La Basílica

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We visited La Basílica the last time we went to Quito and it was definitely one of our favorite things so we decided to go again. La Basílica is a really old church that we refer to as the Catholic version of the Salt Lake Temple. It's such a beautiful building! You can buy a ticket for a self-guided tour and go explore all over. You basically just climb tons of stairs until you reach the room with the giant stain glassed window that overlooks the chapel (1). One more floor up is where the balconies begin and you have to go over that wooden bridge and then climb up a ladder which takes you to a higher balcony(2). From there you can climb up a few more ladders and make it to the very top of the church(3). In my opinion, the ladders are very steep and very scary. I was too scared to go up last time, but I did it this time! The ladder is just skinny pieces of metal with chicken wire stapled between each step(4). The view from the top is absolutely incredible! We were also able to explore the clock tower part of the church this time(5). Lots and lots of stairs and ladders(6). La Basílica never disappoints!