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Quito: Cities
built 272 days ago
The geographic location of Quito is 2,800 meters above sea level and this allows for a perfect climate year round. Daily temperatures high temperatures are generally around 70F. At night the temperature drops to around 55F, perfect sleeping weather. Heat and air conditioning are not needed in the perfect atmosphere. The city surrounded by mountains, and one can even view the highest snow capped mountains of the Andes such as Cotopaxi, Pichincha, Antisana, and Cayambe. UNESCO, in 1978 named this city the cultural patrimony of the humanity, because of its colonial architecture in the historic zone, which even now maintains the original Quitena culture.
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Quito is the oldest South American capital and retains much of its colonial aspect. The city is laid out mainly according to a rectangular plan and has an expansive central plaza, many quiet parks and flower gardens, and numerous steep, narrow streets. The architecture of Quito is chiefly in the Spanish baroque style. Notable structures include a 17th-century cathedral and the churches of San Francisco, San Augustin, La Compañía, and Santo Domingo. The city is the site of the Central University of Ecuador (1769), the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (1946), and the National Polytechnic School (1869).
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Since July 2005, Quito has an aerial tramway, known as the "Teleférico," from the city center to the hill known as Cruz Loma on the east side of the Pichincha vulcano. Besides the amazing view of the whole city, there are other attractions like the "Vulcano Park" (an amusement park), shopping malls and restaurants.
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Hostal Alcalá - comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and a tranquil location on a side street in the heart of Quito's main tourist district rank Posada del Maple as one of the city's best places to stay. Don't believe it? Check out any Ecuadorian guidebook, they've regularly earned an honorable mention for the last 12 years! With a famous buffet breakfast which includes: assorted fruits and fruit juices, eggs, pancakes, cereals, toast with butter and jellies, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Amenities and services include a kitchen and laundry facilities, secure parking, cable TV, airport pickup, and more.
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Quito's origins date back to the first millennium when the Quitu tribe occupied the area and eventually formed a commercial center. The Quitu were conquered by the Caras tribe, who founded the Kingdom of Quito about 980 CE. In 1462 the Incas conquered the Kingdom of Quito. In 1533, Rumiñahui, an Inca war general, burned the city to prevent the Spanish from taking it, thereby destroying any traces of the ancient prehispanic city.
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The pre-Colombian city of Quito was destroyed by the last Inca ruler. Therefore, the historic center of the city dates from its founding by Francisco Pizarro in 1534. The historic center of Quito was declared the first world heritage site by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization).
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