Quito is a tale of two very distinct cities each offering individual tradition, culture, and entertainment.
Quito's historic center is the largest, most-intact and best-restored Old Town in the Americas. Wherever you go in Quito, you can't afford to miss it!
This part of the city is host to 40 churches and chapels, 16 convents and monasteries with their respective cloisters, 17 plazas, 12 chapter rooms and refectories, 12 museums and countless courtyards; this is where you come to feel and learn the history of Ecuador's capital city.
In November 1978 UNESCO declared Quito the first World Heritage Site.
Quito's authorities celebrated the twentieth anniversary of its World Heritage nomination by transforming the Old Town, reclaiming its elegant public spaces, its grandeur and its legacy. New museums have been inaugurated, cultural centers opened up, mansions restored, restaurants, hotels and cafés launched, safety improved, traffic regulated. The capital's heart beats with renewed vigor, cultural life and pride, as citizens and visitors alike enjoy its unique attractions.
The modern districts of Quito are dynamic and cosmopolitan, with loads of attractions, museums, restaurants, parks, shops and markets to keep the visitor entertained. New Quito lies to the north of the Old Town and promises an array of international cuisine, hotels and hostels, craft markets, malls, museums, parks, spectacular shows and some of the best nightlife in Latin America. This is where tourists of all walks of life come to gather, pass their nights, meet other travelers and unwind.
Set within in an Andean valley and at the base of the great Volcano Pichincha, Quito in all it's lit up glory, varied musical sounds and colorful culture, is a city of vibrant possibilities not to be missed.
Student COMMENTS
Estimado Eugenio,
Finalmente volví a Inglaterra. Le agradezco por haber organizado mis viajes y mis estudios con mucha paciencia. Las 6 semanas en Ecuador
fueron unas de las más interesantes de mi vida.
I can whole heartedly recommend your language school Instituto Superior de Español. The concept of learning Spanish while travelling
is superb and your organizational talent in working out individual itineraries is admirable! For some spoilt visitors from rich countries
it might be hard to fit in with an Ecuadorian family, but it gives a unique opportunity to learn more about the country than the superficial impressions usually granted to tourists.
Many thanks to you, your team and the host families for the courtesy, patience and good humor which made my trip so enjoyable!
I can also recommend the very friendly and comfortable jungle lodge and rafting or kayaking excursions who's safety standards were better
than some European organizations I have encountered.
Monika Lloyd-Burton
Poole England
monikarcadia[at]ntlworld.com
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