Quito
Wrapped around the Eastern slopes of the Pichincha stratovolcano, the Ecuadorian capital resides at a lofty 2,850m above sea level. Quito is dizzying not for the thinner air, but for astounding hiking trails and natural sights, complete with angelic visions of the Virgin of El Panecillo. Besides traversing the hemispheres at Mitad del Mundo, or ascending the uncompleted Basilica’s towers, unwind from Quito’s acrophobic itinerary at Plaza Foch’s lively atmosphere.