The flight from Caracas was diverted to Guayaquil due to bad weather. We spent the night in a hotel and returned to the airport the next morning to fly to Quito.

Quito is the worlds second highest capital (after La Paz, Bolivia). At almost 3000m above sea level, high in the Andes, the cool temperature was a relief from the tropical heat of Venezuela.

Day 1. We checked into the Secret Garden hostel in the "old town". The roof terrace has amazing views over the city. We then spent the rest of the day doing some shopping and exploring the quirky streets of the city's old town.

Day 2. We went to El Panecillo to see the Virgin of Quito - a 40m high statue. She sits on top of a hill overlooking the city with great views. We had to take a taxi to the top because climbing the steps is too dangerous - many tourists have been mugged! We then explored the old town a little more, heading to La Ronda, one of Quito's oldest streets where we stopped to drink some local brew served from a bubbling cauldron. It tasted like strawberry whiskey!

Day 3. Eventually got to Otavolo Market, after having problems with Quito's transport system - went to the bus station but it had been demolished! Luckily a local lady was going in the same direction so offered to help us get there. Market was huge, selling everything from clothes and jewellery to chickens and puppies.

Day 4. Spent the day at Mitad del Mundo (middle of the world). Located on the equator, there is a monument and museum with dubious experiments like balancing eggs on the heads of nails and watching water spiral in different directions down plug holes depending on which side of the equator the sink is positioned. Hmmmm, I'm not convinced! An interesting museum though, we saw a real shrunken head.

Day 5. Leisurely morning spent organising our jungle tour (in a few days time) then went shopping for a few new clothes. Had dinner in the city's new town, affectionately nicknamed "Gringolandia" by the locals due to its popularity with the tourists.

Day 6. Went to an insect museum where we saw some of the creepy crawlies we'll be encountering in the jungle - scary!

Check out 'Ecuador - Quito' at http://gallery.me.com/peterjprice/101667