Quito, a city surrounded by mountains and valleys, is one of the most beautiful cities in South America. The city has the best-preserved, least altered historic downtown in Latin America, with more than 80 churches and colonial buildings which are reminiscent of Spanish colonial times. This colonial history, its traditions and tales, made the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) name this city as Cultural Heritage of the Humanity.

Latitute: 0º 13' 12" S
Longitude: 78º 30' 43" W
Elevation: 2800 m (9200 ft)
Population:1,842,200 (2001)