Quito, Ecuador

The capital city of Ecuador, Quito became Louisville’s sister city in 1962. Quito is Louisville’s largest sister city and the only one that is a national capital. Quito and Louisville both share values of heritage and culture.

  • Population: 2.011 million (2020)

    The capital city of Ecuador

  • Well-preserved old town which was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1978 (the first ever UNESCO cultural world heritage site)

    Otavalo Market: the largest market in South America

    Mitad del Mundo: Middle of the World, where the first calculations said the equator was (250 meters off from the actual equator), 25 km north of Quito

    La Basílica del Voto Nacional: gothic church

  • The oldest South American Capital city

    The highest constitutional capital in the world (so high that some people have gotten altitude sickness)

    Near two active volcanoes, Cotopaxi and Pichincha

    There are only two seasons in Quito: wet and dry

  • Started as an Incan settlement as early as 1450 AD

    Taken over in 1534 and officially “founded” by the Spanish

    Official Name: San Francisco de Quito

  • A blend of indigenous practices and European colonial influence

    Spanish is the predominant language

    Soccer and dancing are the two most popular activities

  • Cuy Asado: roasted guinea pig

    Bolon de Verde: national food of Ecuador, fried dough ball filled with pork, plantains, and cheese.

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