The capital city of the South American country Ecuador is Quito. According to the latest measurement Quito’s population at nearly 1.5 million, making it the second-most populous city in Ecuador, the most populous being Guayaquil. Quito is located in the northern region of Ecuador, with the countries of Colombia to the north and Peru to the south.
Quito is a relatively popular tourist destination because of its rich history, interesting culture, and beautiful geography. Home to the largest historic center in the Americas, Quito is a great place to learn about South America. The arts and culture scene is also very vibrant in Quito, with museums, exhibits, and cultural centers abounding throughout the city. The city also provides many opportunities to experience the natural habitats and biological-diversity that Ecuador is so famous for. Festivals, carnivals, restaurants, markets, shopping centers, and the city-life in general is as exciting as one would expect from one of South America’s premier capital cities. Ecuadorian cuisine includes a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and meats that are natural to Ecuador, one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, so tourists can enjoy a wide variety of food while visiting the city.
Travelling around Quito, Ecuador is relatively easy, considering that the city has relatively cheap public transportation and private taxis. Taxis and buses travel to most of the tourist destinations around the city, while the trolly also provides a fun and interesting way to experience the city. Quito’s climate is relatively cool throughout the year, because it has a high elevation and is located so closely to the equator. The peak season is during summer, which is from June to September.
For tourist and business travels to Quito or anywhere else in Ecuador, US citizens do not need to have a visa as long as the visit duration is within 90 days. Passports and return tickets are both required to visit Ecuador and Immigration authorities may ask for proof of the traveler’s economic means.