Explore Quito

South America's Leading City Destination 2022

I love exploring UNESCO sites, and Ecuador is no exception. Ecuador has five UNESCO World Heritage sites of which three are cultural sites, namely:

The city of Quito is also the first city to be declared (in 1978) a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca is the best preserved and least altered historical site in Latin America.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System.

The other two sites, Galápagos Islands and Sangay National Park, are natural sites.

Quito picked up the 2022 prestigious World Travel Awards for Best Leading City in South America.

Fun and interesting facts

This ancient city was founded in 1534 by the Spanish. Prior to that, from 1450 until early in the sixteenth century, the Incas controlled the area.
Did you know that at 1,500 meters above sea level, the threat of malaria transmission ends? Well, Quito (the highest constitutional capital in the world) sits at 2,850 m above sea level. That makes it a safe destination in terms of malaria transmission.
Think about a typical spring day in New York City. Well, this is the average climate in Quito.

Christmas in Quito

Most Ecuadorians are Roman Catholic and as such celebrates Christmas and Easter. On Christmas Eve, locals enjoy traditions such as the Posadas. The family eats ham and turkey dinner, and Quito is filled with happiness.

15 Best Things to do

The city is also known as the ‘Florence of the Americas”. The European influence is splashed throughout the city. Such as the Spanish red-tile roofs, central patios, and balconies.

I love visiting cathedrals and old churches. The Church of the Society of Jesus, also called ‘la Compañía’ colloquially, is worth seeing. The stunning wood sculptures in this church, which are covered in gold leaf and gilded plaster, are undoubtedly one of the best memories I will treasure.

Best Tours

Because the city is so near the equator (the line dividing the northern and southern hemispheres) you get to enjoy about twelve hours of daylight throughout the year. The equator is a fabulous excursion from Quito, namely about 200 km further north.

Cheapest Flights

Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) (about 18 kilometers / 11 miles to the east) is the main airport serving the city and one of the busiest airports in South America.

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