Quito Old Town

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, boasts the largest and best-preserved historic centre in the Americas, a UNESCO gem high in the Andes at 2,850 metres, ringed by volcanoes. Its old town is a magnificent ensemble of colonial architecture, a maze of narrow streets and grand plazas lined with dazzling churches and monasteries, most spectacularly the gold-leaf-encrusted interior of La Compania, a masterpiece of Baroque exuberance, all beneath the watchful winged Virgin statue on a hill above.

What you actually see

• La Compania church - the dazzling gold-leaf Baroque interior.
• Plaza Grande - the grand main square and cathedral.
• El Panecillo - the hilltop winged Virgin statue and city view.
• The monasteries - the great churches of San Francisco and Santo Domingo.

When to go

June to September, the drier season, for the best weather, though the high-altitude climate is spring-like year-round with rain possible any time; bring layers, as it can be cool. The old town is best explored by day.

Honest expectations

At 2,850 metres the altitude can leave new arrivals breathless, so take it easy at first. Like any big Latin American city, it has areas that call for real caution, so stick to the well-visited old town and tourist zones, avoid quiet streets at night, and take taxis after dark. The old town's colonial splendour, though, is genuinely magnificent.

Nearby

The equator monument at Mitad del Mundo and the Otavalo market are nearby.