Visit Quito, Ecuador (UNESCO site)

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Ecuador is the Spanish word for equator. The main square in the city of Quito, Ecuador lies just 25 km south of the equator and a monument and museum known asla Mitad del Mundo(the middle of the world) marks the approximate location of Earth’s line of demarcation. Quito serves as the capital of the country of Ecuador, is located at the 2nd highest elevation of any capital city in the world at 2,800 metres and has historic buildings that are considered to be among the best preserved for their age on the planet. The city enjoys a picturesque natural setting between Volcan Pichincha and the Machangara River Canyon in the Ecuadorian Andes mountains. The architecture of the city is a pleasing mix of colonial and modern while the city serves as the cultural capital of Ecuador in addition to performing its civic duties. Quito’s historic “old town” (Centro Historico) is built over the remains of an ancient Inca capital city that was burned rather than surrendered to the Spanish Conquistadores. Visitors can walk along cobblestone streets past a multitude of street vendors while looking for the perfect restaurant or a place to relax and have a drink. La Plaza de la Independencia and its towering Cathedral, which contains the remains of the independence leader, Antonio Jose de Sucre, command tourists to visit. The city is dripping with tradition and culture. It seems that on nearly every corner there is a museum or a historic colonial building. Noteworthy stops in Quito include Plaza de San Francisco and Panecillo for its famous statue of the Virgin of Quito or perhaps just its breathtaking view. Quito boasts an impressive lineup of live dance, theatre and musical performances. Jacchigua Ballet performs weekly at Teatra Demetro Aguilera Malta; Dance performances by Humanizarte Danza Andina are held regularly; La Casa de Cultura is a museum that also hosts live performances. Visitors to Quito quite often are headed to surrounding areas for archeological tours, paragliding, bird watching, horse back riding, rafting, climbing and hiking due to its location in the Andes. Your dream trip to an historic city in South America, at the middle of the world, is awaiting addition to your list. Start planning the excursions and adventures you would like to include during your trip to Quito, Ecuador.

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