The capital city of Quito lies in an Andean valley overlooked by the towering Pichincha volcano. Take a walking tour of the historic old town to learn about the Spanish colonial history of Ecuador with plazas and narrow streets filled with beautiful churches, monasteries and restored buildings. Hotels in Quito include both modern properties and charming boutique options.
North of the city, visit the Middle of the World monument that marks the equatorial line. Alternatively, east of Quito, wrapped around the slopes of the snow-capped Antisana volcano, is an ecological reserve with abundant birdlife, glacial topography and the steaming Papallacta thermal springs.