Day 1
We had tried to check-in for our flight the day before, but were unable to – AA had my birthdate wrong on their file. At the airport, auto check-in still didn’t work, so we were taken over to the priority lane for the attendant to go through the process. It took a while (huge line up followed us), but all worked out. The flights from Toronto to Miami and Miami to Quito were fairly uneventful. For whatever reason, on the leg to Quito, we were not booked to be sitting beside each other, so when the young man came on who had the seat next to me, he gladly switched with Todd. We struck up a bit of conversation. He (found out later his name is Lee) was on his first ever “adventure” away from his England homeland.
We were met at the airport with a rep from Silver Sea and learned a bit about Quito and our upcoming Galapagos cruise on the hour long drive from airport to our hotel. Too bad we didn’t come a day earlier – Sting was performing in the city AND the concert was free – paid for from the City to celebrate the Fiestas de Quito – a celebration commemorating the foundation of Quito.
Day 2
We slept well and both of us experienced little effect from the high altitude. After breakfast (papaya, kiwi, gooseberries, egg dishes, etc.), we headed out to get the Hop On, Hop Off bus – a bus that would take us to the main Quito highlights with commentary for $12 each. We wandered about to locate the stop – there was no “distinctive” stop and then we ran into Lee (English lad from the plane). He too was waiting for the bus; said he just missed the last one and that this was the stop. Well….an hour plus later – no bus, so the 3 of us hailed a cab to go to the Basilica in Old Town. The cab ride was not even $2 to go a distance that back home would have cost close to $20.
The Basilica was amazing. We spent a couple of hours touring.
The Basilica is the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas and is modeled on Paris’s Notre Dame.
Work began in 1883.
Gargoyles shaped in Ecuadorean icons like pumas, iguanas, and tortoises guard the outside of the church.
The Basilica was blessed by Pope John II in 1985.
Some of the best views of the city can be seen from climbing a steep 90m metal stairs/ladder to the top of the towers. (Yes, we did the climb….)
We had lunch in the Café located high up in the Basilica – great views, great food. We all had different (huge) sandwiches – fresh bread and tasty fillings for only $5 each.
The atmosphere throughout the city was carnival-like as people celebrated Fiestas de Quito – musicians, dancers, and puppeteers entertained the crowds. The festivities begin on December 3rd and culminate on December 6th.
We parted ways with Lee and came back to the hotel for a bit of a rest before heading out again. We walked down to Plaza Foch – a huge gathering area full of bars and restaurants.
For dinner we ate at Q – a great place to sit outside and people watch. We shared an Ecuadorian platter of empanadas, plantain canapés, cheesy potato patties, and fried pork with corn.
After a day of walking and climbing multiple stairs in the altitude, we were ready for an early night in to relax before our planned walking tour tomorrow morning.
Day 3
We took a cab into the Old Town to the Community Hostel for a Walking Tour of the Old Town. Because today is a national holiday, the tour was shorter than usual because many places were closed.
We headed back to the Basilica for a brief visit and to learn a little bit more. Every president of Ecuador is buried here.
We walked to the Jesuit church and saw a glimpse of the interior (closed to the public today). Apparently it contains enough gold to more than pay off the national debt of $30 billion.
Next stop was the President’s office/home (although this president opted to live in a more modest dwelling away from the city centre).
We were warned not to provoke the guards (as some do with the guards at Buckingham Palace), as the consequences would be severe.
Seven (huge) churches are within a short distance of each other in Old Town. We entered the San Francisco church during a service, so didn’t stay too long, but the ornate decor was outstanding.
Tonight we were planning to dine in a recommended Ecuadorian restaurant, but opted for a nearby pub instead (easy walking distance from the hotel). Turtle’s Head was great for people watching, good beer, and so-so food.
Observations in Quito
Not a lot of overweight people (must be all the steep roadways that they have to climb)
The girls and young women love their spandex – over 90% wear spandex or skinny jeans
Gas is so cheap – $2/gallon
Healthcare is free (even for tourists!)
They have $1 coins here; and at the hotel, they were so apologetic when we asked to change $5 because they only have $1 coins. We told them not to worry – in Canada we have $1 and $2 coins…..