The sierra is also home to Quito which is the capital of Ecuador. Quito lies between the western slopes of Guagua Pichincha volcano standing at a colossal 4790m and also flanked by the canyons on the eastern side and runs north to south in a narrow valley basin which bridges both, the older colonial and newer city. From here you can make daily excursions to the Cotopaxi national parc, papallacta and other nice places arround.