ecuador quito

Ecuador's capital lies in a magnificent setting between Pichincha Volcano and the gorge of Machangara. Located in a valley amongst the mountains of the Andes, Quito sits 2800m above sea level, making it the second highest capital city in the world.

The cultural hub of the city is the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which reveals Ecuador's rich history in its cobbled streets, charming plazas and numerous mansions, churches and monasteries that display striking colonial architecture. There are a number of museums and galleries to visit that hold ancient artefacts and examples of traditional Ecuadorian crafts. Take a trip up to the statue of the winged Virgin on Panecillo hill, where the ancient Inca tribes once gathered to worship the sun, which now affords panoramic views across Quito.

Just an hour's drive north of the city, there is the rare opportunity to be in two places at once, standing on the line of the Equator.