Know your city
Gap Year in Quito Quito is the capital of Ecuador. It is located in the province of Pichincha; which is also the name of the volcano surrounding the city. Spread across a spectacular Andean valley and flanked by volcanic peaks, Quito’s setting alone is enough to leave you breathless. The city lies 2850 meters above the sea level.
Quito is a vibrant and colourful city which is spit into two main centres; the old and new towns.
The historical centre or old town, a maze of colonial splendour, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. In this district you will feel the soul of the Ecuadorian identity. Mainly occupied by the working class it has a pronounced indigenous character. Narrow streets bustle with of all kinds of businesses; indigenous women carry impossible loads and sell own grown local fruit or the famous Ecuadorian ice cream called “helado de Paila”.
Just 20 minutes walk from the old town, Quito’s ‘new town’ is a different world. The colourful Mariscal Sucre is the heart of the new town with trendy cafés, international restaurants, travel agencies, cybercafés and bars. If you are ever missing home and fancy some Western comforts, this is the place to head. It is a hot-spot with gap year travellers.
Transportation here is very cheap and efficient; the trolley-bus line crosses the town from North to South and costs just 25 cents one way.
The geographic location of the city makes easy for you to explore the rest of the country from here during your stay; you have quick access to the jungle, to indigenous small remote villages and also to the Pacific coast.
History of the city Arrow
The site of the capital city dates from pre-Hispanic times, early inhabitants of the area were the peaceful Quitu people, who gave their name to the city.
By the time the Spanish arrived in Ecuador in 1526 Quito was one of two major Inca cities, the other being Cusco which is now part of Peru.
The present capital was founded by Spanish lieutenant Sebastián de Benalcázar on 6 December 1534. Many colonial-era buildings survive in the old town giving it a distinct character.