Quito is the first site to be named Cultural World Heritage by UNESCO and it’s located at 2850 meters (9350 ft.) above sea level, giving you an amazing view of the Andean landscapes.
The city itself has many cultural and historical sites to be enjoyed such as the San Francisco convent, and La Compañia church, and if you wish to have a breathtaking view of the city and getting closer to the Pichincha volcano, then we can recommend taking the sky tram, known as “teleferiqo”.
In Quito you will also find the Middle of the World site (Mitad del Mundo) is a monument where you will be able to literally “straddle” the equatorial line. It’s worth the visit if only to say you are in two hemispheres at once.
Close to Quito you can find Otavalo, a picturesque site to visit, from its particular location at the foot of a volcano, to the colorful textiles and handicrafts that can be found here. If you are looking to experience the local culture up close and get to know the locals, then this place is perfect for you.
If you are looking to enjoy the great outdoors and appreciate the volcanic landscapes then you should definitely visit Cotopaxi National Park, the second biggest park in Ecuador. You can take a short hike in the surrounding areas and visit a nearby hacienda, or if you are a more experienced hiker even attempt to hike the active volcano that gives its name to the park.