A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Quito, previously called San Francisco de Quito, was established atop the remnants of an Incan city. In 1978, this expansive city was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quito boasts one of the best-preserved historic centers and offers numerous attractions reflecting its rich pre-Colombian heritage. Due to its proximity to the equator and an elevation of 9,350 ft (2,850 m) above sea level, Quito maintains a relatively stable climate.
Leave it to Quito to quietly slide into its new position as South America’s capital of cool. This Ecuadorian city has long nabbed some impressive titles, including the first city to be named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978. However, it has only recently emerged as a destination brimming with contemporary arts and culture.
In 2011, after living in Paris and New York City for over a decade, architect Mathieu de Genot returned to his hometown of Quito, Ecuador. Initially viewed as quiet and remote, dear Genot reflected on how Quito was often perceived as “in the middle of the world, but also in the middle of nowhere.”
Quito features some of the best museums in South America. As the nation’s capital, Quito is a museum lover’s paradise with many museums dedicated to the history, art, and culture of Ecuador. These museums display a diverse history of indigenous influence and Spanish colonization. Although the multitude of museums can seem overwhelming at first, each provides a unique perspective of the nation, making it challenging to determine which ones to prioritize.
Landing in Iquitos, the world’s largest city that’s inaccessible by road, is a feeling like no other. Located in the Amazon jungle, Iquitos is a two-hour flight from Lima, the capital city of Peru.
Most travelers fly into Quito, Ecuador, when heading to the Galapagos Islands, often overlooking this beautiful capital city. Fortunately, that viewpoint is changing as more people recognize the cultural and historical richness of Quito.