Quito

If you're not quite prepared for an epic six-month trek across the continent roughing it in hostels, yet still want to get a taste of South America, a shorter trip to Quito, the capital of Ecuador could be the perfect solution. Quito is one of the cheapest South American cities to visit, perfect for those on a budget.

Quito is known for its abundance of churches, convents and monasteries. Described by some as so ugly its magnificent, La Compañía de Jesús Church is regarded as the most important colonial building left by the Spanish. It contains an estimated 7 tons of gold and is the most ornate church in all of Ecuador. To get an idea of the colonial history of the city visitors can take in the sights of the Plaza de la Independencia. Located in the heart of the Old City, this busy plaza honours those heroes who started the movement toward independence from Spain.

Above the city is the statue of the 'Winged Virgin' Mirador El Panecillo. Vistors are advised to take a car to the top of 'El Panecillo'; a hill located in the middle west of the city. The monument to the Virgin Mary is located on top of the hill and is visible from most of the city of Quito. The figure stands on top of a globe, stepping on a snake, which is classic Madonna iconography. What are not so traditional, however, are her wings.

The city of Quito is situated about 25km from the Equator, hence the name Ecuador. To avoid confusion the equator line is known as El Mitad del Mundo, or the Middle of the World in Spanish. Cuidad Mitad del Mundo, a 30-meter-tall monument was constructed to mark the point where the equator was thought to pass through the country at the time. However, the entire structure is about 240 meters south of the true equator, which was not precisely located until recently, with the advent of GPS technology.

Popular with both Quiteños and tourists, Tianguez is set right in the Plaza de San Francisco and is the perfect spot to try out some Ecuadorian dishes in one of the most traditional colonial plazas in the old town. It's also a great place to relax, sip a canelazo, the Ecuadorians favourite hot alcoholic drink, and people-watch.

The Teleferico aerial cableway up on the Pichincha Volcano hillside takes travellers up to enjoy "Quito from the sky." At 4100m traveller will be able to enjoy views over Quito, and on a clear day, will also have views of the Cotopaxi and the Cayambe volcanoes.

No backpacker can miss an opportunity to take a break from the city and visit the Mindo Cloud Forest. A cloud forest is a generally tropical evergreen forest characterized by a high incidence of low-level cloud cover, usually at the canopy level. For the more adventurous there is the option of taking a zip line through the canopy or hurtling down the river in a rubber tube.

Price Information:

Continental Airlines
www.continental.com
Dublin to Quito via Houston
Return fares from €1286 including taxes and charges.

Beacon South America
www.beaconsouthamerica.com
0818 300 123
7 night package deal to Quito including:
Return flights from Dublin
Transfers & English speaking guide throughout
5 Nights at Hotel Hilton Colon 5* BB - including Private City Tour
2 Nights At El Monte Sustainable Lodge in Mindo full board & Nature Trek.
From €1598 including taxes and charges.

La Compañía de Jesús Church
$2 Entrance Fee

Tianguéz, Café-Restaurant & Museum Shop
www.sinchisacha.org
Museum Shop: Open seven days a week from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.
Coffee-Cultural and Restaurant: Open Monday and Tuesday from 9:30 am to 6:30
pm; Wednesday to Sunday until 11:30 pm with live music at night.

Teleférico (Cable Car)
Fee: $7

Cuidad Mitad del Mundo (monument)
Fee: $1.50

Mindo Canopy Adenture
www.mindocanopy.com
$15 per person for 13 ziplines.

Other tour operators offering this destination:

USIT
www.usit.ie

Trailfinders
www.trailfinders.ie