QUITO, ECUADOR

Quito is located on a horizontal strip of land running north to south between beautiful mountains. The splendor of the city's natural setting, combined with its attractive squares, parks and monuments as well as the warmth of its people, makes it a unique and unforgettable place. Founded in 1534 with a mere 204 inhabitants, Quito is now the bustling capital of Ecuador, with nearly two million people. For 360 years, its boundaries were marked by the Cerro del Panecillo in the south, Plaza de San Blas in the north, Volcán Pichincha in the west, and Plaza de la Marín in the east. Today the city is much larger, and has been growing since the early 20th Century. In 1980, La Mariscal tourist area was developed between Patria, Colón, Amazonas and 6 de Diciembre Avenues. In 1978, Quito was declared a World Heritage site due to its extraordinary historic center. Quito offers marvelous views anywhere you stand. The majestic snow-capped mountains that surround it—Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Ilinza and others—stand proud like stony guardians of time. The bells from the old churches resound throughout the city center, awakening... more