A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito is the capital of Ecuador and has retained much of its colonial past. The city was founded in 1534 and has a wonderful setting at the base of the Pichincha Volcano. Steep cobbled stone streets, ornate churches, and fine plazas are all to be found in the old district of town.

The modern new town is the business district and this tends to be where you find the best shopping and restaurants. Lying just south of the equator, it is possible to visit the Mitad del Mundo through which the imaginary line passes.