Hotel Quito Ecuador Trivia Quiz

Answer: North, in the centre

You can find Quito, capital of the Pinincha Province, located in the north central part of Ecuador. It is home to over 2.5 million people, and is known for its well-preserved historic beauty, with its UNESCO-listed sites.

Answer: Courting couples about to become engaged

Traditionally, only friars or friars accompanied by a suitor about to ask for his love's hand in marriage could get the best view of all Quito. This tradition had been in place since the early 1500s, but recently, for a small sum, anyone is able to climb the stairs for the view. No reservations necessary to see this site!

Answer: Spanish

You can hear the ancient voices calling of a number of pre-colonial languages spoken in the Republic of Ecuador, such as Quechua, Awa-Cuaiquer and Secoya. Its colonial rulers were the Spanish. Quito was a secondary capital of Tawantinsuyu (the Inca empire) and most of modern-day Ecuador was part of Tawantinsuyu.

Answer: Native healing

'Curandera' (or curandero) is the Spanish word meaning healer, but also refers to a witch doctor, or shaman. The curandera may stand in the doorway to beckon you in, then she will determine what cleansing you need, and prescribe a potion or herbal tea to induce fertility, reduce stress or bring good fortune. She may also rid you of your enemies, but I can't guarantee that.

Answer: No

While this could be Hell from its warm temperatures, the cut and polished andesite monument found in the San Antonio parish commemorates the name of Ecuador; the equator itself. It remembers the 18th century expedition, undertaken by the Franco-Spanish Geodesic Mission to determine the location of the equator. It's possible to be on two hemispheres there!

Answer: Krakow, Poland

The historic centre of Kracow, Poland, was declared in 1978, recognising its numerous historical houses, palaces and churches. Such a lovely place indeed - Quito, despite an earthquake in 1917 is still one of the most preserved historic centres in Latin America, offering architectural and cultural examples of many periods since the 1530s.

Answer: True

The candle really lit up; Illiniza was formerly a single peak, but the last eruption left it with a double peak! Its name derives from the Kunza words for "masculine hill". Snow-capped, these volcanic mountains are part of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Answer: Smigus water splashing of young girls for good luck

The Mission bell calls people to the 'Procession of Light' celebrating the Catholic saints. Fanesco soup is hearty soup containing 12 grains representing the 12 apostles, and fish. It is cooked in milk and decorated with hard-boiled eggs. The 'Dragging of the Capes' is a procession during which a large black flag touches the faithful as it is walked around the nave of the cathedral.

'Smigus' is a Polish tradition, not found in Quito.

Answer: Cloud forest

A cloud forest is characterised by persistent cloud cover, effective as an habitat for mosses, moulds, shrubs and orchids not found in less-water-rich regions. Tandayapa, Mindo, is home to a bird lodge where species only found in the region may be seen. Hummingbirds are among those frequently seen in the area. A nice surprise when you catch a glimpse of such delightful creatures.

Answer: Aerial tramway

The Telefériqo will take a rider up the side of the Pichincha Volcano in a gondola (cable car) at a speed of just over 300 linear meters per minute. It commenced operation in 2005, and once at the top, it is possible to continue to hike up the rest of the volcano. Take a jacket though - it's high and cold up there, just the place to feel the wind in your hair!