La Merced (Calles Chile y Cuenca, Quito) – this 18th century church is known for its fascinating artwork (including paintings showing volcanoes erupting over colonial-era Quito). This is also another renowned church that went through periods of damage and restorations as a result of earthquakes that it weathered (in particular in 1660). A closer look […]
El Panecillo (Quito) – located south of the city, this 200-meter high volcanic hill overlooking Quito’s Old Town has a statue of the Virgin Mary at it summit (which is reminiscent of the Christ the Redeemer statue at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The Virgin Mary statue is 45 meters tall and is made of over […]
Basílica del Voto Nacional (Carchi 122, Quito) – this double-spired Gothic cathedral (built in 1920) is located in the historic center of Quito, and is said to be the largest such structure in the Western Hemisphere. Modeled on Paris’ Notre-Dame, the gargoyles used here are actually wildlife found in Ecuador: pumas, monkeys, penguins, tortoises, and […]
Ecuador, located in a northwest region of South America, has a rich history that goes back to pre-Columbian times, when much of that country was part of the Inca Empire. All that changed when Spanish conquistadores (led by explorer Francisco Pizarro) invaded Ecuador in 1531. During the early part of Spanish colonial rule, Ecuador was […]
Centro Comercial San Fernando (Ternera Calle 31 #81B 104, Cartagena) – opened in late 2013, this is another Cartagena area shopping center that has various local & regional retailers. Popular with the locals, this shopping center often holds fashion shows, and events for school children.
Latora 4 Brazos (Calle 8 #40A-18, Bogotá) – located in Bogotá’s Chaperino district, this nightspot books live rock bands, as well as DJ-driven electronic and Latin music sessions. There is also a small balcony which looks onto the main feature of this club – a massive ‘outdoor’ (smoking is allowed here despite the fact that […]
Casa de la Moneda de Colombia (Calle 11 #93 esq. Carrera 5,Bogota) – this museum has a collection of the country’s currency from various periods. This building originally acted as the country’s mint – going as far back as 1621. Looking at both the currency and coins shown here gives visitors a window into Colombia’s […]
Capitolio Nacional (Calle 10 esq. Carrera 7, Bogotá) – this is the location of the Colombian government’s legislative branch. This building was originally the Viceroy’s Palace during the Spanish colonial period, and went through periods of renovations from 1846 to 1926. Danish architect Thomas Reed was responsible for the Capitolio’s distinctive façade (consisting of 18 […]
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (Av. Arévalo, Cartagena) – named after Spain’s King Felipe IV, this castle was built in 1536 during the early part of Colombia’s Spanish colonial period. (designed to defend both the port and city of Cartagena). Because of the valuable cargo that came through Cartagena to Spain (ranging from silver, to […]
Centro Amurallado – Old Town (Calle 41, Cartagena) – this is the walled-in colonial section of Cartagena (in some ways reminiscent of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico). Unlike the rest of Cartagena, the colonial section is far more tourist-friendly, and contains colorful homes, quaint shops, unique shopping, old cathedrals, and a more inviting vibe. It’s […]