San Francisco de Quito is the capital of Ecuador. It is located near the active volcano Pichincha, in the western Andes. It is located at 2,800 meters above sea level.

It is the political center of Ecuador and the headquarters of major state agencies. It is considered entirely Cultural Heritage Site for its historic center, the best preserved of America.

It has a subtropical highland climate which gives spring temperatures throughout the year because of its height and proximity to the equator. The average temperatures range between 10° C to 27° C.

In Quito, the colonial architecture combines with modern buildings as the city keeps developing. Another particular feature is that its located in the midst of volcanoes, meandering and zigzagging streets amid the hills and ravines.

Its greatest attraction is its historic center, as well as the hill of El Panecillo and Cable Car, located at 4,200 meters of altitude, up to Cruz Loma. It also has a beautiful zoo.

It is also characterized by its colorful celebrations where bands, street dancers, cultural shows and food fairs, such as the Feria de Quito, Jesus Del Gran Poder, which also includes election of the Queen of Quito are presented. 

History

The territory of Quito was inhabited by nomadic people since 10300 BC. Following it the cotocollaos culture of a sedentary society that developed agriculture with various crops such as corn, quinoa and squash; also ceramic manufacturing.

There are also traces of the presence of the Quitu culture, such as the archaeological site of Rumipamba. These towns were conquered by the Incas. When the Spaniards arrived in 1534, the city was founded by Sebastian de Benalcázar. In the city the mining industry and textile production was developed and important temples in Baroque style were built.

Quito became independent in 1809, becoming part of the Gran Colombia, formed by the states of Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela in 1822.

Finally it separated from Gran Colombia in 1830 with creation of the Republic of Ecuador. It is notable for being the first city in Latin America to seek self-government. It is a benchmark of beauty for its architecture and culture. 

Where to go

Historic Center:

It features the largest and most important Historical Center of America, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is located in the south of the city and has 130 iconic buildings in its 320 acres of land. One of its peculiarities is that the same police work as a tour guide of the city. You can walk its streets on foot or even take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage with the greatest colonial style.

Among the most important sectors of the historic center are the Independence Square, Metropolitan Cathedral, the Church of San Francisco, with Moorish and Baroque architecture, the churches of Santo Domingo and the Basilica del Voto Nacional with its Neo-Gothic construction, among others.

Cerro El Panecillo:

It is 3000 meters above sea level and is located in the center of Quito. It has an important natural viewpoint and at its summit a statue of the Virgin of Quito made of aluminum is found.

Cable Car Quito:

Built on the banks of Ruccu Pichincha, it is one of the biggest attractions of the city. In 8 minutes you achieve an elevation of 2,508 meters of altitude, reaching 4,100 meters above sea level in Cruz Loma. This allows you to observe an impressive view of the entire area with its 14 volcanoes, including Cotopaxi, Cayambe and Antisana.

In the hills there are also shops, restaurants and even an oxygen bar for those who may need it. You can also go hiking or horseback riding and trekking.

It also has two amusement parks: Vulcan Park that offers electronic games and Mondo Kart, a kart track located on the slopes of Pichincha. 

To do

It is a must to tour the best preserved historic center in Latin America and be impressed with the details of its neo-Gothic, neo-classical and baroque architecture. It is worth walking the streets and take a ride in a carriage, to experience the colonial atmosphere of the city.

Among its natural areas, the Pichincha volcano offers hiking, horseback riding and of course the ride on one of the highest cable cars in the world, which even reaches deep into the middle of the clouds.

In this tour you can see breathtaking views of the entire urban area of ​​Quito and the equally incredible volcanoes surrounding the city.

Quito also offers an exciting nightlife, especially in Plaza Quinde in La Mariscal, with restaurants, outdoor terraces and cafes. There are also art galleries, craft shops and libraries that are open during the day.

Besides this, Quito is known for its cheerful popular celebrations, like those performed during November and end on December 6 to celebrate the founding of the city, where tourists come from all parts of Ecuador to enjoy dances, bands and diverse artistic and cultural expressions. 

Recommendations

Economy:

In Quito you can change money at exchange houses and banks. Credit cards are accepted at major stores and a network of ATMs is found in the city.

Transportation:

The city has a transportation system that includes a network of buses, which operates in 5 lines with transfer stations to reach all areas of the city. It also has public bus lines and bicycle lanes that can be used in the different communes of the city.

Quito has the Mariscal Sucre International Airport where domestic and international flights arrive.

The construction of an underground metro (subway) is expected to be operating in Quito in 2016.

Communication:

The Quito phone code is 2. To call abroad you must dial 593 before it, which corresponds to the phone code of Ecuador. 

Where and what to eat