Quito is a city of undisputable beauty. The Andes sets the background for a city with many outdoor activities. On one side, history delights itself with the magnificence of Quito’s colonial architecture, whitewashed houses with red-tiled roofs, and impressive churches and museums. The frantic effect of modernity has been absolutely kept out from these attractions. With that said, this doesn’t mean that Quito offers only historical attractions. There are also cutting-edge shopping malls, offices, international businesses, and embassies. Youthful students and people from all over the world create an energetic and lively atmosphere. Past, present, and future merge in just one unbelievable place: Quito.
Quito is divided into the Old City and The New City, the first being an open museum of the city’s history, the latter presenting the best of Quito’s modernization. The whole city is well-known and appreciated precisely for its well-preserved old-town appeal, which awarded this city as a World Heritage Site in 1978 by UNESCO. Students in Quito have been a paramount addition to the city, since the city’s contribution to education is quite significant. Not only is it the house of the Central University, but it is also known as for its long-standing and prestigious educational institutions. Quito’s Art School, founded in 1552, was the first of its kind in South America, and adds up to the list of cultural institutions in the city. Quito is also a city where young people from many countries congregate. Bars, restaurants, hostels, and internet cafes proliferate, especially, all over the New City area of Quito. Remember that Quito’s altitude is something to be taken into account, so you’ll need a couple of days to get used to it!
