It was one of the first cities to be founded by Spanish colonists - in 1534 - and a focal point for the continent-spanning independence wars of the early 19th century. Civic palaces and churches, monasteries and schools constructed over 400 years ago can still be seen today. Quito's Historical Centre was granted UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1978 - in the very first tranche of sites - for being "the best-preserved, least-altered historic centre in Latin America".
Quito was also the northernmost outpost of the Inca empire - and the Inca liked to build their citadels close to the sun. Modern-day Quito is spread out along the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano, with the Panecillo and Ichimbia hills as natural barriers. This high Andean setting makes for magical light and swirling mists, with every urban hike opening up dramatic vistas and chance discoveries. Here's what to expect from the city at the centre of the world...
GO BACK IN TIME
The heart of the Historical Centre is the Plaza Grande, a beautiful, palmshaded square. Around its edges are the Palacio de Gobierno (with changing of the guards on Mondays), the former Archbishop's Palace which is now a colonnaded arcade of shops and eateries; and the 16th-century cathedral. Inside the latter are important pieces by the Quito School, including a famous painting of the Last Supper in which Jesus and his disciples are shown feasting on guinea pig (an Andean delicacy) and a nativity scene featuring a llama. Visitors can go up onto the roof for panoramic views of Quito.
Denne historien er fra June/July 2023-utgaven av Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
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Denne historien er fra June/July 2023-utgaven av Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Vermont, USA
The Wanderlust team relocated to New England for part of this issue, as we explored a lush state filled with outdoor escapes, historic towns... and lashings of maple syrup
Unique North America
See a side to the USA and Canada beyond the big cities and discover incredible stories and special wildlife with our pick of the trips
The call of the Rockies
From historic ski lodges to rustic backcountry cabins and a mock-Scottish castle, we pick the stays in Canada's Rocky Mountains that make the most of their setting
A new dawn for the Garifuna community
When the Garifuna people settled in Belize, they had to carry their traditions and culture with them; now a new trail is inviting visitors to explore this heritage through local communities
On the edge of history
In south-west Colorado lies the largest archaeological preserve in the USA, a series of vast cliff dwellings whose residents 'vanished' overnight. But was the answer to their disappearance in plain sight?
Tigers burning bright
As India celebrates 50 years of its Project Tiger conservation scheme, we visit the reserves of Madhya Pradesh to see how its success has impacted a tiger population that once looked in danger of disappearing
SEASON'S GREETINGS
From fiery fall foliage to art fairs and harvest festivals, opens up a wealth of across the USA and Canada autumn experiences
Waking a sleeping GIANT
A slow drive along the North Wales Way, from the English border to Anglesey, reveals not only a land of incredible local food and castles, but a region that is slowly reimagining itself
The rebirth of old JEDDAH
As efforts to restore Al-Balad, Jeddah's historical district, take hold, we get an exclusive peek at how art and culture are taking centre stage
Star-studded escapes
Wilderness, history and wildlife combine at some of Britain's most iconic stargazing sites, as more and more travellers are looking to the heavens
