Ecuador's capital, Quito, is renowned for its history, particularly that of its colonial period. The city is also captivating for its stunning geography. Populated by millions, Quito lies deep within the Andes, over a mile high, on an alluvial plain surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring volcanic mountains on the planet. These include Cayambe, the third-highest mountain in Ecuador at 18,996 feet. Part of the Cordillera Central, the equator passes through Cayambe's summit icecap. Antisana, Ecuador's fourth-highest peak at 18,875 feet, is located 30 miles southeast of Quito. Just to the northwest of Antisana is Chacana, an enormous, ancient, eroded caldera that measures 20 miles long by 15 miles wide. Not far from Antisana and Chacana lies one of the world's most noteworthy mountains, Cotopaxi. The second-highest mountain in Ecuador at 19,347 feet, Cotopaxi lies 30 miles to the south of Quito and is renowned for its summit glaciation and beautiful symmetry. The most significant of the volcanoes surrounding Quito, Pichincha, lies directly to the city's west. Pichincha (15,728 feet above sea level) looms over Quito; the city is built directly on its eastern flank. Like Cayambe, Antisana, and Cotopaxi, it is considered active. No other capital city in the world lies so close to an active volcano as Quito.
展开▼
