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Parque Calderón

Parque Calderón (Calle Luis Cordero e/Simón Bolívar, Cuenca) – this park is located in the center of Cuenca, and has some charming squares and churches – even street markets. It is named after Abdon Calderón (a hero who Fought for Ecuador’s independence). Even though it doesn’t feel too busy, Parque Calderón is actually surrounded by […]

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CAR RENTALS

CAR RENTALS – the following car rental agencies operate in Quito: Avis Rent a Car +593 2 2440 270 Budget Rent a Car: +593 2 3300 979 Hertz: +593 2 2254 257 Thrifty Car Rental: +593 2 222 8688

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Quito Astronomical Observatory Museum

Quito Astronomical Observatory Museum (Av. Gran Colombia y 10 de Agosto – Parque La Alameda, Quito) – founded in 1873, this museum is a major attraction for students, scientists and tourists – providing a vivid history of the various scientific instruments that were used by early astronomers and scientists. The Observatory’s main attraction is the […]

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Plaza de San Sebastian

Plaza de San Sebastian (Calle Mariscal Sucre y Talbot, Parque Miguel León, Cuenca) – located in the westernmost part of Cuenca, this plaza is located by a 19th century church of the same name. This plaza (the largest in Cuenca) was used to hold bullfights back in the 18th century. Nowadays, it’s a popular geographic […]

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Plaza & Monastery of San Francisco

Plaza & Monastery of San Francisco (Calle Cuenca e/Sucre, Quito) – this is one of the oldest Spanish colonial era structures in Quito (the monastery was founded by Franciscan missionary Joedco Ricke). It’s surprising to hear that this plaza was built over an Inca temple. The monastery is worth a visit and here you will […]

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Palacio del Gobierno

Palacio del Gobierno (Calle Garcia Moreno, Quito) – this is the country’s presidencial palace (a.k.a. Palacio de Carondelet). Originally built in 1650 (when it was the seat of the Spanish colonial government), it was burnt down in 1920, and was rebuilt quickly thereafter. Visitors are only allowed to enter parts of the building that are […]

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La Compañía de Jesús

La Compañía de Jesús (Calle Garcia Moreno y Sucre, Quito) – complete in 1765, this is Ecuador’s most ornate church – considered one of the most significant works of Spanish Baroque architecture in South America. Moorish influences are evident in the church’s interior. A sarcophagus with the remains of Ecuador’s patron saint (Mariana de Jesís […]

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Museo Mindalae

Museo Mindalae (Plaza Yuyú, La Mariscal, Quito) – this museum is dedicated to the country’s ethnic history — celebrating the immense cultural and ethnic diversity of the many nations within Ecuador. The Museum is managed by the Sinchi Sacha Foundation, an organization that supports indigenous cultures, fair trade, craft training and responsible tourism. The name […]

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Museo de Arte Colonial

Museo de Arte Colonial (Calles Cuence y Mejía, Quito) – located in a colonial building from the 16th Century, this museum was established in 1914, and houses a vast collection of artwork (from paintings to sculptures going as far back as the 16th century). There is also a section devoted to colonial era indigenous artists. […]

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Capilla del Hombre

Capilla del Hombre (Mariano Calvache E18-94 y Lorenzo Chávez, Bellavista, Quito) – located in the Bellavista section of Quito, this structure (“the Chapel of Man”) is actually an art museum put together by Ecuadorian painter Oswaldo Guayasamín – which he dedicated to the peoples of Latin America. Artworks shown there range from murals to sculptures. […]