Quito was a pleasantly civilised city after the experiences of La Paz. A couple of days orientating to Quito which included a tour of the Old Town with it´s amazing Basilica (only begun in 1929) was rewarded with the city having a traffic free day where people were able cycle around unimpeded, though fortunately for me the excellent `Trolle` bus service was operating. An added bonus of that particular Sunday was the entertainment held free in all the city squares, where most of the families in Quito appeared to be out on the streets, and added to all of that the sun shone.
After 3 days in Quito I retreated to the peace and quiet of Hacienda Patagoya about 20 km from the city. A lovely place, owned and run by Israeli´s, not only was the accommodation comfortable but the food was of a particularly high standard, and added to that there were peaceful walks nearby and a jacuzzi to untie knots in overworked muscles afterwards. From Pasagoya I joined 2 other hikers, from Denmark, and a guide and we completed a three and a half hour hike up to the rim summit of the Pasachoa volcano (4200m), where we had spectacular views of the other volcanoes surrounding Quito, including the highest, Cotapaxi (5600m). The only active volcano in this area was Cotapaxi, and it has been silent for 100 years.
After the peacefulness of Patagoya it was with regret I returned to Quito for 2 nights, before flying out to the Galapagos Islands.
Photo 1. The rim summit of Pasachoa.
Photo 2. Enjoying a rest on the lava before the descent from Pasachoa
Photo 3. Another one of those repeats!!!
Photo 4. Hacienda Bolivar (it belonged to the Bolivar family prior to 2000) now known as Patagoya.
Photo 5. Sunday entertainment in Plaza Grande, the centre of Quito old town.
Photo 6. The nave of the Basilica, Quito, viewed from the gallery.
Photo 7. The Cathedral in Plaza Grande.
Photo 8. The bells in the belfry at the Basilica. Rather a sad array and it looked as if they are not currently rung.
Photo 9. The Basilica seen during the steep ascent from the Plaza Grande.
After 3 days in Quito I retreated to the peace and quiet of Hacienda Patagoya about 20 km from the city. A lovely place, owned and run by Israeli´s, not only was the accommodation comfortable but the food was of a particularly high standard, and added to that there were peaceful walks nearby and a jacuzzi to untie knots in overworked muscles afterwards. From Pasagoya I joined 2 other hikers, from Denmark, and a guide and we completed a three and a half hour hike up to the rim summit of the Pasachoa volcano (4200m), where we had spectacular views of the other volcanoes surrounding Quito, including the highest, Cotapaxi (5600m). The only active volcano in this area was Cotapaxi, and it has been silent for 100 years.
After the peacefulness of Patagoya it was with regret I returned to Quito for 2 nights, before flying out to the Galapagos Islands.
Photo 1. The rim summit of Pasachoa.
Photo 2. Enjoying a rest on the lava before the descent from Pasachoa
Photo 3. Another one of those repeats!!!
Photo 4. Hacienda Bolivar (it belonged to the Bolivar family prior to 2000) now known as Patagoya.
Photo 5. Sunday entertainment in Plaza Grande, the centre of Quito old town.
Photo 6. The nave of the Basilica, Quito, viewed from the gallery.
Photo 7. The Cathedral in Plaza Grande.
Photo 8. The bells in the belfry at the Basilica. Rather a sad array and it looked as if they are not currently rung.
Photo 9. The Basilica seen during the steep ascent from the Plaza Grande.
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