Treasures of Ecuador: Quito and the Galapagos
Quito and the Galapagos Islands, Patrimony for Humanity
and treasures of Ecuador were celebrated at a special event last week at
Plaza Eloy Alfaro in the southern Metropolitan District of Quito.
The Wild Aid and Nature foundations together with the municipality of
the metropolitan district of Quito organized between the 2 and 12 of
October paid homage to these two great place of world interest.
25 years ago in 1978 the city of Quito was declared the first site of
great historical importance for humanity in the same year that the
Archipelago was declared of natural importance for humanity.
The celebrations took the form of a combination of various events. There
were sporting events, performances by various musical artists, videos
and talks about the Galapagos Islands and the touch which caught the
attention those visiting the plaza was the sight of a 15 meter high
globe in the shape of a whale shark.
This whale shark which has been exhibited by Wild Aid in various parts
of the world is actual size, both children and adults are amazed by it.
It is the first time that a globe in the shape of a shark has been seen
in the sky above Quito.
Information of Quito
Quito, capital of Ecuador,
escorted by high volcanoes and formed by streets, broken and rocks where
the houses become engraved like looking for a solid shelter, are a city
where people try to conserve her colorful traditions.
Quito is located on a horizontal strip of land
running north to south between beautiful mountains. The splendor of the
city's natural setting, combined with its attractive squares, parks and
monuments as well as the warmth of its people, makes it a unique and
unforgettable place.
| Location |
: |
Andes mountain range 2.800 meters |
| Population |
: |
1.4 million |
| Altitude |
: |
2,850 m/9,350 ft |
| Temperature |
: |
50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 25 centigrade
degrees) |
| Province |
: |
Pichincha |
| Currency |
: |
United States Dollar |
| Language |
: |
Spanish |
| Foundation |
: |
December 6th, 1534 |
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is considered one of
the most beautiful regions in Latin America. Located in the Andean
mountains at the foot of Mount Pichincha 9200 feet above sea level.
Quito has a spring-like climate all year. Beautifully preserved colonial
churches,
convents, palaces, and other buildings of note contrast with the
contemporary architecture of modern
Quito, a cosmopolitan city of great cultural diversity. Quito has
been designated the “Heritage of Mankind” by the United Nations.
Stationed at nearly10,000 feet, Quito is almost twice as high as Denver,
Colorado. Though because it sits only 25 kilometres from the Equator,
Quito does not suffer through long winters like the Mile High City . On
the contrary, Ecuador's capital enjoys mild days and cool nights almost
year-round. The climate in the Andes varies according to the altitude
and the time of the year.
 In
Quito the temperature ranges from
7 degrees C (55 F) at night to 26 C (78 F) at noon, and averages 15 C
(64 F). There are two seasons, wet and dry. The wet season is called
winter and the dry is considered summer. Quito's summer lasts about 4
months, from the end of June to September.
Quito sees its fair share of rain from October
through May, though even during this period the climate supports a
multitude of diversions. There are enough sunny days during the rainy
season to accommodate all but the most insatiable sun worshipers, and
when the sun hides, Quito has plenty to offer indoors. |
