Quito's historic, main square dates back to the 16th century.

This historic street in Quito is known for its seven stone crosses—and one presidential assassination.

Ecuador’s historic seat of government has been quietly looted in recent decades, and no one knows how or by whom.

It took 160 years to complete the most ornate church in Ecuador.

A short volcanic hill in Quito doubles as a stellar observation point of an iconic statue.

This 12-inch-tall wooden sculpture of a winged Virgin Mary has inspired much devotion and countless replicas.

The world's tallest aluminum statue is also the world's tallest image of a winged Virgin Mary.

This overlooked, beautiful convent hides an original Hieronymus Bosch among its many treasures.

Legend says if this neo-Gothic basilica is ever officially completed, the world will come to an end.

The gondolas let you glimpse a bird's-eye view of one of the world's highest capital cities.

This huge green space packed with activities will make you forget you're in the middle of the Ecuadorian capital.

A turquoise lake within a volcanic crater.

A swing to dangle you off the very edge.

Massive volcano in the Andes is the farthest point from earth's center.

An Ecuadorian haberdashery that sets the record straight about the so-called "Panama" hat.

This museum’s collection includes rescued birds, fine art, and a collection of shrunken heads.

In this pristine Ecuadorian hippie town, residents remain active well into their eighties and nineties.

This small uninhabited island offers Galapagos-like biodiversity.

An exhibition devoted to the life (and posthumous taxidermy form) of the last known representative of the Pinta Island Tortoises.

Building this tragically pointless stone barrier cost the lives of the prisoners made to build it.

These mammoth-yet-narrow crevasses in the Earth are perfect for taking an otherworldly swim.

A beautiful little bookshop located in the middle of a desert.

A sculpture of a giant hand reaches for the stars in the middle of the Atacama desert.

The gorgeous murals at this open-air museum form the largest street art collective in Chile.