History of Quito in Timeline

Quito, officially San Francisco de Quito, serves as the capital and second-largest city of Ecuador. Its metropolitan area is home to approximately 2.8 million people. Functioning as the capital of the Pichincha province, Quito resides in a valley situated on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, which is an active stratovolcano within the Andes mountain range.

1911: Eloy Alfaro's Move to Europe

In 1911, after completing his second term as president of Ecuador, Eloy Alfaro moved to Europe.

January 1912: Eloy Alfaro's Arrest and Lynching

On January 28, 1912, Eloy Alfaro was arrested and imprisoned after an unsuccessful attempt to return to power in Ecuador. He was subsequently lynched by a mob in Quito, and his body was burned in a city park.

1932: Outbreak of the Four Days' War

In 1932, the Four Days' War, a civil conflict, erupted following the election of Neptalí Bonifaz and the revelation that he held a Peruvian passport.

1939: Expropriation of La Carolina Farm

In 1939, the farm La Carolina was expropriated, marking the beginning of what would become the La Carolina park.

February 1949: Panic Following 'The War of the Worlds' Broadcast

On February 12, 1949, a realistic broadcast of H.G. Wells' novel "The War of the Worlds" caused citywide panic in Quito, leading to the deaths of over twenty people in fires set by mobs.

The War Of The Worlds

Check it on Amazon

1956: Allen Graffham's Surface Collections

In 1956, geologist Allen Graffham made surface collections at the El Inga archeological site, sparking interest in Paleo-Indian remains.

1960: Archeological Excavations by Robert E. Bell

In 1960, American archeologist Robert E. Bell excavated the oldest traces of human presence in Quito on the slopes of the Ilaló volcano, finding obsidian tools dating back to 8000 BC.

1966: First mentions of plant life

In 1966 the area that is now Maquipucuna Reserve protects over 1966 species of plants, accounting for 10% of Ecuador's plant diversity.

1976: Construction of Virgin Mary Monument on El Panecillo

In 1976, the Spanish artist Agustín de la Herrán Matorras was commissioned to construct a 41-meter tall aluminum monument of the Virgin Mary, a replica of a sculpture by Bernardo de Legarda, on top of El Panecillo.

September 1978: Quito Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site

On September 18, 1978, Quito, along with Kraków, Poland, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, recognizing its historic center.

1978: Quito's Historic Center Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1978, Quito's historic center was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site during the organization's inaugural session dedicated to World Heritage.

1978: UNESCO Declares Quito a World Cultural Heritage Site

In 1978, Quito, along with Kraków, became one of the first sites declared as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, recognizing its well-preserved historic center.

1985: Pope John Paul II Holds Mass in La Carolina Park

In 1985, Pope John Paul II led a large mass in La Carolina Park during his visit to Ecuador.

October 1999: Latest Eruption of Pichincha Volcano

On October 5, 1999, the latest eruption of the Pichincha volcano was recorded, with smoke and ash deposited on the city.

2001: Parishes Known as Cabildos

Since 2001, the urban parishes in Quito have also been known as cabildos.

November 2002: Reventador Volcano Eruption Affects Quito

In November 2002, an eruption of the Reventador volcano caused fine ash particles to fall on Quito, covering the city to a depth of several centimeters.

2002: Renewal of Quito's Historic Center Begins

Since 2002, the city of Quito has been undertaking a project to renew its historic center.

2003: Construction of Metrobus (Ecovia) lines begins

During 2003, the bus lines of the Metrobus (Ecovia) were constructed, traversing the city from the north to the south.

October 2004: Establishment of Guápulo Parish

In October 2004, the parish of Guápulo was established as a result of the political elections when the city was divided into 19 urban electoral parishes.

2004: Construction of Metrobus (Ecovia) lines continues

During 2004, the bus lines of the Metrobus (Ecovia) were constructed, traversing the city from the north to the south.

July 2005: Opening of the Telefériqo

Since July 2005, Quito has an aerial tramway known as the Telefériqo, which transports visitors from the city center to Cruz Loma.

2005: Maquipucuna Reserve Declared an Important Bird Area

In 2005, Maquipucuna Reserve was declared an IBA (Important Bird Area).

2006: Universities Founded Before 2006

According to the National Council for Higher Education of Ecuador (CONESUP), the following universities were founded in or around Quito before 2006.

2008: LDU Quito wins Copa Libertadores

In 2008, LDU Quito achieved a significant milestone by winning the Copa Libertadores, becoming the only club from Ecuador to achieve this feat.

2008: Quito Divided into 32 Urban Parishes

In 2008, the municipality of Quito divided the city into 32 urban parishes for administrative purposes.

2009: Quito's Economic Importance

As of 2009, Quito accounted for the largest contribution to the national GDP and the highest per capita income in Ecuador. It also had the highest level of tax collection in the country, exceeding 57% per year.

July 2010: Start of Pressure Recording Period

From July 1, 2010, a period began during which the lowest recorded pressure was 998.2 hPa and the highest was 1,015.2 hPa, lasting until June 2011.

2010: Opening of Museo de Sitio La Florida

In 2010, the Museo de Sitio La Florida opened to the public to preserve artifacts from the tombs and explain the complex culture of the Quitu people.

June 2011: End of Pressure Recording Period

Until June 30, 2011 the lowest recorded pressure was 998.2 hPa and the highest was 1,015.2 hPa, starting in July 2010.

2011: Quito's Population Reaches 2,239,191

In 2011, the population of Quito was recorded to be 2,239,191 people.

August 2012: Establishment of Bici Q

In August 2012, the Municipality of Quito government established a municipal bicycle sharing system called Bici Q.

2012: Construction of First Metro Line

In 2012, construction began on the first metro line (subway) in Quito.

February 2013: Closure of Old Airport and Opening of New Airport

In February 2013, specifically on the 19th, the old airport in Quito was closed, and on the 20th, the new Mariscal Sucre International Airport opened to air traffic.

February 2013: New Mariscal Sucre International Airport Begins Operations

On February 20, 2013, the Mariscal Sucre International Airport began operations, replacing the old airport, which was later converted into a metropolitan park.

April 2013: Inauguration of Parque Bicentenario

On April 27, 2013, Parque Bicentenario was inaugurated on the site of the Old Mariscal Sucre International Airport, featuring recreational spaces, play structures, exercise equipment, a pond, and cultural exhibits.

2013: Maquipucuna Reserve Declared a Conservation Corridor

In 2013, Maquipucuna Reserve was declared the core of the conservation corridor for the spectacled bear.

2013: Construction of Quito Metro Begins

In 2013, construction began on the 23 km metro subway system (Quito Metro) with Phase One, which entailed the construction of stations at La Magdalena and El Labrador.

2015: U.S. Department of State on Petty Theft in Quito

In 2015, the U.S. Department of State reported that petty theft, including pickpocketing, purse snatching, robbery, bag slashing, and hotel room theft, was the most common crime issue facing tourists in Quito.