Well after four very hard days on the beach in Mancora, northern Peru, we made it to Quito. The old town here is fantastic - it´s a UNESCO World Heritage site and the buildings are so well preserved, but still with lots of life to the town. Our hostel has a roof terrace with amazing views across the city and everywhere you turn is a different vista of hills, mountains and volcanoes.

We don´t have much time to visit the whole country, but yesterday was a trip to the Equator (old and new) and today was sightseeing in the old town. Before that Chris did a trip to Mindo and the cloud forest north of Quito while I was off sick. Tomorrow we´re heading on a trip to Cotopaxi, one of the largest active volcanoes for a hike and hoping the altitude sickness won´t bother us too much or we´re in trouble for the Inca Trail.....

More soon, hope you´re all well.

Laura