Quito, the capital of Ecuador, lies just below the equator for which its country is named. The Centro Historico, in the Old City is home to most of Quito's colonial buildings. Visitors come to Quito for a chance to straddle the equator, hike in nearby national parks, and climb volcanoes. Many add Quito to a trip through Ecuador's Galapagos Islands.
Sights
The equatorial monument north of the city allows you to stand with one foot in each hemisphere, or it would if the original surveys had been correct. The real equator, as measured by GPS systems, is 100 meters distant.
The colonial architecture of the Plaza Independencia, the Plaza San Francisco, and the Plaza Santa Domingo includes several old churches, many built on sacred Inca structures that were designed to catch the first rays of the sun during the spring equinox.
Activities
Ecuador has the largest variety of birds in the world. Visitors wanting to massively increase their life list go to the village of Mindo, which is surrounded by the Mindo-Nambillo Protected Forest. Day trips are available from Quito, or you can hire local guides in Mindo.
Quito can serve as a base for excursions to the Saturday market at Otavalo, the hot springs at Papallacta, and for hiking and trekking in Cayambe or Cotapaxi Naitonal Park. If possible, spend Friday night in Otavalo, so you can visit the animal market early in the morning.
Check the bulletin boards outside travel agencies for last-minute bargain cruises through the Galapagos. The bargains are usually heavily discounted upscale trips.
Money
Ecuador uses the US dollar as its currency. The standard American bills and coins are supplemented by coins with Ecuadorian designs. These coins come in the same denominations as the US coins.
Places to Stay
Most people stay in the Mariscal area of the New City rather than the colonial Old City, which has a higher crime rate. Even in Mariscal, take taxis late at night.
Travelers congregate at the Magic Bean patio restaurant, which also has dormitories and private rooms. There are several other hostels on the same street.
Getting Around
City buses will take you from the New City to the Old City, and to Mital del Mundo. The trip to Mital del Mundo can take close to two hours and the most efficient route involves changing buses. Ask for directions at your guesthouse.
Getting There
In addition to international flights, there is international bus service to Peru and Colombia.
Buses run along the Andes to Otavalo north of the city, and to Ambato, Riobamba, and Cuenca to the south. Buses also go to the coast and into the Amazon basin. The bus to the Amazon basin can be used to reach the hot springs at Papallacta.
Cautions
An altitude of 9000 ft. (2850 meters) makes the climate mild, rather than hot and steamy. Come prepared with warm clothing for the cool evenings.
If you fly into Quito, altitude sickness is much more likely than if you arrive from the lowlands by bus. Most planes are pressurized to 5000 feet, and leaving the plane means that you nearly double the altitude instantaneously. If you are concerned about altitude, start your visit by flying into Quayaquil, then make your way to Baños to adjust to an intermediate level before proceeding to Quito. Check the altitude of passes along the way if you take buses to other parts of Ecuador. | 
