There is often a debate about which city is the highest capital in the world, and the answer depends on how you define 'capital.' La Paz, Bolivia, is widely cited as the highest, sitting at an elevation of approximately 3,640 meters (11,942 feet). However, La Paz is only the 'administrative' capital, while Sucre is the 'constitutional' capital. If you only count official, constitutional capitals, then Quito, Ecuador, takes the title. Quito sits at 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes. Quito's historic center is one of the best-preserved in the Americas and was one of the first World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO. Living at these altitudes presents unique challenges; the air is significantly thinner, meaning water boils at a lower temperature and physical exertion is much more difficult for those not acclimatized. Both cities utilize cable car systems to navigate their steep, mountainous urban terrain, providing breathtaking views of the Andean peaks.