b'Quito by nightAn indigenous woman spinning wool.nearly non-existent. Exploring the city was very interesting, but I am glad I made time to venture into the countryside and discover local villages and scenery. The surrounding cloud forest creates a misty environment, which allows the rainforest toDowntown Qutio.thrive. Everywhere I went the people were very friendly.The lakes, forest and volcanoes are spectacular, and leav-ing this area was difficult. In hindsight, I should have had more time. The next time, I will surely stay for a week if not more, and discover this beautiful, South American country.The Andes have offered a network of roads that unfold between forests, moors, wetlands and more. They date back to the time of the Incas. Today, it is possible to travel these old routes and retrace little-explored roads, with lots of surprises.I was on my way to the Galapagos, a destination I will feature in next months photosNtravel, but en route, I had a lengthy layover in Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador. I did not have to clear customs, which meant I had an entire day to discover this South American jewel.The Spanish founded Guayaquil in 1538, and there is a great deal of history visible in the many buildings. The British and the French tried to take it over in the early 1700s, and were nearly successful, except for an outbreak of Please turn to page 48 A street in Guayaquil.FOCUS - JUNE 202347'