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Striking colonial architecture meets modern influence in this equatorial city.
Quito is not only the highest official capital city in the world at 2,850m altitude, but also the capital closest to the equator. It comes as no surprise that the city is surrounded by verdant mountains, dramatic valleys, and snow-capped volcanoes.
This extensive city holds one of the best-preserved historic centres in all of South America. The stunning architecture and colonial buildings remain virtually unchanged from their original state. For this reason, the area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978 – one of the first to be declared.
Visitors will enjoy strolling through the ancient paved streets, marvelling at the impressive basilica, or visiting the many museums to learn more about Ecuador’s history. Some of the churches feature jaw-dropping artwork and are worthy of a visit, regardless of your religion.
A short distance away, you can have your photo taken at the ‘Middle of the World,’ where the equator runs through the outskirts of Quito. Other activities include culinary tours and cooking classes, sampling delicacies from the local markets, and joining popular walking tours of this fascinating capital.
With a selection of exclusive hotels, Quito is an excellent place to begin a luxury holiday to Ecuador.

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