Museum of Colonial Art (Museo De Arte Colonial), Quito

Advantages: Probably the most pleasant city in South America ?
Disadvantages: Road from north is very poor

...Cuenca is Ecuador’s most attractive city and easily the most enjoyable place in which to wander as a tourist. The city is packed full of churches, museums, convents, open squares, colonial buildings and colourful markets. It is divided by the very scenic Tomebamba River and offers a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere than either Quito or Guayaquil. The city has plenty of moderately sized attractions that can be strung together to make your visit as busy or relaxed as you wish. The streets of the old colonial centre of Cuenca are paved with rectangular cobblestones and the main streets are the Calle Gran Colombia and Calle Mariscal Sucre. This area contains the main city square of Plaza Abdon Calderon which is dominated by the enormous Catedral de la Immaculada (or New Cathedral). This cathedral was started in 1885... Read review

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Advantages: Cheap, Friendly, Lots of Things to do
Disadvantages: Problems large cities have

...Lima is the point of entry to Peru for most visitors. Why should you put aside some days to get to know Lima? It encapsules hitorical buildings, archeological sites, museums, bars, shopping centres, night clubs, all for any taste possible. This city was the capital of the spanish viceroy in South America, so expect to see a huge amount of colonial buildings from the 16th century in the recently restored city centre. The financial district of Miraflores has vast amounts of shopping centres, artesanal shops, bars, restaurants and night clubs. The city has precolonial museums such as El Museo de Oro, and colonial ones such as El Museo de Arte. The night life gets going in the district of Barranco where you can spend a romantic evening at trova cantines or dance till dawn at one of the raves. What strikes most visitors... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful setting, churches and Spanish colonial architecture
Disadvantages: Traffic noise and fumes, some street crime

..., and one that now houses a fine collection of religious art. As in many Latin American cities, you can't escape catholicism for long in old Quito. Heading on south from the Plaza de San Francisco will bring you in no time to the convent of Carmen Alto, below which a canopy-like arch covers the street. It was built in the 18th century as a shelter for the poor, who could take refuge there at the cost of being spiritually sustained by listening to the songs of praise emanating from the convent church above it. Just beyond the arch is the city museum, with displays depicting life in Quito from pre-historic times to the present, and beyond that one is almost at the end of the old town, in the shadow of El Panecillo hill. Turning east here, one descends sharply downhill. The street soon ducks under a bridge and funnels into a cobbled alley... Read review

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