Set in the high Andes at an altitude of 10,000 feet, Quito is a city with everything. Designated as the first ever Unesco world heritage city, Quito boasts one of the finest collections of Spanish colonial architecture that can be found anywhere.

In the last few years the old town has undergone extensive restoration, and a nighttime walk through the illuminated squares and churches offers a fascinating experience. Elsewhere there is a thriving new city, in the heart of which lies the Mariscal district, home to many modern shops, restaurants, bars and clubs frequented by tourists from all over the world.

It is a great place to start a Latin American tour - where you can acclimatise to the high altitude and do a crash course in Spanish. Using Quito as a base, there is much to do, ranging from visiting Indian markets, such as those at Saquisili and Otavalo, to relaxing in the Spa Baths at Papallacta.

For the more adventurous there are opportunities to mountain bike down some of the worlds highest volcanos, go rafting in the headwaters on the Amazon, or study the huge variety of wildlife to be found in this diverse country.

Further afield from Quito, it is possible to arrange tours to Amazonian jungle lodges of the Oriente, the Pacific Coast and the Galapagos, or simply relax in an historic country hacienda. Truly the destination where everything is possible.