Quito, Ecuador

We had the privilege of taking a three week trip to the northern part of South America.  While, all of South America may seem close to you North Americans, take a look at a map.  Traveling from Chile to Ecuador and Colombia is actually pretty far, especially with a layover in Panama City.  With two young children, it proved tiresome, but luckily, it went fairly smoothly with the obvious challenges.

First stop on our itinerary was Quito, Ecuador.  The airport is only 2 years old, so as soon as we ventured off the jet bridge I was very impressed with how clean and modern everything was.  We went straight to our rented apartment in centro historico, which was located about 5 blocks from Plaza Grande and 2 blocks from the Basilica.  It was a fantastic place and amazing location.  Quito is in a valley among many volcanoes and mountains, so the landscape was absolutely gorgeous.  Very green, hilly, and surprisingly fresh air.  It's a very livable city (i.e, I could live there).

Here is a view from our apartment of the hillside.

The view right outside our apartment.  Can you tell that it's a huge hill going down behind me?  That's the way to Plaza Grande, and let me tell you, walking back to the apartment from the Plaza was a very good workout.

Plaza Grande where there are countless vendors of homemade creamy paletas (or popsicles)

 One of the many very old, very beautiful churches in the centro historico

Our first Ecuadorian lunch.  Pretty good local fare!

 A visit to Parque Ejido for a picnic.

Fresh sandia!

View from the top of Cerro Panecillo

Day trip to Otavalo to visit one of the biggest handicraft markets in South America.

Cuicocha Lake (in the crater of an active volcano)

Exploring the grounds of a hacienda after an amazing authentic lunch.

View of Cerro Panecillo from the Basilica.

View of the Basilica from the top of on of its towers. I was able to climb one tower, but the other one was extremely hard to get to, so Steve took this picture. 

View from the top of the Teleferico. Sadie was obsessed with the cable cars we rode in to get here.  It was freezing, so we headed back down pretty quickly!  It's one of the highest of its kind in the world, rising from 3,117 m (10,226 ft) to 3,945 m (12,943 ft) in the 8 minute ride.

Just sitting on the equator.