El Panecillo, Quito

El Panecillo is a 200-metre-high hill of volcanic-origin, with loess soil, located between southern and central Quito. Its peak is at an elevation of 3,016 metres above sea level. The original name used by the aboriginal inhabitants of Quito was Yavirac. According to Juan de Velasco, a Jesuit historian, on top of Yavirac there was a temple which the Indians used to worship the sun. This temple is said to have been destroyed by the Spanish conquistadores. The street that leads up to El Panecillo is called Melchor Aymerich.

In 1976, the Spanish artist Agustín de la Herrán Matorras was commissioned by the religious order of the Oblates to build a 45-metre-tall aluminum monument of a Madonna which was assembled on a high pedestal on the top of Panecillo. It is made of seven thousand pieces of aluminum. The monument was inaugurated on March 28, 1976, by the 11th archbishop of Quito, Pablo Muñoz Vega and was inspired by the famous "Virgen de Quito". The virgin stands on top of a globe and is stepping on a snake, which is classic Madonna iconography.

Why You Should Visit:
Well-organized observation point over Quito, perhaps even better than the Teleferico.
Great fun in the evenings with an almost carnival atmosphere of small shops and people.

Tip:
To reach this place from the Old Town, take Garcia Moreno st. till the end towards the hill, then take the stairs for a shortcut.
Another option: when coming back from Mitad del Mundo, take a bus direct to El Panecillo and then climb down on foot.
Take caution when climbing, especially at night, because of potential dangers from opportunistic people.