Quito

Nothing prepares you for the approach into Quito. Cradled in a ring of snow-capped volcanoes, this stunning high-altitude Andean capital is breathtaking. And after a 250 million-dollar investment, its numerous colonial churches, convents and monasteries have been scrubbed and polished to perfection. Walk the cobblestone streets; stop for coffee and freshly squeezed tropical fruit juice. Travel the northern highlands on horseback and stay at romantic centuries-old haciendas. In Otavalo, shop South America's largest handicraft market. Explore pre-Incan burial mounds and view more than 400 bird species in the Mindo cloud forest.