El Panecillo, Quito, Ecuador 03 Apr 2017
About this photo
Snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano is unmissable amongst the other mountains that form the backdrop of Quito, Ecuador. El Panecillo lies in the forefront (located between southern and central Quito), a hill, 200-metres tall, of volcanic origin. Standing atop El Panecillo is a 45-metre aluminium statue of the Virgin Mary, which was erected in 1976. The statue has both unusual and classic features; the Virgin stands on a globe, stepping on a snake in a traditional style, however, she is represented with wings and in motion, which is unusual.
The significance of El Panecillo as a holy place dates back thousands of years; a temple once stood on top of the hill where Indians went to worship the sun. Drive to the top of the hill or climb the 200-metres on Insight Guides’ Totally Wildlife – Galápagos and Amazon trip.
