mmagnu's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Quito, Ecuador

Palacio de Carondelet

Ecuador’s historic seat of government has been quietly looted in recent decades, and no one knows how or by whom.
Quito, Ecuador

La Carolina Park

This huge green space packed with activities will make you forget you're in the middle of the Ecuadorian capital.
Quito, Ecuador

El Panecillo

A short volcanic hill in Quito doubles as a stellar observation point of an iconic statue.
Quito, Ecuador

Virgen de El Panecillo

The world's tallest aluminum statue is also the world's tallest image of a winged Virgin Mary.
Quito, Ecuador

La Plaza Grande

Quito's historic, main square dates back to the 16th century.
Quito, Ecuador

Basílica del Voto Nacional

Legend says if this neo-Gothic basilica is ever officially completed, the world will come to an end.
Quito, Ecuador

Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

It took 160 years to complete the most ornate church in Ecuador.
Ecuador

Post Office Bay

Since the 1700s, this old barrel has acted as a post box that relies on the kindness of travelers.
Quito, Ecuador

Teleférico Quito

The gondolas let you glimpse a bird's-eye view of one of the world's highest capital cities.
Ecuador

Isla de la Plata

This small uninhabited island offers Galapagos-like biodiversity.
Ambato Canton, Ecuador

Chimborazo

Massive volcano in the Andes is the farthest point from earth's center.
San Antonio de Pichincha, Ecuador

Middle of the World

An elaborate shrine dedicated to the four corners of the world unfortunately misses its mark.
Guapán, Ecuador

Ingapirca

Ecuador's largest Incan ruins show evidence of sophisticated irrigation and diplomacy among the ancient builders.
Three Rivers, California

Moro Rock

Four hundred granite steps were built into this massive rock by the National Park Service.
Monterey, California

Jellyfish Exhibit at Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the most elaborate displays of Jellyfish is on display at the aquarium.
Carpinteria, California

Carpinteria Tar Pits

Inky sludge oozes to the surface of this beach thanks to a rare natural tar seep.
Coalinga, California

Iron Zoo

A dwindling menagerie of anthropomorphic oil derrick animals still dot the barren California landscape.
Pismo Beach, California

Monarch Butterfly Grove

Thousands of migrating monarchs overwinter clustered amongst the eucalyptus trees.
San Simeon, California

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

This stretch of beach along California's central coast is a busy highway for the largest seal in the northern hemisphere.
San Simeon, California

Hearst Castle

The unbelievably opulent home built for an infamous newspaperman.
San Luis Obispo, California

The Bells of El Camino Real

A chain of bells connect the California Missions and honor the legend of the "King’s Highway."
San Luis Obispo, California

Poly Canyon - Experimental Structures Lab

A deserted hodgepodge of experimental structures designed by nearby university students.
Shandon, California

James Dean Memorial Junction

A remote crossroads honoring a fallen talent.
San Luis Obispo, California

San Luis Obispo's Bubblegum Alley

An alley covered with 20 years of bubble gum.