Avenida Amazonas

A solitary stone archway at the north end of Parque El Ejido marks the beginning of modern Quito's showpiece street, Avenida Amazonas. It rolls as far north as the airport, although the strip with which you're likely to become most familiar lies between Parque El Ejido and the busy Avenida Cristóbal Colón. It's the main artery of the Mariscal Sucre area, lined with modern hotels, souvenir stores, travel agencies, banks and restaurants.

There's plenty of room for pedestrians, and the outdoor restaurants near the intersection of Vicente Ramón Roca are favorite spots for espresso, newspapers, sandwiches and ice-cold Pilsener, the national beer.