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Quito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler's First Impressions of the High-Altitude Capital

I was surprised by the glowing description on my Kindle: “Set in a picturesque valley some 2,800 meters above sea level, Ecuador’s lofty capital sits just 25km south of the equator. Its historic Old Town is a splendid maze of cobbled streets, colonial architecture and churches, dazzling attributes which helped it become UNESCO’s first World Heritage Site (along with Krakow) in 1978.” This Independent article painted Quito as a breathtaking gem, yet after three days exploring Ecuador's capital—my entry point to the country—I didn't feel swept away.Quito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude CapitalQuito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude Capital

Stories of robberies and sketchy incidents, including feces thrown from church towers (see here, here, here, and here), made me wary. But my cab driver from the airport eased my concerns during our 45-minute ride, assuring me Quito had become much safer recently. This boosted my confidence.Quito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude CapitalQuito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude Capital

Heading to the Old Town, I found it pleasant but not 'dazzling' or a 'splendid maze.' At 2,850 meters (9,350 feet), Quito is the world's second-highest capital after La Paz, Bolivia—lofty, indeed. Research led me to a free walking tour via Alex in Wanderland, which I joined the next day with about 10 travelers.Quito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude Capital

Local guide Andrea provided context on Ecuadorian culture, history, and politics. We visited the central market, sampling fruits like naranjilla (Ecuador's name for lulo), sparking interest in the hostel's $10 weekly food tour. La Ronda's bohemian alleys and colorful houses charmed me most.Quito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude CapitalQuito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude CapitalQuito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude Capital

Rainy days and 50s F temps (10-15C) kept me bundled up. Andrea warned against walking to El Panecillo Hill's 45-meter Virgin of Quito statue (made of 7,000 aluminum pieces), echoing my guidebook's safety advice.Quito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude CapitalQuito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude Capital

I explored churches, favoring the ornate Neo-Gothic Basilica del Voto Nacional. For $2, I climbed its bell towers for city views, though clouds persisted. Nearby, the free Centro de Arte Contemporáneo showcased a superb Amazon indigenous photography exhibit and Fabian Patinho's 'Tres mil leguas de algodón' acrylic paintings.Quito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude CapitalQuito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude Capital

Opposite, vibrant murals and graffiti added an artsy flair.Quito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude Capital

The 'New Town' offered restaurants, bars, and nightlife absent in the Old Town. Plaza Foch buzzed, while Plaza Borja Yerovi's painted houses delighted. I returned later to stay here.Quito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude Capital

Back for a Cotopaxi mountain biking tour (Ecuador's second-highest active volcano at 5,897m/19,347 feet), bad weather struck. In Cotopaxi National Park, clouds hid the peak. We hiked to Refugio Jose Rivas (4,864m/15,953 feet)—summiting halted since 2015 eruptions—amid snow turning to rain. Biking to Laguna Limpiopungo (3,830m) left us soaked, missing the altiplano's flora, fauna, and birdlife.Quito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude CapitalQuito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude CapitalQuito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude CapitalQuito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude CapitalQuito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude Capital

Dropped at lively Plaza Foch on Friday night, I enjoyed vegetarian spot El Maple, Cherusker Cervecería's German brews, The Lucky Charm Pub, Finn McCool’s Irish Pub, and Radar LGBTQ+ bar—ending on a high note.Quito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude CapitalQuito, Ecuador: An Honest Traveler s First Impressions of the High-Altitude Capital

Have you visited Quito? What are your thoughts on Ecuador’s capital?

Tourist Attraction
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    One of the most impressive archeological zones is Chunyaxche, better known as Muyil, which is the name of one of the closest lagoons. This site is located 6 kilometers from Carrillo Puerto highway. When Mayan culture was in its heyday Muyil worked as an oral and as a customs place for travelers. You will find spectacular views of the mangroves. This is also the best spot to watch the different and beautiful birds that live here. Be ready to lose yourself through the roads in this jungl

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    A small cove with a golden sand beach, surrounded by lush vegetation, was put in the 1963 world’s sights when Hollywood gave it huge publicity by making it the set for The Night of the Iguana, John Houston’ s film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ homonymous play. On Mismaloya beach the set of the Richard Burton’s starring film was installed, who at that time had started a notorious romance with actress Elizabeth Taylor. 20 kilometers away from Puerto Vallarta, 250-meters-fine-sand bea

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