What is the Capital of Ecuador? Quito

Capital City of Ecuador: Quito

City Overview

Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, is nestled in the Andean mountains at an elevation of about 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level. It is the second-highest official capital city in the world, after La Paz, Bolivia. Quito is renowned for its rich colonial history, vibrant cultural scene, and stunning mountain views. The city has been inhabited for thousands of years, initially by various indigenous cultures, and later, after the Spanish conquest, became an important colonial city.

As the capital of Ecuador, Quito is the center of the nation’s political, cultural, and economic life. It is home to the Presidential Palace, the National Assembly, and many government institutions. In addition to being Ecuador’s capital, Quito is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its remarkably well-preserved historic center. The city is a key destination for travelers, offering a mix of indigenous and colonial heritage along with modern amenities.

Quito is the heart of Ecuador’s Cultural Belt, a region known for its rich diversity of indigenous traditions, music, dance, and art. The city is also a gateway to exploring Ecuador’s natural beauty, with lush jungles, snow-capped mountains, and volcanic landscapes within easy reach. Quito is famous for its old town, which includes La Compañía de Jesús, San Francisco Church, and Independence Square. It is also a bustling, modern metropolis with vibrant shopping districts, restaurants, and nightlife, particularly in areas like La Mariscal.

Key Facts About Quito:

• Area: 372.4 square kilometers (143.5 square miles)
• Population: Approximately 2.8 million (2023 estimate)
• Time Zone: Ecuador Time (ECT), UTC -5
• Highest Mountain: Cayambe (5,790 meters / 18,996 feet), located about 71 kilometers (44 miles) from Quito, is the highest peak near the city.
• Longest River: The Napo River (1,100 km / 684 miles) flows through the eastern Amazon region of Ecuador, but Quito is situated in the highlands, far from the river.

Major Landmarks in Quito

1. Historic Center (Centro Histórico)
   Quito’s Historic Center is one of the best-preserved colonial districts in Latin America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include Independence Square (Plaza de la Independencia), surrounded by important buildings like the Presidential Palace, the Catedral Metropolitana, and the Archbishop’s Palace. The district is also home to numerous churches, convents, and plazas that reflect Ecuador’s religious and colonial past.
2. La Compañía de Jesús
   The Church of La Compañía de Jesús, also known as the Jesuit Church, is one of Quito’s architectural masterpieces. Completed in the 17th century, the church is famous for its ornate Baroque interior, which includes gold leaf and intricate carvings. The exterior is equally impressive, with a grand façade and decorative elements.
3. Basilica del Voto Nacional
   The Basilica del Voto Nacional is a stunning example of Gothic architecture in Ecuador. Located in the historic center, it is the largest church in Ecuador and offers panoramic views of the city from its towers. The basilica is particularly famous for its unique Ecuadorian touches, such as animal figures sculpted into the stonework, representing native species like turtles and iguanas.
4. Mitad del Mundo
   Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) is located just north of Quito and marks the point where the Equator line runs. A monument and a large spherical structure are situated at this latitude, and visitors can stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern hemisphere. The site includes a small museum that explains the scientific and cultural significance of the equator.
5. El Panecillo
   The El Panecillo hill provides one of the best views of Quito. It’s topped by a large statue of the Virgin of Quito—a Madonna figure with wings, which has become an iconic symbol of the city. Visitors can take a short hike or drive to the summit for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city below and the surrounding mountains.
6. TelefériQo
   The TelefériQo is a cable car ride that ascends Pichincha Volcano, offering spectacular views of the city, surrounding valleys, and snow-capped peaks in the distance. The summit of the volcano, known as Rucu Pichincha, is a popular spot for hiking and exploring Quito’s natural beauty.
7. La Mariscal
   La Mariscal is Quito’s vibrant entertainment district, filled with bars, clubs, cafes, and restaurants. This area is popular with both locals and tourists and offers a lively atmosphere, especially at night.

Climate Overview

Quito has a highland tropical climate, with mild temperatures year-round due to its location at high elevation. While the city is located near the Equator, its altitude gives it a relatively temperate climate compared to other tropical regions. Quito experiences two distinct seasons: a rainy season (from October to May) and a dry season (from June to September). The temperature remains fairly constant, typically ranging from 10°C (50°F) in the early mornings to 25°C (77°F) during the day.

Month	Avg Temp (°C)	Precipitation (mm)	Sunny Days
January	14	74	10
February	15	70	9
March	15	80	8
April	16	106	7
May	16	115	6
June	16	56	8
July	17	38	10
August	17	40	10
September	16	50	9
October	15	89	7
November	15	81	8
December	14	79	9

Other Cities That Served as Capital in Ecuador’s History

Riobamba (c. 1820-1830)

During the early years of Ecuador’s independence, Riobamba briefly served as the capital of the country between 1820 and 1830. The city, located in the central highlands, was an important center for trade and military operations during the wars for independence. However, Quito soon reclaimed its status as the capital due to its strategic location and political importance.

Guayaquil (1830-1835)

For a brief period between 1830 and 1835, the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and main port, served as the nation’s capital. Guayaquil was central to Ecuador’s trade economy, and after the country’s independence from Spain, it briefly became the seat of government before Quito regained its status as the capital.

Country Facts

• Population: Approximately 19.6 million (2023 estimate)
• Area: 283,561 square kilometers (109,484 square miles)
• Largest City: Guayaquil
• Currency: United States Dollar (USD) (since 2000)
• Official Language: Spanish
• ISO Country Code: EC
• Timezone: Ecuador Time (ECT), UTC -5

Ecuador, named after the Equator that runs through the country, is known for its diverse geography, which includes the Amazon rainforest, the Andes mountains, and the Galápagos Islands. Its capital, Quito, plays a crucial role as the political and cultural center, while the country’s economy is based on industries like oil, agriculture, and tourism. Ecuador is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, home to numerous species of plants and animals, making it a popular destination for eco-tourism. The country’s currency is the U.S. Dollar, which was adopted in 2000 to stabilize the economy.