Quito   the capital of Ecuador, has a population of approximately one and half million people. The city rises 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level, with an annual average temperature of 13C/55F. The dry season in Quito is May to October, and brief daily showers occur November through April. Nights are crisply cold, requiring a sweater or jacket, but the daytime temperatures, year round, rarely vary from the upper 60s to the low 70s F.

Cuenca   Cuenca is located in an Andean valley at an altitude of 2,200 metres, and the climate is spring like, with average temperatures ranging between 14° and 24° C. The region is rich in history and tradition -the Ingapirca ruins and picturesque craft villages such as Chordeleg are found nearby. Nature in Ecuador displays all her magnificence- the Cajas Natural Park and Avenida de los Volcanes (Volcano Avenue) are easily accessible.