Without further ado, the lure of Big Wave Mito lies ahead (with pictures)~
Vacation in the ancient city of Quito, at the center of the earth
The Spanish word for equator. Quito is the only capital city in the world built on the equator. Not only that, but it is also a city of volcanoes, and the people of Quito are jokingly referred to as citizens who sleep next to volcanoes.
After finishing the Galapagos Islands tour, the delegation flew to Quito to experience the unique charm of this equatorial capital.
Quito was included in the list of 18 recommended destinations around the world by the world's top travel magazine, Joy of Travel. The magazine describes it this way: it sits above the Andean clouds, between two snow-covered active volcanoes. Few cities are as beautiful as Quito, Ecuador. It is also the largest and best-preserved center of Latin America's colonial past, and was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1978.
It seems to be especially favored by God. Even the city's climate is so comfortable and pleasant. Located on the equator, with an average altitude of nearly 3,000 meters, the city enjoys four seasons of spring.
The old city of Quito is built on a hill. The city and streets rise and fall with the hills. Various buildings are spread out like colorful oil paintings in this city, which is also known as the Andean Museum. There is no need to look for a view because there are beautiful views everywhere.
Walking through the old town, the scent of time is everywhere and history gives it a unique charm. Western and Indian cultures collide and merge here, as if pulling us back to the era when the prosperous Inca Kingdom went into decline~
Taking photos on the streets of Quito, keeping the view of Quito as much as possible.
Plaza de la Independencia
Plaza de la Independencia is the center of Quito's old town and the heart of Quito. Surrounding this square are many buildings characterized by late Italian Renaissance art.
The square has a large police presence and appropriate security.
It is the northwestern presidential palace, known as the Ecuadorian version of the White House. The Ecuadorian flag flies above the building. The flag is yellow, blue and red. Yellow represents the sun, blue the ocean and red the blood of the revolution.
In the center of the plaza is the Monument to the Heroes of Independence, boldly marked with the country's Independence Day, August 10, 1809, and the heroic image of General Sucre!
~Those who are as tall and imposing as General Sucre float by~
At the south end is a Catholic church, built in 1550 and completed in the 18th century. The green dome with gray and white columns supporting the portico is a mixture of Arab, Persian and Moorish architectural styles. The facade is inlaid with gold leaf with the names of the founders of the city of Quito, and in the courtyard is the tomb of General Sucre.
On the opposite side of the church is the archbishop's palace, with its white facade, rows of arched porticos, and colorful flags, the whole solemn and accommodating crowds of all colors from all over the world.
Ecuadorians are particularly enthusiastic about Chinese faces~
The area around the plaza is full of exotic flavors that will fascinate you. Even a single store can keep you coming back for more.
Iglesia de la Compaade Jess, Compagna
There are 87 churches and convents in Quito, but the Basilica of Jesus in Compona is known by many in Quito as the most beautiful church in the world. Unrivaled pride begins with its extraordinary origins.
This church was built in 1605 and completed in 1766. It took more than 160 years! It incorporates the ingenuity of Ecuadorian artisans. The interior of the church is so opulent that it is said that more than seven tons of gold were used to decorate the ceiling, walls and altar!
Its beautiful image is also printed on Ecuador's 20 sucre banknote. I marveled at the magnificence of the exquisite workmanship while strolling through the sacred church, as if my entire being was gilded with gold.
El Panecillo
Almost anywhere in Quito's old town, looking south, you can see this small hill, rising more than 200 meters above the surrounding land. Locals call it Little Treasure Hill.
The winding path leads to the top of the hill, where an ancient Inca temple, now a museum, stands on the hillside. On top of the mountain stands a large stone statue of the goddess Quito, known as a symbol of the independence and freedom of the people of Quito.
The Virgin Mary, with her feet on a serpent's head and a pair of angel wings on her back, is loving and embraces all of Quito.
Standing on this high point, overlooking the whole ancient city of Quito from the perspective of the goddess: the Pichincha volcano is shrouded in clouds, and the colorful monuments and buildings in the ancient city are as delicate as paintings under the veil~
At the restaurant on the top of the hill, you can enjoy the beautiful images of the city and taste the local cuisine, which is as wonderful as a dream.
The green scepter in the lower left corner is guanabana, an Ecuadorian fruit known as the natural enemy of cancer.
The local Chinese in Quito once summed up this picture of the city: it looks like a brick factory by day and Hong Kong by night. While joking around, you can't hide your deep nostalgia~
Equator Monument (Independence Square)
Standing in the center of the world, the persuasive power of stepping on two hemispheres can't stop your winged feet. You can't miss something this cool when you come to Quito! Taking pictures is a must!
Jio steps on the northern hemisphere, jio steps on the southern hemisphere.
You are the coolest kid in the world.
Sitting in the center of the earth, there's a rush of world domination~
The Equator Memorial Park, located on the outskirts of Quito, Ecuador, names it the middle of the world. The monument is 30 meters high at the equator, and a cast bronze model of the Earth, 4.5 meters in diameter, stands at the top of the monument.
Amazingly, the exact location of the equator was measured by the natives of the local Indian tribes hundreds of years before the colonizers landed!
