Mariscal
Quito, Ecuador
When approaching the moat entrance to Château de Chenonceau, it may seem at first like it is not that big. But the surprise is in what's behind it – a massive gallery that spans the Cher River. In fact, a bird's-eye view would confirm that the entire castle sits squarely in the river! This 16th-century castle was built on the foundation of an existing water mill and has a history of its chatelaines making their own mark on its interior, exterior and grounds – the largest contribution coming from Catherine de' Medici, who was also responsible for showing the first fireworks in France. After being used as a hospital during World War I and part of Nazi-occupied France in World War II (and thus bombed), today the castle is beautifully restored and receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. These visitors enjoy not only a full tour of the interior, including the gallery over the river, but also the extensive gardens and a donkey park. At night during the summer months there is also a Night Walk through the beautifully lit grounds–a must for a romantic night out.
The Basics
North of Quito’s UNESCO-listed colonial center, La Mariscal is the best neighborhood to experience the city’s youth-driven nightlife and to mingle with fellow foreigners and travelers. Sometimes referred to as “Gringoland,” the barrio also features artisan markets filled with all manner of goods at very reasonable prices.xa0
Most Quito tours include visits to the Plaza Foch area, which is teaming with lively bars, restaurants, and internet cafes. During the day, stop for an earthy guayusa tea, and at night, stay until the wee hours drinking and dancing. Full-day tours tack on a trek to the majestic Quilotoa Crater Lagoon, hiking around the dormant volcano, and stops in traditional Andean market towns Saquisili, Pujili, and Tigua. If you have more time, explore Old Town to see impressive plazas and landmarks such as La Compañia Jesuit church.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Mariscal is ideal for travelers interested in nightlife.
- If you’re traveling with children visit Plaza Borja Yerovi where there is a creatively-designed fountain for them to play in.
- Admire the ornate mansions along Calle Juan Rodríguez, between Diego de Almagro and Avenida 6 de Diciembre.
- In between La Mariscal and Old Town are two lovely parks: Alameda and El Ejido.
How to Get There
La Mariscal neighborhood is northeast of Quito’s Old Town between north-to-south avenues, La Patria and Orellana, and west-to-east avenues, 6 de Diciembre and 10 de Agosto. From the city’s historic center, walk about 20 minutes up 10 de Agosto or take the C1 bus and expect a roughly 12-minute ride.
When to Get There
The most popular time to visit La Mariscal is after dark, when the bars and clubs can get quite crowded, especially on Friday and Saturday nights until early in the morning. If you come during the day, you’ll catch the artisan markets near Plaza Foch.
Mindalae Museum
At the corner of Niña and Reina Victoria is an excellent ethnohistoric and craft museum dedicated to ceramics, handicrafts, and shamanism. Over five floors, you’ll see outstanding Ecuadorian arts, crafts, and weaponry outlining the history and worldview of the indigenous groups of the Amazon basin and Andean and Afro-Ecuadorian coastal communities. Peruse the handwoven basketry and textiles, sermaics, musical instruments and tools before reaching the top floor, a serene ceremonial space.
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