Ecuador 1: Quito

January 16, 2008: My boyfriend and I spent the past two weeks traveling through the Andes mountain range and coastline of Ecuador. Most of time was spent in the coast town of Montanita and Quito. This post is dedicated to the capitol city and two distinct regions: Mariscal and Old Quito. Mariscal is the urban, contemporary section of Quito where most of the locals and tourists a like go on the weekends. The streets are lined with bars, clubs and hostels. In past years, the streets were rampant with crime. Now the streets are perpetually under the watchful eye security guards and policeman who are not shy to confront any loitering partiers.



































































Old Quito: This is where all the remnants of the older culture reside. The cobblestone streets are lined with rustic colonial style houses and monasteries. The National museum has a culmination of both the native people and Spanish influences.