A Relaxing 2 Days in Quito

Quito, the world's closest capital to the equator and the second-highest capital at 2,850m (after La Paz, Bolivia). ➡️ Mornings and evenings are cold! In late June, temperatures drop to 8-10°C at night and dawn. I almost didn’t pack warm clothes—thankfully, I checked the weather last minute! Day 1: Exploring Quito’s Old Town 📍Basílica del Voto Nacional: Construction began in 1892—it’s the largest Gothic-style Catholic church in South America. For $4, you can climb the towers for panoramic city views. I skipped the second tower—too exhausting! 📍Iglesia de Santo Domingo: A quick stop—large square, lots of pigeons. 📍Virgin of the Panecillo (Virgen del Panecillo): You can take a taxi up, but I opted to admire it from afar. 📍Old Town Stroll: Wander past colorful buildings, local restaurants, and shops to soak in the atmosphere. 🤢 The only downside? Bird droppings from above—my clothes, pants, and shoes were not spared. Day 2: Mitad del Mundo (Equator Monument) 📍Took a Didi for $10—yes, it’s touristy, but I had to stand with one foot in each hemisphere! The "can’t walk straight" and "balancing an egg on a nail" experiments were… underwhelming. 😅 📍Silver lining? Met some friendly fellow travelers who gave me a ride back to the city! Final Thoughts Safety first: Avoid going out at night; stick to crowded areas during the day and watch your belongings. Dress in layers: The temperature swings are real. People are warm and welcoming, and the food is delicious. Altitude adjustment: Avoid intense activity—jet lag + thin air = rough sleep. #TravelDiary #WorldTravel #SpontaneousTrip #SouthAmericaTravel #Ecuador