Quito & The Highlands Holidays

Surrounded by the Andes, Quito has a dramatic setting and is overlooked by the Virgin of Quito, a statue atop the Panecillo hill above the Old Town. Considered the most beautiful colonial city in Latin America, various restoration projects targeting the baroque mansions and streets, and the installations of dramatic lighting, have transformed Quito in recent years. The colonial heart of the city is the Old Town where there are fun markets. While there is plenty to do within Quito itself, it is well worth venturing out of the city to explore the surrounding Highlands during a stay in this part of Ecuador. One of the best ways to see the region is on a riding safari, stopping off at haciendas and villages along the way, or climb Mount Cotopaxi at sunrise for perhaps the best panoramic views in the country.

Quito & The Highlands holiday ideas

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Quito & The Highlands Guide

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What can you find in Quito and the Highlands that you won't find anywhere else?

Ecuador is one of the most rural countries in South America, and this is very evident in the Highlands region, where the pace of life is slow, the way of life simple, and the scenery beautiful. The two Andean mountain ranges that run parallel and cross Ecuador from north to south create everything from volcanoes and snow capped mountains to green valleys, lakes and rivers.

Dotted about this landscape are impressive colonial cities like Quito (which is the second highest capital city in the world and was the first city to be named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and Cuenca, quaint Indian villages and markets, farmlands and traditional haciendas, many of which are boutique hotels, making a lovely trip out from the city.

As well as this 16 miles north of Quito, the Equatorial Monument 'Mitad del Mundo' marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

Best places to go in Ecuador



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