Quito was the first city to be named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It boasts the largest, most intact and best-restored historical centre in the Americas, nestled in the clouds beneath the shadow of the Pichincha Volcano. Its Old Town is a treasure-trove of artistic, religious and architectural gems, while its modern neighbourhoods are dynamic, diverse and fun. Here, you will find people and influences from across Ecuador, representing no less than 17 ethnically-distinct indigenous groups.

The buzz in Quito in 2008 is all about 'going colonial'. A handful of small, boutique hotels have sprung up in the historic centre over the last three years, giving travellers a wonderful opportunity to stay in the heart of Quito's enigmatic and beautiful colonial centre. Find out more about them here.

Exploring beyond the city, discover the world of the Highlands where people’s dress and accents differ from one valley to the next and where locals gather for their weekly markets. The most famous of these is in Otavalo, a two-hour drive from the capital, justly recognised as the largest handicrafts market in Latin America.

Getting to the Historic Centre

Quito’s historic centre lies at the heart of the city, in the shadow of the Pichincha Volcano. There are a handful of great hotels in the Old Town, which means you can step out straight onto the streets.

Many visitors also choose to stay in the northern, more modern quarters of the capital. From there, it’s a short taxi ride of about 15 minutes. The best place to start your tour is the Plaza Grande (also known as Plaza de la Independencia)

To know more about Plaza Grande click here

By public transport, you have two easy options:

1. The Trolebus, which runs the length of Avenida 10 de Agosto. Get off at the “Plaza Grande” stop.
2. The Ecovía, which runs the length of the Avenida 6 de Diciembre. Get off at the large terminus called “La Marín” from where you walk three blocks west up Calle Mejía and then one south on Calle Venezuela.

The Quito Visitors’ Bureau tourist information booths have handy maps of the city. The booths can be found in the International Arrivals hall of the airport, at the Plaza Gabriela Mistral and the Museo Mindalae in the Mariscal quarter, and in the Old Town at the corner of Mejía and García Moreno.