Quito

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Quito was our base for the Galapagos Islands, but we still managed to cram in a little bit of sight-seeing before and after our trip. We were all fairly nervous about tackling the Inca Trail, in particular how we´d deal with the altitude so decided a trip up the Teleferiqo in Quito which takes you from 2800m to 4200m would be a great idea, and also give us fab views of the city. I´m not sure the experience filled any of us with confidence as the effects of the altitude were unbelievable - what should have been a leisurely stroll up to the lookout point left us all breathless and wondering how we´d ever survive the Inca Trail. On the plus side the views of the city were amazing!

We also took a trip to both equator lines close to Quito! Yep, there really are two! The ´first´ line was calculated in 1744 and it´s here you find the official tourist park with a huge monument. However, more recent technology has proved that this line is infact out by 240m. Not missing an opportunity to open another tourist attraction there´s a tiny museum here where you get to do more hands-ons experiments like watch the direction of water draining from a sink on and around the equator. We´re not sure how much of it was scientifically sound, but it made for a fun day out! Paul and Katherine managed to balance a raw egg on a nail and got a certificate for their efforts - definitely a trip highlight so far!!!

Next stop Cuzco, Peru for the dreaded Inca Trail!

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Photos

Real or Fake?
Katherine and Paul on the Equator Line.