The Timeless Charm of Centro Historico, Quito

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Lo siento
  [dees-kool-peh/loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llame a la Policía!
  [yah-meh ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llame a un médico!
  [yah-meh ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh es mwee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (deez ee-ees)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Quito was founded on December 6, 1534, by Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar, who established the city on the ruins of the Inca city of Quitu. Centro Histórico became the political and religious heart of the Spanish colonial empire in the region, showcasing Spanish baroque architecture and the melding of indigenous and European cultures.

The 16th and 17th centuries saw the construction of numerous churches and convents, with the most notable being the **Iglesia de San Francisco** and the **Basilica del Voto Nacional**. These structures reflect the Spanish colonial style and the significant influence of the Catholic Church, which played a central role in the cultural and social life of Quito.

In the early 19th century, Centro Histórico was a focal point for the independence movement in Ecuador. The events of the **First Cry of Independence** on August 10, 1809, marked the beginning of the struggle against Spanish rule, leading to the establishment of an independent republic in 1830. The Plaza Grande became a gathering place for revolutionary activities.

The 20th century brought about a cultural renaissance in Centro Histórico, with the establishment of museums, theaters, and cultural institutions. The **Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana** became a hub for the arts, showcasing Ecuadorian literature, music, and visual arts, helping to solidify Quito's status as a cultural center in Latin America.

In 1978, Centro Histórico was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding universal value and the well-preserved colonial architecture. This designation has led to increased efforts in conservation and restoration, helping to maintain the neighborhood's historical integrity while promoting tourism.

In the 21st century, Centro Histórico has undergone significant revitalization efforts, with a focus on restoring public spaces and promoting local culture. Initiatives such as the **Quito Historical Center Project** aim to improve infrastructure and accessibility, while cultural festivals celebrate the rich traditions of the area, enhancing the community's vibrancy.

Centro Historico is centrally located in Quito and can be easily accessed from other neighborhoods. From La Mariscal, you can take a short taxi ride or use public transport, including the Ecovía bus system, which has a stop at the nearby San Francisco Plaza. If you're coming from the airport, a taxi or ride-sharing service is the most convenient option, taking approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Centro Historico is best explored on foot due to its compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets. However, the Trolebus and Ecovía bus systems provide convenient access to various points within the neighborhood and beyond. Bicycles can be rented from local shops, and some areas offer bike lanes. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available for longer distances.

While Centro Historico is generally safe during the day, it's advisable to remain vigilant, especially in less crowded areas at night. High-crime areas include parts of the La Ronda street and areas near the bus stations. Avoid displaying valuable items and be cautious of pickpockets, particularly in crowded tourist spots.

In case of emergencies, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local hospitals can provide emergency care, and pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest police station and medical facilities upon arrival.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking and dress modestly, especially when visiting churches. Don't wear overly flashy jewelry. Religion: Do respect local customs; cover your shoulders and knees in religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers and keep noise levels down. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile or handshake. Don't be overly formal; a casual approach is often appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes at street vendors and restaurants. Don't refuse food offered to you; it’s a sign of hospitality.

To experience Centro Historico like a local, visit local markets such as the Mercado Central for fresh produce and traditional foods. Engage with street vendors and artisans to learn about their crafts. Join a walking tour to discover hidden gems and historical insights. Don't miss local festivals, as they provide a vibrant glimpse into Quito's culture and traditions.