Quito is 3,000 metres above sea level. As well as its historic colonial centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador's capital has other assets and is a definite must see if you are staying in Ecuador.
The capital of Ecuador, Quito, is a very long, narrow town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. It is really interesting and a complete pleasure to visit.
My suggestion
Quito is divided into two parts. The colonial part is more beautiful. That's the part you should visit. I didn't find anything interesting in the modern part of Quito. So you shouldn't waste your time there.
Anonymous traveller
Seasoned Traveller
4
Quito is the main port of entry into Ecuador. An large and ever growing South American capital, it spreads for kilometres over the side of a mountain.
My suggestion
Don't expect to do anything very sporty when you arrive in Quito. It's altitude is 2,800 metres and when I took my first walk in the town I had to stop after 15 minutes because I realised what a difference that makes!
Anonymous traveller
Seasoned Traveller
4
Quito is 3,000 metres above sea level. As well as its historic colonial centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador's capital has other assets and is a definite must see if you are staying in Ecuador.
My suggestion
After a day or two in the colonial centre, go a bit further out, in particular to explore the areas of Guápulo or La Floresta.
Humidity, blasts of hot air, heavy traffic... Embark for Guayaquil, the largest city of Ecuador even though Quito is the capital. We're off for a visit of the "Pearl of the Pacific", from its landscaped river promenade (the Malecón 2000) to the cerro Santa Ana, not to mention the city centre!
Ecuadorian Amazonia possesses the densest biodiversity in the world. With its 6034 square kilometres, the reserve is an incredible mix of rivers and flooded forests (due to the large quantities of annual rainfall in the Amazon). The result? A part of the Amazon that is unique and which will not leave you unaffected...