s Palace) now houses a row of shops, ranging from delicatessens to clothes stores. During the last few years,
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