What to do in Quito? These 5 top reasons to visit Ecuador’s capital will give you plenty of ideas.
Tag: historic architecture
TRAVEL VIDEO: Architectural Treasures of Ponce, Puerto Rico
The iconic Parque de Bombas fire station is one of the best-loved sites in Ponce, Puerto Rico. The city of Ponce always captures my imagination. It’s something about the historic architecture and the peaceful narrow streets in this Puerto Rican city, I guess. I’ve written about Ponce recently for Caribbean Travel + Life and Passport…
Glimpsing a Glorious Past in Valparaiso, Chile
Nobel-prize-winning writer Pablo Neruda called Valparaiso “mi ciudad desordenada,” or “my disorganized city,” according to my guide from Chilean tour company Ruta Chile. But don’t think that’s an insult; after all, this city’s wonderful informality — most noticeable in the seemingly random array of fascinating historic architecture on its winding hills — is what makes…
Montevideo’s Architectural Treasures: Headed for Landmark Status?
The glistening tower of the Comando General de la Armada, with the Mercado Central in the foreground. Uruguay’s capital city may be smaller than Buenos Aires and carry less of a jet-set image than Punta del Este, but it’s laden with interesting and diverse architecture that some feel should warrant UNESCO World Heritage ranking. Peek…
The Facelift Continues at San Francisco Church in Quito
The oldest church and monastery in Quito, Ecuador, is slowly but surely getting a facelift. Officially reopened in December, the 16th-century San Francisco church will continue to receive much-needed attention for quite some time. According to tourism officials, excavations carried out during renovations have unearthed artifacts from aboriginal to colonial times — including human bones…
VIDEO TOUR: Antigua Guatemala
Could it be that Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was actually saved by the earthquakes that ravaged it during earlier centuries? If you consider that these natural disasters convinced politicians to move the capital and leave this charming city with its original colonial charm, then yes. Join me for a quick video tour…
VIDEO TOUR: Antigua Guatemala
Could it be that Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was actually saved by the earthquakes that ravaged it during earlier centuries? If you consider that these natural disasters convinced politicians to move the capital and leave this charming city with its original colonial charm, then yes. Join me for a quick video tour…
VIDEO TOUR: Antigua Guatemala
Could it be that Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was actually saved by the earthquakes that ravaged it during earlier centuries? If you consider that these natural disasters convinced politicians to move the capital and leave this charming city with its original colonial charm, then yes. Join me for a quick video tour…
Images of Antigua Guatemala
It’s my last day in this beautiful, historic small city. No more relaxing on the Parque Central, the peaceful town square where locals and foreigners alike sit for hours, people-watching and enjoying the springlike temperatures. No more negotiating the stone streets and lumpy sidewalks to discover tiny shops and cool restaurants. And no more searching…
Convent Life: Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa, Cartagena Colombia
Soon after arriving in Colombia, I checked into a nunnery. Of course, it hadn’t actually served its original role in a number of years. I was invited to stay as a guest at the Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa during Cartagena’s fourth annual International Music Festival, and I must say it’s quite an impressive place. Set in…