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Quito: a hidden gem on the Equator

Experience the thrill of the equators cosmic energy

Quito is one of the most diverse capitals in the world, layered in different textures and cultures and surrounded by unparalleled natural wonders.

By day, visitors can explore the steep and narrow cobbled streets of the citys colonial centre the Centro Histrico a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the wonderfully preserved architecture of its many colonial churches, grand houses and civic buildings. Take a look inside and youll see priceless treasures everything from masterpieces by the famous Quito School to indigenous carvings and sculptures. After dark the focus switches to the new city, where the bars, restaurant and streets wake up to the sounds of people out to have a good time. Here, too, visitors can sample the local cuisine, as well as looking for arts and crafts in the shops and markets. The more adventurous meanwhile can explore the surrounding rivers and mountainous cloud forests, home to butterflies and hummingbirds.

Set at the foot of the volcano Pichincha (4794 metres), only 22 kilometers south of the equator, youd expect Quito to have a tropical climate, but it doesnt. Its altitude (2850 metres above sea level) means that its two million inhabitants enjoy a temperate climate that ranges from 9 to 20 Celsius.

Only an hours drive from the city centre is the equatorial line, where you can feel the magic of being astride two hemispheres at once. A 30-metre-tall obelisk topped by a stone globe marks Latitude 0 and inside, you will find fascinating exhibits that display archaeological artifacts from Ecuadors ancient cultures.

One of the citys many ornate colonial church interiors.

Quito can truly claim to be a city at the centre of the world.

American Capital of Culture

Come and discover Quitos treasures

Quito is a truly exciting destination, as increasing numbers of new visitors will testify. This year the city was declared American Capital of Culture due to the countless colonial treasures that are found within her historic centre: the largest and best preserved in Latin America, with 130 monuments and 5000 landmark buildings, all crammed into 320 hecatres of spectacular cultural wealth.

This cultural diversity also extends to the citys inhabitants who receive visitors with open arms and a friendly smile. Youll discover ancient traditions and religious expression during Holy Week,; fun and relaxation during the summer months, or the uncontrolled excitement of Fiestas de Quito, when the city celebrates its foundation. There are also film festivals, theatre, dance, musical performances and art exhibits.

Exciting, traditional and fun

To admire Quito from above is a heavenly experience. Many of the citys famous viewpoints, such as Panecillo, San Juan or Itchimba, were ritual places for pre-Columbian cultures, while Cruz Loma, Lloa, the Metropolitan Park and Ungui are all equally impressive sites from which to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the citys colonial heart and even further afield to the imposing mountains and snow-capped peaks along the Avenue of the Volcanoes.

Quitos neighbourhoods are laced with history and tradition, home to magical legends and an inspiring cast of characters, where time seems to have stood still as traditional sports, crafts and ancient practices are kept alive and vibrant. Here you can admire the historic centre from the San Juan hillside, sample excellent international and local cuisine in La Floresta, walk the train tracks in the valleys of Cumbay, visit former factories that have been converted into stylish museums, ride the famous train that cuts through the Andes, or enjoy the artistic creativity of Oswaldo Guayasamn.

La Mariscal is where the city really comes alive at night. This is Quitos entertainment district, where dancing, partying and live music goes on into the wee, small hours in a huge variety of venues, from restaurants, bars and clubs to hotels, hostels, art galleries and cultural centres. Also known as la zona, Mariscal offers a fusion of sounds and styles, from salsa, samba and soca to house, techno, pop, rock and traditional Ecuadorian rhythms.

The citys nightlife spills out onto the lively streets of La Mariscal district.

Biodiversity and adventure in the outskirst of Quito

Immerse yourself in nature and adventure

Within the city limits, only a few hours from downtown Quito, you can enjoy exciting excursions such as horse riding at the foot of towering volcanoes, mountain biking, trekking through cloud forests, ziplining, rock climbing and rafting down some of the best white-water rivers in the world. Be amazed at the diversity of ecosystems youll find: from the perpetual snow of the highest Andean peaks to cloud forests, highland lakes, thermal baths and abundant flora and fauna. Or you can travel to colourful and vibrant markets in remote Andean villages along the legendary Avenue of the Volcanoes.

A meeting place at the top of the world

Satisfy all your business needs in Americas colonial capital

Can you imagine giving a conference speech in a 17th-century convent with all the facilities and state-of-the-art technology? Quito offers a variety of heritage sites including colonial haciendas, convents and monasteries to host conventions, congresses and corporate meetings large and small. Spaces such as the Eugenio Espejo Convention Center, Itchimba Cultural Center, Sucre National Theatre, Museo de la Ciudad (Metropolitan Museum), The Center for Contemporary Art and the Metropolitan Cultural Center are all equipped with all the latest technology required to meet the demands of our 21st-century political and business leaders.

Panoramic view of the city and its stunning backdrop.

These venues are all different, each with dedicated areas for simultaneous meetings and events, advanced technological support, access to extensive communication facilities, transport, security and parking.

Quito and its surroundings add a special flavour to any event. You will be assisted by experienced tourism and hotel management specialists delivering the highest level of professionalism for your business meetings, conventions, conferences and social events. For more information, call (+5932) 2901-333, ext. 107.