Quito Tours: City Tours, Hotel Reservations, Airport Transfer

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains but only 15 miles from the Equator, Quito enjoys spring-like climate almost all year around. Nestled at the foot of the 15,710-foot Pichincha Volcano, Quito sits at approximately 9,200 feet (2.800m) above sea level. Once a major center of the Inca Empire, Quito is now one of the two largest cities in Ecuador, with a steadily increasing population of approximately 2 million people (depending on where you say the city stops). Within Quito, you can find both th

e old and the new, clearly seen by the stark contrast between the historical center and the northern and southern sections (The historical center was the first sight to be designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978).

Outside of Quito are a series of valleys, which have become very populated in the last few years due to Quito’s exponential growth. Thirty minutes north of Quito, you will find the Equator line, and further north the Otavalo Market. A couple hours west of Quito, you will find the small village of Mindo nestled in the cloud forest and full of flora, fauna, and adventures.