Visit Quito’s historic center, South America´s oldest capital (close to 500 years since the Spanish foundation), that is among the largest and best-preserved in the Americas. Quito was declared the first World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. Here you can tour the narrow cobblestone streets with hanging balconies and visit historical sites such as Independence Plaza, flanked by the Presidential and Archbishop palaces; and La Compañía Church with its staggering gold-leaf façade, considered the most beautiful church in the Americas.
Take a short drive to El Panecillo Hill for panoramic views of the city and neighbouring volcanoes and admire the 45m (148ft) statue of the famous “Virgen de Quito”, the only original Madonna with wings.