One of our final items of business in Quito was to explore the neighborhood of Guapulo, not exactly an easy feet on foot from Old Town, but undoubtedly worth it.

For some unfathomable reason, the Equator is an endless source of fascination for those of us who grew up in the northern (or southern) latitudes. We set out to discover what all the hype is about.

Today, we’re continuing our tour of Old Town, with a trip up to Quito’s famous (and infamous) Panecillo, but not before running into the President of Ecuador, himself.

The largest Neo-Gothic basilica in the Western Hemisphere, Quito’s gigantic Basílica del Voto Nacional (Basilica of the National Vow) is also definitely the coolest church I’ve ever set foot in.

Unraveling the mysteries around us on a an important national holiday celebrated with gusto in Old Town Quito, Ecuador.