About Quito, Ecuador

Many South American capitals boast magnificent locations. Quito is just another one to add to the list. Surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, it is flanked on all sides with breathtaking scenery. And as it is located just 22 kilometres south of the equator, it also boasts a spring like climate for much of the year.

Quito was an Inca city until in 1533 its ruler, Inca General Rumiñahui destroyed the entire city so the attacking Spanish wouldn’t succeed in conquering. His efforts were in vain as one year later the Spanish rebuilt the city from its ruins. This is the city which stands today and there is no trace of Quito’s former Inca self.

Today Quito is divided in two – the Old Town and the New Town. The difference between both parts is quite severe, particularly in regards to the city’s architecture. Since 1987 it has been a World Heritage Listed Site under UNESCO, mainly due to the city’s Old Town in the centre of the city and any new constructing in the old town is closely monitored.