Quito, Ecuador’s capital, sits high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 2,850m (9,326ft). The population of it is second to Guayaquil. Constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, it’s known for its well-preserved colonial center, rich with 16th- and 17th-century churches and other structures blending European, Moorish and indigenous styles. The historic center of Quito has one of the largest, least-altered and best-preserved historic centers in the Americas. Quito and Kraków, Poland, were among the first World Cultural Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO, in 1978. The central square of Quito is located about 25km (16 mi) south of the equator; the city itself extends to within about 1km (0.62 mi) of zero latitude. A monument and museum marking the general location of the equator is known locally as “la mitad del mundo”. Quito Slideshow I actually visited Quito twice on my trip to the Galapagos. I flew from Mexico City on a red-eye into Quito’s International Airport and decided to rest in a small village near the airport, Cheka (technically not the city of Quito), near the airport before heading to GPS then next day. And, after my visit to GPS, returned to Quito for 3 nights to get a closer look at the capital city. Historical Center of Quito
The Equator
   Two interesting menus with Guinea Pig on the left and Canadian breakfast on the right (they equate Canada with Maple Syrup)
[rev_slider QuitoUpright] Some of my observations: 1) prices are really cheap in Ecuador — a lunch cost $2.75 that would cost $8 elsewhere 2) they use the US dollar for their currency but the coins are not the same as the ones used in USA (but they say “United States of America” on them) 3) Quito’s geography includes an active volcano 4) Ecuador’s cities are all connected by freeways 5) the slopes around Quito are covered with greenhouses — cut flowers are one of the country’s biggest exports (plus crude oil)