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Quito's Centro Historico (The Old Town)
The Centro Histrico is an extensive colonial center built over the ashes of what was the a major part of the Inca empire until the Inca general Rumiahui razed it to the ground rather than surrender to the Spanish conquistadors.
The first area named a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1978, Quito's Centro Histrico will transport you back and forth between centuries as you meander down its cobblestone streets and pedestrian walkways, passing by vendors selling everything from choclo (Andean corn) to DVDs. At the beginning of the 20th century, Quito fit within the boudaries of Old Town. Today, it is just a small slice of Quito, but undoubtedly the sector richest with history. Some of Ecuador's most famous battles and executions took place in the plazas that now peacefully bustle with tourists, beggars, protestors and locals out for a stroll.
Once considered dangerous, Old Town has drastically changed over the last several years thanks mainly to recent Quito Mayors. Sidewalk vendors are banned, many of the facades have been repainted, the Trolle and Ecovia cut down on bus traffic and fumes, and most importantly, the police are a strong presence deterring pickpockets and other criminals. As with all places, be cautious and discreet as the streets do quickly fill with people and tourists are still a bit of an oddity in this section of Quito.
Some of Quito's best bars and restaurants are in this area. Veer off from the guided tour and spend some quality time in the plazas and side streets that feature exquisite colonial architecture and winding pathways which open up into lovely courtyards.
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