Quito, Ecuador’s capital, sits high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 2.850 metres, constructed on the foundations on an ancient Incan city, known for for its well - preserved colonial centre, rich with 16th- and 17th – century churches and other structures blending European, Indigenous and Moorish styles adapted to the high - Andean environment was awarded as leading cultural tourist destination of South America at the 2025 World Travel Awards.
Often referred to as the “Oscars of Tourism”, the World Travel Awards have honoured leaders in global travel and hospitality since 1993. For Quito receiving this accolade reinforces its position as a vibrant city and a starting point for journeys to the Andes, the Amazon, and the Galápagos Islands.
These are the most important awards in global tourism and each year, they are voted on by industry expert, seasoned travellers, and industry enthusiasts from around the world. Quito competed against giant and well positioned cities like Buenos Aires, Cancún, Cusco, Rio de Janeiro, and Santiago, and was crowned the region’s cultural leader.
Quito’s heritage is defined by its well - preserved colonial city centre, and is the first city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 for its largely unaltered historic core. Founded on Inca ruins by the Spanish in 1534, its historic core features relevant colonial and Baroque architecture, and the city is also recognized for its cultural significance as a testament to early Latin American cultural heritage.
The city boasts the best preserved historic centre in Latin America, with more than 130 heritage buildings and 5.000 registered properties, and key landmarks include authentic wonders like the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, the Church of La Compañía and the Church of Santo Domingo among others.
The Ecuadorian capital was a centre for the Baroque Quito School which produced many notable masterpieces and interior artworks, its streets contain more than 500 years of history, highlighted by its architecture, art, museums, galleries, and numerous refined religious and civil buildings.
Quito represents in all its essence and spirit Ecuadorian identity, with its unique tradition, narrations, legends, ancient and modern cuisine, a fusion of products, lively festivals, innovation, and a unique vibe, all elements that masterfully blend its emblematic colonial past with its attractive contemporary.
This recognition isn’t just another prestigious award recognizing the management and work done, Quito is also a smart tourist destination, and through public policies and the will to implement them, provide quality of life to citizens and international visitors, and it is an invitation to rediscover the city through different eyes.
The city offers urban amenities like parks, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Areas like La Carolina for shopping and parks, La Floresta for arts and trendy dining, La Mariscal to enjoy an aromatic coffee, the urban trails of Chakvan to admire nature and the city from another perspective, La Ronda for a pleasant and relaxing walk or the Mitad del Mundo to stand on the equator are some of the many options Quito offers visitors.
The capital of Ecuador continues to demonstrate that culture is not just tradition, it is also future and innovation. With the support of tourism, Quito promotes itself as an attractive and complete city rich in activities, and able to attract today and tomorrow a multitude of new tourists.
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Thanks a lot to read and note.