First Impressions of Quito Ecuador | Is It Safe To Visit?
First Impressions of Quito Ecuador | Is It Safe To Visit?
Notable moments
- 02:58 Visiting Basilica del Voto Nacional
The host stands outside the massive Neo-Gothic Basilica del Voto Nacional before heading inside to explore its towering stone columns, altar, and colorful stained glass windows. He explains that construction began in 1892 under French architect Emilio Tarlier and was officially completed in 1988, making it the largest Neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas.
Basilica del Voto Nacional, Quito, Ecuador - 04:45 Trying Corvina at Central Market
The host visits Quito's Mercado Central to try local Ecuadorian cuisine, ordering a full $8 combo meal featuring fried corvina (sea bass), yellow rice, cooked potatoes, shrimp ceviche, and popcorn. He also drinks a fresh glass of soursop (guanabana) juice for $1 and samples exotic fresh fruit offered by a market vendor.
Mercado Central, Quito, Ecuador - 06:48 Exploring Plaza de la Independencia
The host walks around Independence Square (Plaza Grande), the main pedestrian square of Quito surrounded by historic colonial government buildings and the Metropolitan Cathedral. He points out that the surrounding streets are mostly pedestrianized, making it easy and safe for tourists to stroll through the city center.
Plaza de la Independencia, Quito, Ecuador - 07:48 Touring Church of Society of Jesus
The video showcases the inner sanctuary of the Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía), famous for its breathtaking gilded Baroque interior covered in leaf gold. Drone and interior camera shots highlight the ornate golden altars, carved wooden pillars, and decorative ceilings that helped earn Quito its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.
La Compañía, Quito, Ecuador - 08:26 Dining at La Vid Restaurant
The host highlights La Vid Restaurant, located right on Independence Square, which serves authentic Ecuadorian and international dishes with balcony views overlooking the plaza. He shows several presented plates, including seafood ceviche and grilled meats, noting an average meal price of around $25 USD per person.
La Vid Restaurant, Quito, Ecuador - 08:55 Rooftop drinks at Casa Gangotena
Located just a few blocks from Plaza Grande, Casa Gangotena features a luxury hotel courtyard and a famed rooftop terrace overlooking San Francisco Plaza and the Quito skyline. The host recommends stopping by for craft cocktails and empanadas while enjoying panoramic views across the historic center.
Casa Gangotena, Quito, Ecuador - 09:24 Fine dining at Somos Ecuador
For an elevated culinary experience, the host dines at Somos Ecuador, showcasing creative, modern takes on traditional Ecuadorian recipes like squid ink pasta topped with grilled prawns and gourmet desserts. He considers it his favorite restaurant in Quito, mentioning an average meal price around $70 USD per person.
Somos Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador - 10:57 Visiting Mitad del Mundo monument
The host travels roughly 45 minutes outside Quito via Uber ($7 USD) to visit Mitad del Mundo, the tourist complex marking the equator line with an iconic 30-meter trapezoidal monument. He explores the surrounding replica village filled with souvenir shops, handicrafts, and colorful photo spots, noting the $5 USD entry fee.
Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, Quito, Ecuador - 11:58 Fruit wine tasting at Mitad del Mundo
At a traditional stall inside Mitad del Mundo, a vendor offers the host samples of local artisanal fruit wines, including blackberry (mora), passionfruit (maracuyá), and coffee-whisky liqueur. He purchases a bottle of blackberry wine and samples chocolates infused with local Ecuadorian fruits.
Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, Quito, Ecuador - 13:21 Relaxing at La Carolina Park
Located in the modern northern district of Quito, La Carolina Park is an expansive urban green space featuring paddle boat ponds, sports courts, a skate park, and walking trails. The host explains that this safe, commercial neighborhood surrounded by shopping malls and cafes is one of the best areas for tourists to book an apartment or hotel stay.
Parque La Carolina, Quito, Ecuador - 14:10 Visiting Quito Botanical Gardens
Nestled inside La Carolina Park, the Quito Botanical Gardens feature lush trails, greenhouses filled with native orchids, bromeliads, bonsai trees, and carnivorous pitcher plants. The video captures the serene atmosphere and vibrant floral collections representing Ecuador's rich biodiversity.
Jardín Botánico de Quito, Ecuador
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