LISA! Language Travel

Spanish Language Courses in Quito

In the Andes mountains, llamas roam the slopes of the towering volcanoes, home to the native Quechuas with their colourful ponchos and beautiful handmade jewellery.

Quito

Quito lies just 12 miles from the Equator and is the capital city of Ecuador. The city lies nestled in a valley of the Andes at a high of 2,800m, and boasts a population of 1.4 million. Quito is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, including Cotopaxi to the south, which, at a height of 6,000 metres, is easily seen from anywhere in the city. To the west, the you'll find the best views across the city from the Pichincha peak, which can be reached using the TelefériQo cable car. The city's historic centre was the first location ever to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

Countless churches, monasteries and secular buildings adorn the city centre. One of the most significant buildings in Quito is the beautiful Gothic basilica, which boasts two of the highest church spires in South America. At night several illuminated buildings cast the facade of the old San Francisco convent in blue, purple and gold light. La Compania, a beautiful Baroque church, turns heads with its golden altar and richly decorated interior, constructed by the Jesuits. North of the old town lies the modern centre, known as La Mariscal. Here, you'll find bars and clubs such as the Papillon, where you'll probably experience some real-life salsa dancing.

12 miles from Quito lies one of the most famous points on Earth: the Mitat del Mundo, or the 'Centre of the Earth'. A monument and a thick yellow line mark the line of the Equator - the place where the Northern and Southern hemispheres meet. A popular way to commemorate the moment is with a photo of yourself with one foot in either hemisphere. Quito is also a popular starting point for an excursion to the exotic Galapagos Islands. In Quito's many bars, you'll meet travellers from all over the world, who might be planning their next tour of the Andes or a journey through the other fascinating countries of South America.