Ecuador

Francisco De Orellana Airport

Colombia

Tres De Mayo Airport

Mariscal Sucre International Airport

Lieutenant Colonel Luis A. Mantilla International Airport

Orito

Putumayo Department

Ibarra

Imbabura

Ipiales

Nariño

Tulcán

Carchi

Quito

Pichincha

Las Lajas Sanctuary is a Gothic-style basilica located in the southern Colombian Andes, near the town of Ipiales. The sanctuary is built on a bridge that spans the Guáitara River, and it is considered one of the most beautiful and unique religious buildings in South America. The construction of Las Lajas Sanctuary dates back to the early 20th century, and it was inspired by the famous Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica in Lyon, France.

According to legend, the site where the sanctuary now stands was once visited by a mother and her deaf-mute daughter who were seeking shelter from a storm. Suddenly, the daughter began to hear and speak, and the image of the Virgin Mary was seen imprinted on a rock in the area. This event was considered a miracle, and soon after, a chapel was built on the site to commemorate it. Over the years, the chapel was expanded and transformed into the basilica that stands today.

Las Lajas Sanctuary

Mojanda is a group of three Andean lakes located in the northern part of Ecuador, about 17 kilometers northeast of the city of Otavalo. The lakes are situated in a large volcanic caldera formed over 200,000 years ago, and are known for their stunning natural beauty and picturesque landscapes.

The largest of the three lakes, Laguna Grande, is the most popular among visitors due to its clear blue waters and the variety of outdoor activities it offers. The lake is surrounded by green hills, rocky cliffs, and patches of forest, and is an excellent spot for hiking, camping, fishing, and birdwatching. The lake's waters are also believed to have healing properties due to their high mineral content, and many visitors come to swim and soak in the lake's rejuvenating waters.

The other two lakes, Laguna Caricocha and Laguna Yanacocha, are smaller in size and located at higher altitudes. They are more remote and less frequently visited than Laguna Grande, but offer equally stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The lakes are surrounded by several smaller peaks, including the Mojanda and Fuya Fuya volcanoes, which provide ample opportunities for mountaineering and trekking.

Mojanda is also known for its unique flora and fauna, including the iconic Andean Condor, a symbol of the Andes and South America, and many other bird species. The area is also home to several species of wildflowers, cacti, and small animals such as rabbits and squirrels.

Mojanda lake

Cotopaxi National Park is located in the Andean Mountains of Ecuador, about 50 km south of Quito, and is named after its centerpiece, the Cotopaxi Volcano. The park covers an area of more than 33,000 hectares and encompasses several high altitude ecosystems. It is known for its dramatic landscape of snow-capped peaks, lush forests, lakes, and grasslands.

The Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, standing at 5,897 meters above sea level. The park also includes the Rumiñahui and Pasochoa volcanoes. The park is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, including Andean bears, llamas, wild horses, and more than 90 bird species.

There are several activities available for visitors, including hiking, mountain biking, camping, and horseback riding. The park has several well-marked trails that range from easy to difficult, and the views of the surrounding landscape are stunning. The park also offers guided tours, educational programs, and cultural activities.

One of the main attractions of the park is the Cotopaxi Volcano, which can be climbed by experienced mountaineers. The climb is challenging due to the altitude and the unpredictable weather, but it offers breathtaking views of the Andes and the surrounding landscape.

Cotopaxi

Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, which means "Middle of the World City" in Spanish, is a monument and museum located in San Antonio de Pichincha, about 26 kilometers north of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. It was built in the 18th century and marks the spot where the equator passes through the country.

The site features a large monument that resembles an ancient temple, built to commemorate the French Geodesic Mission that measured the equator's location in 1736. The complex includes several museums, including the Intiñan Museum, which houses interactive exhibits on indigenous cultures, Andean astronomy, and the impact of being on the equator. Visitors can also stand on the equatorial line itself and take photos with one foot in each hemisphere.

In addition to the museums, the site has a range of restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. Visitors can also enjoy the panoramic views of the Andes Mountains and the surrounding countryside from the top of the monument. The site is easily accessible by car or bus from Quito, and it is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Ciudad Mitad del Mundo

The Basilica of the National Vow, also known as La Basilica del Voto Nacional in Spanish, is a Roman Catholic church located in the heart of Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Construction of the church began in 1883 and was completed in 1988, over a century later. The basilica is located on the hill of El Panecillo, overlooking the historic center of Quito.

The Basilica of the National Vow is considered to be one of the largest neo-Gothic churches in the Americas. The church was designed by Ecuadorian architect Julian F. Sordo, and it features several architectural elements inspired by the Gothic cathedrals of Europe, including pointed arches, flying buttresses, and stained glass windows. The exterior of the basilica is adorned with numerous gargoyles, which were inspired by the local fauna of Ecuador.

The interior of the church is also quite impressive, featuring numerous altars, sculptures, and stained glass windows. The nave of the church is lined with several chapels, each dedicated to a different saint. Visitors can climb to the top of the basilica's towers for panoramic views of Quito, which is a popular attraction. The towers are accessible via a narrow staircase that winds up to the top.

The basilica is also notable for the large statue of the Virgin Mary that sits atop the central tower. The statue is made of aluminum and is the largest of its kind in South America. It was designed by Ecuadorian artist Agustin de la Herran Matorras and was installed on the basilica in 1975.

Today, the Basilica of the National Vow is an important landmark in Quito and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Ecuador. It is also an important religious site, serving as the seat of the Archdiocese of Quito.

Basilica of the National Vow

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