Be Sure To Visit Quito’s El Panecillo
The Panecillo of Quito is a breathtaking statue of the Virgin Mary atop a pronounced hill overlooking the Ecuadoran capital. You can see Her from pretty much anywhere in the city. And you will feel royally shortchanged if you don’t visit this great stop on your journey. Moreover, it’s not a place reserved just for tourists. Ecuadorians from all over the country trek here to check this out!
While the statue itself has a beautiful three level observatory that only costs $1 to enter, there’s much more to see on this stop along your tour. Oh and that’s right, don’t forget that Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar so you won’t have to convert currency when visiting this Latin American destination. The paper money is the exact same as The States. The coinage, however, is unique to Ecuador. You won’t be able to use half dollars, quarters, or smaller change in the U.S. or other countries that use the dollar (e.g. El Salvador).
Tour buses offer a great way to see sights like El Panecillo. I will warn you that Wifi signal and phone reception can be quite iffy at this particular spot. There are plenty of “amarillos,” or yellow cabs. I took a few cabs in Ecuador, but I always asked for a price to where I was going beforehand. Otherwise, you’re at the mercy of the driver and his/her meter.
When I went to El Panecillo, I struck a deal with my Uber driver. The app charged me $5.60 from the Hampton Inn La Carolina (where I stayed) to El Panecillo. We agreed he’d wait for me for an hour while I filmed and explored and he’d bring me back to the Casa Museo Guayasamín for $10. That was a deal and it was the number I was thinking before asking him. I basically paid him $4 for him to wait for me, but it wasn’t a dreadful wait, either. He walked around and explored as well. Being at El Panecillo is a hoot for anyone that visits.
One more note when it comes to traveling. The Quito Metro is a fantastic option to get around the city; however, it doesn’t reach places like El Panecillo. Local transit seems to be less of a factor in this Latin American capital than others. And when it comes to local transit and even the Metro, you will have to sacrifice time. While both options will get you to most places, they won’t necessarily get you there as fast as the amarillos or rideshare options. My guess is the Metro has taken riders from them. Also Uber and InDrive have had an undeniable impact as well. InDrive is a popular rideshare alternative to Uber; however, I would strongly recommend Uber for added security for riders.
There are a number of cool shops where you can pick up souvenirs and artisanal gifts. Many of the shopkeepers, as you’ll see on my video, have been here for over three decades. These aren’t goods purchased from wholesalers. These are handmade products and keep true to indigenous tradition. When you purchase goods at these shops, you’re keeping this vital market alive. El Panecillo has about half a dozen of these shops (called “locales”). There also several locales that serve home cooking and a formal restaurant with breathtaking views as well.
If you plan on visiting Quito – or you’re already here – be sure to include a trip to El Panecillo. Go there with an appetite for knowledge, good food, and great times. Be sure to snap pictures and videos – make memories! And plan ahead. Getting there is one thing, but getting back is equally important. If you want to see everything I saw, be sure to check out our video above.
Safe & Happy Travels!
