Day 83 - Quito, Ecuador

After a very nice lie in this morning, our first morning in god knows how long that we haven't had to set an alarm, we head to the Telefornica (cable car) which takes you high up above Quito to get some good views of the city. After a very long queue due to the fact they have so few cable cars actually on the line, our cart finally arrives and we make our way up the mountain. 

We arrive at the top and when the sun is behind the clouds it's damn cold. 

A comparison of how I am dressed vs everyone else. 

At the top the view is not that great at all as the main and most interesting bit of the city (the old town) is blocked by a hill with an ugly comms centre that wouldn't look out of place in Yiannis' garage. I must say it is the worst $17 I have spent which is pretty expensive for Ecuador. 

Across the back of the mountain there is a nice three hour trek which we would have done if it wasn't for the guides books very strong warnings about rapes at gun point that occur there. No thank you. 

The best view from the top which isn't bad bit it's just off a random bit of the city. A bit like going up the Shard and only being able to look out over Elephant and Castle. 

After all of 10mins up there we decide to head back down and have an explore of the old town. 

We get dropped off at the Basilica which dominates the sky line over the old town. We pay our car better value $2 to head to the top of one of the tower and even by the time we are half way up get a far better view of the city than from up on the mountain. 

It turns out to be such a cool visit. To get to the tower which is set in the middle of the catherdal you have to walk along a small wooden walk way across the top of the church roof, literally in the loft and then climb some very steep stairs at the end to get out. 

Looking back across the roof we have just walked through. 

Next step is another two very steep and scary staircases to the top. 

The panoramic views from the top are amazing. 

The aforementioned scary steps...

Toes over the edge ready to head back down. 

Spot the Nat at the bottom. 

Not quite sure why this pic is upside down but it's good reflection of how funny it makes you feel walking down these tiny steps.

Making our way back down through the roof. 

A view back over the tower we have just been up. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable and unique visit. 

We then head down into the main square in town. The place is buzzing today. A lot better than being here at night. 

The old town is so beautiful with lovely architecture and gorgeous buildings. 

The main square by day. 

After a wander around we decide to head back and go to the gym as we have managed to find a great little gym calle McKenzies down the road from our hotel. We have a good work out, not being affected by the altitude too much whilst running - must be really getting used to it now. 

By the time we get back Plaza Foch is starting to fill up as it's Friday night. 

As we have a very early flight in the morning we have a relatively low key one. We go for a few beers at Brau house again watching the world go by (including a man getting punched in the face right beneath us), we then go for dinner at the kitsch Boco de lobo which was lovely. 

We are in bed for 10pm as have a 6am flight to Bogota tomorrow which means leaving at 3:15am. It will be weird getting up and leaving just as everyone is being kicked out of the bars and clubs!