We finally land in Quito we only have this afternoon to explore Quito before we are on the plane again tomorrow morning to Cusco (via Lima).In Ecuador you see a lot of signs saying La Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) referring to the fact that Ecuador is best known for the Equator running right through it. Despite the fact that the Equator in fact runs through a LOT of countries we decided to do the ultimate tourist thing and go visit "The Equator".
With time now 4:30pm and still wanting to see more we were dropped off in old town to have a quick look around. After being told several times be careful of pick pockets and strange people we started to get a little doubtful about looking around. We decided to have a look around and make sure everything was well guarded. We were dropped off at Plaza de la Independencia and walked to San Francisco Church, walked back down to the plaza and wondered around a little more at this stage it was dark and we decided to get back have dinner and go to sleep as mentioned we had another early start.
Up again early, this time 4am to get to the airport by 5am. We finally get called to board the plane and this is where Lisa was pulled aside taken downstairs and asked to ID her bag. Once the bag was ID she was advised to open it. This is when they took everything out of her bag, once satisfied that she was not carrying anything of danger, they stuffed it all back in her pack tried to close her bag but due to Lisa's strategic packing earlier the bag did not close. Lisa was so angry and advised them to stop so she could pack it. Finally we meet up again on the plane with only moments to spare before the plane started to pull away. Sigh!!! We are on our way to Cusco, first stop Lima.
Off to our hotel in Lima a quick shower and then off with a few others from the plane to check out what Lima has to offer. We find a nice bar overlooking the water sit back reflect and enjoy the atmosphere. Umm... I am sure one day we will laugh about this. Won't we?
Back out to the airport and this time we get our flight to Cusco Phew!!. After talking to several taxi drivers we finally agree on a price and make our way to the hostel. We leave our luggage in storage meet up with a few people from the plane and start exploring Cusco. After checking out the main square and adjusting to the altitude (yes, I am drinking water).
We grab a pizza for dinner and start to make our way to Ollantaytambo to catch our 11pm train to Aguas Calientes. First we get a taxi to the bus station for 3 soles each we can get the bus to Urubamba. This was an experience. Not only do they fill the bus so nobody can move they also drive like they are in a race. As for me I was so tired I slept most of the way. Lisa well ... lets just say she lives to tell the story. OK so now we arrive in Urubamba at 9:50pm the last
bus was at 9:30pm, dam!!. Lucky Lisa had made a friend on the bus and was able to help us get a taxi. We get a taxi for us and 4 other locals to travel to all the way to Ollantaytambo. This car should only fit 4 passengers and 1 driver but hey we managed to get 6 or was it 7 passengers, luggage and the driver perfect right?. Ummm. so a tight fit, lucky 20min down the road a few of the locals got out of the car giving everyone a little bit of room to move. Yeah!!! finally we make it to Ollantaytambo with time to spare and still smiles on our faces. Machu Picchu here we come. 
