Ecuador, and its capital of Quito, may have eluded your travel radar until now, but it’s time for a revelation. If you’ve been intrigued in the past but weren’t sure what to expect, we’ll share why this country means so much to us and facts about Quito that both surprise and enlighten.
Picture a place where colonial charm meets unparalleled biodiversity, where you can wander cobblestone streets in the morning and find yourself immersed in the Amazon Jungle by nightfall. This is Ecuador—a country of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and endless adventure.
At the heart of this extraordinary destination lies Quito, a city revered by history buffs and perched high in the Andes. For Quasar Expeditions, Quito is more than just a starting point for your journey; it’s home. Founded by a family with deep Ecuadorian roots, Quasar was born from a legacy of exploration, gratitude, and a commitment to sharing the treasures of our homeland.
For Dolores Gangotena, our founder and the matriarch still at the helm of Quasar’s family business, Quito was a special place of childhood memories. It was here that her biology teacher first introduced Dolores to the Galapagos, jumpstarting a lifelong love affair with the islands and laying the groundwork for what would become Quasar Expeditions.
When you explore Quito with us today, it’s easy to feel our deep connection to the city. It’s there in the meals we’ll arrange for you at our favorite restaurants, in visits with craftspeople who are our good friends, and when you might rest your head at night at Casa Gangotena, not just a world-class hotel, but where the Gangotena family story began, and where their memories are etched into every corner.
Read Dolores’ story and how Quito inspired her to carry her family’s values forward through Quasar, sharing the treasures of Ecuador and South America with the world.
Now, read on for 13 charming facts about our cherished Quito, a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, and, we believe, the very best jumping-off point for South America and Galapagos Island exploration.
Fact 1. UNESCO’s First World Cultural Heritage City
For you UNESCO bucket-listers, Quito can be another tick mark in the “visited” column. In 1978, Quito’s well-preserved historic center earned it the distinction of being one of the first cities designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Fact 2. The Middle of the World
It’s certainly not every city in which you can straddle both hemispheres. In Quito, you can, and you should! Find this unique geographical location marked by the city’s “Mitad del Mundo” monument, take some photos, then explore interactive exhibits about Earth’s equatorial line.
Fact 3. Life in the Heart of the Andes
Nestled in the middle of the world’s longest mountain range, Quito is surrounded by dramatic peaks and breathtaking landscapes. Its distinctive location offers stunning Andean vistas and a spring-like climate year-round, making it an ideal extension of your Galapagos Yacht Safari, no matter the time of year. The locals call it the “eternal spring,” and we love the sound of that.
Fact 4. A Blend of Architectural Styles
If architecture’s your thing, and even if it’s not what you notice first, you’ll get an eyeful in Quito’s historic center. Marvel at the fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish, and indigenous art, particularly evident in its Baroque-style monasteries and churches. Want to explore further? Our local Guides can immerse you in the city’s architectural heritage.
Fact 5. Best Place to See Condors
Hoping to see Andean condors? The ideal place to spot these endangered birds is just a two-hour drive from Quito: the Antisana Wildlife Reserve. We’ve crafted a wildlife-rich itinerary that combines the city with the reserve’s pristine wilderness, a trip planned by locals and led by an expert Guide. You’ll see condors, foxes, deer, and much other wildlife in its natural habitat in the shadow of the Antisana Volcano.
Fact 6. Iconic Panecillo Hill
El Panecillo, a loaf-shaped hill over 9,800 feet above sea level, offers panoramic views of Quito. Make your way to the top, to the towering aluminum statue of the “Virgin of Quito,” a symbol of the city’s rich religious heritage. The statue remains the most famous fully winged Marian figure, a blend of European iconography and Andean artistic traditions.
Fact 7. A City Surrounded by Volcanoes
Quito is encircled by several volcanoes, including Pichincha, Antisana, Cotopaxi, and Cayambe. Lace up your hiking shoes and hit the trail with us on an adventure in Cotopaxi National Park, tracing the iconic “Avenue of the Volcanoes,” the 200-mile ridge that stretches south of Quito. Or, join us in Antisana National Park to spot condors, caracaras, and other wildlife in the natural canyon.
Fact 8. A Church of Gold
Colonial Quito is home to Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, or “Church of Gold,” and its dramatic, gold-leaf altar. The church is also one of the most significant Baroque structures in all of South America, made of rose-gray stone from the Pichincha volcano.
Fact 9. A Hub for Spanish Language Learners
The clear and neutral accent of Quiteños makes Quito a popular destination for Spanish language students seeking immersive learning experiences. What better place to surround your teenagers with opportunities to practice their high school Spanish?
Fact 10. The Basilica del Voto Nacional
This neo-Gothic basilica is notable for its unique gargoyles, which depict native Ecuadorian animals such as condors, alligators, and Galapagos tortoises. The notably unfinished church (legend has it that if construction ever ends, so too will the world) features a basilica with 14 bronze apostles and evangelists, a pantheon containing remains of past leaders, and 24 chapels, each representing a province of Ecuador.
Fact 11. Rich Indigenous Heritage
Before Spanish colonization, Quito was a significant Inca city. Today, indigenous traditions and influences remain integral to the city’s cultural fabric. Quasar’s in-depth Quito tours reveal this history through visits to local markets and haciendas and day trips to the town of Otavalo in the Andean highlands, where you can engage in a hands-on craft workshop.
Fact 12. A Chocolate Tradition
Did you know Ecuador is one of the world’s largest fine cocoa producers (fine meaning cocoa that is free of flavor defects, according to the International Cocoa Organization). Care to try some, or even craft your own? If you’re a chocoholic, we can arrange a chocolatiering class you’ll be raving about for years.
Fact 13. Gateway to the Galapagos
Finally, Quito serves as a primary departure point for travelers heading to the Galapagos Islands, which is why we love to host Guests here before or after their Luxury Yacht Safari. From Quito, it’s also easy to jump to the Amazon Rainforest and Cuenca in the Southern Andes. If you’re fortunate enough to have ample time, consider tacking on time in Peru, where we also offer immersive Peru itineraries, from Lima to Machu Picchu.
Enhance Your Galapagos Adventure with a Stay in Quito
Spending a few days in Quito before or after your Galapagos Luxury Yacht Safari, in the words of a past Quasar Guest, “like stepping into a storybook.” We have nearly four decades of leading expeditions in Ecuador and love connecting you to authentic experiences, whether it’s the Gold Church in Quito or an artisan studio visit. After all, this is the heartbeat of Ecuador and the soul of Quasar Expeditions.
You’ll feel our hometown pride as you step into a living story in Quito. Sharing our family legacy with you is the ultimate way to give back, connecting the past with the future in meaningful, unforgettable ways. With us, your Quito experience—and beyond, throughout the Galapagos and South America—adds a level of depth to your travels that makes it feel truly personal.
For you, a cookie-cutter trip won’t do. Look no further than our most popular Ecuador tours & travel itineraries, designed for travelers like you who want to experience life, not escape it. We’ll see you in Quito.
