Quito, Ecuador

Orchids

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Two greenhouses displayed over a thousand varieties of orchids.

Satan Orchid

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Looks more like a monkey face to us!

Bonsai

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Some of the specimens were over 30 years old, even the one in the pink top.

Carolina eats

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There are all kinds of food stands set up in the park. A great way to sample local food.

Shared lunch

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One of the great joys of travelling is to sample new foods. It is very inexpensive to eat out here. A good lunch for two with wine is $20 or less. Our dinner bill for 6 last night was $150.

Ceviche

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Considered an Ecuadorian speciality, this one was served at a beautiful little neighbourhood restaurant - it contained marinated tuna, octopus, prawns and veggies in a delicious broth. With plantain chips on the side.

Had to try it!

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Yep, half a guinea pig. Tasted more like duck than chicken. The head was a little off-putting.

Thermal Springs

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Just back from an overnight to Papallacta, a thermal spa area about 60km east of Quito and a little higher up. Our cosy room came with a fireplace and its own thermal pool, about the size of 3 large bath tubs...despite being on the equator the elevation (over 10 000') means it gets chilly at night.

Thermal digs.

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A great overnight getaway from the bustle and noise of Quito.

Hosteria Pampallacta

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Not sure why they squeezed an "m" into the name. Bill & Noi had spent 4 days here and suggested one night would be enough. We took their good advice. It has 3 large outdoor pools and smaller individual ones in each room.

Chev Spark

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It lacked the spark needed to get up the Andes. Much of the drive was in 2nd gear.

Bear crossing

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We were hoping to have to stop to watch a bear family cross...not this time.

Antisana

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Spectacular view of the volcano high in the Andes (18 000 feet) on the road from Quito to Papallacta.

Wake up call

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Provided by this noisy beast this morning at 6.30am.