Quito is the capital of Ecuador. It was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an ancient Inca city. Today, two million people live here. Quito lies between two mountain ranges and its altitude is about 3,700 metres. It may take you a couple of days to get accustomed to the altitude. Because of the lack of any real air pollution control on the buses, breathing the air can be quite unpleasant and your eyes may become very irritated at first. Quito is roughly divided into two parts, the Old City and the New City. Visit the Old City if you are into very old cathedrals and public buildings. Don't miss the presidential palace. Quito is also divided between North and South. Most of the newer buildings and tourist areas are in the North. Most of the poor people and the older historic buildings are in the South. Be prepared to speak some basic Spanish in order to get along.

History and Culture
Because Ecuador is so conservative, wearing smart clothes will get you better service and fewer hassles.

Tourist Offices
The South American Explorers Club is dedicated to helping independent travellers. Their office, at Jorge Washington 311 y Leonidas Plaza (in the Mariscal Sucre district of Quito), is a great place to get the latest information. Their small membership fee also includes a mail-receiving and bag-storage service at all their offices.

Dangers and Annoyances
Avoid travelling up El Panecillo on foot; use a taxi even during the day. The Old City, Mariscal Sucre, and all parks among other areas can be unsafe at night so taxis are advised for even short distances. There have been a number of rapes and robberies of individuals and couples who have gone on treks, including well known hikes such as the Pichincha volcano. If you plan to hike your best bet is to go in a large group. If you are the victim of a crime it is suggested you report it to the Ecuadorian National Police (by law, you must report within 72 hours of the incident), as well as to your home country embassy and to the South American Explorers Club.

Around and closeby
Just outside of Quito is where the measurements were first made that proved that the shape of the Earth is in fact an oblate spheroid. Commemorating this is a large monument that straddles the equator called Mitad del Mundo or middle of the world. The true equator is not at the Mitad del Mundo monument, it's actually a few hundred feet away -- right where the Indians said it was before the French came along and built the monument in the wrong place. The Intiñan Solar Museum is right next to the Mitad del Mundo monument.

Sightseeing
Explore the Old Town with its gorgeous colonial architecture, relaxing plazas and a stunning number of churches.

Getting there
Domestic flights from Cuenca, Guayaquil and the Galápagos Islands arrive in Quito. There are also frequent bus connections to all mayor destinations in the country, including Santo Domingo, Guayaquil, Baños and Otavalo.

Getting around
El Trole, the tram, follows north-south lines down through the heart of Quito. Taxis and buses are everywhere and very inexpensive. The buses are among the cleanest in South America, but still, be aware of pickpockets.