Quito or San Francisco de Quito is the capital city of the Republic of Ecuador. The city of Quito is located in the north central side of the country in the province of Pichincha in the canton of Quito. It is situated in the northwestern side of South America. The city is on the river basin of Guayllabamba, with the Andes Mountains serving as the backdrop. The city also serves as the seat of the Metropolitan District of Quito and the capital of the province of Pichincha.
The city of Quito functions as the administrative, cultural, educational, economic and political center of the country. Since 2008, it serves as the headquarters for the Union of South American Nations, an important international organization comprising the twelve member countries that is patterned after the European Union.
The city’s name comes from Quitu, the tribe that used to occupy the land during pre-Hispanic times. Back then, it was called Reino de Quito, although it was later changed to Kingdom of Quito when the Caras tribe took over.
Quito is one of the most populated cities in the country of Ecuador, preceded only by the city of Guayaquil. Almost 2.7 million residents live in the capital city of Ecuador, within an area of 324 square kilometers or 125 square miles. The city’s population density is at 8,300 individuals per square kilometer or a staggering 22,000 residents per square mile. The metropolitan area of Quito is 4,204 square kilometers, which is equivalent to 1,623 square miles. The metropolitan population of the city is placed at over 3.3 million residents as of 2011, translating into a metro density of 800 residents per square kilometer or 2,100 people per square mile. A person living in Quito is referred to as a Quiteño or Quiteña.
Spanish is the official language spoken in Quito. English is a subject that is taught in school as a second language, giving the residents some level of proficiency in the language. At the same time, most of the city residents still use a variety of Amerindian languages in the city, such as Quichua, Secoya, Waorani, Siona and Shuar. Businesses based in Quito that would like to reach international markets or foreign-owned business that wish to set up shop in Quito would do well to utilize the services of a professional language translation service provider to facilitate any language barrier problems.
The city of Quito rises 2,850 meters or 9,350 feet above sea level. It is one of the highest administrative capital cities in the world, preceded only by the city of La Paz in Bolivia. At the same time, it is also the highest legal capital city. The Pichincha volcano is the closest volcano to the city, although there are eight volcanoes surrounding Quito.
The city of Quito is only 25 kilometers from the geographic center of the world. The equator is only 16 miles south of the city. Quito’s geographic coordinates are 00° 15’ 00” south and 78° 35’ 00” west. Quito also extends along the zero latitude for just a kilometer. The general location of the equator is marked with a monument and a museum. Quiteños refer to the site as La Mitad del Mundo to distinguish it from Ecuador, a word that literally translates to equator.
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The city stands on what were the ruins of an ancient Inca city. The historic city center is regarded by UNESCO as the best-preserved and least-altered historic center to be found anywhere in Latin America. In 1978, UNESCO declared it as a World Cultural Heritage Site, one of the first two cities to be given this distinction.
The city’s unique geography affects the climate of the city. Quito’s weather is described as subtropical highland climate, with an annual average temperature of only 15 °C or a cool 64 °F. The residents enjoy a spring-like climate year round. Although it is close to the equator, given the high elevation of the city, the average daytime temperatures are only at a very comfortable 25 °C or 77 °F. When the sun sets, the temperatures drop down to 6 °C or 43 °F.
There are two distinct seasons in the city, a dry season, which starts in June and lasts till September, and a wet season, which starts in October and last till May. The wettest month is April, averaging over 149 millimeters or 5.878 inches of rain for the month, while July is the driest month, receiving only 26 millimeters of rain or just over an inch of rainfall. On average, the annual precipitation is over 1,000 millimeters or 40 inches. As a whole, the daytime hours are filled with sunshine, while the evenings are much cooler. Also, the daytime and nighttime hours are evenly divided, since the sun almost always sets right at 6 p.m. and rises the next day at 6 a.m.
Given the ideal climate of the city, many residents and travelers often dress in layers to be able to easily adapt to the cooler climate during the evening hours. As a society, the people in Quito often dress well and conservatively. For men, trousers or slacks and a button down shirt are common, while long dresses and slacks are worn by women.
