The capital of Ecuador is Quito, a city of approximately 2.7 million people located in the northern part of the country. It is the second-highest administrative capital in the world, at an elevation of 9, 350 feet above sea level. Quito was founded in the 16th century and is one of the oldest cities in South America. It is home to many colonial-era buildings, churches, and plazas, as well as modern skyscrapers. Quito is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique architecture and cultural significance.