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Quito

Description: Quito (official name: San Francisco de Quito) is the capital city of Ecuador in northwestern South America. It is ... more

Quito ... located in northern Ecuador in the Guayllabamba river basin on the eastern slopes of the Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes mountains. The city's elevation is 9,300 ft (2,850 m) above sea level, making Quito the second highest capital city in the world. In 2005 the estimated population was 1,865,541 (canton). The area of Quito is approximately 112 square miles (290 km²). Quito is located about 15 miles (25 km) south of the equator. A monument marking the equator is known locally as la mitad del mundo (the middle of the world). Quito is the second most populous city in Ecuador after Guayaquil though it is about four times larger in population than Cuenca, the third largest city.

Newest Review: ... and struggle of those who live here. 2. Old town-this is the colonial centre of Quito and the first city to be named a UNESCO world heritage site. This area comprises many plazas, churches and monastries scattered over the steep and winding streets. It is difficult to recommend some over the others and I believe the best way to explore this area is simply to take a wander around by foot. 3. ... more

... Mitad del Mundo-the Middle of the World or the Equator is Quito's premier tourist attraction. The official Mitad del Mundo is a little tacky but gives ample opportunity to take cheesy photos jumping over that all important equator line. Just outisde t...more

Read Reviews for Quito

Quito, overlooked gem (520 words)
by - written on 23/05/09 (Very useful, 10 readings)
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Quito is sometimes overlooked as a destination in itself with tourists passing through on their way to the Galapagos Islands or to the jungle. It also has a, somewhat justified, reputation as dangerous due to high levels of street crime. However, whilst it is advisable to be a little cautious and use common sense precautions, Quito is an interesting city with plenty to do. I am going to give my top 5 things to do as why you should stay longer than it takes to get over jet-lag or arrange an onward trip. 1. The Guayasamin museum- based in the house of indigenous artist Oswaldo Guayasamin this museum displays the work of this, Ecuador's most famous artist. His ... Read the complete review

A walk around old Quito (2752 words)
by - written on 13/07/08 (Very useful, 340 readings)
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We happened upon the Plaza de la Fundación rather by accident, because it does not feature prominently in the guide books. Fortunately, my wife and I had only just started out on our walk around the old town of Quito, and it helped us orient ourselves, both historically and geographically. As its name implies, the Plaza de la Fundación was where the original Spanish colony was founded. An Inca city had stood on the site, but was hastily demolished by its inhabitants, a tribe who called themselves the Quitu, to prevent it falling intact into the hands of the conquerors. Not long before, the last Inca emperor Atahualpa had been perfidiously executed, despite a ... Read the complete review

Quito: Sparkling Andean jewel................... (339 words)
by - written on 15/06/00 (Very useful, 96 readings)
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The first port of call for most travellers in Ecuador is the picture-perfect capital Quito, one of the most awesome locations for a city you could imagine. Its altitude (3000m) and proximity to the equator (22km) combines to produce an all round spring-like climate in its distinctly colonial setting. The quality of light at this altitude produces a dreamlike quality to everything, making things sparkly and bright, which results in a permanently intoxicated feeling. The backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes and Andean peaks exacerbates this sensation. Architecturally it is a treasure trove of colonial churches and buildings, most of which are contained ... Read the complete review