QUITO

Ecuador’s capital city sits nearly 9,500 feet above sea level, making it the highest capital in the world. Home to 2.2 million, it was also the first city to receive UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site status in 1978, along with Krakow. Built on the legends of Incan ruins, the city is a blend of Spanish, Flemish, Moorish and indigenous influences, vibrant since the 16th century. A traveler can experience the Baroque architecture of Old Town and contemporary art in the same visit; there is an endless world to unearth in Quito. However, visitors should be advised the city can be dangerous after dark and to take heed accordingly.

GETTING THERE

Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre (UIU) is approximately five miles from New Town. For transit from the airport, yellow taxis are the best, most affordable option. They can be found easily outside the airport, but the approximately $9 ride should be paid in advance at an information desk inside the airport.

GETTING AROUND

Cabs are cheap and plentiful in Quito. To and from sites within Old Town and New Town, rides are between $1 and $3; elsewhere in the city expect to pay $4–6. Better yet, within Old Town and New Town, travel by foot to fully experience the area. While the bus system can be complicated, the trolley is 25 cents one way and runs from 5 a.m. to midnight.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

La Capilla del Hombre
Meaning Chapel of Man, the purpose-built museum was built by Oswaldo Guayasamin to celebrate the art of the peoples of Latin America. Completed after his death, it also showcases some of his own work. The cultural complex overlooks the city of Quito.

Quito Old Town
The UNESCO-designated historic district’s narrow streets are full of examples of Spanish colonial architecture and Baroque churches and monasteries. Highlights here include Plaza de la Independencia and the Church and Jesuit College of La Compañia.

TelefériQo
The gondola lift transports passengers from the edge of the city to the Cruz Loma lookout point in eight minutes. The highest gondola in the world at more than 10,000 feet, it was completed in 2005. At the top, find restaurants, shops and hiking trails.

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Cero Latitud Film Festival
Documentaries, animated films and short films are shown simultaneously across four cities in Ecuador — Quito, Guayaquil, Ambato and Cuenca. About 100 films are screened and awards are distributed.

Fiestas de Quito
The Dec. 6 celebration honors the day the Spanish laid the foundation for the city in 1534 with fireworks, dancing in the streets, shows and more.

Sacred Music Festival
The largest in South America, 300 musicians perform up to 300 shows in churches, theaters and venues in Old Town annually the week following Easter.

RESOURCES

For more information, visit quito.com.ec