There are a number of ways to access Quito. The Mariscal Sucre International Airport is Quito’s main airport. However, the New Quito International Airport will replace the old airport starting the last quarter of 2012. It will have the capacity of handling over 12 million passengers and serve as the hub for Avianca Ecuador, LAN Ecuador and TAME Airlines. The new airport will also have one of the longest runways in Latin America, stretching 4,100 meters long and 45 meters wide. By rail, the Estacion de Chimbacalle is the main train station of the city. Once in the city, tourists have the option of using the blue Metrobus, the red Ecovia or El Trole, hiring a taxi or renting a vehicle. Construction is underway for the city’s first subway system, which is expected to open in 2016.
The city of Quito serves as the home of the country’s president and therefore makes it the republic’s political center. Likewise, Quito is also a major financial center of the country.
Travelers to Quito might find that the higher altitude of the city affects their blood pressure, digestion and energy level. It takes a few days to adjust to the change in altitude so acclimatize yourself before engaging in strenuous activities, especially if you plan to go hiking or mountain climbing. Moreover, be sure to update your vaccinations before traveling to Quito, especially since there are still incidents of typhoid fever, tuberculosis, malaria and amebic dysentery in the city. Bring along any prescription medication you need, and be sure to have adequate travel insurance for any medical needs you might have during the trip.
Crime is a growing concern in the city. Travelers to Quito should leave their travel documents and other valuables locked in the hotel safe but carry a photocopy of the passport at all times. Passport theft is a major concern for travelers. Using a money belt should help prevent pick pocketing, as well as bringing only the right amount of cash for the day. When using the ATM, do not withdraw large amounts at a given time and only use ATMs that are in safe and well-lit areas, and ensure that no one sees you entering your PIN code. As in any major city, petty crimes are common, often targeting tourists so keeping a low profile by not wearing expensive jewelry or designer clothing, being aware of your surroundings and keeping all your personal belongings close to your person at all times are all good safety precautions to observe.
A growing threat is “secuestro express taxi assaults,” wherein cab drivers or armed accomplices of the driver intercept vehicles to rob passengers of their belongings. Tourists are better off by having the hotel concierge call for a cab but it is a good idea to take note of the license plate number of the vehicle. When driving around the city, keep your windows rolled up and the doors locked, and keep valuable items away from prying eyes. It is also best to travel in groups, not to stay out late at night, and to avoid accepting drinks from strangers. If these precautions are taken, visitors to the city could have a safe and enjoyable time.
Quito juxtaposes the old and the new. The Old Quito is just a twenty minute-walk away from the bustling and cosmopolitan New Quito located on the northern side. This charming South American city offers many interesting attractions and a rich and vibrant culture that are sure to capture the interest of many travelers.
History of Quito
The Quito we know today used to be the location of the settlement of the Quito tribe during the first millennium. For over four hundred years, the Kingdom of Quito was ruled by the Caras tribe. By the 15th century, the Kingdom of Quito became part of the Incan Empire.
In the 16th century, the Spanish conquistadors conquered the area, although it was met with much resistance. The city’s origin had several starts. Diego de Almagro established Santiago de Quito in 1534 in what is today Colta. However, this was later renamed San Francisco de Quito a week later.
A few months after that, the city was moved to where it is now located. The city’s official establishment is credited to Sebastián de Benalcázar on December 6, 1534, wherein he led 204 settlers into the area to start a Spanish colony. The town was declared a city in 1556 and was called the “Very Noble and Loyal City of San Francisco of Quito.” Seven years later, it was renamed Real Audiencia de Quito when it became the seat of the Spanish administrative district. In 1563, it also became part of the Viceroyalty of Peru.
Under Spanish rule, Catholicism quickly spread and about 20 churches and convents were built while the indigenous people were organized to provide slave labor for the construction of buildings. After about three centuries under Spanish rule, the people fought back for their independence. It was in May 24, 1822 when Quito gained its independence from Spanish forces in the Battle of Pichincha, led by Antonio José de Sucre, with Simon Bolivar as his commander.
