The country of Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America, but has some of the most diverse biology, terrain, and people. The colonial capital city of Quito is full of fantastic architecture and has any need that a traveller would want. We did interesting day trips around the area to the tourist market of Otavalo, the non-tourist market of Saquisili, the popular volcano of Cotapaxi, and to the less popular cloud forest at Mindo. To top things off, we got a glimpse of some of the Miss Universe candidates who were in town for the annual extravaganza. While the Galapagos Islands are certainly one of Ecuador's biggest draws, we saw that there was plenty to do and see on the mainland that deserves as much if not more attention.

A beautiful smile from some souvenir vendors who say thanks to Jen for the stickers she gave them.	A wonderful salty shortbread called biscochos, still warm in the oven.	Panama hats come in all shapes and sizes, and can range from $5 to $250 in cost.	Llamas in Ecuador are domesticated, and are usually used as pack animals.	This couple peddle their wares at the famous Otavalo market.
Embroidered white blouses and gold necklaces are indicative of the women from the Otavalo region.	We were very fortunate to witness a traditional wedding while visiting the town of Cotacachi.	After the wedding, everyone piled into pickup trucks outside the church and departed for their village.	La Mitad del Mundo (The Middle of the World) monument built right on the Equator.	Jen's hand provides some perspective to the size of this leaf in the Cloud Forest near Mindo.
Mating beetles are found on this leaf on one of our hikes.	Jen in the middle of the tropical cloud forest, located at about 2000 meters above sea level.	We were looking for an unfolding fern in New Zealand, but didn't find one until coming to Bellavista Resort in Ecuador!	Orchids, ferns, and bromeliads were found in the cloud forest, as well as over 300 species of birds.	There are apparently over 1500 species of birds in Ecuador, this beautiful Masked Trogan being one of them.
This primary forest demonstrates how lush the vegetation is in this constantly damp environment.	Thank goodness for the knee-high Wellington boots we wore on all of our hikes around the area.	It was a wet but fun hike to get to this waterfall close to the Bellavista resort.	The feeders around the resort attracted dozens of hummingbirds, and we spent hours watching them buzz and fly around.	A Golden Crowned Flycatcher perches on the end of a branch in the mist of the forest.
A female Purple Throated Woodstar hovers above a hummingbird feeder.	A Collared Inca caught in mid-flight.	Two Collared Incas and two Booted Rocket-Tails feed in formation.	This little helper does his part at the animal market in Saquisili.	Selling hand tools at the Saquisili market, held on Thursdays primarily for locals as opposed to tourists.
A man takes a nap at his sewing machine while waiting for business at the market.	Who's next for some fried pig's head?	The porkpie hat seems to be commonly worn in several of the places we've visited.	A grinning Quechua family passes by in the Saquisili market.	It is apparently possible to identify a person's home area by the colour of their poncho or the shape of their hat.
The ice cream in the street curiously didn't need refrigeration, but we didn't quite work up the courage to try it.	Little furry guinea pigs in the market, about to be sold, roasted, and eaten as an Ecuadorian delicacy called cuy.	We bought some llapingachos, fried potato and cheese pancakes, from this friendly lady for 15 cents.	A somewhat disturbing stuffed puma is found in the little museum in Cotopaxi National Park.	Volcan Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volanoes in the world, at 5897 meters. It dominates the landscape and makes an easy day-trip from Quito.
Ecuador is full of volcanoes throughout the country; Cotopaxi is the second highest.	Parts of Quito are built alongside the many hills that surround the city.	The relatively new La Basilica, one of Quito's most visible landmarks in the Old Town.	This Neo-Gothic church has local Ecuadorean animals instead of the typical gargoyles.	An elderly gentleman surveys his fantastic view of the Old Town.
A Presidential Guard, resplendant in full dress uniform, guards the tomb of Sucre, one of Quito's founders.	The Plaza Grande, one of the most important and most visited areas of Quito.	The ornate interior of La Compania de Jesus, that is currently being restored after a recent fire.	Located on one of the highest points in Quito, the Virgen de Quito, El Panecillo.	One of Ecuador's top exports are roses; there are hundreds of rose fields under plastic tarps in the hills around Quito.
The Miss Universe pageant was occuring the same time we were in Quito.	We saw several candidates walk by while were having drinks at the Marriott.	These women represented over 80 countries from around the world.	Hopefully the Miss Universe pageant will bring increased visibility and tourism to Ecuador.	Needless to say, having these ladies smile for the camera was certainly a pleasure!