Quito is the capital of Ecuador. It is located in north-central Ecuador in the Guayllabamba river basin . Quito is the second most populous city in Ecuador, after Guayaquil. Quito's closest volcano is Pichincha, looming over the western side of the city. Quito is also the only capital in the world to be directly menaced by an active volcano.

The latest eruption was recorded on 23 August 2006. Although not devastating, the eruption caused significant disruption of activities, including closing of the international airport.

The municipality of Quito divided the city into 32 urban parishes. These parishes, which are used by the municipality for administrative purposes, are also known as “Cabildos”.

According to UNESCO, Quito has the largest, best-preserved and historic centre in Latin America. The most famous and relevant churches are:

• Cathedral of Quito
• Church of the Society of Jesus
• Church and Convent of La Merced
• Church and Convent of St. Dominic

A very important place is “El Panecillo” that is a hill located in the middle west of the city. A monument to the Virgin is located on top of it. The figure stands on top of a globe, standing on top of a chained snake, symbolizing her triumph over evil.

Quito has also a very suggestive park that is called “Parque Metropolitano Guanguiltagua”, that is the largest urban in South America. The park is suited for mountain biking, walking, and running and also it has many sites that can be used for picnics or barbecues.

There is another park known as “La Carolina”. This park started from the expropriation of the farm La Carolina in 1939. Another suggestive park is the “Ejido” is the third-largest park of Quito, after Metropolitan and La Carolina.

Moreover, the most famous museums are: the “Museo de la Ciudad”, a museum dedicated to the history of Quito; the “Museo Casa de Sucre”, dedicated to José Antonio de Sucre, a hero of Ecuadorian independence.