A year ago, for the first time in my life, I traveled down to South America.
I only visited one country… in fact, only one city… but with all the adventures and incredible experiences I had in that week and a half, I could have traveled the entire continent.
Quito, Ecuador is unlike any other city I’ve ever been to.
Picture historic, cobblestone streets, age-old buildings of all different colors lining sidewalks filled with hundreds of people on their way to work, vendors selling homemade ice cream on the street… children and their grandparents trumping up steep hills to get to the nearest bakery. It was nothing short of magical, and I’d never felt so alive in my life.
Day to day I would wake up, shovel up a quick breakfast of local bread and jam, and be on my way – never in need of a taxi or car to get anywhere, just walking from dusk til dawn.
Interested yet?
Then, please, let me help you fill your days with the excitement, joy, and adventure I experienced cada dia de mi tiempo en este país hermoso.
Okay, great… so where to start? Well, as a local in Quito, there’s one thing that you would never miss out on: a cool, sunny day in one of the many parks that characterize this beautiful city. The first park I visited was Parque La Carolina, something I guess you could describe as latino Central Park. Filled with positive messages on signs hanging from poles around the park and the jingling laughter of children being carried through the breeze over a lovely man-made lagoon, immense botanical garden, playgrounds, and beautiful greenery spanning for over 160 acres of protected land, Parque La Carolina serves as the perfect day-cation for any family.
Each park boasts something unique and exciting – Parque El Ejido with its popular weekend markets, Parque Itchimbia with an incomparable panoramic view of the entire city and booming popular tourist destinations like El Panecillo, La Mariscal, Centro Historico.
Speaking of these places – why don’t we explore them a little? Well, first we have El Panecillo, also known as the Virgin of Quito, the city’s guardian that can be seen from almost any vantage point. La Mariscal and Plaza Foch are popular for both tourists and locals – especially on the weekends. Here you can find upscale shops, tasteful restaurants, Quito’s permanent artisanal market, and quite a few bars and clubs to explore.
Centro Historico is probably my favorite. This is where I went to school every day – explored the local bakeries and ice cream shops – as well as incredibly beautiful historical sites. Centro Historico encompasses many amazing churches, including the famous Basilica; a few museums; multiple shops; and Plaza Grande in which you can find local eateries, cathedrals, and even the Presidential Palace.
Also located in Centro Historico is an exciting street that lights up like fire on Friday and Saturday nights: Calle La Ronda. Home to unique restaurants, artisanal shops, hopping bars, and often a few local performances, Calle La Ronda is absolutely a must.
While you’re in Quito, I also recommend exploring further afield as well. For example, you can visit Casa del Guayasamin, home of a much-admired local artist; Mitad Del Mundo, the actual center of the entire world (latitude 0°0’0’’); Teleferico, a sky tram that provides a view of the entire city and drops you off only a few minutes from Volcano Pichincha; Quilotoa Crater Lake; Mindo Cloud Forest, also absolutely breathtaking; or maybe take a nice stop to the Papallacta Hot Springs for a well-called-for relaxing day trip.
I have so much more to share, but I’ll save it for another post.Final tips? Stay in hostels! Speak to locals! Immerse yourself… and more than anything: ENJOY.
You’re in Quito, one of the most special cities in South America, and in my opinion – in the world.
Author & Photographer: LeeNor Dikel
LeeNor Dikel is a travel enthusiast and lover of life who spends her days writing, building her community, and learning at the University of South Florida, where she studies marketing and entrepreneurship.
A yogi, dancer, adventure-seeker, and culture-scout, LeeNor dreams of seeing the world and spreading its beauty; using her opportunities as a student, writer and WLP scholar to travel the world and truly make a difference.