What is now Ecuador formed part of the northern Inca Empire until the Spanish conquest in 1533. Quito became a seat of Spanish colonial government in 1563 and part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada in 1717. The territories of the Viceroyalty - New Granada (Colombia), Venezuela, and Quito - gained their independence between 1819 and 1822 and formed a federation known as Gran Colombia. When Quito withdrew in 1830, the traditional name was changed in favor of the "Republic of the Equator." Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A border war with Peru that flared in 1995 was resolved in 1999. Although Ecuador marked 25 years of civilian governance in 2004, the period has been marred by political instability. Protests in Quito have contributed to the mid-term ouster of Ecuador's last three democratically elected Presidents. In September 2008, voters approved a new constitution; Ecuador's twentieth since gaining independence. General elections, under the new constitutional framework, are expected in April 2009.

Quito - Capital. Colonial City. Quito is one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Cities.

Conjunto monumental San Francisco

The church dates back from the 1570s and was devoted to San Francis, since the Franciscan order was the first to settle in the area. Hence the city's official name: San Francisco de Quito. The church contains masterpieces of syncretic art, including the famous "Virgin of Quito" by Legarda. The sculpture represents a winged virgin stepping on the devil's head (in the form of a serpent) and is displayed in the main altar. The virgin would later be inaccurately replicated on top of Panecillo hill. The museum next door to the church is arranged through the monastic compound and includes access to the choir.

Museo del Banco Central

Located across from the Casa de la Cultura and adjacent to the Parque El Ejido, you'll find perhaps Ecuador's most renowned museum with different Salas, or rooms, devoted to pre-Colombian, Colonial and gold works of art, among other topics. Some of the famous pieces include whistle bottles shaped like animals, elaborate gold headdresses and re-created miniature scenes of life along the Amazon. The museum is well-organized, and it takes about 3-4 hours to see everything. Guides who speak several different languages including English, French and Spanish are available for a small fee.

Museo de la Ciudad

The Museo de la Ciudad is in the Old Town, on Garcia Moreno street, directly opposite the Carmen Alto monastery. A lovely museum with two floors encircling two quiet courtyards, the "Museo de la Ciudad" provides more of a social history of Ecuador than other museums in Quito. Re-enacted scenes from daily life of Ecuador's citizens through the years include a hearth scene from a 16th-century home, a battle scene against the Spanish, and illustrations of the building of Iglesia de San Francisco church.

Teleferico

This is the world's second-highest cable car. It's located on the eastern flanks of the Pichincha Volcano which overlooks the whole city. It hoists visitors up to an amazing 4,000 meters (12,000 feet). On clear days, one can spot half-a-dozen volcanoes and spy the entire city below. You can also hike up from here to the Guagua Pichincha Volcano, which is active. See Teleferiqo website for details [10]. It is $4 for locals, but $8 for foreigners. There is also an express lane option for more money.

Botanical Gardens

The Jardin Botanico is located on the southwest side of Parque La Carolina. It's a wonderful escape from the city, with all of Ecuador's ecosystems represented with a wide variety of flora. You can take a guided tour or just wander. The highlight for many people are the two glassed-in orchidariums.

Museo Mindalae

An extremely original project in the north part of the Mariscal District, this museum provides an 'ethno-historical' view of Ecuador's amazingly rich cultural diversity. You can find out about the country's different peoples, from the coast to the Andes to the Amazon, and their crafts in a specially-built and designed structure. The museum has a restaurant for lunch, a cafe and a fair-trade shop.

Itchimbia cultural complex and park

This hill lies to the east of the Old Town. It provides stunning views of central and northern Quito, as well as the distant peak of Cayambe to the northeast. The hillside was was made into a park and an impressive cultural centre established here in 2005. The centre holds temporary exhibitions. At the weekends, there are workshops and fun for children. A restaurant, Pim's, opened at the complex in June 2007. The complex closes at 6 pm. Once it closes, you can head to the nearby Cafe Mosaico to watch the sunset until about 7 pm. It's a great spot to watch the fading of the light on the mountainside with the floodlights of the Old Town's churches.

Museo Guayasamin

This musueum houses the collection of Ecuador's most renowned contemporary artists, Oswaldo Guayasamin. It has a fine collection of pre-Colombian, colonial and independence art, as well as housing many of the artist's works. You can also visit the nearby Chapel of Man (Capilla del Hombre) which was built posthumously to house some of Guayasamin's vast canvasses on the condition of Latin American Man.

Calle de la Ronda

This street in the Old Town was restored by Municipality and FONSAL in 2007. It was transformed with the help and cooperation of the local residents. It's a romantic cobbled street just off the Plaza Santo Domingo (or it can be reached via Garcia Moreno by the City Museum). There are shops, patios, art galleries and modest cafe restaurants now, all run by residents. Cultural events are common at the weekends.

