Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is situated in a long valley surrounded by the
peaks of the Andes, about 2850 metres above sea level. The impressive natural
beauty of the surroundings is complemented by the amazing history of the city.
Originally inhabited by Quitus and Shyris, the city was later conquered by the
Incas. Rather than surrender to the invading Spanish in the XVI century, the
Incas razed the city to the ground and took refuge in the surrounding mountains.
Quito’s Old Centre was constructed by the Spanish on the site of the
ancient Inca city, and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Strolling
through the winding streets lined with colonial architecture, it is easy to
be transported back in time to when these plazas were the sites of some of the
most famous battles in Ecuador’s history. The city today is divided into
a number of different areas, known as sectores, including the Old Centre, Guapulo,
La Foresta, and the charming tourist area of the Mariscal.
|
Join the travel guide ...
If you know this locality, you can cooperate with us in supporting whoever wishes to visit it. Through some simple tools you can express your feelings, publish tips, guides and reviews about this locality and its attractions. |
| Cuenca |
Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador and is located in the Sierra, the highlands of Ecuador, at about 8200 ft above sea level. Its full ... |
| Guayaquil |
Santiago de Guayaquil, or merely Guayaquil, is the largest and the most populous city in Ecuador; it is also the nation’s main port. It is the capital of ... |
