Divided into the old and new towns, Quito offers a diverse mix of tradition and modernity while somehow managing to retain a wholly Ecuadorian flavor. The old town is a wonder, with blocks and blocks of colonial architecture, narrow streets, and picturesque plazas which date back to the mid-1500s when the Spanish founded the city.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, the old town suffered a major earthquake in 1987, which led to intensive repairs and renovations but it has managed to retain its charm and ‘old world’ feel. In contrast, the new town is a sprawling mass of modern shopping malls, multi-story hotels, and high-rise government buildings and offers a lively, vibrant face to modern-day Ecuador.