La Vírgen del Panecillo

Adjacent to the Old City, El Panecillo is a large hill on top of which is La Virgin del Panecillo, a large statue of the 'winged' Virgin Mary. She can be seen from most points in the city. Local legend has it that she is the only virgin in Quito. Never walk up the hill, always take a taxi or a bus as the walk up can be dangerous.

Mitad del Mundo

Just outside of Quito is where the measurements were first made that proved that the shape of the Earth is in fact an oblate spheroid. Commemorating this is a large monument that straddles the equator called Mitad del Mundo or middle of the world. Note, however, that the true equator is not at the Mitad del Mundo monument. Through the magic of GPS technology, we now know that it is only a few hundred feet away -- right where the Indians said it was before the French came along and built the monument in the wrong place. The entrance for the park is $1.50 and for most of the attractions you have to pay extra. The Intiñan Solar Museum is right next to the Mitad del Mundo monument on the other side of the North fence. For two dollars you can have a tour of this little museum. They demonstrate the Coriolis effect and several other interesting things. The place looks like a total dump and is at the end of a dirt road, but is much more interesting and informative than the Mitad del Mundo. When you go to the middle of the world, it is best to go with a tour, or hire a taxi driver by the hour. The hourly rate should be in the $12 or less range. Busses leave from the Occidental or Av. America for $0.40.

Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesus

In the Old City, this church is regarded by many as the most beautiful in the Americas. Partially destroyed by fire, it was restored with assistance from the Getty Foundation and other benefactors. Stunning.

Baños- The adventure capital of Ecuador. In this city you can find an active volcano having small eruptions of ash and lava. Volcano Tungurahua. There are also many hot spring mineral baths as its name would imply.

Cascada de La Virgen waterfall

Cuenca- The third largest city in Ecuador. Cuenca was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Trust site.

Baños

A beautiful spot just outside of Cuenca with large lakes for fishing. This is not to be confused with the Baños further north which is the entrance to the Rainforest. There are thermal baths ($5.50) available at a hotel complex which includes a few hot pool at 36C and turkish baths.

New Cathedral

There are must see 2 cathedrals in the old-town section: The New Cathedral (c 1885) and the old cathedral known as El Sagrario (construction began in 1557). The New Cathedral can be seen for free and El Sagrario the can be seen for 2$. A restoration project has been completed for El Sagrario recently and the original paint and old murals can now be seen in certain sections.

Guayaquil - Largest city in the country and largest port city.

Malecon Simón Bolivar (waterfront)

Las Peñas

Simon Bolivar Park (also known as parque de las iguanas)

Centenario Park, 9 Octubre avenue from east to west

Malecon del Salado (salty waterfront)

Mercado Artesanal

The Cathedral

Museo Nahim Isaias

Museo Municipal

Museo Presley Northon

Museo MAAC

Museo de la historia de la Cuidad

The Clock Tower

Botanical Gardens

Flower Market

Pantanal Zoo

Victor Emilio Estrada Avenue

San Francisco Church

The Parque Histórico

Manta - the most important seaport of the country.

Banco Central Museum

Avenida 8 and Calle 7 (located behind the Bus terminal). displays ceramics from the pre-Columbian Huancavilca-Manteño era culture.

Otavalo - Small town only two hours north of Quito famous for its Saturday market of indigenous crafts and livestock.

Every Saturday there is a Mercado Artesanal in Plaza de Poncho on calle Sucre y Salinas where indigenous people come from far and wide to sell their handicrafts to tourists. Although Saturday is the main market day, purchasing handicrafts on any other day is possible and a far less hectic experience. If you want something more authentic, try the food market Mercado 24 de Mayo, it's the best place to buy pig's heads or intestines. There is also an animal market Mercado de Animales northwest of town across the panamaricana and a cockfight on Saturdays.

Riobamba -- Starting point of the famous train ride down the Nariz del Diablo and gateway to Mount Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest peak, whose summit is the furthest point on Earth from its centre.

On a clear day don't miss the view of the surrounding mountains. The best views in the city are from parque 21 de abril, close to the train station.

Esmeraldas - One of the most popular beaches in Ecuador.

If you want to see something outstanding and if you love the ocean you should go to Súa, it is an important fishing village with several seabirds flying after fishing. There are also basic whale watching tours offered from June to September.

Bahía de Caraquez - Another popular beach.

There is a great little museum in the old Banco Central building. A number of interesting artifacts from indigenous societies are on display and have been well documented. Entrance fee is $1 and a multi-lingual guide will accompany you at no additional cost.