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Quito - city in the Andes

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Quito, a city with a population of 1.5 million, is the capital of Ecuador. At 2800 m of altitude it is nestled in the Andean mountains near the Pichincha volcano. It can be quite chilly at times, even though the city lies directly below the ecuator. The areas that tourists would mainly be interested in are Quito Colonial (the old town) and Mariscal Sucre (a backpackers haven with lots of funky bars and hostels). Quito Colonial is stunningly beautiful (World Cultural Heritage site), but beware: Theft occurs all the time, so DO NOT take any valuables, unless you hide them really well!!! (My friend and I were robbed by a group of men in bright daylight in a busy street, and similar things, like bag-slashing, happen to most people). Mariscal Sucre is where the nightlife is happening and where all the backpackers hang out. It has a great chilled atmosphere and is the place to be (but don't go alone at night, robberies occur frequently).

Favourite spots:
The trendy bars and cafes in Mariscal Sucre. Riding around on one of the city buses.

What's really great:
The bustling city life with its unpredictability and chaotic feeling, and the openness of the people I met (locals and backpackers).

Sights:
Quito Colonial. The cathedral. Wandering around in Mariscal Sucre.

Accommodations:
You will find many great places if you wander around in Mariscal Sucre, search and you will find...

Nightlife:
El Varadero (on Juan Leon Mera), a Cuban bar with life music most nights. It's packed most nights so come early and meet the locals. La Chicharra on Orellana and 6 de Diciembre for alternative music and dreadlocks. No Bar in Mariscal Sucre for mainstream music and backpackers.

Hangouts:
Cafe Sutra. Papayanet (internet cafe and meeting place).

Restaurants:
Thai restaurant opposite No Bar. Lennon Cafe.

Published on Monday June 24th, 2002 by fruitloop


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