Basilica and Centro Histórico

Since it was a relaxed weekend, it seemed like a good time to wander around the Centro Histórico of Quito with a co-volunteer from CENIT. 

We went to the Basilica, which is a giant stone Catholic church from the colonial era. Instead of gargoyles, there are lizards, birds, caimans, tortoises, armadillos and other animals from the region. We climbed the stairs and ladders to reach the tops of the towers, getting a gorgeous view of the city.

In the upper part of a Basilica tower

Inside the Basilica, crossing the wooden bridge over the stone
ceiling and roof of the sanctuary

Top of the Basilica

One of the ladders to get to the top

If you look closely, you can see that they aren't traditional
gargoyles, but rather the local fauna

We then went through the Plaza Central, just to look around. We ended up going into the church of the Company of Jesus, the inside of which is pretty much entirely plated in pure gold. It's beautiful and took about 160 years to make in the 15th and 16th centuries. They don't allow photos inside, but just imagine a ridiculously intricate detailed colonial Catholic church with gold everywhere, and you've got it (or you can look it up online).