So, I figured it was time for a bit of an adventure, and Quito, Ecuador, somehow popped into my head. I’d seen some pictures, you know, the usual mountain backdrop and old churches. Looked interesting enough, so I just booked it. Didn’t do a ton of planning, figured I’d wing it mostly. That’s usually how I roll.
Landed there, and first thing that hit me, no joke, was the altitude. Walked up a small flight of stairs at the place I was staying, and I was gasping for air. Felt like an old man. They tell you about it, but you don’t really get it ’til you’re there. Anyway, dropped my bags and thought, “Right, let’s see these famous landmarks.”
First Impressions of the Old Town
My first proper outing was to the Old Town. And man, it’s a lot. Cobblestone streets everywhere, which look cool but are a pain to walk on, especially when they’re slick with a bit of rain, which happened like clockwork every afternoon. I spent a good few hours just wandering, getting a bit lost, which is half the fun, right?
I stumbled into the Plaza Grande, or Independence Square, I think they call it. Lots of people milling about, pigeons, the usual city square stuff. The buildings around it were impressive, real old colonial style. I poked my head into the Metropolitan Cathedral. It was dark and huge, and honestly, after a while, a lot of these old churches start to look the same to me, but this one had a certain vibe. Spent some time just sitting there, watching people come and go.
Then I headed over to the Church and Convent of St. Francis, or San Francisco. This place was massive. Took ages to walk around it. They had some museum part, but I mostly just soaked in the scale of the main church. You can’t help but be a bit awestruck by the sheer amount of gold and detail they crammed into these places back in the day. It’s pretty wild when you think about it.
Up to El Panecillo
Later on, I decided to check out El Panecillo, you know, that hill with the big winged Virgin Mary statue on top. Took a taxi up, ’cause everyone said don’t even think about walking it unless you want trouble. The view from up there? Spectacular. You can see the whole city sprawling out, mountains all around. It really gives you a sense of how Quito is nestled in this valley. The statue itself is enormous, pretty impressive up close. Took the obligatory photos, of course.
One thing I noticed, and it’s probably the same everywhere, but the tourist spots are just swarming. You’re constantly shuffling along with a crowd. Made it hard to just, like, be there sometimes. But hey, I’m a tourist too, so can’t complain too much, I guess.
The Middle of the World – Sort Of
Then there was the whole Mitad del Mundo – Middle of the World – thing. Had to do it, didn’t I? It’s like the main event for many. So I hopped on a bus, which was an experience in itself, super crowded, but cheap. Got to the monument, the big yellow line. Here’s the kicker though, I heard later the actual equator, like the scientifically accurate one, is a few hundred meters away at this other museum. Classic, right?
- Stood on the “line” for the photo.
- Watched some of those “water draining differently” demonstrations, which I’m still not sure I buy.
- Felt a bit like a theme park, to be honest.
But you know what? It was still fun in a cheesy way. Everyone’s there for the same silly reason. I did go to the nearby Intiñan Site Museum, the one that claims to be on the real equator. They had some interesting exhibits, shrunken heads and stuff. That was probably more my speed than the big monument.
Food-wise, I tried a bunch of stuff. Street food mostly. Some of it was amazing – empanadas, llapingachos (those potato patty things). Found this tiny place that did incredible soups. Then there was this one meal… let’s just say my stomach wasn’t a fan. But that’s all part of the travel experience, eh? You win some, you lose some with street food roulette.
Overall, Quito was quite a trip. The landmarks were definitely something to see, even if some felt a bit like tourist traps. The altitude was a challenge, and getting around could be chaotic. But the city’s got character, for sure. Glad I went and saw it for myself. It’s one of those places that sticks with you a bit, not always for the reasons you expect.
