Quito
About 2 million people.
Quito is the capital of Ecuador and sits high in the Andes mountains at over 2,800 meters. Its beautifully preserved old town was one of the first places named a World Heritage Site.
Ride the cable car up Pichincha volcano for huge mountain views, stand with one foot in each hemisphere at the Middle of the World monument, and wander the golden churches of the old town.
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Old town
Quito's historic center is full of cobblestone streets, grand plazas, and shimmering churches decorated inside with gold.
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Middle of the World
Just outside the city a monument marks the equator, where you can jump between the northern and southern halves of the planet.