panorama of Quito
The sightseeing tour in an air-conditioned coach is a comfortable way of discovery the old history and modern life in the capital of Ecuador.
Numerous towers of baroque churches and monasteries overlook the white houses covered with red roof tails in casco colonial - the old city of Quito.
The architectonic importance of old buildings and the artistic valour of interiors of the churches is the main reason, that Quito as the first city in the world enrolled World Heritage List of UNESCO in 1978.
The vivid life on the cobbled streets still goes on, but the citizens move to the northern part of the town, the modern area with banks, embassies, business centers and shopping malls.
During the tour you will be able to see different faces of Quito, and the most significant buildings of both old historical and modern parts of the town.
A special focus is given to the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo.
The visit inside of Iglesia de Santo Domingo brings back the times of conqistadors and the power of Christian religion in in Latin America.
The church preserves most of its original interior from the past, slightly modernised by the new monks at the end of 19th century.
The colorful cassetone wooden ceiling is designed in the local Mudéjar style.
The side chapels feature walls and columns are decorated in gold, and the most impressive here is the separate chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary.
The walls of the chapel are lavished with gold surrounding roccoco altar with golden figures against a scarlet background. The carvings and paintings were made by the ingenious monk
Fray Pedro Bedón, one of the founders of world famous Quito School of Art.
Other impressive sculptures belong to the collection of Virgen del Rosario donated by the Spanish king Charles I.
The Convent of Santo Domingo displays colossal doors and ceilings covered with oil paintings and gold leaf; it takes us back in time and dazzled us with its supreme beauty.
At the end of the tour, if time permits,
you will go to the Cerro Panecillo, which offers a splendour panoramic view of the city.
Duration
3 hours
Tour commences
Daily
Start
09:00 am or 03:00 pm
Price
from $ 58