Quito, officially called San Francisco de Quito, is the capital city of Ecuador, the oldest capital from all South American countries. The city was founded in 1534 by Spaniard conquerors and built upon a city of great ceremonial and commercial importance to the Incan Empire. Today, the city is renowned not only for its stunning colonial architecture, well-preserved cathedrals and cobblestone plazas, historic museums, performing arts and colorful nightlife.