QUITO ELEVATION – A REALLY HIGH CITY OF ECUADOR

Quito is the second highest capital city in the world. Located in Andes. Quito elevation is 2850m. Yes, that’s pretty high indeed

QUITO ELEVATION

The capital, Quito is a charm composed of great tourist attractions, Mountains, volcanoes and old colonial streets. El Panecillo that offers a panoramic view, La Basilica del Voto Nacional with its wonderful architecture and Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, a place full of history and a reference point of the city. The city also offers visitors a wide range of nightlife and gastronomic entertainment.

Quito is one of the top destinations to discover in the world. The World Travel Awards and international media with recognitions such as Iberoamerican Capital of Culture, South America’s Leading Destination, finalist in the Seven Wonders Cities of the World contest and more awards, make it a place on the bucket list. 

CULTURE OF ECUADOR

Ecuador’s capital, Quito have a great and spring climate almost all year round, allowing visitors to enjoy wonderful landscapes and a great cultural richness.

The culture of Ecuador is as diverse and beautiful as the tapestries hand woven by its local artisans. It has a long and rich history that includes a good mix of indigenous practices along with European colonial influence. 

Almost all of Ecuador’s inhabitants are indigenous people or mestizo, which has given rise to enormous cultural diversity and unique customs and traditions throughout the country.

QUITO CULTURE

As one of the first cities in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. In other words Quito is Ecuador ‘s treasure. Walking through its streets allows you to admire an incomparable architecture. A tour full of stories, legends and tales, the art that can be glimpsed, carved in gold and wood and strokes of the “Escuela Quiteña”. 

Above all, the heart of the city, the Historic Center of Quito, is one of the best-preserved Old Towns in all of Latin America. 

The historic center is a real jewel of heritage, which highlights the Quito culture, through its churches, museums and cultural centers that allow you to discover the richness, cultural and natural diversity, through a wonderful journey.

QUITO ALTITUDE

The capital has an altitude of 2 850 mt – 9 350.4 ft above sea level, second only to La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, which is 3 650 mt – 1 1976 ft above sea level.

Quito city and many other cities in the highland region of Ecuador are at high altitude. The air is thinner and this means harder work for the body. But the main advantage of High Quito Elevation is that it enjoys a good climate during most of the year. 

Yes, just as you are thinking, the views from up there are breathtaking. Here is a list of some Quito’s highest attractions

• El corazón 4.790 m
• Guagua Pichincha 4.784 m
• Rucu Pichincha 4.698 
• Rumiñahui 4.722 m
• Volcán Pichincha  4.050 m

HIGH QUITO ELEVATION

Quito is the ideal place for mountain lovers, with Andean peaks, volcanoes and majestic mountain views.But often the inconvenience for tourists is the high altitude, which causes the well-known “altitude sickness”.

In Quito, Ecuador, altitude sickness is common, known locally as “soroche.” The symptoms of altitude sickness begin around 8,000 feet (2000m) plus, and Quito sits at approximately 9,000 feet (3000m).

The so called “soroche” may present with some of these symptoms

• A mild headache
• Shortness of breath during physical exertion
• Less appetite
• Insomnia
• Exhaustion, dizziness or nausea

These symptoms will usually last for just 1 or 2 days, if at all.

Here you can read more about the experience of altitude sickness.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE HIGH QUITO ELEVATION?

When going to higher altitudes, this pressure decreases and less oxygen is available. This is how air pressure causes altitude sickness.

Your body need time to adjust to the change in pressure. When you travel to a place at a higher altitude than you’re used to.

To help you prepare for your visit, we have listed here the best tips to preventing altitude sickness.

• Travel early.- We recommend arriving 1 or 2 days before the start of your tour or program, as this will allow for a healthy and body adjust  acclimatization to the city and recharge your batteries. 
• Keep well hydrated.- You should drink at least 2-3 liters of water  per day. Dehydration aggravates high altitude illness, so it is important to stay well hydrated at all times. 
• Rest.- Upon your first arrival in the city, you should avoid overexertion or strenuous exercise, at least at the beginning of your trip. In addition, it is important to rest and sleep well to start your days recharged with energy.
• Altitude medication.- Travel with medications or natural remedies just in case you need them.
• avoid alcohol.- Excessive alcohol consumption can cause dehydration and worsen the symptoms of altitude sickness. It is advisable not to drink in large quantities during your stay. 

Remember to follow all the tips and you will make your trip a memorable experience. 

OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS AT HIGH QUITO ELEVATION

The altitude of Quito Ecuador causes sunburn. Don’t forget that the country is located in the middle of the world! So use a hat, UV protected sunglasses and high SPF factor sun cream applied several times each day during your visit to the capital. 

OTHER HIGH UP ECUADOR DESTINATIONS

Ecuador is a high snowcapped mountains and majestic volcanoes destination that will surprise you with their high altitude.

Some of the most highest tourist attractions are for example, Cotopaxi volcano (5,897m); Cayambe (5,790m); Antisana (5,758m); El Altar (5,319m);Sangay (5,260m) and the majestic Chimborazo (6,263m) being considered the highest volcano and mountain in Ecuador and the farthest point from the center of the earth.

Do not wait more, come and discover the charms of beautiful Quito city. A city with a high altitude but most tourist visitors notice little or no effect of altitude sickness. So, don’t worry

Follow our tips in this blog for a well deserved vacations