Quito, situated on the Equator at 9,200 ft. (2,804.16 m.), above sea level, is a city on wich the sun shines vertically and where, at night the constellations of both hemispheres are plainly visible. Not only does Quito offer views of snowcapped volcanoes in the distances, but the city is well known for it's wealth of Colonial paintings, sculpture and workmanship of these collections combine the European Rennaissance style with the artistic feeling of its indigenous people. Much of the architecture of the colonial city dates back to the Spanish conquires who initiated construction of churches and convent safter their conquest of the region.

At this time the Catholic church became a center of instruction and promotion of the arts. The interior of cloisters and churches are living museums in which the masterpieces of the colonial period speak of Quito's past. The city's colonial center was declared a historic site by Unesco in 1978 and is often referred to as the "Florence of America". In contrast, the modern uptown section speaks  of progress, with its towering skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, cozy restaurants, and rocking casinos and nightclubs.

A walking tour of the city can begin at the "Plaza de la Independencia" in the colonial center from which you can walk to most sites in this area of town. Other museums and locations can be visit by a short taxi ride. There are numerous churches and museums in the colonial center.