Quito: First UNESCO World Heritage Site (eng, deu, esp)
I will meet and greet you in English, German or Spanish at your hotel, bus station, airport or wherever you want. Together we go to the Basilica of Quito, the largest church of the city. The neogothic church is not very old, but an excellent view point. From the towers we can appreciate the historical part of the capital, but also the modern city center with its high-rise buildings and the surroundings of Quito. The capital of Ecuador is situated on a kind of balcony on the slopes of Pichincha, an still active volcano. As well we can see a lot of high mountains of the Andes, some of them glacier capped. After enjoying the view from the Basilica we may visit a market hall. The covered markets are used by the inhabitants to provide their families with fresh vegetables, fruits, meat and seafood. You will be surprised about the wide range of offers! Ecuador is a small country and so you will see not only highland products. All the fresh agricultural products from the hot tropics of the Amazon and the coast area await you as well! I will show you the different kinds of potatoes, rice, vegetables and fruits. For sure you will find a lot of unknown products and often my guests buy and taste some fruits. Or would you like a fresh juice? Now it's time to stroll around in the narrow streets and beautiful squares of the old part of Quito! We will visit the most important churches, may enter to some monasteries, will appreciate beautiful court yards and admire the typical small balconies of Spanish styled colonial facades. Quito is the capital of Ecuador, but you will feel, that it is less hectic than other capitals. There is enough time to enjoy the unique atmosphere of old Quito. Lunchtime? Ecuador is a very diverse country and so we have very diverse Ecuadorian dishes as well. If you want, you can taste something typical. Don't miss to experience the culinary part of my country! We continue walking around and have the opportunity to learn more about something really delicious, Ecuadorian chocolate. We get informations about the whole process of elaboration from the bean to the final product. You will taste a lot and may buy the best! Now we can stroll in direction to the narrow street of La Ronda, well known for its small bars, popular restaurants and some handicraft shops. Or, we can go by taxi to the station of one of the highest cable cars of the world. We "climb" up to 4000m Cruz Loma mountain and can enjoy an exceptionally wide view over the Ecuadorian capital and the surrounding Andes. Wherever we go, it might be good to warm up from inside with a hot beverage! For sure you have already tasted the Ecuadorian coffee or tea, but do you know Canelazo? This is something very typical for the highlands of our country, made by a special fruit, cinnamon and other spicery, sugar and devotion. I recommend to enriches it with Ecuadorian liquor! Be surprised how tasty it is! After a day with a lot of excitements we say goodbye wherever you want (at hotel?).