Quito

A guided tour of the Old Town of Quito is definitely worth it, especially if you're lucky enough to find a good guide. Oscar from GuruWalk is one of those - he speaks perfect English, has a great knowledge of art and culture, is funny, helpful, and flexible. The extremely helpful and friendly nature of the Ecuadorians is of particular importance to me as a non-Spanish speaker. Because English won't get you far on the streets and in the shops, but the effort to communicate never stops.

The tour took us from the Basilica Church in the south of the Old Town, from where we had a panoramic view of Quito and the surrounding mountains, to the Plaza Grande, the San Domingo Church, and finally to the large San Francisco Church. But what was even more interesting on the way were the glimpses into the 16th century doorways, the tin-covered walls and mega-luxurious chandeliers in the Military Museum, the liqueur and sorbet tasting in the market shops, and above all the chocolate tasting in the Yumbos shop.