La Ronda Street in Old Town Quito. Photo / Mike Yardley Second only to La Paz as the highest capital on earth, Ecuador’s high-altitude capital is a breath-taker.

“Only the brave stayed the night in the Old Town. But now everyone wants to come here, the locals, tourists, and even new businesses, local and foreign, are vying to get into this part of Quito.” ...

Catholic and Jesuit churches pepper the magnificent Old Town of Quito, which was among the first cites to be declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the oldest of all the South American ...

Beyond the storied charm and colonial trappings of Quito’s Old Town, there is plenty more to explore in the Ecuadorian capital. Given its dramatic topography, Metropolitan Quito spans 17 ...

Quito’s central public square, Plaza de la Independencia, is flanked by the Carondelet Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Plaza Grande Hotel.

“Only the brave stayed the night in the Old Town. But now everyone wants to come here, the locals, tourists, and even new businesses, local and foreign, are vying to get into this part of Quito.” ...

The new Hotel Plaza Grande, which faces the Old Town's eponymous central plaza, caters to the indulgent traveler. Luxurious rooms in the restored Spanish colonial mansion go for $500-$1500 per night.