Jacaranda Journey

The sprawling city of 1.8 million people as seen from the TeleferiQo (aerial tram)

The city is surrounded by numerous volcanoes

Urban development climbing the sides of the hills and volcanoes

At the southern end of the Centro Historico, crowned by the Virgin of Quito statue

On the top of El Panecillo hill at the southern end of the Centro Historico

Narrow streets and colonial buildings of the Centro Historico

This historic luxury hotel is the most lavish and expensive in Quito. Located on the main square.

Said to be the most beautiful church in Quito with its spectacular gold gilded interior (no photos allowed inside)

Colonial building with Don Quixote figures, cathedral in the background

For over 200 years, García Moreno Street (left) has been known as 'The Street of the Seven Crosses' because along the way 7 large stone crosses (right) indicate the presence of churches, chapels and convents. The pastel building is the Hotel Plaza Grande on the main square.

Well-known Ecuadorian sculptor

Artist studio at sculptor Sara Palacios' home and gallery

Building facade

There are abundant cultural performances in the plazas and streets of Quito

Facade of our hotel

Intertior courtyard of our colonial hotel, Hotel San Francisco de Quito

Famous fritada dish (roast pork) served with popcorn

Street clown performing to a large crowd in the Grand Plaza

Elaborate wax candles used in religious processions

Lively narrow street with great night life

Gold front door flanked by golden pillars

Detail of the stone facade

Modern dance performance in the streets

5 star dining with friend Tari (we're always in our boat clothes)

The name of the country comes from "equator" and its position at 0.00 degrees latitude.

Center of the World - The official tourist equator spot (but not accurately located)

A small globe marking the equator near the main highway

Buzz and Vicki trying to balance an egg on a nail, one of the "energy mysteries" that exist on the equator

One of the most important indigenous markets in Ecuador, known for textiles and woven goods

Our hostal, Hotel Riviera Sucre

Carved and decorated gourds

Brightly painted wooden bowls

Mother and child shopping the textile stalls

Young indigenous girl looking over a selection of traditional gold beaded necklaces

Indigenous woman in traditional dress

Extensive textile market

Wooden items for sale

A customer trying to decide whether to buy this iguana/dragon sculpture

Stained glass designs adorn each street light in Otavalo's main street

Municipal building in the main square

Long tailed hummingbird