Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and stands at an altitude of 2,850 m in the opposing Andes Cordillera.
Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America. The monasteries of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, and the Church and Jesuit College of La Compañía, with their rich interiors, are pure examples of the “Baroque school of Quito” which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art.
Its temperature varies from 10 and 25 degrees (55 and 77 Fahrenheit) with great weather contrasts that offer the chance to enjoy all four seasons in one day, making it spring time all year around!
The city is surrounded by majestic volcanoes like Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Antisana and Cayambe, which guard the 2 million inhabitants of the Capital of Ecuador. Because of its colonial history, natural beauty and traditions, it was declared in 1978 by UNESCO as “World Cultural Heritage Site”.
Visitor Sites in the City
Colonial City – Government’s Palace, The Cathedral, the “Centro Cultural Metropolitano”, El Sagrario Convent, La Compañía de Jesus Church, the City Museum, San Francisco Church and Plaza, the Numismatic Museum, the Cantuña Chapel, San Francisco Museum, San Agustin Church and Convent, San Diego Convent, El “Panecillo”, the Central Bank Museum.
The Monument of the Middle of the World in the Equator.
The natural Botanical Garden, “El Ejido” Park, “La Alameda” Park, “Itchimbia” Park, Metropolitano Park, among others.
The “TeleferiQo” (Cable-Car) that travels from the Mountain, crossing the city to the Valley of Salgolqui.
The Guayasamin Museum “La Capilla del Hombre”.
Transportation: main connected system Trolleybus, taxis, inter-Parish and inter –provincial public transport.
Handcrafts shops, cafes, bookstores, bars and pubs, restaurants and other related services.