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May 16, 2003

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Our first stop in South America is Quito, Ecuador. Right away the city enchants us with Indians in cultural clothing, mountain vistas at the end of every street, red tile roofs, polished cobblestone streets, wide plazas, and traditional ambiance. UNESCO protects Quito's old town, keeps it in good condition and ensures that new construction blends in with the old architecture.
If the city sites don't take our breath away, the 2850m (9350ft) altitude does. The altitude also keeps the temperature moderate, even though we're only 14 miles south of the equator.
The 16th century Monastery of San Francisco, Ecuador's oldest church