After gaining independence from Spain, the city was annexed to the Republic of Gran Colombia, since the State of Ecuador itself became part of that republic. During the 19th century, the city was the stage for more political conflict and social unrest, a trend that continued throughout the 20th century.
By the 21st century, there was close to 2.4 million residents in the city, many of which lived in the southern portion of Quito. Today, the city of Quito is one that is on the rise, paying homage to its distinct past, while keeping a keen eye on a bright future.
Demographics of Quito
As of 2011, the city of Quito is estimated to have 2,697,698 residents and there are over 556,000 households in the city. The majority of the city’s residents, or about 80% are mestizos, owing to the intermarriage of Indians and Spaniards during colonial times. The rest of the population is made up of Blacks or cholos and mulattoes.
In Quito, Roman Catholics comprise over 90% of the population, while the rest belong to other Christian religions. There is also a small Jewish population in the city. Spanish is the primary language spoken in the Quito, while English is learned as a second language in schools. However, most English-speaking locals could only be found in the touristy areas. Native languages are still used in the city, including Quichuam Shuar and Secoya. Because of this, the professional translation service providers will surely come in handy in the city.
By the 21st century, the illiteracy rate in the city ranges from four to over 10% of the population. Although education is free for students between six to 14 years of age, public school standards are quite deficient and only 71% of the city’s residents have access to education.
The unemployment rate is at 9% while the underemployment rate is even higher, at 44%. The poverty level of the city is at 33%, while indigents make up 9% of the population. In 2001, the average monthly income of a Quito resident is only $387.
The standard of living in Quito is quite high for its resident, although tourists would find items very affordable. In terms of quality of life, 66% of the residents have housing while 68% have access to health services. About 87% have access to regular garbage removal, and 79% have proper sewage. About 97% of families in the city do have access to electric energy.
Economy of Quito
The city of Quito plays an important role in the overall economy of the country of Ecuador. It is the city with the second biggest contribution to the country’s GDP, following Guayaquil. In 2006, the city generated $4.1 billion or over 18% of the country’s total GDP. The per capita income of Quito is also the second highest in the country, preceded only by the city of Cuenca. At the same time, the city also has the highest tax level collection in the country, far exceeding the national average of 57%. In 2005, the annual inflation rate was at 4%.
Quito is considered as the most important economic region in Ecuador. Tourism is a growing important industry in the city, especially the Historical Colonial area, which has undergone much restoration and attracts many travelers. The City of Quito is also one of two major industrial cities in Ecuador. Textiles, pharmaceutical products, handcrafted objects and light consumer goods are just some of the important items produced in the city.
Since 2005, the currency used in the city is the U.S. dollar. There are Ecuadorian coins used in the city that have the same equivalent value as the U.S. dollars. However, these coins can only be used while in the country.
Quito Attractions
The city of Quito is divided into three areas. At the center is the Old City, while most tourist facilities are found on the northern district. The Avenida Amazonas features the city’s modern hotels, banks, museums and many souvenir shops. The third area is the southern district, where most of the residents live and is not as developed for tourists as the other two districts.
The Historic Center of Quito is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the city. In 1978, along with the city of Kraków in Poland, Quito was the first city to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site. The “Reliquary of the Americas” is the largest of its kind in the Americas and boasts of at least 40 churches, 16 monasteries and convents, as well as 17 town squares, 130 monumental buildings and about 5,000 structures listed as heritage properties. There are cobblestone streets in the area, such as Calle de la Ronda, which add to the area’s distinct charm. The Plaza is a good starting point to start a walking tour to see the Plaza Grande or the Plaza de la Independencia. This is where the Palacio de Carondelet or the seat of the country’s president can be found. The Presidential Palace is a working palace, so tours are limited. One of the main features in the building is a mosaic showing Francisco de Orellana arriving at the Amazon and is a working palace, so tours may be limited. He was a Spanish conqueror who was the first European to explore the Amazon River. He was also the founder of the city of Guayaquil.
