Über Quito

Quito is placed in the northern part of Ecuador, and it also the capital. It's beautifully located on the lower slopes of Pichincha volcano in a narrow and fertile valley of the Andes Mountains. Quito is the oldest South American capital, and for that reason, it maintains quite a lot of its colonial appeal. It is the highest capital city in the world, with an altitude of 2,850 metres (9,300 ft).

Quito is a city of unquestionable beauty. On one side, the magnificence of Quito’s colonial architecture, whitewashed houses with red-tiled roofs, and impressive churches and museums. The frantic effect of modernity has been absolutely kept out from these attractions. With that said, this doesn’t mean that Quito offers only historical attractions. There are also cutting-edge shopping malls, offices, international businesses, and embassies. Youthful students and people from all over the world create an energetic and lively atmosphere.

To get a feeling of Quito's history, culture and tradition just explore the Old Town. This area is packed with churches, cathedrals, museums, and monuments of great interest. Its three main squares: Independencia, Santo Domingo, and San Francisco , any path you choose will take you to colonial and UNESCO heritage monuments and churches. On your way, you'll be able to stop by at some of Quito's most traditional and picturesque open markets, where a huge variety of spices, crafts, and souvenirs are sold. El Panecillo is a hill located in the middle of the city, and from its summit you'll get a whole view of the city. And, if you visit Quito during Christmas or Easter you'll be surprised at the number of local events and festivities that gather crowds of people in its streets. The Middle of the World is a small village outside the city just on the equator line, signalled by a yellow line, where many events, musicians, and people gather. For outdoor activites and sports, visit some of this city's many parks. To enjoy Quito's active nightlife stroll around the New City area.