Up early - because we cannot learn it is pointless to be out in a Latin American city before 9:30 - I mean great unimpeded photos of everything because you have the place to yourself, but you can't get in anywhere as everyone is still home having breakfast and getting to work.
View from the hotel - still gorgeous in daylight!
Wandering the lovely city streets is it's own highlight, but here are a few of the locations visited:
Cacao & Cacao
Republica de Cacao
Bocana Chocolatera & Cafe
Yumbo's Chocolate
We also visited places that were not artisanal chocolatiers such as:
The Plaza Grande, Palacio de Gobierno, and cathedral all almost shimmering in the morning sun. The square is picturesquely overlooked by Pichincha.
La Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus - photography wasn't allowed inside but then the guard called me over and said, "Lady you can stand in the door and take one picture." Loved the twisted columns outside and as for the interior... It is allegedly Quito's most ornate church - which is really saying something. Your eyes have to adjust to the golden glow the gilded baroque effusions cast over everything before you can even begin to take in the incredible detail. We were heartbroken to not find a postcard of the most extraordinary picture of hell just inside the doorway to the right. Also the confessionals were spectacular.
The Plaza San Francisco + Iglesia y Convento San Francisco - another lovely plaza, this one dominated by the twin white towers of the church. The church was under construction within a week of the foundation of the city. It took 70 years to complete, but the prevalence of original elements proves it was time well spent. The cupola, altarpiece, the marvelous paintings in the arches, original tilework and fresco remains in the chapels, and the pulpit and sounding board were all uniquely lovely.
The Plaza Santo Domingo - Another plaza ringed by beautiful pastel colonial buildings.
The Basilica National del Voto - This gothic style church features beautiful stained glass windows. Outside, instead of traditional gargoyles, the building is decorated with animals native to South America including llamas, armadillos, and anteaters.
Iglesia de El Sagrario - Upon entering through the super ornate portal (a tangle of figures in a jungle of red and gilt foliage) you see the shining gold altar. The glow completely obscures your ability to identify individual components. As you move up the nave, each exquisite element comes into focus. The cupola paintings are breathtaking.
TeleferiQo we rode the cable car to an elevation of more than 13,000 feet. We had a fantastic view of Quito and its environs.
We also wandered the La Ronda and Mariscal districts admiring the artisan wares and steep, twisted streets lined with pastel buildings and their wrought iron flower decked balconies.
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