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Quito, Ecuador
Quito's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest and best-preserved colonial quarters in the Americas. The city sits at 2,850 meters in a narrow valley flanked by volcanic peaks, giving it a dramatic setting unlike any other capital. The Plaza Grande is the heart of the city, overlooked by the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the Archbishop's Palace with its arcaded restaurants. The Church of La Compania de Jesus is considered the most ornate in the Americas, with seven tons of gold leaf covering its interior. The Basilica del Voto Nacional, a neo-Gothic church still technically unfinished, offers terrifying but exhilarating walks across its towers. The lively La Ronda street, a narrow colonial lane, has been restored with artisan shops, cafes, and live music venues. The TeleferiQo cable car ascends to over 4,000 meters on the flanks of Pichincha volcano for views of the city and surrounding peaks.
explore by interest
Quito's 2,850-meter altitude combined with steep hills can leave you breathless — take it very slowly on your first day, drink plenty of water, and avoid climbing the Basilica towers until you have acclimatized.
June through September is the driest season with the clearest skies for volcano views, though Quito's temperatures are spring-like year-round.