Tourist attractions of Quito
Quito, the Metropolitan District and capital of the Republic of Ecuador, finds itself between a contemporary and a colonial city that is constantly being built each day.
The modern structure mixes with the crossbreeding and colonial heritage where both national residents and foreign visitors always find a place to work, enjoy and remember.
Located in the Andes mountain range 2.800 meters above sea level, Quito occupies a plateau of 12.000 square kilometers. Its environmental temperature oscillates between 50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 25 centigrade degrees).
The climatic contrasts that are presented during the course of a day, allows one to enjoy the four seasons of the year around the clock - as if having eternal spring. Also, the city is surrounded by the Cotopaxi volcano and Pichincha, Antizana, Cayambe volcanoes that make up the majestic Andean contour.
Quito, full of meanings that identify and define it, occupies hillsides and valleys. It winds through narrow streets and opens up in wide avenues. It zigzags around hills and gulches. Because of this physical beauty, its traditions, mystic corners and valuable legends, it is considered ¨Reliquary of the American Art¨. Because of these main characteristics, in November of 1978, Quito was declared by UNESCO as the ¨Cultural Heritage of Humanity¨.
Erected in the ruins of an ancient aborigine center of the Shyris Indians and founded by the Spaniards on December 6th of 1534, Quito is divided into three areas defined by their intricate geography and each area is characterized by their architectural contrasts and cultural particularities. In the north we find modern Quito, where big urban and commercial structures are erected: the Old center of Quito gathers the colonial and artistic legacy and it offers a captivating atmosphere when religious processions and cultural events are being held. In the south sector you can locate a nucleus of juvenile expression that impels new culture forms and social interaction. Also, Quito is crossed from north to south by one imaginary urbanization which is characterized by a new spine: the ¨trolley¨ (Integrated System of Trolebus Transport) that has modified and activated the whole communication system found in the district.
The city, in the last few years, has been subject to a great urbanization change that extends towards the north, south, the Valleys of Tumbaco (northeast) and Los Chillos (southeast). This has allowed a remarkable economic and population growth that has generated advances in the industry, economy, trade and hotel industry. It has also configured new actors and new social demands. This demanded from the local government a geographical and administrative reorganization, and that of government conduction of the city.
In Quito today nearly two million inhabitants inside 65 central and suburban metropolitan parishes coexist together. They have chosen it as their residence, making ¨The Face of God¨ a city where the social diversity is appreciated and conforms the country.