Every year, on the spring and fall equinoxes, when the sun crosses the equator and the whole world is divided into day and night, Ecuadorians hold great ceremonies here to thank the sun god for bringing warmth and light to mankind.
The summit of the Equator Monument is surrounded by views of the eastern, western, northern and southern hemispheres.
Another favorite magical experience here is weight measurement! Since the equator line is furthest from the center of the earth and is least affected by gravity, weighing yourself here will be about 1kg lighter than anywhere else on earth. No wonder the happiest visitors are the sisters~
San Francisco Church and Monastery
Built in 1534, the San Francisco Monastery is considered a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and one of the finest examples of Hispanic-American religious architecture. Backed by the Pichincha Volcano, the convent is the oldest and grandest religious building in South America. It consists of a cathedral, several chapels and many cloisters.
Note: The word "artifice" comes from the Italian Maniera, also translated as stylism, stylistic, emphasizing the artist's inner experience and personal expression, full of dramatic scenes.
The exterior of the church is in the pretentious style of the Renaissance, with a slightly weathered skin, but the interior is magnificent. From the ceiling to the altar, and even around every corner, a 360-degree tour is guaranteed not to miss the artistic details.
It's also an art storehouse, with more than 3,500 works of art in a variety of styles, genres and techniques, most of which are on display in the in-house museum. The most famous is the statue of Virgen de Quito on the main altar, which was created in the 18th century and was considered a symbol of Quito for a long time.
San Francisco Plaza
San Francisco Plaza is in front of the San Francisco Church and is surrounded by colonial style buildings full of bars, stores and cafes just for you to enjoy your free time.
The square is branded with an old-fashioned atmosphere, with original stones left on the ground. The open space accommodates hundreds of pigeons, and the old town has a human touch: locals meet here to chat with each other and enjoy the food.
You can browse the stores here and admire the upscale and beautiful artwork, find a café and watch the people come and go in the aroma of coffee, or quietly fix your gaze on the old church in front of you.
The art stores lining the rows below the church have everything from Ecuadorian specialty straw hats to reproductions of Inca art.
A sense of solemn serenity hangs over the plaza at night, which is more empty than the hustle and bustle of the day. The lights of the old city, extinguished in history and rekindled in the earthquake, have a heavy sense of antiquity and vicissitude.
In Quito Indian, it means inhabited place. The land has its own proprietary name and was inhabited as far back as 1000 BC. If you haven't been to Quito yourself, you can't feel the charm of this ancient land. It's the dramatic history of the Inca civilization, the colonial art rooted in the streets and alleys, and the slow-paced exotic South American atmosphere.
Into Guayaquil, God's colorful palette
After visiting the delegation's last stop, the ancient city of Quito
It is Ecuador's largest city, Guayaquil.
It is the industrial center of this country and a hub for air, land and sea transportation.
Located on the west bank of the Guayas River, it is known as the Pearl of the Pacific.
More modern and prosperous than Quito's Old Town, Guayaquil is divided into the Old and New Towns. The new city has many modern buildings and has the style of China's Magic City, a typical metropolis. The old town has more colonial flavor and charm.
The Old Town of Las Pe?as at the foot of Santa Ana Mountain is a must-see hit. The old streets, churches and statues are full of colonial style, and the colorful houses that cover the hills add to the vibrancy of the old town.
Follow the numbered 444 steps to reach the lighthouse at the top of the hill and you'll have a beautiful view of the sea and the whole city.
The Guayaquil Cathedral Metropolis de Guayaquil is still solemn after centuries of being washed away. Typical of the Gothic style, the outside is filled with sculptures of figures, a high dome, and the inside is filled with beautifully carved shrines and glass windows. Locals often hold religious services here, and you can sit quietly and soak up the sacred Catholic atmosphere.
A statue of Bolivar stands in front of the church.
One of Guayaquil's must-see attractions, Parque de las Iguanas, is near the church. The lizards here are tame and live in harmony with the people, and have a close encounter with the concave lizards~
The Municipalidad de Guayaquil (Municipal Government Building) in the center of the city attracts architecture buffs with its fine architectural artistry and striking white color. Slow down and see its beauty.
Walk along the Guayas River and you'll see a bronze statue of Guayaquil's iconic Hemiciclo de la Rotonda, where Bolivar, the leader of the South American independence movement, shook hands with St. Martin. The landmark plaza is lively, with locals gathering for events and the city's vibe is strong.
Torre Morisca, another landmark along the river, illuminates the city's long voyage from history to the sea, sailing towards a better future.
The Ferris wheel (La Perla) on the Marina Walkway, in the changing heights, browse the colorful palette of the Santa Ana Mountains, feel the welcome breeze of the Guayas River, and enjoy a quiet and relaxing time~
The streets of Guayaquil on weekends are full of portraits of the daily life of the locals: teasing the dog, walking the baby, sweet dates, and their joyful and enviable scenes!
The streets of Guayaquil are laid back and cozy.
Our delegation's trip to Ecuador came to a perfect end here.
This used to be the hardest country in the world to sign for.
This beautiful clean land that has not been overdeveloped.
It's a dreamy place you must visit in your lifetime, far beyond your expectations.
Why not start right away?
Start your journey to Ecuador with South American Airlines.
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