The capital is the central hub of Ecuador, the starting point for all other destinations in the country. In a beautiful setting at an altitude of 9,350ft (2,850m), surrounded by mountains and the snow-capped 15,728ft (4,794m) Pichincha volcano, the city is a vibrant amalgam of modern business executives and the traditional culture of the 'indígenas', or local Andean people.

The city is divided into two areas: the Old Town, declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, with its history and the architectural influence of the Spanish evident in the red-tiled roofs and balconies of the houses lining steep, cobblestone streets; and the New Town with its shopping centres, hotels, embassies and travel agencies.

Quito is also the cultural centre of the country. Indígenas make up a large proportion of the population and evidence of their culture is all over the city, from the handicrafts displayed on street corners and ramshackle shops selling traditional everyday goods, to the women in thick woollen clothing and felt hats queuing for bus tickets; the Quechuan language pervades the streets and central plazas (squares) throughout the city. It is also a city rich in historical churches, monasteries, convents and museums containing a wealth of religious paintings and sculpture dating back to the 16th century.

Also a popular base for learning the Spanish language, Quito has over 60 language schools dotted about the city.