Indigenous name
Quitu
Quitu
"Refers to the Quitu people"
The region was inhabited by the Quitu people before being incorporated into the Inca Empire.
City history
Quito: A Journey Through Time
From its indigenous Quitu roots to its status as a colonial gem, explore the historical timeline of Ecuador's capital.
Chapter one
Name & etymology
Pre-colonial
Quitu
Quitu people
Indigenous settlement in the Andean valley.
1534 - Present
San Francisco de Quito
Saint Francis of Quito
The formal colonial name given by Spanish settlers.
Chapter two
Timezone history
Current timezone
America/Guayaquil
- Standard
- Ecuador Time (ECT)
- Daylight
- No daylight saving time observed
1970 UTC-5 Standardization
Ecuador formalized its use of UTC-5 as the national standard time.
2008 Timezone Stability
Ecuador confirmed the permanent use of UTC-5 without seasonal shifts.
Chapter three
Timekeeping milestones
Spanish Foundation Colonial Era
Sebastián de Benalcázar founded the city of San Francisco de Quito.
Independence Cry Revolutionary Era
The first cry for independence from Spanish rule was declared in Quito.
Observatory Establishment Scientific Era
The establishment of the Quito Astronomical Observatory for regional study.
UNESCO Heritage Modern Era
The historic center was named a UNESCO World Heritage site.