√ Quito (Ecuador): information on the city, what to visit and what to do Quito?

Quito

Population: ~ 1.399.000

Time difference to London - Time zone GMT/UTC: -5 hours

Climate, weather: At 3000m (10,000 ft) in elevation and at the equator it is cool all year with little temperature change and frequent rain showers 18ºC (67ºF).

An international airport exists.

► Basic information on Ecuador

Quito, the Metropolitan District and capital of the Republic of Ecuador, finds itself between a contemporary and a colonial city that is constantly being built each day.

The modern structure mixes with the crossbreeding and colonial heritage where both national residents and foreign visitors always find a place to work, enjoy and remember.

Quito (Ecuador) - Things to See:

The old town – named a cultural heritage site by UNESCO in 1978.

Central plaza with the Presidential Palace, Cathedral, and Government Palaces.

Casa de Benalcazar and Casa de Sucre – famous adobe houses with central plazas

Quito (Ecuador) - Local Fiestas and Festivals:

Fiestas de Quinto – Founding of the City (Dec 6)

Location

Located in the Andes mountain range 2.800 meters above sea level, Quito occupies a plateau of 12.000 square kilometers. Its environmental temperature oscillates between 50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 25 centigrade degrees). The climatic contrasts that are presented during the course of a day, allows one to enjoy the four seasons of the year around the clock - as if having eternal spring. Also, the city is surrounded by the Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Antizana and Cayambe volcanoes that make up the majestic Andean contour.

Churches in Quito

The colonial Center of Quito has a multitude of churches whose entrances are generally free. The San Francisco Church is called to be the first church constructed by the Spains in South America directly after the city's foundation in 1534. La Compañía (1605 to 1763) is considered as Quito's most decorated and richest church.

The Basilica Nacional is constructed since the 20th century. From its steeple you enjoy a fantastic view over the city.

Vantage points in Quito

There are some very beautiful vantage points in Quito. The best known one is the "Panecillo". The "Mirador del Itchimbía" is less known but just as impressive

Our tip: Watch the play of the colors at the sundown in the café Mosaico (Samaniego N895 y Antepara). You should be there early so that you can ensure a good seat at the balcony to enjoy the unique view. International prices but it is worthwhile!

Folklore

Jacchigua is a folklore group which is well-known also exceeding the Ecuadorian frontiers.

The aprox. 90 dancers usually show their traditional dances in Quito every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the theater of La Casa de la Cultura. A fantastic possibility to get to know something of the Ecuadorian culture.

The expressive music and the gloriously colorful outfits certainly will impress you.

► Ad a link regarding to Quito

How and what they are speaking/talking about in Quito? Radio and TV stations from Quito in Spanish live & online:

EC-TV (Tv pública)

TV station

Quito

Type and programme style: comprehensive

Checked on Sunday, 1st of November 2009, quality of streaming: not so fine, player type: Flash.

► Watch live EC-TV (Tv pública)

Telesucesos

TV station

Quito

Type and programme style: comprehensive

Checked on Sunday, 1st of November 2009, quality of streaming: ok, player type: Windows Media Player.

► Watch live Telesucesos

JC Radio

Radio station

Quito

Type and programme style: mix

Checked on Sunday, 1st of November 2009, quality of streaming: ok, player type: Windows Media Player.

► Listen live JC Radio

Radio Luna

Radio station

Quito

Type and programme style: comprehensive

Checked on Sunday, 1st of November 2009, quality of streaming: ok, player type: Flash.

► Listen live Radio Luna

Radio Visión

Radio station

Quito

Type and programme style: classic músic

Checked on Sunday, 1st of November 2009, quality of streaming: ok, player type: Windows Media Player.

► Listen live Radio Visión

To propose another radio/tv more, simply contact us:

► contact www.spanishcourses.info

► Information on Ecuador