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Destination:
QUITO, Ecuador
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High on Quito
Ecuador's mountain city in the
clouds is stunning, inexpensive
 PANORAMA ... A view of Quito, Ecuador, from one of
the city's scenic lookouts. |
A visit to Quito,
Ecuador, was just a required stop on the way to the lush Galapagos
Islands.
However, the three days spent in the capital
of Ecuador were unforgettable -- the city is beautiful, inexpensive
and offers a huge variety of things to see and do.
I'm
definitely high on Quito, which isn't difficult since the city is
nestled in the mountains 2,850 metres (9,350 ft.) above sea level.
While this altitude can make tourists a tad
light-headed, it's a big part of the city's charm. Everywhere you
look, there's a stunning view, especially if you go to the higher
points such as the Lady of Quito to look down.
 The Monastery of San Francisco in one of Quito's
squares was featured in the film Proof of Life.
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The end credits of
the Meg Ryan-Russell Crowe film Proof of Life showcase this statue.
The architecture is impressive. While the 16th century
Monastery of San Francisco is lovely from the outside, don't miss
the opulent interior.
Quito recently ranked 17th in a
list of the most pricey South American cities. For example, a rather
fancy dinner for four, with wine, will run you about $150.
As Metropolitan Tours -- which offer great packages
combining Quito with a trip to the Galapagos Islands -- officials
point out: "We're closer than Europe or Africa for Canadians."
While Quito will take several days to explore, there
is much to see in the surrounding area.
Otavalo: The two-hour drive to this small town is beautiful, but
its main attraction is the Indian market. I'm still kicking myself
for not buying more handicrafts. Cotacachi is a great stop for
leather, and for weaving visit Peguche.
Equator Monument and Museum: Just 22 km north of the city is the
equator. A painted line shows tourists exactly where the two
hemispheres meet.
 The Otavalo market outside the city is full of
fascinating people and merchandise.
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Cotopaxi National Park: One could spend days in this
34,000-hectare park. But for a short visit don't miss a drive up the
snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano. The vegetation was stunningly stark
and wild (short) horses roam freely. But be warned, while walking
around at 4,500 metres (13,500 ft.), squatting down to take
photographs or attempting to eat a picnic can be trying, but worth
the extra effort.
Visas are not needed for Canadians visiting Ecuador.
American money is preferred and despite problems in the past,
visiting is relatively safe. Handy resources include http://www.ecuador.com/ and the Lonely Planet
guidebook. Anika can be reached at anika.van.wyk@cal.sunpub.com.
 The Lady of Quito statue looks protectively down
over Ecuador's capital city. |
 Two young girls sell bracelets to tourists in a
nearby village. |
 Anika Van Wyk stands on the equator -- one foot in
the northern and the other in the southern hemisphere.
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