There are many churches in the Historical Center of the City as well as in various areas of the city. The construction of the Monastery of San Francisco started in 1534 but it was only in the early part of the 17th century that the monastery was fully completed. The church is also known as El San Francisco and is the oldest church in the country. The Basílica del Voto Nacional or the Basilica de San Juan was once the largest basilica in the Americas featuring neo-Gothic architecture. The church, which is the prime example of Neogothic Ecuadorian architecture, is decorated with statues of native Ecuadorian animals such as iguanas, armadillos and Galapagos tortoises instead of traditional gargoyles. It is considered unfinished because local legends claim that its completion will mark the end of the world. Climbing the tower allows you to get a good view of the city sprawled below as well as the city’s surrounding mountains.
There are also many museums here. The Museo de Arte Colonial is housed in a 17th century mansion showcasing some examples of artwork and sculptures produced by the School of Quito. There is also an exhibit of colonial furniture pieces inside the museum.
Museo de la Ciudad is located across the Carmen Alto monastery. One of the museum’s highlights is a reenactment of the history of the country, featuring the daily life of the citizens such as a typical home scene in the 16th century and a Spanish battle scene.
Those who want to learn about the different ethnicities or diversity in the country should visit the Museo Mindalae while in the Mariscal District. The country’s cultural diversity is showcased, featuring various arts and crafts, weapons, tools, clothing, musical instruments and basket weavings. The displays span five floors to explain the various aspects of the way of life of the people of Ecuador, from those in the coastal communities, to those living in the Andes and in the Amazon.
The Church of Santo Domingo is a church that dates back to the 16th century and features Mudejar or Moorish style on the exterior walls. Inside, the carvings and painting of Fray Pedro Bedón, considered the father of the Quito school of painting, could be seen. Beside it is the Chapel of the Rosary, which features an elaborate rococo altarpiece, golden statues standing in front of deep red backgrounds and intricately decorated columns, a startling contrast to the simplicity of the Church of Santo Domingo.
The most important church in the city is the Metropolitan Cathedral as it is the seat of the Archdiocese of Quito and dates back to the 16th century. A historical event that happened inside the church is the taking of the life of the Bishop of Quito in 1877, when he was poisoned during the mass. This is also where Antonio José de Sucre is buried, as well as various presidents and bishops of the country.
One of the most spectacular churches in the city is the Church of El Sagrario, which boasts of an Italian Renaissance style. The 17th century church features frescos made by Francisco Alban, with an altarpiece that is heavily gilded. Another church that is thought to be one of the most beautiful in the Americas is the Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesús. It was completed in the 18th century and served as the headquarters of the Jesuit Priests in Quito and features fine baroque architecture of South America. Its best feature is its central nave, which has been heavily gold-leafed, with the several wooden statues amid gilded columns.
The Botanical Gardens in the Parque La Carolina contains various flora found in the country, with trees and plants that grow in the different parts of the Andes. A cloud forest showcases the ecosystem of plants that thrive in that region. It also has a large orchidarium where exotic, rare and colorful species of orchids are carefully nurtured.
The Mitad del Mundo is the large monument that marks the “middle of the earth,” although technically, the true equator is not here and is in fact 240 meters away from where the marker is. The exact place of where the equator is had been known to the Indians of long ago, as indicated by the measurements taken by a modern locating tool, the GPS. If only the French, who built the monument, listened to them, then the marker would have been in the right place.
El Panecillo is a hill rising over 3,000 meters above sea level that has a monument dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The winged statue of the Virgin with a crown of stars dates back to the 1970s and is made of aluminum. The monument is 41 meters or 135 feet tall and stands on a pedestal, making it highly visible from many parts of the city.
For a fantastic bird’s eye view of the city, many ride the TelefériQo or TelefériQo Cruz Loma. This aerial tramway opened in 2005 and starts from the city center all the way up to the eastern side of the Pichincha Volcano called Cruz Loma. Visitors ride the gondola that goes up to 4,100 meters or over 13,000 feet to enjoy not only the spectacular view and cooler climate, but also to dine at the many restaurants and coffee shops or go souvenir shopping at the small boutiques at the summit.
