The Ecuador Chronicles - 2009-009
Colonial Quito;
Largest Colonial Area in Latin America;
How Does it Compare in the World
Quito has the largest, most undisturbed colonial area in Latin America. It is noted for architecture from both the Colonial and the Republican periods - and beautiful plazas, beautiful churches, beautiful theatres; narrow, hilly cobblestone streets. In the last several years the City has put a lot of effort into gentrification, in particular the facades of buildings have been repaired and painted - and there is a lot more renovation work underway.
Plaza Grande, The Presidential Palace; President Correa Takes Full Advantage of the
Large Balcony for Appearances, Ceremonies and Speeches
La Ronda - One of the Oldest Streets in Quito;
Now a Shopping and Entertainment Area
Narrow Street in La Ronda Area
How Does Colonial Quito Compare in the World?
There will be no attempt here for empirical, objective information - this is my opinion. I have had the privilege to live in some wonderful places in the world: 12 years in historic Savannah, GA, where I restored and lived in a classic old Victorian home; four years in London, an incredible experience; I grew up on a 100 acre farm in Georgia, and I have lived in in-town areas of Atlanta and now a small town in Georgia; I have traveled around much of the world.
So - how does Quito compare? For me it is right up there with the best. And when you consider the low cost of living and the low cost of real estate it is truly amazing. Is it perfect - no. Some areas have too much traffic; it is a great, safe walking city - but I always advise visitors unfamiliar with the city to take a cab ($2-$3) after about 9:00 PM; this is the Third World - you may see evidence of poverty, but you will see most people living modest but happy lives. All places have their problems, but in Quito the wonderful out weighs any negatives. We love our apartment in Quito - and spending time in Quito.
The photos in this web page may give you some idea; these are not staged from some Ecuador tourism site - these are shots that a non-photographer (me) took just walking around town.
The National Theatre - Teatro Sucre
Down the Hill - and Back Up to Panicillo and the Virgin of Quito
Symbolic Carvings on Wooden Doors - Touched Again and Again by Passers By
Come to Colonial Quito and see for yourself - it is well worth the effort
Come to Quito and Compare to Your Favorite Part of the World -
Take a Look at Live Well Ecuador: