Ecuador

Quito is Ecuador’s capital and seat of government, perched in the Andes at about 2,850 m (9,350 ft), making it one of the highest capitals in the world. Just north lies the “Mitad del Mundo” monument marking the equator—fitting for a country named after it. Quito’s well-preserved colonial center was among the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites (1978). Don’t confuse it with Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and main port; Cuenca, a southern cultural hub; or Ambato, noted for its flower and fruit festival. Memory tip: Ecuador = Equator; Quito sits near “zero” latitude—think “Quito is close to zero.”