Ecuador

The markets in Ecuador were my highlight. Saquisili is one of my favourite markets of all time, and Otavalo, Zumbahua and Latacunga were all very good. However, I expected the markets to be good. What was a pleasent surprise was the colonial architecture, in particular the old sections of Quito and Cuenca. Both World Heritage Sites.

For me the most disappointing part of Ecuador were the Andes. I had hoped that there would be rows of snow-capped craggy peaks, but most of the Andean highlands in September are just brown agricultural blocks with a few nice volcanoes. Yes, it is still very beautiful in parts, it just wasn't what I was expecting.