Quito brings the past to life in its museums, stone facades, churches and historic buildings.  Get ready to swim in volcanic thermal spring pools, trek and horseback thru marked paths, visit the Equatorial Monument (where both hemispheres meet), mountain bike thru a picturesque canyon, hike thru the Rain Forest and raft in the Amazon Jungle.  Shopping is best in the Otavalo Indian Market, where this is a perfect time to shop for really one of a kind souvenirs and bring back some special gifts.  

Today, the old colonial center of Quito has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its beauty and history.  In 2000, the U.S. currency of a dollar was adopted and has helped with its economy.  Ecuador, with its vast biodiversity, though the size of Colorado, is one of the most exciting, safest and most visited countries of South America.