VulQano Park is an amusement park at the TeleferiQo visitor center. Instead of a single ticket system, the amusement park charges entry for each of the 24 attractions and two roller coaster rides. The park caters to all age groups so it’s a great place for families to spend the afternoon together.
At the Museo de Banco Central, visitors get to see a wide array of works of art in gold as well as items from pre-Columbian and Colonial periods. You will see some beautiful whistle bottles in different animal shapes, headdresses elaborately done in gold and a diorama depicting Amazon life. This museum is quite large and it could take about 4 hours to fully explore.
A walking tour for those who want to see samples of different architectural designs is a good idea and the best place to see them is at Old Town. You would not only get to see some colorful building and beautiful buildings, you also get to browse the local artisan shops for some souvenirs.
For a bit of shopping in Quito, you should visit the shopping district where malls like Mall el Jardin, Megamaxi, Quicentro, Ventura Mall, El Bosque and Ciudad Comercial el Recreo are located. If you are after beautiful woven items for which Ecuador is known for, go and browse the artisan markets at Otavalo, or visit the nearer stores in Juan Leon Mera and Jorge Washington as they have the same items.
Quito Culture
The city of Quito gained UNESCO cultural patrimony in November 1978, one of the first two countries in the world to gain this distinction. It is the oldest and considered the best-preserved colonial sector in South America. The preserved baroque architecture of the old city that has been combined with the inspiration culled from indigenous art had created a unique building style that led the city to earning the moniker, “Florence of America.”
The Catholic religion plays an important role in the lives of the people. There are 167 parishes under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Quito. The people of the city are also considered quite conservative, and this can be especially seen in their choice of clothing. Short pants are rarely worn. They also put a lot of effort into their appearances, ensuring they are always well dressed when going out in public. Quito is also known for its festive Carnaval celebration in February to mark the start of the Lenten season, as well as Easter Week in April, wherein many processions are held, especially in Old Town. In October, the city also plays host to the Cero Latitud film festival.
The number of churches and cathedrals in the city are a testament to the people’s religious fervor. In the historic center of the city, some of the most important and most beautiful churches of Quito could be found featuring various architectural styles. There is the Basilica del Voto Nacional, which features neo-Gothic architecture; the Metropolitan Cathedral, which serves as the city’s main church; the Baroque style church of La Compañia de Jesús; the church of San Francisco; the Church of El Sagrario, which features Italian Renaissance architecture; and the Church of Santo Domingo, constructed in the Mudejar style.
When the sun sets, La Mariscal Sucre is a top destination for many tourists. Some of the city’s best clubs, restaurants and bars catering to tourists can be found here. It area has been called “Gringolandia” due to the many foreigners that congregate here.
Quito is proud to have the largest urban park in all of South America. The Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua sits on 1,376 acres of land, or 5.57 square kilometers. This park is even larger than New York’s Central Park. Here, the city’s residents usually go walking, biking and running on trails through eucalyptus forests or enjoy picnics with their family. Other parks in the city are the El Ejido, which is the third largest park in the city, as well as the La Alameda and La Carolina. The northern side of El Ejido turns into a handicrafts market featuring the works of local artisans and crafts vendors, especially during the weekends.
Quito is a main center of education in the country. The oldest university in the city and in the country of Ecuador is Universidad Central del Ecuador, which dates back to 1826 and has a student body of more than 10,000 enrollees. The National Technical University is a renowned public university in the capital. The Pontifical Catholic University is considered the city’s premiere university and is noted for many science research programs especially in botany, archeology, anthropology and linguistics. The oldest observatory in South America is also in Quito, the Quito Observatory in Parque La Alameda.
There are a number of museums in the city that chronicle the art, history and various interests in Quito. In one of the oldest buildings in the city is the Casa Del Alabado Museum, while Museo de la Ciudad preserves the city’s history. The Museo Guayasamin features the works of Oswaldo Guayasamin, as well as his vast collection of over 4,500 of pre-Columbian artifacts. The Capilla de Cantuña has an extensive art collection of pieces from the Quito School.
