Day 2: Quito
Breakfast at the hotel. City tour of Quito + Rucu Pichincha Volcano. During the city tour, you will enjoy captivating views of churches, domes, and rooftops—historical relics showcasing colonial art, architecture, culture, legends, and traditions. Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and is located at 2,800 m above sea level. Despite the 1917 earthquake, its historic center is the best-preserved and least altered in Latin America. The architecture and rich interiors exemplify the Quito School of Art, blending Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish, and indigenous artistic styles. Artists of this school worked in stone and wood to depict important religious events. A 1.5-hour walking tour through the Old Town will reveal why Quito was the first city in the world to be declared a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site. Quito is named after the indigenous Quitu tribe. In 1533, Sebastián de Belalcázar captured the city, which had been the Inca Empire's capital, and in 1541 it was established as a Spanish city—officially San Francisco de Quito. The Franciscan Order was the first religious order in Quito, establishing a monastery that became a center of education and art, with its own painting and sculpture schools. Around the main Plaza Grande, you will see the main civic buildings: the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, and City Hall. Highlights include the Jesuit Church, a prime example of colonial art with an intricately carved façade, and the Gothic Basilica del Voto Nacional: Inspired by Notre-Dame de Paris, the Basilica is considered the finest example of neo-Gothic architecture in Ecuador and one of the most remarkable in Latin America. Founded in the 19th century, it is technically unfinished and features gargoyles and native animals like caimans, turtles, boobies, monkeys, and more. Dimensions: 140 m long, 35 m wide, central nave height 30 m, twin towers 115 m tall—one of the tallest structures in the city. Quito is full of contrasts, which you can appreciate visiting both the Old Town and modern areas. Panoramic views of the city are visible from the Panecillo viewpoint, featuring the Virgin of Quito statue. Afternoon – Rucu Pichincha Volcano Transfer to the Teleferico cable car. The 20-minute ride takes you from 2,950 m to 4,100 m over 2.5 km, with a viewpoint offering spectacular city views. A short hike up Cruz Loma hill takes you through the Páramo ecosystem with panoramic views of Quito and surrounding volcanoes. On clear days, you can see Cotopaxi, Antisana, Cayambe, and others. Included: boxed lunch Stops: Basilica del Voto Nacional, Main Square, “Golden Church,” San Francisco Square, Panecillo Hill, Teleferico Accommodation: Patio Andaluz 4* www.hotelpatioandaluz.com (Includes breakfast, boxed lunch)
