Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, nestled high in the Andean foothills, greeted me with the minor challenge of adjusting to the altitude. During my time in Quito, I embarked on an intriguing day trip to Mitad del Mundo, where I walked along the equator line, straddling the hemispheres. Additionally, I hopped on a local bus to El Panecillo, where I encountered a towering statue of the Virgin Mary with wings. From this vantage point, I was rewarded with breathtaking views of the expansive city below and the majestic surrounding volcanoes, making it a truly memorable experience.