Our journey will start in Ecuador's capital, Quito, city is dramatically hemmed in by the steep green walls of Volcán Pichincha, the benign-looking volcano which periodically sends clouds of ash billowing into the sky and over the streets.

Central Quito divides into two distinct parts. The compact old town, known as the centro histórico, is the city's undisputed highlight, a jumble of narrow streets and wide, cobbled plazas lined with churches, monasteries, mansions and colourful balconied houses. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978, the old town contains some of the most beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture on the continent, and the frenetic crowds of indígenas and mestizos that throng its streets give the place a tremendous energy. Nearby is also the Monument to the Equator, about 200 m from the actual Equator, as was established recently.

In the Sierras we will visit Otavalo with its enormous Saturday market – one of the continent's most renowned. Otavalo's artesanía markets bursting with an irresistible array of weavings, garments, carvings, ceramics, jewellery and many assorted knick-knacks. Since the weaving tradition in the Otavalo valley predates even the Incas, virtually all of its tow

In the southern sierra lies the captivating colonial city of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its stunning colonial architecture and graceful churches and monasteries and a convenient base for visiting Ingapirca - the country's only major Inca ruins.

Guayaquil, Ecuador's biggest city and an economic powerhouse that handles most of the country's imports and exports. Traditionally considered loud, frenetic, dirty and dangerous, Guayaquil is in reality much less overwhelming and intimidating than its reputation bears out, and its upbeat urban tempo makes an exciting change of pace from rural Ecuador. Moreover, improvements in public safety and huge investments in regeneration projects, such as the beautiful riverfront promenade Malecón 2000, are making Guayaquil a destination in its own right.