The old town has a colonial ambiance and definitely an old world feeling to it. As you amble around the streets built on a series of hills you will pass a plethora of interesting sites including a crowded market sector peaking on Saturdays with vendors all yelling for your attention.

You will also see various museums, parks, plazas and government congress buildings as well as some glorious churches, cathedrals, historical buildings of architectural delight intermingled with narrow one-way cobbled streets.

This Plaza also incorporates the Palacio de Gobierno and the Cathedral which was constructed between 1550-1562, although the tower was only finished in the latter part of the 1900s.

The walls are decorated with the founding fathers of the country's capital as well as several other fine 17th-18th Century oil paintings.

Depart from Quito through the Pan-American North Highway with a brief stop at Calderon, a town where the famous 'masapan' dolls are made.

Crossing the equatorial line at Guachala head up to Otavalo and make a stop at Mira Lago to take pictures of the beautiful San Pablo Lake.

Continue to Otavalo where the locals set up a market which hosts a variety of different handcrafted items.