Quito

Quito

Everything about Quito – from its setting along the slopes of Pichincha volcano to having the best preserved historic center in Latin America – makes it a capital city worth visiting. The ‘old town’, as the center is known, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Stroll along its narrow streets and enjoy the buskers, vendors and locals going about their everyday business. Visit the monasteries of San Francisco and Santa Domingo, the Church and Jesuit College of La Compañia, the Cathedral of Quito or the hill of El Panecillo where you can view the 45m high statue of the Virgin Mary. Mariscal Sucre offers a taste of modern Quito with its trendy bars, restaurants and night life.

Quito’s culinary scene offers a delightful array of traditional Ecuadorian dishes, including “ceviche,” “locro de papa” (potato soup), “empanadas,” and “fritada” (fried pork). Food enthusiasts can also indulge in local delicacies and explore the city’s bustling markets for an authentic gastronomic experience. Quito also shows a burgeoning craft beer and chocolate scene, with tours available for those wanting to explore more of this historic city.

Quito is one of the highest capital cities in the world, situated at an elevation of approximately 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level. Its lofty position grants visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The city is surrounded by majestic volcanoes, including Pichincha, Cayambe, Cotopaxi, and Antisana. These volcanoes add to the city’s picturesque landscape and provide opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities, and allows it to serve as the gateway and jump-off point for the Ecuadorian Cloudforest, Andean Highlands, and the Northern Andean region, which is where you can find historic haciendas and working farms.

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