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Quito Around & About |
Of importance nearby Quito, possible on half or Full day tours and major destinations in Ecuador using Quito as the main gateway:
MITAD DEL MUNDO (Center of the World: Equatorial Monument)
Near San Antonio de Pichincha 23 km north of Quito at an altitude of 7300 feet is the Mitad del Mundo Equatorial Line Monument. This marks the spot where the exact equatorial line was determined by a French expedition in 1736. The monument forms the focal point of a park that includes a typical colonial town with restaurants and gifts shops, Post Office, toursit office, international pavillons, a museum, a planetarium and interesting model of old Quito. And of course, you can stand with one foot in each of the hemispheres!AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES
Lying to the south of Ouito are the ‘paramos’ (high plateaus) and a series of valleys that weave in and out of the volcanoes: Cotopaxi (19,347ft), Llinza (17,267ft), Chimborazo (20,701ft) and Tungurahua (16,456 ft) to name the best known. This part of the country was named the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" by the German explorer Alexander Von Humboldt.The area offers numerous towns with quaint plazas and colorful Indian markets. Each town has a different market day: Pujili - Sunday and Wednesday; Ambato - Monday; Latacunga - Tuesday and Saturday; Saquisili - Thursday; Riabamba - Tuesday and Saturday. Markets are generally for, of and by Indians with limited shopping but with excellent opportunities to view real everyday market activities.
Many of the Indians were dress distinctive of their towns, such as the black ponchos, white toursers and white hats of Salasaca, a small modernized town well known for weaving tapices (strips of cloth) with remarkable bird and animal shapes. Other towns are noted for other activities: Pujili for cermaics and Corpus Christi celebrations; Salcedo’s Mama Negra festival November 1; Pelileo, blue jean manufacturing capital of Ecuador.
Cotopaxi National Park, with the 17,691 ft volcano as its centerpiece, is one of the country’s most popular parks. The park authorities are breeding a fine llama herd, and maintain a pack of wild horses, bothof which can be viewed. There is also a museum with 3D model of the park and stuffed animals. Enter in the morning as it often closes by mid-afternoon.
INDIAN MARKETS
One of the major experiences of a visit to Ecuador is to visit an Indian market. There are many along the Avenue of the Volcanoes( see above). The best known and most visited and best shopping opportunity os Otavalo, north of Quito. This is a great area to spend one or two nights and do more than the market at Otavalo, including Cotacachi for leather, San Antonio de Ibarra for wood carving and Peguche for weaving.RAINFOREST
Ecuador is one of the mot bio-diverse countries on earth and boasts many rainforest adventures, such as Sacha, Kapawi, Napo Wildlife Center, Hamadryade and Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Rserve & Lodge. Some are easier to get to, some are more remote and getting to them is part of the experience. All offer an insight into the teeming life of the rainforest. Trips can be as short as 3-days/2-nights, but the average stay is 3 or 4 nights to allow ample time to explore with the local naturalist guides.THE GALAPAGOS
Without a doubt, Nature's greatest show on earth. This natural paradise is a national park, well regulated and well protected. The best way to visit these islands and its flora and wildlife is by one of the cruise ships, ranging in size from 8 persons to 100 persons. An alternative way to visit b ut best as a post-cruise option is to stay at one of the hotels on Santa Cruz Island.CUENCA
In the southern Sierra, Cuenca is a charming colonial era town with great shopping opportunities, including the famed Panama Hat, actually made in Ecuador.