Quito

Quito in 1615 by Guamán Poma

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Virgen Guápulo

Plano de la Ciudad de Quito hacia 1805. Atribuído a Juan Pío Montúfar.

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Francisco Javier Cortés (atribuido) - Entrada en la ciudad de Quito de las tropas espanolas remitidas por el Virrey del Perú en 1809 - Museo de América 2010-04-01 (cropped)1

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Quito, Ecuador Astronaut Image

Vista de Quito desde El Panecillo, Ecuador, 2015-07-22, DD 39

Quito is the capital city of Ecuador, located in the northern part of the country in the Andes mountains. Known officially as San Francisco de Quito, it is the second most populous city in Ecuador, after Guayaquil. Established during the 16th century on the ruins of an ancient Inca city, Quito has a rich history that blends pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial influences. It stands at an elevation of 2,850 meters (9,350 ft), making it the second-highest official capital city in the world, after La Paz, Bolivia.

History

Quito's history dates back to the first millennium when the Quitu tribe occupied the area. The region eventually became part of the Inca Empire in the 15th century. In 1534, Spanish conquistadors, led by Sebastián de Benalcázar, founded the city of San Francisco de Quito, marking the beginning of Spanish colonial rule. Quito became a principal seat of Spanish colonial government in the region and played a significant role in the struggle for independence from Spain in the early 19th century. It was declared the capital of the newly formed Republic of Ecuador in 1830.

Geography

Quito is located on the eastern slopes of the Pichincha volcano in the Andes mountains. The city is divided into three main parts: the Old Town in the center, with colonial architecture and narrow cobblestone streets; the modern, northern part of the city, with high-rise buildings, shopping centers, and business districts; and the southern part, which is primarily industrial and residential. The city's proximity to the equator (about 25 km or 16 mi) gives it a constant cool climate, with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius (50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit).

Culture

Quito is renowned for its well-preserved historic center, which was one of the first World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO in 1978. The city's cultural heritage is evident in its many museums, churches, and colonial buildings, such as the Church and Convent of St. Francis, the Quito Cathedral, and the Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía de Jesús), which are prime examples of the Baroque school of Quito, blending indigenous and European art forms.

Economy

The economy of Quito is diverse, with strong sectors in services, manufacturing, and tourism. The city is a commercial and financial center for Ecuador and hosts the headquarters of many national and international companies. Tourism is a significant part of Quito's economy, thanks to its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions, including the nearby Cotopaxi National Park.

Education

Quito is an educational hub, home to several of Ecuador's most prestigious universities, including the Universidad San Francisco de Quito and the National Polytechnic School. These institutions attract students from across the country and the region, contributing to the city's vibrant intellectual and cultural life.

Transportation

Quito's transportation infrastructure includes the Mariscal Sucre International Airport, which serves as a major gateway to Ecuador. The city also has an extensive bus system and is working on expanding its public transportation network with the construction of the Quito Metro, its first subway line.

Conclusion

Quito stands as a city of contrasts, where centuries-old plazas and churches coexist with modern office buildings and bustling markets. Its rich cultural tapestry, combined with its stunning Andean setting, makes Quito a unique and fascinating destination for visitors and a vital heart of Ecuadorian life.