It is literally the center of the world.
With a latitude of 0-0’-0’’, Quito, Ecuador – situated in an Andean valley at the very foot of a Volcano – is like something out of a fairy tale. The old city boasts architecture that has remained unchanged since the end of the colonial period, while the new city is teeming with modern office buildings and bustling crowds. Quito is quite simply one of the most thrilling, enriching and culturally educational places that you can visit with your family, offering a wealth of experiences and travel opportunities.
History and architecture aficionados will appreciate the Metropolitan Cathedral, located in the heart of Independence Plaza. The churches of Quito feature spectacular interiors, especially the altars and pulpits, gilded in gold and house innumerable works of religious art. Quito’s Historical Center features steep, narrow, cobblestone streets, Spanish-style architecture, homes with colorful balconies, tiled roofs, and interior patios. It is also home to the Carondelet Palace, the seat of the Central Government.
La Mitad del Mundo (the Middle of the World Monument) is a must for anyone visiting Quito. Located just 20 minutes outside the capital, this tourist complex was constructed to mark the equator’s passage through the country. North of Quito lay the ruins of Cochasquí, an archaeological site with burial pyramid and mounds which belonged to Quito’s first inhabitants. …