El Panecillo
Quito is a city sandwiched between volcanoes on its outskirts and so the city stretches along these valleys - 70km in fact, making it a long, thin and very hilly city.
The city is dominated at one end by the Virgen del Panecillo a giant statue in top a a hill overlooking the city.
Virgen del Panecillo
Sadly it is impossible to climb the hill on foot owing to the dangerous suburbs on its slopes, however a taxi is only $US6 there and back (with the driver waiting). From the hill you get great views of Quito.
Quito from El Panecillo
Another view of Quito
Below the hill is Quito's historic centre with many examples of colonial architecture - such as the famous Calle Ronda filled with restaurants.
Calle Ronda
San Francisco church and convent
San Francisco church
And Plaza Independencia
Plaza Independencia
Just outside of the historic centre is the Basilica de Voto Nacional - a grand church completed in the 1800's.
The Basilica
Inside the Basilica
A stained glass window
For $US4 you can climb the towers, which give a nice view of the city.
Quito from the tower
Another view of Quito
From here you can climb the spire.
The Spire
Which basically consists of a vertical metal ladder - so not good for my dislike of heights, but excellent for city views.
The church tower from the bottom of the spire
Quito from the spire
Centro Historico, Quito from the spire
A little further afield is the Mitad del mundo monument. This monument marks the point at which the equator was surveyed in 1736 and although it supposedly marks the exact equator - it's actually off by about 200m.
Mitad del Mundo monument
Despite this, there are many foto opportunities to straddle the northern and southern hemispheres.
The line marking the Northern and Southern hemispheres from the top of the monument
There are lots of touristy restaurants, a museum and planetarium. Nearby is the building where UNASUR meet, but unfortunately you can't enter the building.
UNASUR building
Also close to Quito is a teleferico which takes you up to the Pinchincha Volcano.
From the lookout you can see most of Quito.
Quito from Pinchincha
And you can continue up the trail to the top of the volcano.
Mountain trail
The trail is very steep and difficult - and the weather can make things even harder with cloud frequently descending over the summit.
Steep trail with the summit in the background
Mist descending over the trail
The last part of the trail is vertical rock climbing and sadly the mist had descended over the mountain so I was unable to take any decent photos. However, the mist cleared on the descent giving views of Quito and the surrounding mountains.
Snow capped mountains in the distance
Quito from the trail
Further afield is the Cotopaxi national park. The Cotopaxi volcano erupted in 2015 and unfortunately the trails were damaged and it was impossible to climb. However, there is an easy trail around the lagoon.
Cotopaxi Lagoon
On the trail are many unique species of plants and many animals.
Lizard amongst the mosses
Some of whom were very much enjoying the nice weather.
Lizard lovin'
The park also has a large herd of wild horses that can be seen grazing around the lagoon.
Horses grazing
And of course you can see the Cotopaxi volcano itself.
Clouds rolling over Cotopaxi volcano
Quito was my last stop in Ecuador before heading to my final South American country: Colombia.
