Quito, the capital of Ecuador was established in 1534 by Spanish settlers led by Sebastián de Benalcázar, who enslaved and colonized the area. Today, the city is home to a little more than two million people and is arguably one of the most interesting places in South America.

Plaza de San Francisco Plaza de San Francisco is a famous public square in the Historic Center of Quito. It is constructed upon ancient Incan ruins, including the place of Emperor Atahualpa. The large plaza is home to several notable buildings, including the Church and Convent of St. Francis, which dates back to the 16th century and is the oldest edifice in the city.

Travel Back to the 1600s

The Old Town The Ecuadorian capital is home to one of the best-preserved historic centers in all of Latin America. The tapered streets are lined with centuries-old colorful buildings (many of which date back to the 17th century), charming cafés, interesting plazas, and numerous churches. The area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978 and is undoubtedly one of the most interesting places in Quito.

The Bank National Museum Even the most devoted museum-goer will feel unexcited by this suggestion. However, don’t easily discard a visit to the Museo National de Banco Central del Ecuador. The museum is home to a vast collection of over 1,500 items and artifacts, including pre-Inca relics that are over six millennia old. The exhibition covers the entire history and progression of Ecuador.

Visit the “Fake” Equator in Quito

The Equator You simply cannot go to Ecuador and not visit the equator. After all, the country is named after it. The spot of the equator is marked with a 30-meter-tall monument known as Mitad del Mundo. Unfortunately, GPS studies proved that the structure is built on the wrong spot. The “real” equator is situated just a few hundred feet away, at the Intiñan Solar Museum.

Now that you know more about the Ecuadorian capital, make sure to include these four sites, as well as others, in your itinerary.

Aside from its breathtaking coastline and colorful architecture, Portugal has so much more to offer. This Portuguese seafood rice recipe is a staple of national cuisine and a must-try for every food lover!

Ingredients

Although there are many variations to the Portuguese seafood rice recipe, you will find the necessary ingredients for the classic recipe below. Feel free to add shrimps and other seafood favorites you may have.

• 10 ounces of fresh small clams (in shells)
• 10 ounces of fresh small mussels (in shells)
• 17 ounces of raw prawns
• 6 crab legs
• 1 halved lobster
• 6 small chopped shallots
• 125 ml extra virgin olive oil
• 2 peppers and 2 chillies
• 1 bunch of parsley
• 8 chopped garlic cloves
• 1 onion
• 300 ml of tomato passata
• 200 ml white wine
• 400gr long grain parboiled rice
• ½ tablespoon of piri piri
• 500 ml hot vegetable stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 250 ml hot fish stock
• 1 tablespoon butter

How to Prepare the Portuguese Seafood Rice Recipe

The Rice

Heat four tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan and saute the peppers and onion. Stir in nicely, and then add the parsley and half of the garlic. Wait for a bit and add the piri piri, chopped chilies, and the tomato. Simmer for five minutes and then put in the rice. Stir in for a minute and then pour half of the wine and let it sizzle.

The Seafood

After you’ve cleaned the clams and mussels, as well as removed the heads of the prawns, it’s time to get a large flat pot. Saute the remaining garlic, bay leaf, and half of the chilies in the remaining olive oil. After a minute, add the prawns and lobster. Simmer for a few minutes before you add the mussels, clams, and the rest of the white wine. Keep on high heat for five minutes and season with pepper and salt.

Final Preparation

Add the content of the seafood pot into the rice saucepan together with the fish and vegetable stock. Let it simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the chopped parsley and butter. Enjoy your Portuguese seafood rice dish immediately!