Quito, the capital of Ecuador, sits at almost 10,000 feet above sea level (twice as high as Denver). The old colonial section of the city was declared a world cultural heritage by UNESCO in 1978.



The Monastery of San Francisco, begun soon after Quito's founding in 1536, is one of South America's oldest churches.  The huge church is an impressive work of art with unique religious paintings, statues, and gold leaf throughout.



The Galapagos Islands, comprising of thirteen main islands and six smaller ones off the coast of Ecuador, are home to rare and endangered wildlife including albatrosses, penguins, giant tortoises, iguanas and sea lions.



Parque Nacional Sangay is an enormous national park that encompasses almost 700,000 acres of the country's most remote wilderness and protects a vast abundance of rare animals.



Bollos de Pescado, a popular fried dish, is made from green plantains, peanuts, and fish, wrapped in a banana leaf.