Origins and climate

Its origins go back to 10300 BC , to the sector of Inga, a ranch located in Monte Ilaló. According to the earliest records, nomadic tribes used to live there, whom devoted themselves to the fishing, hunting and food gathering. Subsequently, to the year 500 AC, these tribes were organized in manors, and the Quitu one highlighted over the others, its members originated the name Quito in the area of Pichincha.

In the 15th century the area was conquered by the Incas and a century later was colonized by the Spaniards. Immediately after drawing the boundaries of the city, the first monuments began to be built, including the building of the Church of San Francisco in 1536. After the independence from Spain in 1822  and its support to the Great Colombia of the liberator Simón Bolívar, the city came to the seventies of the 20th century and is modernized as a result of the oil boom; it grew up towards the North and the South and becomes the most developed city of Ecuador.

Its subtropical Highland climate divides the city into three areas. Thus, the South is the coldest part of the city; the Center is hot and the North is temperate. Two stations mainly predominate: the winter, with a prolonged period of rain; and a more dry season with higher temperatures. Yet the climate is rather warm in general.

Architecture and accesses

The style of the city is contemporary and colonial, and its tourist attractions include the Hill of el Panecillo, the Basilica of El Voto Nacional, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Church of El Sagrario or the one o fSanto Domingo. It also has a lot of museums with different thematics.

In 1978 it was declared Cultural Patrimony of the Humanity by Unesco for having a great and unalterable historic centre throughout the years. Like any other city, it offers to its visitors the possibility to enjoy its night life in premises which are found mainly in the area of Plaza Foch, or to participate in its concerts and events, as well as the Fiestas de Quito (the most important festivities at national level).

In terms of its surroundings, the South is occupied by a major focus of national immigration in continued growth and with high commercial activity. Here is also where green areas and the city's largest urban parks are located. The northern area is residential and its architecture, with a modern character, is home of banking and commercial buildings. It is considered the most touristic area since the fun and catering businesses are mainly concentrated. It highlights the urban park "La Carolina"  with 67 hectares of land. Finally we find the suburbs, which include residential centres but it is also full of commercial zones, universities, parks and industries.