Football is the sport of choice of the people in the city. They are proud of their six football teams, especially El Nacional, Deportivo Quito and LDU Quito, which share 28 national championships between them. LDU Quito plays in the city’s largest stadium, the Estadio Casa Blanca. Another popular sport in Quito is bullfighting, an obvious influence of the Spanish colonial times.
One of the biggest celebrations in the city is Fiestas de Quito, which marks the city’s independence from Spanish rule. The streets of Quito come alive with music, dancing, food and a number of activities every December. One of the highlights of the festival is the Jesús del Gran Poder Bullfighting Fair held at the Plaza de Toros bullring.
Travelers would also be pleased to enjoy the many flavors in Quito. There are many dining options in the city featuring cuisines from all around the world. However, Andean cooking is readily enjoyed in many parts of the city. Maize or corn is a staple and used in humitas or corn dumplings, quimbolitos or a sweet cake-like corn dumpling, tostada or toasted corn, or chocio (grilled corn). Potato is another staple food item that is used in llapingachos, which is a fried potato and cheese pancake and in locro de papas, a delicious sweet potato soup made with avocado and cheese.
Pork is a favored meat, especially delicious as hornado or a whole roasted pig. The pork skin is fried and served as chicharrón, or can be served as chugchucaras, a dish of deep-fried pork, potatoes, fried plantains, pork rinds, popcorn, empanadas and boiled hominy with spicy sauce or aji.
In Quito, a must try drink is canelazo. This is made of hot water, cinnamon, rum, sugar and a hint of lemon and is perfect to enjoy when the temperatures drop.
The nuns at the Monasterio de Carmen Alto are known for making traditional sweets, especially the limones desamargados, which are hollowed out lemons filled with sweetened milk. Other baked goods, homemade beauty products, honey, bee pollen and various tonics are also available for purchase here, as well as the anise-flavored liqueur drink, mistela.
Interesting Facts About Quito
- The city of Quito is known by other names. It is referred to as Luz de America or the Light of America; Carita de Dios, which means “God’s Face;” and Ciudad de los Cielos, which translates to “City of the Heavens.”
- The daylight hours are highly predictable in Quito regardless of the season because of its location on the equator. It is generally expected that the sun rises at 6 in the morning and sets at 6 in the evening every day, with only very slight variations due to the earth’s rotation.
- Augusto Barrera is the city’s current mayor. The city is run by a mayor along with the aid of his 15-member city council. A mayor has a four-year term that is open for re-election. He also acts as the mayor of the Metropolitan District of Quito.
- The country of Ecuador is about the same size as the state of Colorado in the United States. It has 19 volcanoes, eight of which surround the city of Quito. The Cayambe Volcano is known as the only volcano on the planet that is found directly on the equator. It also has year-round snowcaps and glaciers.
- Quito’s unique topography surrounded by volcanoes makes it the only capital city in the world that has a direct threat from an active volcano, the Guagua Pichincha. This active volcano is only 13 miles or 21 kilometers away from the city. The biggest eruption recorded was in 1660; although the last recorded eruption occurred in 1999.
- Every century, severe earthquakes occur in the city, destroying much of the metropolis. Major earthquakes occurred in 1660, 1797, 1868 and 1987. Of these, the strongest and most destructive was the 1797 earthquake, which killed 40,000 residents.
- There are many notable people from Quito. Eugenio Espejo is considered the first journalist of Ecuador and is an important medical pioneer of the city. Maria Augusta Urritia is a modern day humanitarian born in Quito. Although she came from an aristocratic family, she spent her life working with the city’s poor. She was named as one of the top 100 Ecuadorians of 1982. Her 19th century home has been transformed into a museum, the Casa Museo Maria Augusta Urrutia. Eduardo Kingman is considered one of the greatest artists of the 20th century to come from Ecuador.
- Quito is a twin town of many important cities in the world. It is twinned with the capital cities of Madrid, Managua, Bogotá, Buenos Aires and Kraków. It is also a sister city of Louisville, Kentucky and Coral Gables in the USA, Toronto in Canada and Surabaya in Indonesia.
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