Page 124 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2023 SPECIAL CRUISE EDTION

Pacari is a locals’ favorite brand. It’s organic, theme, rather than date, so that visitors get an
entirely made in Ecuador, based in Quito and understanding of what various regional cul-
offers tastings to the public. Our experience in- tures had in common and how they evolved
cluded small samples of 10 Pacari chocolate va- over the centuries. (https://alabado.org)
rieties – from its award-winning raw organic Art junkies can get their fix at the Fundación
chocolate to its maracuya label blended with Guayasamin Museum. Oswaldo Guayasamin,
passionfruit. Yum. Ecuador’s renowned cubist artist and sculptor,
literally built this museum before he died in
Between meals 1999 at age 79. It’s housed in the home he de-
signed and lived in – and includes his extensive
collection of pre-Columbian and colonial art,
There’s plenty to do in Quito:
pieces by contemporary artists including Cha-
The city stretches 36 miles north to south,
gall and Picasso, as well as the world’s most
four miles east to west. It’s surrounded by 84
complete collection of his own work. Visitors
volcanoes (including eight still active). Much of can peek into Guayasamin’s bedroom, linger in
the old city is constructed of volcanic rock and
the sun-filled gallery where he worked and say
has stood since Spanish conquistadors founded
a prayer where he’s buried under a pine tree
the city in the 16th century on the ruins of an near the house. (www.facebook.com/funda-
ancient Inca capital. In 1822, Quito won its in-
cion.guayasamin)
dependence from Spain – and in 1978, it be-
came the first city in the world to be declared a Go to church
UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore museums Thanks to its years as a Spanish colony, the
city remains home to some of the most spectac-
ular Roman Catholic churches in the Americas.
Quito itself – especially its historic old town
Locals still pray at Santo Domingo Church,
– is a walkable living museum. Its main square,
founded by Dominicans and Jesuits in 1583.
Plaza Independencia, is flanked by a 16th cen-
tury cathedral, Ecuador’s Presidential Palace, For pure gawking pleasure, they visit nearby
Compania de Jesus, started by Jesuits in 1605.
its Municipal Palace and the Archbishop’s
It took 160 years to complete the church; today
Palace (now a food court). Sit in the square and
absorb its history – as you the interior literally
sparkles, covered cupola-to-
enjoy a scoop of passionfruit
confessional in 23-karat gold
sorbet bought from a vendor
mined from local mountains.
in the Archbishop’s old digs.
Its 200-year-old organ fea-
There are dozens of brick
tures 1,104 pipes.
and mortar museums in
Among newer churches:
Quito. Among those you
shouldn’t miss: the Basilica of the National
Vow, consecrated in 1988.
Casa Del Alabado, a pre-
It’s the largest neo-Gothic
Columbian Art Museum. It basilica in the Americas. The
includes archeological trea-
coolest part: Instead of gar-
sures that date back as far as
goyles on its façade, it’s
4500 BC – about the time
adorned with endemic ani-
the wheel was being invented in Mesopotamia. mals of the Galapagos, such as turtles, blue-
Museum artifacts are exhibited according to
footed boobies, monkeys, and armadillos.

124 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SPRING 2023